Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The making of an arena and reading of minds at Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/the-making-of-an-arena-and-reading-of-minds-at-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/the-making-of-an-arena-and-reading-of-minds-at-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/the-making-of-an-arena-and-reading-of-minds-at-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We are very excited to see people hurt one another!
Are you so excited to get tossed into a superpowered battle to the death that you can hardly contain your enthusiasm? That's... actually a little creepy. But if you're a Champions Online fan, there's plenty of reason to be excited about the Forum Malvanum, so it's all right. And you can see what went into the construction of the arena in the game's newest development blog, which walks players from the concept stage through to the finished version of the structure.

Seems like the developers read your mind? They might have. They did just redesign the Telepathy set, after all. You can also read all about that on the official site, detailing the new powers and their interplay. The new Telepathy set is meant to provide plenty of control and damage options for new or existing characters, so if your characters tend to be fond of mind games you'll want to take a look at the changes.

MassivelyThe making of an arena and reading of minds at Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitieschampionschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-studiosdesignf2pforum-malvanumfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpower-setspowerspreviewpweskillssuperherosuperheroesThu, 06 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Too many choices]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/a-mild-mannered-reporter-too-many-choices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/a-mild-mannered-reporter-too-many-choices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/a-mild-mannered-reporter-too-many-choices/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
We've gotten a lot of new powersets in City of Heroes ever since the game went free-to-play. This is something that I've talked about before: There's rather uncomfortable cycle during which a new set is released full of bugs, but it gets played for a month before the next set comes out and you stop thinking about the old one. And that's definitely a potential problem, but with the release of the new Water Blast set, I'm thinking that there's a much more coherent one in mind.

Specifically, I'm thinking for the first time that maybe there's something to the old issue of being locked into a power set after character creation.

Don't get me wrong -- I don't think Water Blast is overpowered or underpowered. It actually looks like it makes better use of a new mechanic than did the last big ranged set. But we now have an absolute surfeit of options for playing a Blaster, and as the game gets more and more endgame-heavy, I'm starting to wonder how long it will be before players get tired. We're seeing a different sort of power creep here: We just have too many choices for a new character.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Too many choices

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Too many choices originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reportercash-shopcharacter-abilitiescity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedommild-mannered-reporterncsoftnew-charactersopinionparagonparagon-studiospower-creeppower-setspowerssuperherosuperheroesWed, 18 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes shows off the Water Blasting set under development]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/04/city-of-heroes-shows-off-the-water-blasting-set-under-developmen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/04/city-of-heroes-shows-off-the-water-blasting-set-under-developmen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/04/city-of-heroes-shows-off-the-water-blasting-set-under-developmen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Using water powers in a swamp seems kind of reductive.
Are you ready to get wetter than you've ever been? If not, how about letting your enemies get drenched? The Water Blasting set coming to City of Heroes will allow you to do just that, and it's a set that players have been waiting on for what seems like half of forever. And if you're wondering what the set can actually do, it's probably a fine time to take a look at the newest issue of the Intrepid Informer, showing off the set's powers and the new mechanics involved.

The core of Water Blasting is a stacking buff known as Tidal Power. Certain powers build Tidal Power, certain others consume it, and some build the buff if you're at less than maximum capacity but consume it otherwise. The powers involve several knockdowns as well as a heal, a short-range defensive burst, and an assured AoE knockdown when played correctly. Take a look at the full rundown and start planning on your upcoming squirt gun character (Super Soaker being the obvious choice)!

MassivelyCity of Heroes shows off the Water Blasting set under development originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiescity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclasescohcovcoxf2pfree-to-playfreedomintrepid-informerncsoftnew-abilitiesparagonparagon-studiospower-setspowerspreviewpreviewssuperherosuperheroesupcoming-patchesupcoming-powersWed, 04 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Next stop, City of Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/choose-my-adventure-next-stop-city-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/choose-my-adventure-next-stop-city-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/choose-my-adventure-next-stop-city-of-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure
I hope your vote wasn't born from a desire to see me in tights!

Although road trips can be just as fun when you just jump in the car and take off with no predetermined destination, at some point you have to end up somewhere. And it looks like we now know our destination. While I was safely strapped in my seat and watching the scenery, you readers have taken the City of Heroes exit. So it looks like a cape and superpowers will be on order for the next few weeks in Choose my Adventure. (Unless you nix the cape, of course.)

Surprisingly, this time around I actually managed to sit back and enjoy the ride without checking the poll results every 20 minutes of every day; I managed to restrain myself to just once a day! Maybe it was because I've let you have the keys before and knew that I really would enjoy the experience no matter where you took me. After all, you didn't get us in a wreck last time, did you? And Justin survived (relatively) unscathed, so what was there to worry about?

Perhaps on another trip we will be able to explore other exotic destinations, such as Anarchy Online, Star Trek Online, Asheron's Call, or even World of Tanks. I'll admit that I wistfully entertained images of visiting each of these destinations while I was glancing periodically at the polls, but for now, our course is set, and we will be arriving shortly. The first order of business before jumping into City of Heroes is a shot pitstop to develop our character. Be sure to get your vote in before Saturday, April 28th, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. EDT!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Next stop, City of Heroes

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Next stop, City of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choiceschoose-my-adventureChoose-my-adventure-city-of-heroeschoose-my-adventure-cohchoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscmacohcovcoxcustomizationf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomhands-onncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospollpollspower-poolspower-setsreaders-choiceserversuperherosuperheroesvotevotingWed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes takes to the shadows with new Darkness Control info]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/city-of-heroes-takes-to-the-shadows-with-new-darkness-control-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/city-of-heroes-takes-to-the-shadows-with-new-darkness-control-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/city-of-heroes-takes-to-the-shadows-with-new-darkness-control-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- City of Heroes
It's time for yet another issue of The Intrepid Informer, and this time the spotlight is on one of City of Heroes' upcoming new power set, Darkness Control. Darkness Control does exactly what it says on the tin, granting players dominion over the powers of darkness in order to subjugate and control their enemies. With a number of roots, debuffs, and even a couple of pets, the Darkness Control powerset is sure to please Controllers and Dominators of all varieties. But wait, that's not all. In addition to the Darkness Control power set, Paragon Studios is introducing two new secondary power sets: Darkness Affinity for Controllers and Dark Assault for Dominators. All of these new power sets will be free to VIP players, though premium players will have to purchase the Darkness Control set on the Paragon Market. Oh, and before we forget, be sure to drop into City of Heroes March 16th to 19th for a double XP weekend.

For the full details on the new power set as well as some handy tips and tricks from the designers, just click on past the link below to the City of Heroes official site.

MassivelyCity of Heroes takes to the shadows with new Darkness Control info originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdarkness-controldouble-experience-weekenddouble-xp-weekendf2pfree-to-playintrepid-informerncsoftnew-power-setnew-powersetparagon-studiospower-setpower-setspowersetpowersetsWed, 15 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes Issue 22 update features heaps of new content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/city-of-heroes-issue-22-update-to-feature-lots-of-new-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/city-of-heroes-issue-22-update-to-feature-lots-of-new-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/city-of-heroes-issue-22-update-to-feature-lots-of-new-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

CoH
Paragon and NCsoft have officially announced the latest update for the long-running City of Heroes superhero MMORPG. Issue 22: Death Incarnate is the title's first major content drop since the free-to-play conversion, and new endgame trials, costumes, powers, and VIP items are on the way.

Chief among the updates are tweaks to the Dark Astoria zone (it becomes a Co-op Incarnate Zone tailored for level 50-plus heroes). Also noteworthy is the new darkness power set for Controllers and Dominators, which should cause a cackle of glee for those of you who relish summoning spectral minions and commanding shadows.

There's also a new trial called Dilemma Diabolique in which heroes and villains must join forces to take down the evil sorceress Diabolique before she makes good on her nefarious plan to rule the world. And that's just the tip of the new content iceberg. More info on Issue 22 is available at the CoH website.

[Source: NCsoft press release]

Gallery: City of Heroes Core Gallery

MassivelyCity of Heroes Issue 22 update features heaps of new content originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohdark-astoriadarknessdeath-incarnatediaboliquef2pfree-to-playgalleryissue-22ncsoftnew-powersetsparagonparagon-studiospatchespower-setspowersscreenshotssuperheroThu, 12 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New power set, Central City map coming to DCUO on December 6th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/new-power-set-central-city-map-coming-to-dcuo-on-december-6th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/new-power-set-central-city-map-coming-to-dcuo-on-december-6th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/new-power-set-central-city-map-coming-to-dcuo-on-december-6th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DC Universe Online - Sorceror attacking
December 6th is shaping up to be quite a big day for Sony Online Entertainment. Not only is EverQuest II's latest expansion slated to debut, but so is the new Lightning Strikes content pack for DC Universe Online. The pack is free for subscribers and $9.99 for F2P folk.

There's plenty of bang for your buck too, and it all starts with a new power set (electricity) and continues with new gear, a new open-world map (Central City), and plenty of new DC Comics characters and missions to populate it. New faces include Livewire, Black Lightning, The Top, and The Trickster, and you can learn more about DCUO -- as well as download the client -- at the game's official web destination, and we've tucked the newest trailer right after the break.

Continue reading New power set, Central City map coming to DCUO on December 6th

MassivelyNew power set, Central City map coming to DCUO on December 6th originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>central-citydc-comicsdc-universe-onlinedcuoelectricityelectricity-powersflashlightning-strikesnew-mappower-setssoeSony-Online-Entertainmentsuperherothe-flashWed, 30 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SDCC 2011: New City of Heroes: Freedom screenshots, trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/sdcc-2011-new-city-of-heroes-freedom-screenshots-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/sdcc-2011-new-city-of-heroes-freedom-screenshots-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/sdcc-2011-new-city-of-heroes-freedom-screenshots-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Following hot on the heels of our preview of the new powersets coming to City of Heroes, NCSoft and Paragon Studios have let loose a flood of new assets for the upcoming additions to the game. The images cover the new powersets, the updated tutorial, the new Paragon Reward system, and all the other nifty new features that will finally see the light of day with City of Heroes' Issue 21.

We've also got a new trailer for you to allow you to see all of the new content in action, and we have to say it looks like City of Heroes fans have a great deal to look forward to. So if you're a City of Heroes player anxiously anticipating Issue 21, jump on past the cut for the new trailer. Hopefully it will keep your appetite sated for just a while longer.

Gallery: City of Heroes Core Gallery

Continue reading SDCC 2011: New City of Heroes: Freedom screenshots, trailer

MassivelySDCC 2011: New City of Heroes: Freedom screenshots, trailer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-heroes-freedomcity-of-villainscohcoh-freedomcovcoxf2pfree-to-playissue-21ncsoftnew-power-setsnew-powersnew-powersetsparagonparagon-rewardsparagon-studiospower-setspowersetssan-diego-comic-con-2011sdcc-2011Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: In the case of Brutes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/a-mild-mannered-reporter-in-the-case-of-brutes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/a-mild-mannered-reporter-in-the-case-of-brutes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/a-mild-mannered-reporter-in-the-case-of-brutes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's the start of a new year, and that means it's time to start getting fired up again. I have been taking a little break from being online for the new year weekend -- after all, when you're always online, it starts to wear on you just a little. But now it's time to get back in the saddle in City of Heroes and everywhere else, and I can't think of a better way to do that than to start in on the archetype overviews once again, especially since I had a friend tell me he was looking forward to his current favorite archetype.

We're not on that archetype today, however. No, after having taken a look at the Scrapper to kick things off, we're going to be moving on to a character type that's just down the street. It's the second of three archetypes with an offensive melee/defensive secondary mix, it's one of the four heavily melee-oriented options available, and it's the sort of character type that just makes you start hitting until everything is broken in half. That's right, we're looking at the Brute today, for players who are new to the Brute or to the game in general.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: In the case of Brutes

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: In the case of Brutes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporterabilitiesarchetype-discussionarchetypesbrutebrutescity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassescohcolumncovcoxfeaturedncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospower-setspowersWed, 05 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest Ask Cryptic on Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/04/newest-ask-cryptic-on-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/04/newest-ask-cryptic-on-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/04/newest-ask-cryptic-on-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

For whatever people may fault them on, Cryptic Studios has an excellent track record for trying to keep communications open between the company and the fans. Champions Online regularly allows players to ask any number and breadth of questions in the Ask Cryptic feature, and hot on the heels of the melee powerset developer diary comes the latest batch of questions. While the focus tends toward the Supernatural power set, a wide variety of topics are included, as well as a bit more talk about the issues of melee characters versus ranged ones.

Players excited by the new changes can take heart in the news that the entire Super Powers Patch (of which both the upcoming Supernatural changes and the melee changes are a part) should be hitting the test server soon. There's a fairly detailed breakdown of many affected Supernatural powers, as well as more abstract issues like why there aren't more cosmetic variants to power effects. The answers also discuss briefly how melee damage had already been tuned higher than ranged damage in hopes of balancing the two. Any Champions Online player should take a look at the answers, as they cover a variety of topics -- and may well give you ideas for when the next edition of Ask Cryptic rolls around.

MassivelyNewest Ask Cryptic on Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticbalancechampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosmeleepower-balancingpower-setsrangedsupernaturalSun, 04 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Celestial power preview from Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/celestial-power-preview-from-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/celestial-power-preview-from-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/celestial-power-preview-from-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The upcoming Blood Moon event that we detailed this morning for Champions Online promises more than just the usual business of superheroes pounding on zombies, on the off chance that that alone isn't enough for you. They're also promising a new power set, the Celestial powers, a number of light-based powers focusing on healing and improving your allies while simultaneously destroying your foes.

The first three powers in this set are up on the official site for preview. Even from the limited scope we've seen so far, the set looks to be interesting for players of the game, offering both healing and damage utility depending on whether you're targeting your allies or enemies. They've also laid out the plans for the unique advantages of the powers, which seem to tend toward area effects - allowing you to at once heal your allies and stun everything around them.

One of the common complaints about Champions Online at release was that it focused almost exclusively on solo play and there was little to no benefit to grouping. With powers that are designed so strongly around working with other players, it looks like Cryptic is focusing in on expanding the tools available to groups. If players can tear themselves away from crushing zombies for a bit, these new powers look like an interesting upgrade for the game.

MassivelyCelestial power preview from Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celestialchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiospower-setspreviewMon, 05 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An update on revealed power sets at the Champions Online site]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/an-update-on-revealed-power-sets-at-the-champions-online-site/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/an-update-on-revealed-power-sets-at-the-champions-online-site/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/an-update-on-revealed-power-sets-at-the-champions-online-site/#commentsFiled under: , ,


When the Champions Online official site unveiled the full Electricity power set a week ago, they promised that further sets would be revealed over the coming days. They made true with that promise and we're here to round up what's been shown thus far:

In addition to previewing the abilities for these sets, Cryptic and IGN also put out a trailer that looks at a bunch of melee powers (and as a bonus, Teleporting) in action. There should be more reveals on the way and we'll probably do another round-up when there's a decent swag of new ones. In the meantime, you can see all the outed powers at the new Power Sets section of the Champions Online site.

MassivelyAn update on revealed power sets at the Champions Online site originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarichampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosfireforcepower-armorpower-setspowersWed, 05 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Electricity power set detailed on Champions Online site; other sets coming soon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/electricty-power-set-detailed-on-champions-online-site-other-se/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/electricty-power-set-detailed-on-champions-online-site-other-se/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/electricty-power-set-detailed-on-champions-online-site-other-se/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The Champions Online site has just launched a brand new section devoted to the various power sets that will be an integral part of character creation and gameplay. Right now only the Electricity power set is on show but the other powers will be revealed "over the next few days". The Electricity page contains twelve different powers, with full information on their requirements and effects. Positively shocking stuff.

Once the rest of the power sets are detailed, it will be time for fans to flip through the pages, meticulously weighing up the advantages of each particular power. Or, they could just choose whichever seems coolest. Or, they could hit up the open beta (which really isn't too far away now) and go nuts trying them all.

MassivelyElectricity power set detailed on Champions Online site; other sets coming soon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-studioselectricitypower-setspowersWed, 29 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online devs reveal Mystic power sets: Sorcery and Supernatural]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/champions-online-devs-reveal-mystic-power-sets-sorcery-and-supe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/champions-online-devs-reveal-mystic-power-sets-sorcery-and-supe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/champions-online-devs-reveal-mystic-power-sets-sorcery-and-supe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Over the past few weeks, the developers at Cryptic Studios have been walking readers through the various powers that will be available to Champions Online players, from Energy Projectors to Martial Arts, as well as Power Replacers. Now they're giving us a look at the game's Mystic power sets -- Sorcery and Supernatural -- for those players who want to dabble in the dark arts.

Do you know your Circles of Power from your Circles of Summoning? When should you use a Sigil instead of an Invocation? The Champions Online devs explain all matters arcane in this latest, and final, "All About Powers", and discuss their intent to create subsets of Mystic powers that better fit a given character's concept. Whether you're looking to create a Primal Shaman, a Necromancer, or a pure Arcane-type, you might enjoy this latest dev blog on the official Champions Online site.

MassivelyChampions Online devs reveal Mystic power sets: Sorcery and Supernatural originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecircles-of-powercircles-of-summoningcryptic-studiosdev-blogdev-blogsenergy-projectorsgame-mechanicsinvocationsmartial-artsmysticnew-titlespower-replacepower-replacerspower-setpower-setssigilssorcerysuper-herosupernaturalFri, 03 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Hands-on: Creating superheroes in Champions Online Part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/massively-hands-on-creating-superheroes-in-champions-online-par/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/massively-hands-on-creating-superheroes-in-champions-online-par/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/massively-hands-on-creating-superheroes-in-champions-online-par/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Continue reading Massively Hands-on: Creating superheroes in Champions Online Part 2

MassivelyMassively Hands-on: Creating superheroes in Champions Online Part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribetachampionschampions-onlinecostumecostume-creationcostumescrypticcryptic-studiosopinionpower-setspowersMon, 04 May 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New details on custom powers and more for Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/new-details-on-custom-powers-and-more-for-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/new-details-on-custom-powers-and-more-for-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/new-details-on-custom-powers-and-more-for-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It seems like Champions Online is starting to exist in that development space where there's quite a bit of solid, factual information ready to be divulged. How do we know? Easy, the latest Ask Cryptic -- traditionally at least semi-informative, if not pretty entertaining -- gets quite detailed on the subjects of power customization, grinding, character creation and non-combative roles such as healers and buffers.

Our seasoned MMO geek "detectotrons" are telling us that a tidal wave of new information is possibly just around the corner, but even so, this newest volley of answers is surprisingly satisfying. That being said, we'd love to hear more about the quest, crafting and PvP systems designed into Champions Online. If only because after creating your superhero, his nemesis (and lackeys) and doing the tutorial, those are the meat and bones of any MMORPG.

MassivelyNew details on custom powers and more for Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticatarichampionschampions-onlinecharacter-creationcrypticcryptic-studiospower-customizationpower-setsWed, 07 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The 26 Shields of City of Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/the-26-sheilds-of-city-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/the-26-sheilds-of-city-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/the-26-sheilds-of-city-of-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


When we logged into City of Heroes to check out the new Shield powerset released in yesterday's Issue 13 patch, the one thing that we were not expecting was to find 26 shield types to choose from. It took us quite a while to settle on a shield, as our impulse was to have them all. Once we did make our selection though, it dawned on us that we should share this amazing catalogue of bodily protection with the rest of the world.

We'd like to stress that this isn't every mutation of all the shields, otherwise this would be called "The 4,532 Shields of City of Heroes" and that just doesn't have the same ring to it. Plus, we value what little social lives we actually have. So without further day we present to you, our dear Massively readers, the 26 shields of City of Heroes.

Gallery: The 26 Shields of City of Heroes

Round Shield - ReinforcedRound ShieldRound Shield - EmblemTarge - Long SpikesTarge

MassivelyThe 26 Shields of City of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescohfeaturedissue-13joystiqfeaturesnc-norcalncsoftpower-setspowersetshieldshieldssuperherosuperheroesThu, 04 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic evolves their mission system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/cryptic-evolves-their-mission-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/cryptic-evolves-their-mission-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/cryptic-evolves-their-mission-system/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The newest Ask Cryptic for Champions Online is out and you know what that means: more information! This time around, we start off with some news about weaponization of objects within the game world. The short answer is that players will be able to grab all sorts of stuff and chuck it into the faces of their enemies Next we've got confirmation that players will indeed be getting additional power sets after Champions Online launches. We're glad to hear it, because it's quite exciting when a new patch is about to hit with all sorts of new powers to play with inside.

Moving away from the more mechanical workings of the game, Cryptic lets us know that roleplaying will indeed be supported through social hot-spots in Champions Online. If you've ever played around with City of Heroes for very long, then you'll know that Atlas Park was -- aside from a newbie zone that featured a big dude carrying a globe -- a great place to hang out and chat with all sorts of people. As cool as these reveals are, the next one is probably the biggest and best news from this iteration of Ask Cryptic.

Continue reading Cryptic evolves their mission system

MassivelyCryptic evolves their mission system originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticatlas-parkchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosmissionspower-setsThu, 14 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Cryptic touches on player-created content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/ask-cryptic-touches-on-player-created-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/ask-cryptic-touches-on-player-created-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/ask-cryptic-touches-on-player-created-content/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Every time Cryptic puts up a brand new Ask Cryptic article we have a tough time picking only one or two answers to talk about. However, this week was pretty easy. The very first question presented asks about how deep Champions Online will delve into the concept of player-created content, whether it be mods or actual in-game content. Jack Emmert responded reasonably by mentioning that the Nemesis system, costume creation, power selection and power customization features are merely the beginning. Apparently we that we can, "look to see [Cryptic] continue to open the door for more player-generated material." Which really makes us wonder what that means for Star Trek Online.

We must admit to this being an exciting proposition. It's our hope as comic book and MMO nerds that there's a future where we can submit completely unique costumes to go through moderated approval for each of our crazy characters in Champions Online. Or even custom animations! That would be unequivocally and unabashedly awesome. Don't disappoint us now, Cryptic.

MassivelyAsk Cryptic touches on player-created content originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticchampionschampions-onlinecontentcostumecostumescrypticcryptic-studiosjack-emmertnemesisplayer-createdpower-customizationpower-setsstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestoWed, 30 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First power sets and more in newest Champions Online preview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/first-power-sets-and-more-in-newest-champions-online-preview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/first-power-sets-and-more-in-newest-champions-online-preview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/first-power-sets-and-more-in-newest-champions-online-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Gamespot recently got the chance to visit Cryptic Studios and take a look at Champions Online. They brought back a video and some tasty new information regarding the newest superpowered MMO on the block. One of the biggest pieces of news was that there are currently thirteen powersets featured in the game and four of them are powered armor, beast, darkness, and dark energy. These sets contain various powers within them and can be mixed and matched to your heart's desire.

There's also some mention of the Champions Online history in the preview, but if you don't feel like reading through all of that you can see Jack Emmert explain it in our video preview here on the site. We happen to dig the fact that this world is set in another version of our own and the opportunity for Cryptic to make pop-culture references tickles our imagination for what in-game experiences will end up being like. Also, feel free to check out our recently updated Champions Online gallery as it contains a ton of new images for your visual delight.

Gallery: Champions Online Main Gallery

MassivelyFirst power sets and more in newest Champions Online preview originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosgamespotjack-emmertpop-culturepower-setsFri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[HeroStats: enhanced with Issue 11 flavor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/herostats-enhanced-with-issue-11-flavor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/herostats-enhanced-with-issue-11-flavor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/herostats-enhanced-with-issue-11-flavor/#commentsFiled under: ,

Since 2005, the HeroStats Team has produced HeroStats, the premier power-tracking application used across Paragon City and the Rogue Isles. Even though the developers have thought of nearly everything, as it's an Open Source application, feel free to make additions to the software. If you are good at coding and testing, however, one thing the team is looking for is a developer who can assist with solidifying the application under Windows Vista. Of course, like all works in progress, there are a few minor issues that are constantly being tweaked, whether due to internal concerns or game client changes. For example, as of 29 October, HeroStats now tracks the power sets introduced in Issue 11. And don't forget, HeroStats works with both the City Information Terminal -- one of the top-rated badge tracking sites on the net -- and the City Game Tracker.

MassivelyHeroStats: enhanced with Issue 11 flavor originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>City-Game-TrackerCity-Information-TerminalCity-of-HeroesCity-of-VillainsCoHCoVCoXHeroStatsHeroStats-TeamParagon-CityPower-SetsRogue-IslesVistaWindows-VistaSun, 25 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Join the Test PVP League: sign up today!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/join-the-test-pvp-league-sign-up-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/join-the-test-pvp-league-sign-up-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/join-the-test-pvp-league-sign-up-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Signups for the Test PVP League started on 10/29/2007, and are still ongoing. The team captains, however, have been picked.

A full description of the rules and regulations are available on the City of Heroes official forums, and the official league nights will begin on Tuesday, 01/10/2008, at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and will run for six weeks.

So gird your loins and grab your Level 1 Inspirations, folks: you've got teammates to slaughter, and you only have a few more weeks to sign up.

This begs two questions: What archetypes and powers do you think works the best? Moreover, why do you visit the PVP zones? Is it for the fun, the influence, the thrill of destroying your enemies, or ... ?

Come on, share: give us the scoop on your favorite PVP build.

MassivelyJoin the Test PVP League: sign up today! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArchetypesCity-of-HeroesCity-of-VillainsCoXInspirationsPlayer-v-PlayerPower-SetsPowersPowersetsPvPTest-Arena-PvPTest-Arena-PvP-TeamThu, 08 Nov 2007 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An in-depth look at Issue 11 power sets in CoX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/and-in-depth-look-at-issue-11-power-sets-in-coh-cov/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/and-in-depth-look-at-issue-11-power-sets-in-coh-cov/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/and-in-depth-look-at-issue-11-power-sets-in-coh-cov/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Floyd "Castle" Grubb sat down recently and recorded a video explanation of the upcoming power sets available in Issue 11: A Stitch in Time for City of Heroes/City of Villains. Since the video is only available as a download, we'll give you the complete rundown here on Massively of what we can expect from the two new power sets being added into the game. The first thing Castle mentioned was the fact that these power sets were added to the game because they were what the players asked for most. When asked, the players most requested Willpower for a defensive power set, and dual blades for an offensive set.

Continue reading An in-depth look at Issue 11 power sets in CoX

MassivelyAn in-depth look at Issue 11 power sets in CoX originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A-Stitch-in-TimeabilitiesCity-of-HeroesCity-of-VillainsCoHCoVDual-Bladeshow-toIssue-11New-Power-Setspower-setsskillsWillpowerFri, 26 Oct 2007 19:15:00 EST