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[The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Everyone knows that a good mascot can make a difference between a video game's death and rabid popularity. Mario, Master Chief, Duke Nuke 'Em, Pac-Man, Samus Aran, Pyramid Head -- each one of these mascots isn't merely an aspect of the game, they are the virtual spokesperson (or spokesthing) which represents the game itself.

Yet when you think about it, MMOs have had a tougher time producing mascots than other video game genres, partially because unlike other games, you don't play as the mascots, and partially because when you have a cast of thousands of NPCs, picking out one to elevate above the rest is a difficult job.

Difficult, that is, but not impossible. Today we're going to look at ten MMO mascots (MMOscots?) that studios have tried to promote as the face of these games, to varying degrees of success.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO mascots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13371337-speakanarchy-onlineanetangelaoapril-foolsarenanetarthasbatmanbe-the-broccoliblizzardbroccolicharrchatdycity-of-heroescohddodevildungeons-and-dragons-onlineea-mythicelfy-mcnoclotheseqeverquesteye-of-the-northf2pfaxion-onlinefeaturedfree-realmsfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-eye-of-the-northgwgwenjack-emmertleetleet-speakleetslich-kinglistlistsmascotmascotsmythicmythic-entertainmentperfect-10perfect-tenplayboyprince-arthasretconretconningsarah-morrisonsoesquigsquigsstatesmantabula-rasathe-jokerthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenturbinewarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowWrath-of-the-Lich-KingThu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: A closer look at Update 2's troublesome trio]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/alter-ego-a-closer-look-at-update-2s-troublesome-trio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/alter-ego-a-closer-look-at-update-2s-troublesome-trio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/alter-ego-a-closer-look-at-update-2s-troublesome-trio/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One of the best things about playing DC Universe Online, in my opinion, is the great deal of rich history there is for all the characters. There is also the fact that the iconic DC characters aren't just relegated to the shelves of your local comic book store. Even if you're not the biggest comic nerd on the face of the planet, you've undoubtedly seen at least a few of the iconic characters from the DC universe like Superman or Batman in cartoons on television or at the movies.

With Update 2 now live in DC Universe Online, three more names have joined the ever-growing list of in-game characters who have crossed from popular culture into the online world. The Penguin and Two-Face are busy scheming over the future of Gotham, while Mister Mxyzptlk has taken to the streets of Metropolis to play his strange tricks. This week, I thought it would be fun to look a little deeper into the origin stories of the troublesome trio, as the same popular culture that makes these three characters recognizable may also cause some confusion when you run up against the in-game versions -- and their current motives. I should also note, lest the continuity fiends jump on me for it, that these origins are sourced directly from the DC Universe site.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: A closer look at Update 2's troublesome trio

MassivelyAlter-Ego: A closer look at Update 2's troublesome trio originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egocomic-bookscomicscontinuitydc-universe-onlinedc-universe-online-legendsdcuodcuo-update-2featuredharvey-dentharvey-kentloreMister-Mxyzptlkmr-mxyzptlkmxyorigin-storiesoriginsoswald-cobblepotretconsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-penguintwo-faceupdate-2Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: The only way out is the way through]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/storyboard-the-only-way-out-is-the-way-through/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/storyboard-the-only-way-out-is-the-way-through/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/storyboard-the-only-way-out-is-the-way-through/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I had originally planned to use this week's column to talk about the ways you can develop a roleplaying storyline outside of sitting in your city of choice and chatting, but sometimes plans work out differently. In fact, that was exactly what inspired me to change topics -- sitting and chatting with the head of my linkshell in Final Fantasy XIV about how he'd realized after the fact that the character he created was unintentionally alienating him from RP and that he'd placed a distance between his character and the other members of the shell that wasn't doing him any favors.

We chatted about what he could do with the character to try to salvage him to avoid scrapping the character and starting over with a concept better-suited to what he wanted to do. But he's not alone in that position -- what if your character isn't working out after all, but for whatever reason it's not easy to just scrap the character and start over? I've talked a lot about how to prevent your character from going off the rails, but how do you get back on the rails when a restart isn't a good option?

Continue reading Storyboard: The only way out is the way through

MassivelyStoryboard: The only way out is the way through originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-buildingcharacter-eventscharacter-retconscharacter-storyeventsfeaturedin-game-eventsopinionretconroleplayingroleplaying-eventsrpsocialsocial-rpstoryboardFri, 19 Nov 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[Champions store getting new costumes, character slots and more ]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/champions-store-getting-new-costumes-character-slots-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/champions-store-getting-new-costumes-character-slots-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/champions-store-getting-new-costumes-character-slots-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,


New costume pieces, additional character slots, retcons and more are all being added to the Champions Online C-Store this Tuesday. Using this exchange rate chart for Cryptic Points the price of a full retcon is $12.50, which isn't too high considering that a retcon allows a player to completely remake a character from the ground up. Costume pieces seem to cost around three dollars, which seems pretty reasonable considering that the Cyborg Beast and Epic Samurai are both rather impressive looking at that price. Lastly, buying four additional character slots costs the most at 1200 points -- which looks to be about $15 or so.

Overall, the pricing is lower than what we expected for costumes. Sure, the points system isn't ideal but generally speaking there's not a lot to be overtly upset about here.

MassivelyChampions store getting new costumes, character slots and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataric-storechampionschampions-onlinecharacter-slotscostumecostume-piecescrypticcryptic-studiosmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsretconTue, 20 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions reverts item adjustments, fixes critters. Free retcon included]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/champions-reverts-item-adjustments-fixes-critters-free-retcon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/champions-reverts-item-adjustments-fixes-critters-free-retcon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/champions-reverts-item-adjustments-fixes-critters-free-retcon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Champions Online got an update today due to a couple of nagging issues from the previous patch. Particularly, maintain-powers on critters weren't operating properly - that is, "not operating properly" in the "grinding your hero's face into the dirt" kind of way.

Additionally, yesterday's patch kind of messed up item-changes as well. As a result all items level 11 or lower have been reverted to their previous state, because apparently the defense values of these items was unaccountably lower than they should have been.

Cryptic are handing around free retcons for every character created before 3AM Pacific, 22 September.

MassivelyChampions reverts item adjustments, fixes critters. Free retcon included originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugschampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiospatchesretconWed, 23 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online's Bill Roper talks retcons, powers and more part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/champions-onlines-bill-roper-talks-retcons-powers-and-more-par/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/champions-onlines-bill-roper-talks-retcons-powers-and-more-par/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/champions-onlines-bill-roper-talks-retcons-powers-and-more-par/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Continue reading Champions Online's Bill Roper talks retcons, powers and more part 2

MassivelyChampions Online's Bill Roper talks retcons, powers and more part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-roperblood-moonc-storechampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosinterviewretconMon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online's Bill Roper talks retcons, powers and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/champions-onlines-bill-roper-talks-retcons-powers-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/champions-onlines-bill-roper-talks-retcons-powers-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/champions-onlines-bill-roper-talks-retcons-powers-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We've been having a lot of fun with Champions Online here at Massively, but with the launch of any MMO there are always questions of how current issues will be handled and what's coming in the near future. So, we spoke with the game's Design Director Bill Roper on several subjects ranging from powers balancing to the upcoming free content update Blood Moon and the reinforcement system.

Continue reading Champions Online's Bill Roper talks retcons, powers and more

MassivelyChampions Online's Bill Roper talks retcons, powers and more originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-roperblood-moonchampions-onlinecombatcrypticcryptic-studiosdifficultyfeaturedpatchpatchesretconMon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get that free respec you've been dying for in Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/get-that-free-respec-youve-been-dying-for-in-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/get-that-free-respec-youve-been-dying-for-in-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/get-that-free-respec-youve-been-dying-for-in-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


One of the things the Champions Online community has been requesting feverishly is the use of a free respec to change their powers. Many recent changes to the monsters and power abilities in the game have left some characters unable to cope with combat. Today's patch was supposed to add in that free respec option, however something has gone wrong with the patch and the free power retcon was left out.

...Or was it?

Cryptic Daeke has just revealed via twitter that it's not impossible to get your character a free respec today! Visit the powerhouse, open up your retcon screen and type in "/character_usefreerespec" into the chat window, without quotes. A system message should appear and your retcon list will be wiped clean, allowing you to completely revitalize your character from the ground up. Enjoy your new power selection!

MassivelyGet that free respec you've been dying for in Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingchampions-onlinecryptic-daekecryptic-studiosdavid-bassfree-respecrespecretcontwitterThu, 10 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online deploys diverse patch, but free retcon delayed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/champions-online-deploys-diverse-patch-but-free-retcon-delayed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/champions-online-deploys-diverse-patch-but-free-retcon-delayed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/champions-online-deploys-diverse-patch-but-free-retcon-delayed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

New super-heroing MMOG, Champions Online, has deployed a sizeable patch early this-morning, though actual implementation of the patch took rather longer than anticipated.

The 185MB automatic patch covers everything from UI enhancements and graphics performance, to typos, missions and power-frameworks. Certainly a whole lot of nagging issues are addressed. As a result of the relatively extensive changes to powers, a full, free retcon was planned for characters created prior to 2009-09-10 08:30 UTC.

Rather less fortunately, the retcon apparently escaped this-morning's patch. Cryptic is hoping to get it in by tomorrow morning.

All in all, we count 158 other documented changes for your respective enjoyment or dismay. Read on for the full list ...

Continue reading Champions Online deploys diverse patch, but free retcon delayed

MassivelyChampions Online deploys diverse patch, but free retcon delayed originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinepatch-notespatchesrespecretconupdateThu, 10 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retcon changes in today's Champions Online patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/retcon-changes-in-todays-champions-online-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/retcon-changes-in-todays-champions-online-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/retcon-changes-in-todays-champions-online-patch/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Today brought a short emergency maintenance followed up by a small patch to Champions Online. It appears Cryptic held some discussion yesterday on what to do with the state of retcons for players affected by the much more significant launch day patch yesterday. Let's take a look at the results.

So here's the biggest improvement: Players can now Retcon as far back as they'd like regardless of level. There's been significant changes to the inner workings of the system, but for details on that we suggest you look for the official explanation.

Looking at the the cost of a full level 20 retcon, it still seems a little higher than it should be -- or is it? Unlike pretty much any other MMO, Champions Online doesn't restrict your ability selection based on a class. The problem Cryptic is facing is that if they allow for cheap 'n easy respecs, players may never want to roll a new character, which would kill the replay value of any MMO significantly coupled with the fact that you can also redesign your character as well. Retcon prices will probably still receive tweaks and changes, but when and to what extent is hard to say.

MassivelyRetcon changes in today's Champions Online patch originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarichampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdestroidemergency-maintenancepatchrespecretconWed, 02 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How much retcon is too much retcon?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/the-daily-grind-how-much-retcon-is-too-much-retcon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/the-daily-grind-how-much-retcon-is-too-much-retcon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/the-daily-grind-how-much-retcon-is-too-much-retcon/#commentsFiled under: ,


Things are changing in the MMO world. Back in the day, if you rolled a Druid in EverQuest that had all their points in Dexterity, you were stuck with it. You either re-rolled the character altogether, or you were always balancing buffs and looking for things to help increase your utility. And that wasn't even just in EverQuest - that was pretty much all of the early MMOs! Nowadays, if you don't like how your character looks in City of Heroes? Pop by and let the fashion designers make you over. Hate your initial traits from generation in EVE Online? Use your Neural Remap. Decided that fighting for the Alliance no longer does it for you in World of Warcraft? Change over to the Horde and Frost Shock people to death.

With all that said, how much change is too much? As someone with a role-player background, when I create a character, I generate them with a certain personality and story in mind. Some things would fit, like changing outfits or hair, sure. But changing races mid-run? That seems strange to me. And while I can totally understand changing sides, I still don't understand changing sides without learning the language of the other side like we used to in EverQuest. It kills the potential back-story fun you can have. (Turning traitor, anyone?) But perhaps I'm just an old pen & paper geek waving her cane around on the lawn again. As such, I come to you - how much retcon for characters is too much? Are we sacrificing story and role-play fun in pursuit of making games easier and easier and easier?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How much retcon is too much retcon? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardccpchange-your-characterchange-your-factioncity-of-heroescoheqeveeve-onlineeverquestncsoftretconsoesony-online-entertainmentworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 10 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel signs 10-year contract, sees an MMO in its future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/marvel-signs-10-year-contract-sees-an-mmo-in-its-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/marvel-signs-10-year-contract-sees-an-mmo-in-its-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/marvel-signs-10-year-contract-sees-an-mmo-in-its-future/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


After the deal with Cryptic and Microsoft fell through, we weren't too terribly sure we'd ever hear another peep out of Marvel insofar as getting a game into the MMO space. However, it would seem that they've given it some thought - or more likely, thought about all the money that's here to be made - and decided to proceed on getting their own MMO into the market anyway. According to a story from the Wall Street Journal, Marvel has signed a 10-year deal with Gazillion Entertainment (previously NR2B Research, per VentureBeat) that will encompass not only a Marvel Universe online game that will tie into a Cartoon Network series, but also a renewal of the Marvel Universe MMO project for PC and consoles with Gazillion's subsidiary, Gargantuan Studios.

Considering that Champions Online is in closed beta already, DC Universe Online is showing some pretty solid previews, and City of Heroes is still chugging along with a devoted player-base, it's going to be an uphill battle from the word go for this Marvel MMO. Sure, there will be comics loyalists who prefer the Marvel universe to the DC universe, but with four superhero MMOs to choose from? Everyone involved should remember that in MMOs, no amount of retconning will help a game that doesn't bring its best from the start.

[Via Joystiq]

MassivelyMarvel signs 10-year contract, sees an MMO in its future originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolecryptic-studiosgargantuan-studiosgazillion-entertainmentmarvelmarvel-universe-onlinemicrosoftmuonew-mmopcretconsuper-heroTue, 17 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retcons, non-combat and superpowered travelling in Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/retcons-non-combat-and-superpowered-travelling-in-champions-onl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/retcons-non-combat-and-superpowered-travelling-in-champions-onl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/retcons-non-combat-and-superpowered-travelling-in-champions-onl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The first Ask Cryptic for Champions Online in February spends a lot of time clearing up questions concerning travel powers, non-combat features and, well, even more non-combat features. Yeah, this set of questions definitely run the gamut -- but that's how we like 'em!

What caught our attention in this one was the reveal of respecs in the game or as Cryptic is calling them, "Retcons" It sounds like we may actually be able to get Retcons on specific power choices in Champions Online. Our reason for thinking this comes from the line saying, "Up to a certain level, retcons are fairly cheap, but the higher the level of your character, the more thorough the retcon, the more expensive." While this could simply be some miscommunication, it does sound like less thorough Retcons will be available to those looking for only a little take-back.

Additionally, there's a good amount of discussion on how physics and the balancing of travel powers in combat works as well. Mostly it's concerning the functionary bits on how it'll all work in the game come launch, but if you're interested in that you should definitely check this one out.

MassivelyRetcons, non-combat and superpowered travelling in Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticatarichampions-onlinecryptic-studiosnon-combatrespecretconretconstravel-powersTue, 03 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST