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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[City of Heroes player summit promises Water Blast power set, cyberpunk costumes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/city-of-heroes-player-summit-reveals-new-powers-and-new-costumes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/city-of-heroes-player-summit-reveals-new-powers-and-new-costumes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/city-of-heroes-player-summit-reveals-new-powers-and-new-costumes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Sadly, you cannot have a friend summon you to the summit. Even if your friend is playing a time-based character.
If you weren't in California over the past weekend, you sadly had to miss out on the City of Heroes player summit. That means no voice in the several panels during which the doors were thrown open for new suggestions. But you can at least read through the summary of the weekend's events to find out what nifty new elements will be coming to the game in the near future, including four new powersets and several new costumes.

While there's not a firm launch schedule, players can look forward to Water Blast (exactly what it says on the tin), Natural Affinity (healing over time and debuffing), Symbiotic Armor (a new defensive set based around absorbing damage types), and Radiation Armor (again, what it says on the tin). Players can also look forward to another Super Pack as well as the upcoming Retro Sci-Fi costumes and a Cyberpunk set. There's a lot of interesting tidbits, so if you want to get excited about the future, best to read through the event summary at OnRPG.

MassivelyCity of Heroes player summit promises Water Blast power set, cyberpunk costumes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcoh-player-summitcostumescovcoxcyberpunkf2pfree-to-playfreedomfuture-costumesfuture-powersfuture-powersetsnatural-affinityncsoftparagonparagon-studiosplayer-summitypowerspowersetsradiation-armorreal-world-eventsuperherosuperheroessymbiotic-armorwater-blastThu, 03 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Walk softly and carry a big stick with City of Heroes' new Staff Fighting powerset]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/walk-softly-and-carry-a-big-stick-with-city-of-heroes-new-staff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/walk-softly-and-carry-a-big-stick-with-city-of-heroes-new-staff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/walk-softly-and-carry-a-big-stick-with-city-of-heroes-new-staff/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- City of Heroes
In the high-fantasy-laden MMO space, staves have long been relegated to the realm of things-for-spellcasters-to-hold-while-finger-wiggling, but what happened to the good ol' days of just bludgeoning the daylights out of someone with a big stick? Well, thanks to City of Heroes, those days are back courtesy of the new Staff Fighting powerset, though there's no word as to whether it will also allow you to walk softly.

What it will allow you to do, though, is fight in one of three different forms (Body, Mind, or Soul), each of which provides you with a unique stacking buff that can then be consumed to execute the powerful Eye of the Storm and Sky Splitter abilities. The new powerset is available for the Brute, Scrapper, Stalker, and Tanker archetypes, and would-be kung-fu masters can pick it up from the Paragon Market for 800 Paragon Points.

MassivelyWalk softly and carry a big stick with City of Heroes' new Staff Fighting powerset originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxf2pfree-to-playfreedommicrotransactionmicrotransactionsncsoftparagonparagon-marketparagon-studiospowersetpowersetsstaffstaff-fightingstaffsstavessuperherosuperheroesTue, 17 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Countless marvelous powers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/a-mild-mannered-reporter-countless-marvelous-powers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/a-mild-mannered-reporter-countless-marvelous-powers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/a-mild-mannered-reporter-countless-marvelous-powers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
There were a lot of reasons I decided to stop collecting Transformers a couple of years back, but chief among those reasons was the fact that it was increasingly a hunt for novelty over permanence. A new wave of toys was released, and fans were expected to buy the lot of them, admire the novelty, and then almost immediately move on to the next wave. The idea of new releases playing into past toys was increasingly left out in the cold, meaning that you could essentially just keep grabbing a new set of toys every two or three months rather than enjoying the ones you had.

Of course, Transformers are meant to be toys for children, so the marketing strategy is pretty defensible. But I'm beginning to wonder whether City of Heroes isn't adopting a similar attitude with the steady onslaught of new powersets. Since Freedom hit, we've seen an absolute explosion of new sets with new mechanics and new ways to play... but we've also seen a real dearth of anything tying players to a given powerset. It's novelty on a steady basis, but we might not have appreciated the slow pace of new sets before.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Countless marvelous powers

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Countless marvelous powers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporterabilitiescity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedommild-mannered-reporterncsoftnew-powersnew-powersetsopinionparagonparagon-studiospowerspowersetsspeculationsuperherosuperheroesWed, 04 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online explains how the Earth powerset rocks out]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/dc-universe-online-explains-how-the-earth-powerset-rocks-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/dc-universe-online-explains-how-the-earth-powerset-rocks-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/dc-universe-online-explains-how-the-earth-powerset-rocks-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The important thing is to not take these powers for granite.
DC Universe Online players have known that the next major powerset has been set in stone for some time now. The Earth powerset is rolling along, and in the latest developer blog the team explains just how the set works for all sorts of players. At its foundation, the powerset is split into the Geokinesis and Seismic trees, with the former allowing players to shape weapons of stone and the latter projecting earthquakes and similar eruptions.

Mastery of Geokinesis allows players to summon earth golems to fight alongside them, solidifying a defensive strategy with transferred damage and special stone totems. On the other hand, mastery of the Seismic tree lets you summon localized epicenters and yank pillars of stone from the ground, flinging enemies around and knocking them off their feet. While it doesn't seem like the new set will be kind to property values, players will probably have more than a few new tricks to use like a stone-cold killer.

MassivelyDC Universe Online explains how the Earth powerset rocks out originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoearthearth-controlf2pfree-to-playnewsplaystation-3playstation3powerspowersetspreviewsps3punssoesony-online-entertainmentstonesuperherosuperheroesFri, 09 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Embrace the darkness with City of Heroes' Issue 22]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/embrace-the-darkness-with-city-of-heroes-issue-22/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/embrace-the-darkness-with-city-of-heroes-issue-22/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/embrace-the-darkness-with-city-of-heroes-issue-22/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- City of Heroes
City of Heroes players better prepare themselves for another descent into the realm of Dark Astoria because in the upcoming Issue 22, Paragon Studios is sending them right back to the twisted realm. Of course, there's a catch: Dark Astoria is being twisted and transformed "into a Level 50 Incarnate co-op zone, with missions that can unlock Incarnate abilities for both Heroes and Villains."

But high-level Incarnate players aren't the only ones getting goodies in Issue 22; a new low-level trial -- morbidly titled Drowning in Blood -- is also being introduced in the update. And who could forget the new powersets? Not us! Controllers and Dominators are being given access to the Darkness Control main powerset as well as the Darkness Affinity and Dark Assault secondary sets (for Controllers and Dominators, respectively).

For the full preview of City of Heroes' Issue 22, just click on through the link below to the game's official site.

MassivelyEmbrace the darkness with City of Heroes' Issue 22 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdark-assaultdark-astoriadarknessdarkness-affinitydarkness-controldeath-incarnatedrowning-in-bloodf2pfree-to-playissue-22ncsoftparagonparagon-studiospatchpatchespowersetpowersetsupdateupdatesWed, 29 Feb 2012 17:00:00 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[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Issue 22 is all juiced out]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/a-mild-mannered-reporter-issue-22-is-all-juiced-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/a-mild-mannered-reporter-issue-22-is-all-juiced-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/a-mild-mannered-reporter-issue-22-is-all-juiced-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
On Christmas, Ms. Lady and I received a power juicer.

This wasn't a bad present by any stretch of the imagination, but it was a present that left us momentarily baffled. We hadn't asked for a power juicer, we didn't feel a great need for a power juicer, and we weren't even sure exactly what to do with a power juicer. (Make juice, obviously, but beyond that?) It was a great present but one that struck us as so far out of left field that we really weren't quite sure how to use it at first, much less what it would offer us.

Issue 22 of City of Heroes strikes me in much the same way. It's not that the update is bad or unwanted or unnecessary; it's that the entire thing is essentially aimed in a direction away from my own playstyle. I imagine a lot of free players are going to run into the same issue because even though it's being touted as the game's newest free update, there's precious little in there that's actually changed on the free side.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Issue 22 is all juiced out

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Issue 22 is all juiced out originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reportercity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-freedomcity-of-villainscohcolumncolumnscovcoxdesignf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomincarnateincarnate-systemissue-22ncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospatchespowerspowersetsupdateszonesWed, 25 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes rolls out the Media Blitz]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/city-of-heroes-rolls-out-the-media-blitz/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/city-of-heroes-rolls-out-the-media-blitz/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/city-of-heroes-rolls-out-the-media-blitz/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

So, anyone need an Excedrin?
It's time to take the war against Praetoria to the airwaves, time to find out who is really at risk of death, and time to hoist a railroad crossing sign as a weapon. All of these things are true for the latest patch to City of Heroes -- Issue 21's special update Media Blitz hitting the servers today. The update features not one but two new Incarnate trials, with players facing off against Maelstrom and Mother Mayhem in a battle for the hearts and minds of the people of Praetoria.

Today also sees the rollout of the fourth installment in the Signature Story Arc, which brings players still closer to knowing who is going to die among the Surviving Eight. Players can also toy around with the new Titan Weapons powerset, which gives everyone a chance at wielding a huge two-handed weapon with aplomb -- and if that doesn't sound like a fun ride, you may feel differently after checking out the preview video just past the break.

Continue reading City of Heroes rolls out the Media Blitz

MassivelyCity of Heroes rolls out the Media Blitz originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-heroes-freedomcity-of-villainscohcovcoxissue-21issue-21-media-blitzmedia-blitzncsoftparagonparagon-studiospatchespowersetspreviewupdatesvideovideoswho-will-dieTue, 06 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes lays out the design for Street Justice]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/city-of-heroes-lays-out-the-design-for-street-justice/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/city-of-heroes-lays-out-the-design-for-street-justice/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/city-of-heroes-lays-out-the-design-for-street-justice/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

FALCON PAWNCH
You could argue that City of Heroes has been about street justice since launch, since there is no branch of the US legal system that involves beating people up in the streets with electrical powers. But the Street Justice powerset is the latest addition to the game in the Paragon Market, and as with the previous powersets, a new issue of the Intrepid Informer has been released so that players can understand how the set works, what the designers were thinking, and how to get the most benefit out of it.

Written by Phil "Synapse" Zeleski, the diary outlines both the similarities and differences between this set and Dual Blades. While both are combo-oriented sets, Street Justice allows you to build a combo on the fly; by way of contrast, Dual Blades generates a variety of powerful secondary effects with its combos. If the set sounds like the sort of thing that's right up your alley, you may want to pop until the game, drop a couple of dollars, and start breaking some kneecaps. For justice.

MassivelyCity of Heroes lays out the design for Street Justice originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiescity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-freedomcity-of-villainscohcovcoxdeveloper-diariesf2pfree-to-playintrepid-informermicotransactionsncsoftparagonparagon-studiosphil-synapse-zeleskiphil-zeleskipowerspowersetsstreet-justicesynapseWed, 05 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take justice to the streets in City of Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/take-justice-to-the-streets-in-city-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/take-justice-to-the-streets-in-city-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/take-justice-to-the-streets-in-city-of-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

CoH Street Justice
If you're not satisfied taking out thugs with merely a katana or a kick, then Paragon Studios has your answer: Street Justice. It's a brand-new powerset just released in City of Heroes Freedom, available to Scrappers, Brutes, Stalkers, and Tankers. It looks like a flashier mashup of the Martial Arts and Super Strength sets, and according to a post by Paragon's Phil "Synapse" Zeleski, Street Justice is like many of the newer CoH sets in that it comes with a special mechanic, in this case, combo levels and finishing moves that give more freedom to the player than does the similar gameplay hook of Dual Blades.

Street Justice is available for purchase in the game's cash shop for 800 Paragon Points (about $10 US). It is one of two new powersets not granted freely to VIP subscribers. Check out the video after the break to peek before you buy.

Continue reading Take justice to the streets in City of Heroes

MassivelyTake justice to the streets in City of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-shopcity-of-heroesCity-of-Villainscohcovcoxf2pfree-to-playfreemiumncsoftparagonparagon-marketparagon-pointsparagon-studiosphil-zeleskipowersetpowersetsstreet-justicesynapsevipTue, 04 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Whose side is time on, anyway?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/a-mild-mannered-reporter-whose-side-is-time-on-anyway/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/a-mild-mannered-reporter-whose-side-is-time-on-anyway/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/a-mild-mannered-reporter-whose-side-is-time-on-anyway/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
So last week I promised our next little enemy spotlight, but that was before I realized that this past weekend was that delayed double-experience extravaganza in City of Heroes. (I could have checked a calendar, sure, but I assume they're a form of witchcraft.) Based on past experience, this week should be a recounting of my time in the magical land of double or nothing, right?

Well, not so much. Due to a perfect storm of circumstances, I didn't get any significant leveling in, and this weekend is also coming before a dump of several new powers rather than just after. So unlike last time, this time I mostly just took part in other activities. (If you really have to know what I was doing, tune back in on Saturday.) So instead, I'm going to take the time to talk a little bit about Temporal Manipulation, partly because I'd like a bit of a do-over for the past weekend, and partly because I'm not sure if I like it just from reading about it. It strikes me as a set that could be very good, but in its own way that might be kind of a bad thing.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Whose side is time on, anyway?

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Whose side is time on, anyway? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporterbalancecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcolumncool-factorcovcoxdesignfeaturedncsoftparagonparagon-studiospatchespowerspowersetstemporal-manipulationupdatesWed, 17 Aug 2011 20:00:00 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[The Daily Grind: What in-game sounds drive you bonkers?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/the-daily-grind-what-in-game-sounds-drive-you-bonkers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/the-daily-grind-what-in-game-sounds-drive-you-bonkers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/the-daily-grind-what-in-game-sounds-drive-you-bonkers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Way back when I first started playing City of Heroes, I became enamored with the Defender archetype. I made Defender after Defender until all my slots were full, and then deleted some to make even more. But the one powerset I'd never choose, even on the pain of death, torture and Arby's, was Force Fields. Why? It's really quite simple: the sounds.

Oh, those high-pitched whiny sounds that set my teeth on edge! I hated grouping with anyone who had those turned on, and for years I deeply wished that NCsoft would allow us to disable some game sounds while retaining all of the others.

But I don't mean to pick on just City of Heroes here. Every game has sounds that annoy and grate on our ears, and today we want to hear about your most-hated in-game noises. Which sounds do you wish developers would change or eliminate altogether?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What in-game sounds drive you bonkers? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arbyscity-of-heroescohforce-fieldforce-fieldsin-game-noisesin-game-soundsncsoftnoisesopinionpowersetpowersetssoundstdgthe-daily-grindTue, 19 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Five favorite Fire tank powers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/alter-ego-five-favorite-fire-tank-powers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/alter-ego-five-favorite-fire-tank-powers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/alter-ego-five-favorite-fire-tank-powers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I'll admit it: Of all the powers I've played with in DC Universe Online thus far, the Fire and Ice powersets are undoubtedly my two personal favorites. Normally I'm not so much the tanking type, but there's something about these two trees that just satisfies the comic book nerd in me. I grew up watching my favorite heroes taking on incredible odds, being beaten down, and triumphing at the end of the day. However, as in any MMO involving endgame raiding, no man is an island. While I might enjoy standing toe-to-toe with the bad guys, if I don't have a good group behind me, there's only so much I can do before I'm spending quality time with the defeat button.

This is where I have to note that specific endgame "builds" don't appear to be quite as easy to create in DC Universe Online as they are in other games such as World of Warcraft. As DCUO is still in its infancy, there are many players who are working hard on theorycrafting statistics. This means that there simply aren't any 100%-perfect cookie-cutter builds everyone adheres to as yet. Still, there are some power choices that seem to be fairly popular for Fire tanks in this early stage, which is what we'll be taking a look at this week.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Five favorite Fire tank powers

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Five favorite Fire tank powers originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egobuildbuildsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoendgamefeaturedfirefire-tankopinionpowersetpowersetssoesony-online-entertainmentstrategytanktankingSat, 26 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: An overview of the trinity in DC Universe Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/alter-ego-an-overview-of-the-trinity-in-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/alter-ego-an-overview-of-the-trinity-in-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/alter-ego-an-overview-of-the-trinity-in-dc-universe-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In DC Universe Online, all of the different powersets can pump out DPS -- however, the trinity is alive and well even in this superhero game. Thankfully, due to the way the powers are designed, our ability to stack effects, and the heavy utilization of combos, grouping or raiding in DC Universe Online doesn't generally feel like you're stuck simply mashing buttons. If you get in with a regular group, you'll learn the ways you can play your powers off each other using synergy, thereby adding an entirely new level of awareness to encounters.

Unfortunately, endgame isn't just about going into an instance and unleashing everyone's max damage to tear through the place. While all characters can do damage in DC Universe Online, roles are still vitally important for group PvE and endgame content. As a preamble to a series that will look at builds for each role in the game and what they can bring to the table, I thought it would be a good idea to take this first week to look at which powersets go with the roles players use in endgame. Join me behind the break as I break it all down for those who are new to the game or perhaps are looking for a refresher.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: An overview of the trinity in DC Universe Online

MassivelyAlter-Ego: An overview of the trinity in DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egoaoebuffsclassescontrollercrowd-controldc-universe-onlinedcuodebuffsdirect-damagedpsendgamefeaturedgroupshealerhealsholy-trinityinstancespowersetspverolessoesony-online-entertainmenttanktrinitySat, 19 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively exclusive: A chat with DCUO's Chris Cao, part one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/massively-exclusive-a-chat-with-dcuos-chris-cao-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/massively-exclusive-a-chat-with-dcuos-chris-cao-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/massively-exclusive-a-chat-with-dcuos-chris-cao-part-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Superman. Batman. Wonder Woman. All are iconic characters, well known to fans of the DC Universe. And when it comes to DC Universe Online, Game Director Chris Cao certainly holds his own as an iconic character to fans of the game. Between Cao and DC Universe Online's Creative Director, Jens Andersen, we've had open, humorous, honest, and occasionally not-entirely-PR-cleared news of the game from the earliest days leading up through its recent launch.

Even though Cao is keeping crazy long (and late-night) hours as both a passionate gamer and a developer with a freshly launched game, we had the chance to sit down with him last night for a very candid interview. Among the myriad topics covered, we spoke about his thoughts on launch, some of the team's experiences with the game, the potential differences in platforms and communities, and more. Additionally, Cao took time out to answer some of the burning questions we've heard from our readers. So without further ado, join us behind the break for part one of this superpowered interview. Also, be sure to check back tomorrow for part two -- we're sure you won't want to miss it!

Continue reading Massively exclusive: A chat with DCUO's Chris Cao, part one

MassivelyMassively exclusive: A chat with DCUO's Chris Cao, part one originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-caocommunityconsoleconsolesdc-comicsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoexclusivefeaturedinterviewlaunchPlaystation3powersPowersetsps3roleplayRolePlayingsoesony-online-entertainmentFri, 14 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: In the case of Scrappers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/a-mild-mannered-reporter-in-the-case-of-scrappers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/a-mild-mannered-reporter-in-the-case-of-scrappers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/a-mild-mannered-reporter-in-the-case-of-scrappers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We're in a small lull for City of Heroes at the moment, and truth be told it's well-deserved. After several months of invasions, updates, previews of the upcoming issues and so forth... it's nice to finally have a chance to just lean back and breathe a little bit. Of course, said breathing will involve a fair bit of superpowered antics, but as involved as that might be for the characters, the players don't have to be constantly looking to the future.

So while we technically should be working through the Incarnate System, the odds are better than even that we'll all be rolling alts over the holiday season. We play City of Heroes; alts are in our blood. So in a move that can only have been brought on by an almost criminal overdose of liquor, I've decided to start taking a look at the powersets of the archetypes, starting with the alt-friendly Scrapper. This should be of benefit to those who have never played a Scrapper, including players who are starting the game for the first time and who by definition haven't tried one before.

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

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: In the case of Scrappers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporterabilitiesarchetypearchetypescity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclass-abilitiesclassescohcolumncovcoxfeaturedgroupingncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosplaystylepowerspowersetsscrapperssoloingthematic-choicesWed, 15 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes developer diary: Going Rogue, new powersets, new enemies, new problems]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/city-of-heroes-developer-diary-going-rogue-new-powersets-new/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/city-of-heroes-developer-diary-going-rogue-new-powersets-new/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/city-of-heroes-developer-diary-going-rogue-new-powersets-new/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

As of right now, City of Heroes is in a state of flux. Like any game with a new expansion, the superhero game boasts features that are changing and endgame structures that are being disrupted, and the changes of Issue 19 promise to introduce an actual endgame into a game that's long lacked one. But it all started with the most recent expansion, one that gave players the chance to switch sides back in August -- Going Rogue.

Much like Rome, the foundation for the expansion wasn't laid in a day. We were granted an early look at a developer diary by Floyd "Castle" Grubb, longtime veteran of the Paragon Studios team and lead designer for the Powers and Entities team. Take a look past the cut for his diary, explaining the various ways in which the powersets of the expansion were developed and fine-tuned, as well as highlights the new additions for both enemies and players.

Continue reading City of Heroes developer diary: Going Rogue, new powersets, new enemies, new problems

MassivelyCity of Heroes developer diary: Going Rogue, new powersets, new enemies, new problems originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlecity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainscohcoming-updatescovcoxdemon-summoningdeveloper-diarydiarydual-pistolselectric-controlexpansionfeaturedfloyd-castle-grubbfloyd-grubbgoing-roguegri19i20i21issue-19issue-20issue-21issueskinetic-meleencsoftparagonparagon-studiospatchespowerspowersetsupdatesWed, 20 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: The replacements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/a-mild-mannered-reporter-the-replacements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/a-mild-mannered-reporter-the-replacements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/a-mild-mannered-reporter-the-replacements/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Hey, guys, did you know that Going Rogue is launching in less than a week? That's crazy. It feels especially strange to me, since this was an expansion that had barely been announced when I started here, and has since become pretty personally important. But we're not here to talk about my vague feelings about the impending launch, we're here to talk about its larger implications for City of Heroes -- namely, the obvious systemic changes that might well be coming when the expansion goes live.

Now, some of you are doubtlessly going to point out that we're not even getting our first Incarnate slot, the expansion isn't changing any part of the system, and so forth and so on. But you forget that there is an interesting change to the system coming that we all know about: the fact that archetypes will no longer be allegiance-locked. That's right -- whether you're in City of Heroes or City of Villains, you'll no longer be limited to five different archetypes. And considering the fact that the archetypes are roughly analogous on both sides now, this might have just a bit of an impact.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: The replacements

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: The replacements originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archetypebalancecity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainsclassclassescohcontrolcovcoxdpsexpansionexpansionsfeaturedgoing-roguegrgroupinggroupshybrid-classeshybridsncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospartiespartyingplaystyleportmanteauspowersetssupporttankingteamsWed, 11 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shocking revelations in the newest City of Heroes developer diary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/shocking-revelations-in-the-newest-city-of-heroes-developer-diar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/shocking-revelations-in-the-newest-city-of-heroes-developer-diar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/shocking-revelations-in-the-newest-city-of-heroes-developer-diar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's fair to say that Going Rogue is going to be a fairly big shock to the system of City of Heroes -- especially if the control-oriented archetypes have anything to say about it. The fourth powerset included with the expansion, Electrical Control, hasn't gotten quite as much press time as Kinetic Melee, Dual Pistols, or Demon Summoning. But it's got just as much spark as the others -- more, in fact -- and a new offsite developer diary by Floyd "Castle" Grubb and Keetsie Braz da Cunha focuses on both the visual and mechanical design of the powers.

As Castle describes it, the powerset wasn't originally designed for player use, but as a testbed of several concepts to see how they would play out in the game engine. It was converted to a player set when Going Rogue approached, however... which required a re-design of several parts of the set. The visuals were a hurdle as well, seeing as the set had to feel visually distinct from the many other electricity-themed powers the game already possesses. Take a look at the full diary to see how the problems were solved, showing City of Heroes players another peek at how the development team is conducted.

MassivelyShocking revelations in the newest City of Heroes developer diary originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiescastlecity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainscohcovcoxdesigndeveloper-diarydevelopmentelectricityfloyd-castle-grubbfloyd-grubbgoing-roguegrncsoftparagonparagon-studiospowerspowersetpowersetspunsFri, 06 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes shows off the upcoming Kinetic Melee set]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/city-of-heroes-shows-off-the-upcoming-kinetic-melee-embargo-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/city-of-heroes-shows-off-the-upcoming-kinetic-melee-embargo-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/city-of-heroes-shows-off-the-upcoming-kinetic-melee-embargo-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Melee characters in City of Heroes have always lacked ranged abilities. Some of this is implied by the archetype, of course -- you wouldn't expect a character built around hand-to-hand combat to be at maximum potency outside of grabbing distance -- but it's a bit of a disadvantage at times when a tanker or brute can do very little but get shot as he moves into range. Kinetic Melee, one of the power sets coming with the Going Rogue expansion, is poised to change that a little. It might not be a blaster set, but it's more than capable of mixing things up at a longer range.

Of course, that's hardly the only trick that the new powerset can pull. Kinetic Melee is full of smooth maneuvers that weaken the target with each hit -- and one of the marquee abilities, Siphon Power, strengthens the wielder with each hit. It's a steady chain of the target being worn down and the player character building up, coupled with knockback and knockdowns to keep control of the battle flow. Check out our gallery below, or take a look at the official site for more details on one of the upcoming powersets for City of Heroes.

Gallery: City of Heroes Kinetic Melee preview

MassivelyCity of Heroes shows off the upcoming Kinetic Melee set originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiescity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainscohcovcoxexpansionsgalleriesgoing-roguegrkinetic-meleeknockbackknockdownmeleemelee-abilitiesncsoftparagonparagon-studiospowerspowersetspreviewrangeranged-abilitiesThu, 29 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Everybody needs a question answered sometime]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/a-mild-mannered-reporter-everybody-needs-a-question-answered-so/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/a-mild-mannered-reporter-everybody-needs-a-question-answered-so/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/a-mild-mannered-reporter-everybody-needs-a-question-answered-so/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

If you haven't read Jason Vuic's excellent history of the Yugo, you're doing yourself a disservice -- at least, if you have any interest in terrible cars, history, or just the crazy stylings of Malcolm Bricklin. What does that have to do with today's bevvy of City of Heroes questions, hot on the heels of our anniversary? Well, not everyone can afford the Batmobile. There are places where the Paragon Monorail (aka Justice Mass Transit) won't take you. And on those occasions, well, you truly wish that you'd just dropped the ten dollars on the Martial Arts booster or taken the darn travel power. Onward!

Dashel asked:
"When will Blasters get more secondaries, original or proliferated?"

Soon! Maybe. I've heard tell that we may well be due for another wave of powerset proliferation with the release of Going Rogue, although that's far from a confirmed fact. So Blasters can expect to get some more love there. But we don't have any idea of exactly when we'll see more secondaries as opposed to more primary sets. The trouble is that as Blasters have been designed, they have the undesirable trait that Masterminds share: they've got a setup for one of their sets that nobody else shares.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Everybody needs a question answered sometime

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Everybody needs a question answered sometime originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 May 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archetypescarscity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxfarminggrindingmission-architectparagonparagon-cohparagon-studioespowerset-proliferationpowersetspraetoriaproliferationsuperheroesterrible-carstraveltravel-powersultra-modeyugoWed, 05 May 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online powers up with patch notes, state of the game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/champions-online-powers-up-with-patch-notes-state-of-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/champions-online-powers-up-with-patch-notes-state-of-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/champions-online-powers-up-with-patch-notes-state-of-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A superhero's work is never done. To fight on the side of good means that you must be as diligent as evil is persistent, else the dark forces will gain sway and demand that you kneel before Zod. Fortunately, a shining beacon has appeared in the sky, signaling good news for the heroes of Champions Online -- a new patch, an upbeat State of the Game report, and a spiffy referral program.

The new "Super Powers Patch," as it's being called (or patch FC.11.201000419.5, if you like to be formal) sports a host of additions and changes to the game. For starters, all characters will be granted a free retcon due to the enormous array of powers tweaks. The melee and supernatural powersets, in particular, have been overhauled to bring them more in line with the strength and flexibility of other types of powers. The patch also brings Unity 2 missions, weapons at the tailor, and teaming improvements. You can read the full patch notes here.

Continue reading Champions Online powers up with patch notes, state of the game

MassivelyChampions Online powers up with patch notes, state of the game originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecryptickneel-before-zodpatchpatch-notespowersetsreferral-programrekhanretconState-of-the-gamesuper-powerssuper-powers-patchunity-2Tue, 04 May 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Issue 17 of City of Heroes goes live with launch trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/issue-17-of-city-of-heroes-goes-live-with-launch-trailer-embarg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/issue-17-of-city-of-heroes-goes-live-with-launch-trailer-embarg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/issue-17-of-city-of-heroes-goes-live-with-launch-trailer-embarg/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Today is a big day for City of Heroes. Not only is it the six-year anniversary of the game, with celebrations taking place both in-game and out, it's also the launch of the much-awaited Issue 17. Dubbed "Dark Mirror," the update features the graphical tweaks collectively known as Ultra Mode, as well as new story arcs and missions, improvements to Mission Architect, and a whole host of additional changes. It's also the release of the awaited Demon Summoning powerset, which is available to everyone who has prepurchased the upcoming Going Rogue expansion.

Behind the cut is the official trailer for the update, which should help whet the appetite of any fans anxiously awaiting the update to complete downloading. Aside from highlighting the visuals of Ultra Mode in real-time, it shows off some of the mission content, including the full-scale war against the Freakshow pictured above. There's also the doppelgangers and the Positron task force to show off -- and only a couple more months until the game's second major expansion. Click on past the cut to see the trailer, and enjoy the new changes that help keep City of Heroes fresh six years out.

Continue reading Issue 17 of City of Heroes goes live with launch trailer

MassivelyIssue 17 of City of Heroes goes live with launch trailer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdark-mirrordemon-summoningdoppelgangersfreakshowgoing-rogueissue-17mission-architectparagonparagon-cohparagon-studioespatchespowersetstask-forcetrailersultra-modeupdatesWed, 28 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2010: City of Heroes panel reveals many things]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/28/pax-east-2010-city-of-heroes-panel-reveals-many-things/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/28/pax-east-2010-city-of-heroes-panel-reveals-many-things/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/28/pax-east-2010-city-of-heroes-panel-reveals-many-things/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Unpacking the City of Heroes panel at PAX East is a big deal: there were huge amounts of information being thrown around, and a lot of new pieces of information to process. For that matter, there was far more than anyone expected, with information about the full spread of new issues up to Issue 19 and the reveal of Matt "Positron" Miller's heretofore unrevealed new endgame system. The panel as a whole featured a huge breadth of information about the game from concept into the future, and was filled with people long before the official start time, with fans vocally professing their adoration for the team the whole way through.

We had the good fortune to be front and center at the theatre, and once we started taking notes we didn't really stop until the event was over. At the panel were lead designer Melissa Bianco, former lead designer and current lead system designer Matt Miller, art lead David Nakayama, and development producer Jesse Caceres. They opened off with a discussion of the game's history from launch back in 2004 to the present. The changeover from Cryptic to Paragon Studios was discussed in brief, mentioning that four of the major launch employees (Miller, Bianco, CW Bennet, and Brian Clayton) were still with Paragon even after the change.

Continue reading PAX East 2010: City of Heroes panel reveals many things

MassivelyPAX East 2010: City of Heroes panel reveals many things originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-heroes-issue-17city-of-heroes-issue-18city-of-heroes-issue-19city-of-heroes-ultra-modecity-of-villainscohcovcoxcryptic-studiosdavid-nakayamaexpansionsfeaturedgoing-rogueissue-17issue-18issue-19jesse-caceresmatt-positron-millermelissa-biancomelissa-war-witch-biancomission-architectnew-powersetspanelsparagonparagon-cohparagon-studioesparagon-studiospax-2010pax-east-2010powersetsultra-modeSun, 28 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the ultimate City of Heroes Issue 13 guide, Infoman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/meet-the-ultimate-city-of-heroes-issue-13-guide-infoman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/meet-the-ultimate-city-of-heroes-issue-13-guide-infoman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/meet-the-ultimate-city-of-heroes-issue-13-guide-infoman/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Walking down the street, you're suddenly stopped by a man wearing a fedora and trench coat. "Hey you, yeah you!" he spits out in hushed tones. "Uh, what's up?" you respond cautiously.

"Yo, the name's Infoman," he looks about nervously, like someone may be watching him, "check out the merchandise" opening his jacket to reveal countless links for articles all about the recent City of Heroes' Issue 13 update. Everything from the Positron interview at Joystiq to in-depth fan-made videos of all the new systems added into the game.

"It's all free, take whatever ya like." says the calm street walker, who now seems like a pretty nice guy. "I'll take that Floyd 'Castle' Grubb interview about the new powersets." you say. He nods, hands it over and says, "I gots more if'n you want it, kid. Be down at the docks." and struts off down the street whistling a tune.

MassivelyMeet the ultimate City of Heroes Issue 13 guide, Infoman originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohfloyd-grubbissue-13nc-norcalncsoftpatchespositronpowersetpowersetsshieldshieldsFri, 05 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Strong hint at Broadsword for Villains in CoX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/strong-hint-at-broadsword-for-villains-in-cox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/strong-hint-at-broadsword-for-villains-in-cox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/strong-hint-at-broadsword-for-villains-in-cox/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Back Alley Brawler of City of Heroes has made a brief but encouraging comment on the official forums, hinting strongly at a new piece of Powerset Proliferation in Issue 13. Villains who had complained of not having access to the funky new Nictus Sword have been reminded that they don't have the necessary sets 'yet'. Unless this is a cruel tease, this means Villains will be getting broadsword soon - and despite Back Alley Brawler's habit of turning into a shark when he visits the Test Server, we don't think he's that mean.

We already know that more Powerset Proliferation is coming in Issue 13, because Positron and Castle have told us it'll bring the villain equivalent of Empathy (which won't, of course, be called Empathy). Issue 13 is also an ideal time to give Villains the Broadsword set, as it should be bringing Shields, too. We've already learned that Shields will be a defensive powerset, usable with one-handed and unarmed sets; this opens up the possibility of Broadsword and Shield wielding Brutes, surely an obvious combination to go for. The Shield animations are now largely done, courtesy of the Roman NPCs in the Cimerora zone released with Issue 12, so we can't see any reason why they'd miss Issue 13.

MassivelyStrong hint at Broadsword for Villains in CoX originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-alley-brawlerbroadswordcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxncsoftpowerset-proliferationpowersetsvillainsThu, 03 Jul 2008 19:30:00 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