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[Dragonica's New Origin expansion launches today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/dragonicas-new-origin-expansion-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/dragonicas-new-origin-expansion-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/dragonicas-new-origin-expansion-launches-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Dragonica - screenshot
Today's a big day for Dragonica fans, as the two-year-old title is gearing up to launch its New Origin - Rise of the Drakan expansion this afternoon. A new press release from Gala Networks Europe tells us that the patch is the biggest in the game's history and includes a new race, new dungeons, new mounts, a fellowship party system, and a level cap increase.

As the title suggests, the new race is the Drakan, and it's unlocked once players reach level 20. There are two new Drakan classes, the Amazonian and the Shaman, and both of them are playable to the new level cap (80).

Once you've obtained your spiffy new Drakan warrior and explored the new Drakan town of Kareuza, you'll probably want to partake of the game's new dungeon system. Parties are now able to brave the depths of Dragonica's dungeons with eight players (up from the previous four), and the expansion introduces a couple of new instances in the form of the Akia Cave and Black Claw Nest. More info is available on the game's official website.

[Source: Gala Networks Europe press release]

MassivelyDragonica's New Origin expansion launches today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akia-caveamazonianblack-claw-nestdragonicadrakandungeondungeonsexpansionf2pfantasyfellowship-systemfree-to-playgala-networksgala-networks-europegpotatogroupinglevel-cap-increasenew-mountsnew-origin-expansionnew-racepatchespress-releaseshamanTue, 20 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragonica New Origin expansion coming September 20th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/dragonica-new-origin-expansion-coming-september-20th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/dragonica-new-origin-expansion-coming-september-20th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/dragonica-new-origin-expansion-coming-september-20th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Dragonica - Flying mount
Dragonica is getting a new expansion, and the latest gPotato press release calls it the game's largest content update yet. September 20th is the big day, and the appropriately titled New Origin patch will feature new classes, new riding pets, a level cap increase (to 80), and new video resolution options.

New dungeons are coming too, in the form of level 45 and 75 instances. Some of the old world maps have been redrawn as well, and gPotato says the redesign "[gives] the game a new and improved feel." The new classes take the form of the Shaman and the Amazonian, and there's also a new, as-yet unnamed race in the works.

Finally, we've gotten our claws on the New Origin teaser trailer, and if you're in the mood for some CG, cute mounts, and fire-breathing dragons, you'll find all of that and more after the cut.

[Source: gPotato press release]

Continue reading Dragonica New Origin expansion coming September 20th

MassivelyDragonica New Origin expansion coming September 20th originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonianclassesdragonicadungeonsf2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgpotatonew-classesnew-originnew-origin-expansionnew-racepetsshamanTue, 13 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Combat, casuals, and birthday cake]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/the-anvil-of-crom-combat-casuals-and-birthday-cake/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/the-anvil-of-crom-combat-casuals-and-birthday-cake/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/the-anvil-of-crom-combat-casuals-and-birthday-cake/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

So I've got a week's worth of healing under my belt, or more accurately, a week's worth of playing a healer class. Suffice it to say that I'm in uncharted territory here, despite the fact that I rolled through the familiar environs of Tortage and the semi-familiar environs of the Wild Lands this past week.

Along the way, I met with a handful of friendly Massively readers, took a bunch of purty screenshots, and generally had a swell time. In a little over 15 hours of play, I managed to get my Bear Shaman to 30 and came away with a fairly solid understanding of the class's utility in low-level PvE. I also got reacquainted with Age of Conan's melee combat system, which, depending on your perspective, either makes Funcom's MMO the best thing on the market or one to avoid at all costs.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Combat, casuals, and birthday cake

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Combat, casuals, and birthday cake originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conan-choose-my-adventureanvil-of-cromaocaoc-choose-my-adventureaoc-cmabear-shamanbscasualchoose-my-adventureclassesdemonologistfantasyfeaturedfuncomhardcoreoakarmopinionshamanshammythe-anvil-of-cromSun, 27 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Zero-sum game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-zero-sum-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-zero-sum-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-zero-sum-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ever since I started following RIFT, I've been entranced by the wide-open -- but not limitless -- class system. After all, the virtual world and everything populating it is only half the game; the other half resides in the avatar that sticks with you while you explore it all. Many MMOs have interesting ways of letting you build and grow your character, but sooner or later they come to a point where there's little more to be done other than incrementally increasing your stats by gaining better gear.

Not so with RIFT, as even a level 50 can drop a few coins to shape a completely new build from scratch. No longer are we bound to a rigidly defined creation; we are free to experiment, tinker, and try out these roles to our hearts' content.

With RIFT's soul system, there are a few ground rules that everyone learns early in the game. You can have up to three souls in your archetype active at any one time; you can only spend as many points in a build as you have in levels (such as 10 points at level 10); and you'll end up with 66 points at level 50, which means that you'll at least dabble in a second soul tree with every build. And while you can certainly spread soul points across all three trees, today I wanted to look at the benefits of a zero-point soul, the "third wheel," if you will, of builds.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Zero-sum game

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Zero-sum game originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archonassassinbardbeastmasterbladedancerbuildbuildschampionchloromancerclassclass-buildsclassesclericdominatordruiddungeons-and-dragonselemental-summonerenter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedhealinghealsjusticarmagemagic-the-gatheringnecromancerpaladinpetpetspurifierrangerreaverriftriftbladeriftstalkerroguesaboteursentinelshamanshieldssoulsoul-buildsoul-talent-treesoul-treesoul-treessoulssplashsplash-soultalent-treestalentsvoid-knightwardenwarlockwarlordwarriorzero-point-soulWed, 16 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rift classes and capital city detailed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/rift-classes-and-capital-city-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/rift-classes-and-capital-city-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/rift-classes-and-capital-city-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

As if a bunch of free beta keys weren't enough, Massively is proud to present even more goodies from Trion Worlds' upcoming Rift MMORPG. This time we have a detailed look at the lore behind the Guardian capital city of Sanctum, a new video of the city, and a ton of screenshots related to the Archon, Paragon, Shaman, and Riftstalker classes.

Archons are support specialists who steal their opponents' strength and convert that raw energy into beneficial magic. These mages bolster their allies and unleash potent kinetic blasts, quickly turning the tide of battle. The Paragon wields two weapons to perfection, devastating his enemies. Paragons specialize in dealing consistent damage, and can also hit their enemies from range.

The Riftstalker is a defensive specialist who bends the planes to enhance her constitution and shift in and out of the physical dimension. These highly skilled and survivable combatants keep their opponents' focus while easily evading incoming blows. Finally, the Shaman binds the power of the icy north to her very being, wreathing herself in pure elemental force. This power augments a Shaman's attacks, making her a powerful melee combatant, and provides shields and reactive healing

Hit the jump for the lore and video.

Gallery: RIFT: Classes & Races

Continue reading Rift classes and capital city detailed

MassivelyRift classes and capital city detailed originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archonclassesgalleriesgalleryguardianparagonriftrift-planes-of-telarariftstalkersanctumscreenshotsshamantrailerstriontrion-world-networktrion-worldsvideoMon, 22 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rift gets new website, videos detail nightblade and shaman soul trees]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/04/rift-gets-new-website-videos-detail-nightblade-and-shaman-soul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/04/rift-gets-new-website-videos-detail-nightblade-and-shaman-soul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/04/rift-gets-new-website-videos-detail-nightblade-and-shaman-soul/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Rift: Planes of Telara made its presence felt at Gamescom 2010, and the folks over at RiftNexus.com have captured a couple of the noteworthy reveals on video. Both the shaman and nightblade soul trees were detailed at the event, and, for those new to the world of Telara, souls represent the game's answer to traditional MMORPG classes, albeit with several unique twists.

Trion showed off the shaman's skill tree, and the melee cleric is stocked with abilities including the requisite heals and attacks. The shaman soul also appears to have some debuffing capability, as evidenced by the Vengeance of the Frozen ability that reduces both the strength and the dexterity of a given target. RiftNexus also brings us a brief video of the nightblade's skill tree, and it's clear this particular soul owes much to the classic rogue archetype. You can view both videos after the cut or on RiftNexus.com

The Rift: Planes of Telara team has also been busy outside of the convention circuit, as a revamped website made its debut this week. Check it out for more information on the classes, world lore, and more.

[Thanks to Brennan for the website tip!]

Continue reading Rift gets new website, videos detail nightblade and shaman soul trees

MassivelyRift gets new website, videos detail nightblade and shaman soul trees originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescom-2010new-websitenightbladeriftrift-nexusrift-planes-of-telarashamansoul-treetriontrion-world-networktrion-worldsvideowebsiteSat, 04 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A roundup of World of Warcraft's major class changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/a-roundup-of-world-of-warcrafts-major-class-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/a-roundup-of-world-of-warcrafts-major-class-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/a-roundup-of-world-of-warcrafts-major-class-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Love it or hate it, World of Warcraft is the 900-pound gorilla of the MMO market at the moment. Nearly everyone who games online has at least tried it, and even those of us who play other games very possibly still play it as an old standby. So it's hard to miss the news about the newest expansion, Cataclysm, which is poised to remake the world in many ways. It's also home to an ambitious series of overhauls to classes and their talent structure, with far-reaching changes for every class in the game.

Our sister site, WoW.com, has been keeping abreast of the development team's slow roll of new information about each class, with every class but Paladins having their upcoming changes previewed. (Paladins are due out on the 16th, due to being "deep in development.") They've also gone through an in-depth analysis of each different set of changes, from the good to the bad. So if you've played the game at all -- and the odds are you have -- take a look past the break for a quick version of everything coming when World of Warcraft brings down the end of the world.

Continue reading A roundup of World of Warcraft's major class changes

MassivelyA roundup of World of Warcraft's major class changes originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzard-entertainmentcataclysmclass-changesclassesdeath-knightdruidexpansionshuntermagepriestrogueshamanwarlockwarriorworld-of-warcraftwowwow-cataclysmSat, 10 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The spellcasters of Ether Saga Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/the-spellcasters-of-ether-saga-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/the-spellcasters-of-ether-saga-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/the-spellcasters-of-ether-saga-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


In a recent dev journal at MMORPG.com, the magic classes of the Free-2-Play Ether Saga Online are explained in greater detail for those players who may want more from their casters. Although there are six classes available to the three races in the game, this dev blog focuses on the Conjurer, the Mystic and the Shaman.

According to this journal, the Mystic is the healing class of the three, depending more on defensive magic for beneficial buffs or debuffs. The Conjurer is the damage-dealing magic-user, using offensive and manipulation magic to cause the most damage to their enemies. The Shaman is considered the hybrid class of Ether Saga Online, functioning both as a spellcaster and a tank. If you'd be interested in learning more about these classes, check out the dev journal for a complete description of each.

MassivelyThe spellcasters of Ether Saga Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesconjurerether-saga-onlinemagemagic-usermysticshamanspellcasterMon, 13 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Gone fishin']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/one-shots-gone-fishin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/one-shots-gone-fishin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/one-shots-gone-fishin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Recently, I asked about the idea of logging out somewhere special in an MMO before you cancel your subscription. While many people felt that there really wasn't much point since you can always reactivate later, some still choose to take that option, perhaps for RP reasons. Today's One Shots is one such sign-off moment from World of Warcraft, sent in to us by Kilawhar. He took the option to wax a bit about this particular image, so like the Darkfall One Shots earlier, I'm going to post the entirety of the note with more behind the break. If you've got a great image with a story to tell about your MMO experiences, feel free to send it to me at oneshots [at] massively [dot] com along with your name, and the game it's from! That said, on with Kilawhar's tale!

I took this screen shot the last time I was logged into World of Warcraft before letting my account expire. I have been playing since shortly after launch, and for many years have been the guild leader of a group of truly wonderful individuals. My obsession with fishing in the game was well known among the guild (I spent days and days of time trying to catch Mr. Pinchy, and I finally caught him only a week before Wrath came out), and I thought it was only appropriate that my character end the game doing what he did best (you don't get the "Salty" title for being a fishing novice, I can tell you).

Gallery: One Shots

Continue reading One Shots: Gone fishin'

MassivelyOne Shots: Gone fishin' originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardfishingkilawharone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsshamantanarisworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 06 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Healing careers for Destruction]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-healing-careers-for-destru/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-healing-careers-for-destru/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/massively-goes-to-war-an-overview-of-healing-careers-for-destru/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


If you're a planning on being a Destruction player in Warhammer Online and want to focus on healing, consider yourself covered. For starters, don't worry about being a heal-bot, this game probably has some of the most damage capable healers in an MMO that we've seen to date. That's not to say a healer can out-damage a DPS class, instead they're simply deft at dealing with combat on their own terms. For example: whether you enjoy keeping some distance from combat while supporting allies or prefer to get down and dirty, your needs will be met. It's indeed a diverse healing world in Warhammer Online and we've got it all mapped out for you.

Continue reading Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Healing careers for Destruction

MassivelyMassively goes to WAR: An overview of Healing careers for Destruction originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chaosdark-elvesdestructiondisciple-of-khainefeaturedgorkgreenskinsjoystiqfeatureskhainemorkmythicmythic-entertainmentraven-lordshamantzeentchwarwarhammer-onlinezealotTue, 19 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Best news from WWI?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/the-daily-grind-best-news-from-wwi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/the-daily-grind-best-news-from-wwi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/the-daily-grind-best-news-from-wwi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Blizzard's Worldwide Invitational just wrapped up, and aside from the highly anticipated announcement about Diablo III, there were also a huge amount of changes announced for World of Warcraft. From Shamans getting the ability to have their totems cover the entire raid as opposed to just their party, to the confirmation that you will be able to make a Death Knight of every playable race. Many players are buzzing about the upcoming changes.

This morning we thought we'd ask you what you thought the most interesting World of Warcraft news was from the Paris Worldwide Invitational? This blogger thinks that her favorite thing (aside from Diablo III, which really isn't WoW news) is the unveiling of the Blizzard authenticator encryption keychain. It will be interesting to see if other MMOG companies follow this step or not.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Best news from WWI? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-securityblizzardblizzard-authenticatordeath-knightdeath-knightsencryptionshamantdgthe-daily-grindtotemworld-of-warcraftwowwwi08Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes to WAR: Wrap-up]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/massively-goes-to-war-wrap-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/massively-goes-to-war-wrap-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/massively-goes-to-war-wrap-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

All week long, Massively.com has been offering up feature after feature on EA Mythic's in-development MMO, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. The Massively goes to WAR feature series has taken you front to back through almost every moment of our time at Mythic's Virginia headquarters. To wrap it all up, we've got a handy-dandy clickable guide to the series. Whether you're into hardcore PvP, dungeon delving, crafting, or are a total MMO newb, we've got you covered. Click on through, and explore the world of Warhammer.

Gallery: Warhammer Online

Continue reading Massively goes to WAR: Wrap-up

MassivelyMassively goes to WAR: Wrap-up originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesdan-enrightea-mythicfeaturedguildsjoystiqfeatureskeepsmassively-goes-to-warpvprvrscenariosshamansiegestome-of-knowledgewarwarhammer-onlineFri, 06 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[From Tabletop to Desktop: WAR's Destruction careers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/from-tabletop-to-desktop-wars-destruction-careers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/from-tabletop-to-desktop-wars-destruction-careers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/from-tabletop-to-desktop-wars-destruction-careers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


With the announcement of the White Lion as the final career in Warhammer Online, we finally have a good idea of what the class dynamics will be in the long-anticipated MMO from Mythic. Obviously, the specifics of each aren't set in stone, as some classes don't even have their masteries announced yet, but one finally gets the sense that it's all starting to come together. With this is mind, we've put together an overview of the game's classes, including a comparison to their tabletop equivalents, to give you a better idea of what you've got to look forward to with the upcoming open beta. In the first part of this feature, we take a look at the careers on the side of Destruction.

And if you like what you what you see here, make sure to check out our on-going Massively goes to WAR features!

From Tabletop to Desktop: WAR's Destruction careers >>>>>

Gallery: WAR Careers - From Tabletop to Desktop - Destruction

Black OrcBlack OrcDark Elf Black GuardBlack GuardChaos Chosen

MassivelyFrom Tabletop to Desktop: WAR's Destruction careers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-guardblack-orcchaoschoppachosenclassesdark-elvesdestructiondisciple-of-khaineea-mythicfeaturedgreenskinmagusmaraudermythicshamansorceresssquig-herdertabletopwarwarhammer-onlinewitch-elfzealotTue, 03 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanguard Game Update 4 preview shows new flying mounts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/vanguard-game-update-4-preview-shows-new-flying-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/vanguard-game-update-4-preview-shows-new-flying-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/vanguard-game-update-4-preview-shows-new-flying-mounts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The next Vanguard content patch, Game Update 4, has now had it's features listed. Headlining the preview over at VGPlayers is the addition of flying mounts, and we get to see what they look like (that spiffy griffon pictured above, if you didn't guess). Also mention in the preview is the introduction of visible helmets -- while it's nice to see them in the game at last, it's hard to be too thrilled with visible helmets being a big feature in a patch for a game that's been out this long. GU4 will bring Veteran Rewards for older accounts to Vanguard as well, similar to what we have already in EverQuest II.

Over at the forums, there is an extensive list of the other things that GU4 will bring. Notable among these is a new overland raid target, Fengrot Foulbreath (designed for 18 well-geared high level players) and updates to the Druid, Necromancer, Shaman and Dread Knight classes. If you want to try out all the updates, the whole lot is already in place on the Test Server, so you can take to the skies with your fancy new helmet right now. We have the full list of changes for the patch posted after the break for your perusing.

Continue reading Vanguard Game Update 4 preview shows new flying mounts

MassivelyVanguard Game Update 4 preview shows new flying mounts originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingdread-knightdruidflying-mountgame-update-4griffon-mountgu4helmetnecromancershamanveteran-rewardsvisible-helmetFri, 22 Feb 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EU LotRO dev chat predicts infamous Shaman fishing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/eu-lotro-dev-chat-predicts-infamous-shaman-fishing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/eu-lotro-dev-chat-predicts-infamous-shaman-fishing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/eu-lotro-dev-chat-predicts-infamous-shaman-fishing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

German Lord of the RIngs Online site Lotro-welten hosted its monthly dev chat with LotRO devs and community managers. Many of the questions for this dev chat focused on the new public PvMP dungeon, the Delving of Frór and the changes to the Creeps system. But most were requests for features that the devs didn't have any immediate plans to implement (translation: you no get!)

One participant complained that many questions were asked covering information that has already been announced. The devs explained that not all players read patch notes, etc. and the dev chats are another way to get information out to the public. So be prepared for a certain amount of repetition.

That being said, there was little new information to be gleaned. The few nuggets we found are:
  • The Hobbies system will be introduced in Book 13 with the long requested Fishing ability. More Hobbies are planned in the future.
  • A Shaman PvMP class is in the works for Book 13. That may not be the final name of the class, but the basic skills and abilities are in place.
  • Monster play Infamy/Reknown costs will be lowered considerably in Book 12 to allow players to level faster in PvMP.
A full transcript of the chat can be found on Lotro-welten's site.

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Book 12 Gallery

Elrond of Rivendell

MassivelyEU LotRO dev chat predicts infamous Shaman fishing originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>book-12book-13codemastercreepsdelving-of-frordev-chatfishinghobbiesinfamylotrolotro-weltenreknownshamanturbineSun, 03 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mr. T and William Shatner appear in WoW commercials [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/mr-t-and-william-shatner-appear-in-wow-commercials/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/mr-t-and-william-shatner-appear-in-wow-commercials/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/mr-t-and-william-shatner-appear-in-wow-commercials/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


William Shatner and Mr. T are appearing in two new World of Warcraft TV commercials. All Blizzard needs is the Hoff and it'll have the holy trinity of cheese!

This is without a doubt one of the most awesome things we've yet reported. Mr. T talks about his "Night Elf Mohawk." William Shatner players a Shaman and wears a goofy looking robe. It's exactly as funny as you'd expect, and it will be broadcast nationally soon. Blizzard announced that Verne Troyer -- aka "Minime" -- will be recording a commercial as well.

World of Warcraft players have already been littering guild chat with "I pity the fool who specs survival on his Hunter!" and taking screenshots of their characters screaming "KHAAAAAAN!" at the sky. So it goes without saying that these commercials will probably go over quite well.

[EDIT: We have the videos here for your viewing pleasure! Shatner is above, and Mr. T is just behind the jump.]

Continue reading Mr. T and William Shatner appear in WoW commercials [Updated]

MassivelyMr. T and William Shatner appear in WoW commercials [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The beta may be closed now, but we were lucky enough to get our mitts on Warhammer Online at EA's booth at E for All recently. We were only able to access lowbie characters and starting area content, so unfortunately weren't able to experience some of the juicier RvR content that awaits characters later in the game -- but a few hours' worth of exploring several zones and spending some time with a handful of Warhammer's 24 careers left us pretty excited to see what else is in store when this launches.

Initial impression: the game looks gorgeous. The environments are lush, detailed, compelling, immersive. The art style is unique -- not as "cartoonish" as WoW but not photo-realistic either... unique. The combat animations are dynamic and diverse for characters and NPCs alike. The several zones we saw were populated with a diverse assortment of nasties to beat on, interesting landmarks and scenery, and a general feeling that there's a lot of action going on around you -- there's a huge war on, and Warhammer manages to convey a sense of generalized anxiety and excitement that makes it difficult to forget that you're in this world with one primary duty: to smash faces.

Gallery: Warhammer Online: E for All 2007

Continue reading Warhammer Online hands-on

MassivelyWarhammer Online hands-on originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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News

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  • Is Blizzard exploiting WoW players?
    Is Blizzard doing something unethical by producing and selling World of Warcraft? Rather than just the ol' "MMO games are too addictive" angle, an article in Australia's The Age (seriously, it's always the Aussies) has a new twist: game companies like Blizzard are actually "exploiting" their own players by implementing a reward system that keeps people playing.
  • Draenei skin, or seeing Azeroth through all five senses
    I love the question that juliamarcela over on Livejournal asks: What does Draenei skin feel like? Sure, they're probably not scaly or slimy, but it probably feels different than most skin we know.

MassivelyToday in Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Oct 2007 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardbrewfestbrewfest-wowdraeneihealershealingMMOspatch-2.2.3patchesshamanspell-damagewarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 04 Oct 2007 16:05:00 EST