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 Nexus Telegraph: Still moving in WildStar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-nexus-telegraph-still-moving-in-wildstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-nexus-telegraph-still-moving-in-wildstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-nexus-telegraph-still-moving-in-wildstar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Or just stand there and let it reach you, that's cool too.
The downside to writing about WildStar in this stage of the game's lifecycle is that because of the very nature of beta tests, I'm going to be spending a lot of time speculating instead of talking about certainties. Last week, I speculated. I was wrong on some points, as I found out when I got a letter from Carbine clarifying some things that had previously been ambiguous enough for speculation.

The upside to writing about WildStar in this stage of the game's lifecycle is that sometimes I get letters from development staff letting me in on valuable inside information.

Aside from being able to clarify my previous incorrect speculation, I also have for you a number of other important bits of information regarding the game this week, including a brief discussion of whether or not the game will allow for flight on a regular basis. So since that's well worth discussing, let's go ahead and just make this column another dialogue about movement.

Continue reading The Nexus Telegraph: Still moving in WildStar

MassivelyThe Nexus Telegraph: Still moving in WildStar originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areascarbinecarbine-studiosclimatecolumnfeaturedflightflyingflying-mountsloremovementncsoftnexusnexus-telegraphopinionregionssandparksci-fantasysci-fithe-nexus-telegraphtransportwildstarzonesMon, 20 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Prophet shows off screenshots of Wynnadia]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/dragons-prophet-shows-off-screenshots-of-wynnadia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/dragons-prophet-shows-off-screenshots-of-wynnadia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/dragons-prophet-shows-off-screenshots-of-wynnadia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Dark secrets, sure, but mostly it looks like a lovely countryside vacation.
Despite the name of the game, Dragon's Prophet does not exclusively feature dragons and prophets thereof. It also has lands for all of that to occupy. The Wynnadia zone even has houses and people living there, providing a rich background for all prophet- and dragon-related antics. It's a pleasant zone filled with rolling hills, farming communities, undead monstrosities clawing their way up from the depths, and charming beaches.

Wait, do we need to go back to that middle one?

Once in game, players will be tasked with exploring the Accursed Tower and the Nameless Keep, full of dark secrets and alluring treasure. But it's not all monster-stomping day, as the zone is also home to the cities of Zarland and Lilia, with the former composed mainly of outcasts and refugees and the latter serving as an impressive naval stronghold. While we're assured that there's danger in the zone, all of the pictures in the gallery below look more inviting than deadly.

[Source: Sony Online Entertainment press release]

Gallery: Dragon's Prophet

MassivelyDragon's Prophet shows off screenshots of Wynnadia originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areasbackstorydragondragonsdragons-prophetgalleriesgallerygame-regionshousinginfernuminfernum-productionsloreregionsrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentscreenshotssoesonysony-online-entertainmentwynnadiazone-previewszonesWed, 01 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Looking at the wildlife of WildStar's Galeras region]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/looking-at-the-wildlife-of-wildstars-galeras-region/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/looking-at-the-wildlife-of-wildstars-galeras-region/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/looking-at-the-wildlife-of-wildstars-galeras-region/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It sounds like the finest party I can imagine getting paid to go to.
If the pirates, bandits, ancient machines, and military forces in WildStar weren't bad enough, players are going to be contending with a lot of the native wildlife. Last week's WildStar Wednesday focused on the top-level overview of the Galeras region, but this week is focused on the local flora and fauna, which are just as dangerous as the invading armies with gunships. More so, in some ways, as a stemdragon doesn't care why you're on its land, just that you are.

Stemdragons have been seen by fans before, having starred as the antagonist in the game's first trailer. Buzzbings and Scrabs are new, however -- the former is an insect the size of a small car that traps its enemies with honey, the latter is a cross between a beetle and a crab with thick armor and a propensity for burrowing. Read more on the tactics of these monsters and the lore surrounding them in the full article.

MassivelyLooking at the wildlife of WildStar's Galeras region originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalsareaareasbestiarycarbinecarbine-studioscreaturesenemiesgalerasmonstersncsoftpreviewregionregionssandparksci-fantasysci-fiwildstarwildstar-wednesdaywszonezonesWed, 10 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: The zone design of Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/28/the-mog-log-the-zone-design-of-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/28/the-mog-log-the-zone-design-of-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/28/the-mog-log-the-zone-design-of-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
I love Final Fantasy XIV, something that comes as no surprise to regular readers of this column. But the game's zone design is not its highlight. This is one of those design aspects that really bothered everyone in the world when the game launched, and it was for good cause, but I think there's more to it than simply condemning the whole thing out of hand. There are several places where the zone design isn't actually bad and in fact is downright brilliant.

You could say that it's a variation on Final Fantasy XIV's theme right there: brilliance mixed in with average and awfulness.

Obviously, zone design will be changing in a big way when version 2.0 launches, something that gets closer with each passing day. Still, it's worth examining where we are now if for no other reason than to hopefully identify what a good revision would look like. This is not a horrible mess; this is a few great elements mixed in with several elements that just aren't well thought out.

Continue reading The Mog Log: The zone design of Final Fantasy XIV

MassivelyThe Mog Log: The zone design of Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area-layoutareasconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivlayoutmapsmog-logopinionregionssizesquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logverisimilitudezone-designzonesSat, 28 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: The zone design of Final Fantasy XI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/21/the-mog-log-the-zone-design-of-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/21/the-mog-log-the-zone-design-of-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/21/the-mog-log-the-zone-design-of-final-fantasy-xi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
Gustaberg is one of the ugliest zones in Final Fantasy XI. For better or worse, it's a bunch of bland plateaus swarming with vultures, worms, and bees. It wasn't a visual treat when I first saw it, and the years have certainly not been kind. But the fact of the matter is that even after several years, I still get a little smile on my lips when I walk into that dessicated husk of a land. From the waterfall near the Wadi to the narrow pass to the Highlands, Gustaberg is painfully nostalgic.

Final Fantasy XI created a lot of magnificent regions for players to explore right from the moment it launched, and every subsequent expansion has added new areas without making them feel redundant. Considering that the game's next expansion is on the way, I thought it was apropos to look at what makes the zones so wonderful as well as what mistakes the designers might try to avoid when making the new areas in the west.

Continue reading The Mog Log: The zone design of Final Fantasy XI

MassivelyThe Mog Log: The zone design of Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areasconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiisolationloremog-logopinionregionssquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logtravelzonesSat, 21 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III offers global play, provides a guide to the auction house]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/diablo-iii-offers-global-play-provides-a-guide-to-the-auction-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/diablo-iii-offers-global-play-provides-a-guide-to-the-auction-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/diablo-iii-offers-global-play-provides-a-guide-to-the-auction-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

What do you call a fire spell in France?
As Diablo III gets ever closer to release, you've probably moved on from the question of what you're going to play and on to the question of who you're going to play with. If your friends live across the planet, that's going to make things a little more difficult, but with the new Global Play feature, not impossible. Players will be able to play in any region, although the real-money auction house will only be accessible in your home region and your characters from the home region won't transfer to the global service.

You hadn't forgotten the real-money auction house, had you? Just in case you had, a new official guide is available detailing how the service will work, what regions can use what money, and of course the actual mechanics of buying and selling. Players using the global play feature will not have access to the real money house of other regions, but will have access to the regular auction house, so even if you're planning on a global jaunt, it's worth examining the particulars.

MassivelyDiablo III offers global play, provides a guide to the auction house originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasyglobal-playgothic-fantasymicrotransactionmultiplayeronline-multiplayerregion-lockingregionsroguelikerpgTue, 01 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Living large in Limsa Lominsa]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-mog-log-living-large-in-limsa-lominsa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-mog-log-living-large-in-limsa-lominsa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-mog-log-living-large-in-limsa-lominsa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Mog Log header image by A. Fienemann
Limsa Lominsa isn't like the other cities in Final Fantasy XIV chiefly because it's not a city. You can argue the definition, but cities are generally places where a group of people decided to settle down and stay for an extended period of time. Limsa Lominsa is more like what would happen if everyone went for a hike, a lot of people wound up double-parked, and then in the aftermath, all of the hikers just threw up their hands and decided to stay where they were instead of going home.

Even if you ignore the city's ridiculous origin, however, you're stuck with a city that's still ridiculous in its own way. The city's government is determined by boat races, the local pirates come standard so long as they adhere to a few fairly simple rules, and pretty much everyone has an eye toward becoming the top dog. The result is a place that's refreshingly open about all of its dangers, but despite that, it's no less threatening. You'll be threatened by brute force rather than subterfuge, but you're still facing down the wrong end of a weapon.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Living large in Limsa Lominsa

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Living large in Limsa Lominsa originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areasbackstorycitiesconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivlimsa-lominsaloremog-logopinionregionssquaresquare-enixsquenixstorythe-mog-logSat, 24 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Staying off the grid in Gridania]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-mog-log-staying-off-the-grid-in-gridania/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-mog-log-staying-off-the-grid-in-gridania/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-mog-log-staying-off-the-grid-in-gridania/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Mog Log
At first glance on a trip through Final Fantasy XIV's cities, Gridania probably seems like the nicest city in Eorzea. Ul'dah always has the smile of a used car salesman, Limsa Lominsa stinks of fish and is full of pirates, Ishgard isn't welcoming even without the dragons, and Ala Mhigo sort of has a bad case of Garlean occupation. But Gridania is built in the middle of rather nice forest territory, and it doesn't seem to suffer from any of the power struggles or unfriendly residents that your other options have. Sure, the forest can be a bit tempermental, but it's a peaceful spot.

But as you may have guessed, it only looks that way until you actually spend some time there. Then you realize that the city is not nearly so welcoming as you initially thought -- it's a hotbed of activity, stuffed to the brim with spirits that do not necessarily have the best interests of adventurers or anyone else at heart. Gridania doesn't suffer the internal conflicts of the other cities, but that's mostly because the place is already being crushed too thoroughly by all of the external threats it has to face just to keep treading water.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Staying off the grid in Gridania

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Staying off the grid in Gridania originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backgroundbackstoryblack-shroudcitiesconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgridanialoremog-logopinionregionssquaresquare-enixthe-mog-logSat, 10 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic to launch in the Asia Pacific region on March 1st]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/star-wars-the-old-republic-to-launch-in-the-asia-pacific-region/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/star-wars-the-old-republic-to-launch-in-the-asia-pacific-region/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/star-wars-the-old-republic-to-launch-in-the-asia-pacific-region/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you play Republic, get used to this art.
On launch day, fans of Star Wars: The Old Republic were able to start logging into the game simultaneously across the world... assuming "the world" meant North America and Europe. The Pacific regions were unfortunately deferred to a later launch date, something that provoked some ire from fans in that area. However, the wait is now over for an official launch day. A launch of March 1st has been announced for Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.

Naturally, there are fans in those regions who would prefer to play on regional servers but have already started play on existing servers via imported copies of the game. BioWare is promising that players in these regions will be able to transfer characters for free for a limited time following the launch date, allowing everyone to move to regional servers if desired. The game is also available for pre-order now, so if you're in the affected region and want a copy, best take a look at stores near you for order options.

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic to launch in the Asia Pacific region on March 1st originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaaustraliabiowareeaea-biowareelectronic-artsglobal-launcheshong-konglaunch-regionslauncheslocalizationmmo-industrynew-zealandnewspacificregional-launchesregionssingaporestar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 14 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which environments tend to drain your interest?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/the-daily-grind-which-environments-tend-to-drain-your-interest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/the-daily-grind-which-environments-tend-to-drain-your-interest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/the-daily-grind-which-environments-tend-to-drain-your-interest/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You can fill it with huts, with giants, with goblins, with anything you want - it's still another cave.
The problem with fantasy settings is that the imagery is pretty well played out. You know there will be an area with a lot of trees, probably a desert, probably a set of rolling plains, and of course there will be caves. And the odds are good that at least one of those environments won't make you feel like you're off on an epic adventure; it will make you feel as if you're traipsing through the same environments you've traipsed through hundred of times. Until you just log off, that is.

Maybe it's another promise of brown or gray caves winding about interminably. Maybe it's the thought of another forest, or another plain, or another rocky mountainous area. Or perhaps it's the more surreal and fanciful environments that make you roll your eyes and want to just stop playing. Which environments tend to drain your interest in the game? No matter how interesting any other part of the zone might be, what sort of regions just make you feel burnt out and bored?

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: Which environments tend to drain your interest? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areasculturedesignenvironmentsfeaturedgraphicsopinionregionstdgthe-daily-grindvisual-themesvisualszonezonesSun, 09 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What zone creeps you out?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/the-daily-grind-what-zone-creeps-you-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/the-daily-grind-what-zone-creeps-you-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/the-daily-grind-what-zone-creeps-you-out/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mor Dhona is far creepier than it has any right to be.
In the early levels of pretty much every MMO, the setting is idyllic. Sure, there are rats that could devour a housecat in abundance, but the environment feels fairly sedate. Once you get into the higher levels, however, you start walking through regions that are less welcoming. Some of them just feel unreal and alien (Final Fantasy XI's Promyvion regions), while others are real environments pushed far beyond the breaking point (World of Warcraft's Shadowmoon Valley). Whatever the cause, though, there are definitely spaces in the game where you really don't want to own a house.

Every person's tolerance of creepy is going to be different, and for some people the opening of RIFT in the midst of a bleak and hopeless future is going to be creepy enough. But we're not going to tell you what the creepiest possible region of a game world is; you're going to tell us. So what in-game zone makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck, and why?

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 zone creeps you out? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creepygame-areashorrormapopinionregionsscarytdgthe-daily-grinduncomfortable-areaszonesSat, 17 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wurm Online inviting players to Exodus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/wurm-online-inviting-players-to-exodus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/wurm-online-inviting-players-to-exodus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/wurm-online-inviting-players-to-exodus/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Next update - the horses learn to fight one another.
In a game like Wurm Online, fresh lands are important. After all, the game places so much emphasis on setting up your own homestead in the untamed wilderness that you find yourself a bit out in the cold if the land is already developed. This was part of what led to the opening of the game's first new server, Deliverance, but the response of the playerbase has been so overwhelming that the development team is doing the time warp again.

According to the development team, a new land named Exodus is being added just south of Deliverance. It's intended to give players a new chance to get involved with building in fertile lands untouched by human expansion, and it's set to go live on Thursday at 1 p.m. EDT. For those of you recalling the issues with the earlier server opening, the team hopes that the new region will open without problem. So get ready to go... well, south, young man, because the lands there are ripe for the taking.

[Source: Wurm Online press release]

MassivelyWurm Online inviting players to Exodus originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areasf2pfree-to-playlandslandscapenew-areasnew-zonesnewsopeningregionssandboxserversupcoming-launcheswurmwurm-onlineTue, 13 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Did BioWare make the right call?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/the-daily-grind-did-bioware-make-the-right-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/the-daily-grind-did-bioware-make-the-right-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/the-daily-grind-did-bioware-make-the-right-call/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BioWare made something of a stink last week with its decision to limit Star Wars: The Old Republic pre-orders (both in terms of total numbers and in certain regions around the world). Here at Massively, we received dozens of angry emails entreating us to take up the cause of the common gamer.

While limits on digital goods do seem a bit artificial, it's also worth noting that recent popular MMO releases were beset with server overcrowding and lengthy login queues (we're thinking of both Aion and RIFT here).

BioWare ruffled quite a few fan feathers with its actions, but from the outside looking in, it's difficult to determine what the company could have done differently. That's where you come in, and this edition of The Daily Grind is all about your reaction to Star Wars: The Old Republic pre-orders, load limits, and regional publishing. Do you think BioWare made the right call?

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: Did BioWare make the right call? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareea-biowareelectronic-artsgame-discussiongamer-discussionload-limitsmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsopinionpre-ordersregionsserver-queuesstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortdgthe-daily-grindMon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV previews upcoming outposts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/final-fantasy-xiv-previews-upcoming-outposts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/final-fantasy-xiv-previews-upcoming-outposts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/final-fantasy-xiv-previews-upcoming-outposts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

As patch 1.18 draws close for Final Fantasy XIV, the development team has been stepping up the rate of previews. The latest one highlights a feature discussed previously but not seen for some time: the addition of several outposts across the landscape, hubs for adventurers to explore as they take part in new content. Six outposts are listed in the newest preview, two for each of the major regions in the game and each with a distinct thematic focus.

Each of the outposts listed highlight the environment of the nearby city-state -- the outposts in Gridania are concerned with hunting and maintaining security in the wood, while Ul'dah's settlements focus on more mercantile and mineral concerns. In addition to the stops for adventurers, beastman settlements are said to be on the plate for patch 1.18 later this week. Final Fantasy XIV players who can't wait to see the new hubs can take a look at the preview for a glimpse at the expanding and improving environment.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV previews upcoming outposts originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>environmentsffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.18final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivnewsoutpostspatchesregionssquaresquare-enixupdatesTue, 19 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hellgate shows off its new Duel Areas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/hellgate-shows-off-its-new-duel-areas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/hellgate-shows-off-its-new-duel-areas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/hellgate-shows-off-its-new-duel-areas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

No matter how bad the environmental conditions might be in Hellgate, that's no reason to eschew one of the time-honored traditions of MMOs everywhere: PvP. But the game's relaunch won't just be including the original PvP elements, and one of the newer additions has just been highlighted -- the Duel Areas. This new addition allows players to face off against one another on specially designed maps, complete with dynamic elements on each map to keep battles unique.

With four different maps to choose from and a number of pre-fight variables, the Duel Areas are limited at the moment by the fact that only deathmatch games are available within. Killing opponents will reward players with PvP experience, leading to valuable rewards for future PvP matches. Check out the video previews for two of the new arenas just after the break, something that should be enough to get Hellgate players excited as the game moves toward release.

Continue reading Hellgate shows off its new Duel Areas

MassivelyHellgate shows off its new Duel Areas originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areasduel-areashanbitsofthellgatehellgate-globalhellgate-londonnewspreviewpvpregionst3-funt3funvideovideoszonesFri, 10 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes posts updates to the global server change]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/city-of-heroes-posts-updates-to-the-global-server-change/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/city-of-heroes-posts-updates-to-the-global-server-change/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/city-of-heroes-posts-updates-to-the-global-server-change/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While nothing quite compares to a new expansion pack, Paragon Studios still surprised City of Heroes fans when it announced at PAX East that both the American and European servers were going to be merged into a single list. The team is looking to head off most further questions with a recently released FAQ regarding the changeover, which will also see European account holders rolled into the existing database. It also enumerates the benefits to the community as a whole, allowing both regions equal access to testing and special events while expanding the total number of servers available for each player.

In the case of name conflicts for the global chat channel, a player originally from the European servers will be given a temporary handle based on his character's name and a free change to said handle. According to the official statement, the number of affected players is expected to be fairly small, and actual character names will not be affected as the servers aren't merging in any way. Expected to be fully rolled out by the end of the summer, this latest change to City of Heroes won't help any content slumps but will help foster more international community efforts for the game.

MassivelyCity of Heroes posts updates to the global server change originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxinternational-communityinternational-serversncsoftnewsparagonparagon-studiospaxpax-2011pax-eastpax-east-2011region-changesregionsserver-changesserver-listserversupcoming-changesTue, 15 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT looks at Scarwood Reach]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/rift-looks-at-scarwood-reach/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/rift-looks-at-scarwood-reach/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/rift-looks-at-scarwood-reach/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Whether or not you're looking forward to RIFT, it's hard to deny that the game makes great use of setting. The latest region revealed, Scarwood Reach, is haunting and evocative in both backstory and current events. Once an enchanted forest covered in the majestic granitewood trees, the woods have been logged to their demise, with only scattered pockets of trees remaining as a testament to what once was. But the servants of Greenscale seek to undo the damage in the only way possible -- by opening a portal to the Plane of Life that might swallow Telara whole.

Aside from the abandoned shrines and local creatures harmed by the mad rush for wood and the abandonment of old traditions, the explosion of unfiltered Life at the heart of what was once forest is equally toxic. Even apart from the rifts that occasionally blossom, the forest is beset by creatures unseen in this land, coupled with crawling roots that bring searing and unwelcome new life to the barren landscape. Take a look at the gallery for a quartet of preview images, a fine preparation for the maddening environment that RIFT's damaged forest remnants are poised to deliver.

Gallery: RIFT: Core Gallery

MassivelyRIFT looks at Scarwood Reach originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryenvironmentforestgalleryin-game-regionslogginglorenewsplane-of-liferegionsriftrift-planes-of-telarariftsscarwood-reachtreestriontrion-worldswoodzonesMon, 10 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Priston Tale 2 adds a new region and a mentoring system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/priston-tale-2-adds-a-new-region-and-a-mentoring-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/priston-tale-2-adds-a-new-region-and-a-mentoring-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/priston-tale-2-adds-a-new-region-and-a-mentoring-system/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you're one of the souls inspired to step into Priston Tale 2 thanks to Beau's recent foray into the game, you picked a fine time to start playing. A large update has just hit the servers, featuring a brand-new area for players to explore. The Damned Burial Ground may be just a bit late for the Halloween season, but it would have fit in just fine as a haven for the restless bones of fallen soldiers and demons.

The game has also launched the brand-new Master and Apprentice system, a setup by which experienced players can get rewards for mentoring newer players about the fine points of the game. Experienced players get to earn previously unavailable in-game items, and new players get rewarded with the full knowledge and experience of a game veteran. The newest update has come with a small selection of new screens as well, available in the gallery below and showing off what Priston Tale 2's engine is capable of producing.

Gallery: Priston Tale 2 Demon Burial Grounds

MassivelyPriston Tale 2 adds a new region and a mentoring system originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playgallerygamerkraftgraphicsmaster-and-apprenticementornew-regionspriston-tale-2pt2regionsscreenshotscreenshotsWed, 17 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online FAQ describes PvP rules]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/star-trek-online-faq-describes-pvp-rules-and-other-stuff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/star-trek-online-faq-describes-pvp-rules-and-other-stuff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/star-trek-online-faq-describes-pvp-rules-and-other-stuff/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Even more Star Trek Online information has beamed in. This time, it's in the FAQ page just published by Cryptic Studios. The FAQ is a good place to catch up on the highlights from the recent revelations, but there's new stuff too.

The most substantial revelation is that there won't be PvP, PvE, or RP server types as in World of Warcraft and other games. There will only be one server type. There will be far-flung regions of space in which open PvP will be possible. In the nuetral zone (the border between factions), consensual PvP engagements will occur. It's implied that PvP will not be possible deep within Federation or Klingon space.

Oh, and the FAQ includes some grim news for certain would-be players. It turns out that you'll actually need an internet connection to play Star Trek Online! Oh man! Say it ain't so! That's unacceptable, right? Maybe we should start a petition.

MassivelyStar Trek Online FAQ describes PvP rules originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cryptic-studiosfaqfrequently-asked-questionspvepvpregionsrpserverserver-typesserversstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestozonesTue, 12 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Podcast interviews two Star Trek Online guys, gets lots of new info]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/podcast-interviews-two-star-trek-online-guys-gets-lots-of-new-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/podcast-interviews-two-star-trek-online-guys-gets-lots-of-new-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/podcast-interviews-two-star-trek-online-guys-gets-lots-of-new-i/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Star Trek gaming podcast Hailing Frequency interviewed Cryptic Studios Chief Creative Officer Jack Emmert in the wake of the big Las Vegas unveiling of Star Trek Online. The two part interview is available in both audio and video, and it's one of the best sources of details beyond the unveiling video itself at this point.

There are a lot of reveals and hints in the interview. Some examples of interview topics: post-launch plans for user-generated content, an economy without a monetary currency, and details about starship combat. Emmert speculates that cross-platform play and non-region-specific servers are possible, but that no final determinations have been made. Listen to the interview for more!

Hailing Frequency also spoke with STO's new community manager, JR Sutich, who is better known to folks in the MMO community as Razor. He was a regular writer at WarCry before he started with Cryptic. That interview, also available in both audio and video, deals exclusively with the game's community and forums.

MassivelyPodcast interviews two Star Trek Online guys, gets lots of new info originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiocombatcommunity-managercross-platformcrypticcryptic-studioscurrencyeconomyforumshailing-frequencyinterviewjack-emmertjr-sutichlas-vegaspodcastrazorrazorwireregionregionsstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestotrekuser-generated-contentvideowarcryTue, 12 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll confirms six Stargate Worlds planets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/poll-confirms-six-stargate-worlds-planets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/poll-confirms-six-stargate-worlds-planets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/poll-confirms-six-stargate-worlds-planets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A new poll is up at Cheyenne Mountain's official Stargate Worlds website. Normally this would only be worth a mention in passing, but the text and contents of the poll actually confirm the inclusion of six specific Stargate SG-1 franchise planets.

The poll asks players which planet they're most excited about visiting, and then lists six "confirmed" planets: Agnos (an Ancient city which we've already seen some pictures of), The Castle (the Tau'ri prison planet), Lucia, Stargate Command (aka Earth), Tollana, and an "unnamed Goa'uld desert planet."

So it looks like there will be a good variety of places to go. But where's Abydos? It's not Stargate without Abydos!

MassivelyPoll confirms six Stargate Worlds planets originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abydosagnoscheyenne-mountain-entertainmentgoa'uldluciaplanetspollregionssgcsgwstargatestargate-commandstargate-sg-1stargate-worldsthe-castletollanazonesThu, 29 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST