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[One Shots: Luck be with you]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/one-shots-luck-be-with-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/one-shots-luck-be-with-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/one-shots-luck-be-with-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

For the last little while, players have been enjoying holiday content in Final Fantasy XIV while the development team has been working to improve the overall user experience. Meanwhile, today's One Shots contributor, Holden H., has been trying his best to capture a particular in-game scene to share with the rest of us. Triumphant, he sent this gorgeous vista in to us and writes:

"Holden H. is the name, Final Fantasy XIV is the game, and this is nothing more than a clear day out doors of Ul'dah. I stumbled up here in the middle of a sandstorm to talk to an NPC and when it was time to turn around and head home, the storm had cleared. I've been trying to take panoramic screenshots of the desert for a while now. The visual level I play at is good for short range but bad for taking pictures of long-distance visuals. As a result I have to log out, turn up the settings, and log back in. I haven't been having that much luck with it: Usually by the time I get back in game, the sun has set or a sandstorm rolls in. This time things worked out."

We're always looking for great screenshots for One Shots. Want to help us out? It's easy to do. Just email your image in to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here on Massively and give you the credit for sending it in.

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Luck be with you originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ff14ffxivfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivholden-hone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsSquare-EnixsqueenixTue, 05 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's guide to Valentine's Day festivities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/massivelys-guide-to-valentines-day-festivities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/massivelys-guide-to-valentines-day-festivities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/massivelys-guide-to-valentines-day-festivities/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ah spring! 'Tis the time when young men and women's thoughts turn to love -- or at least scoring some nifty holiday-themed loot! This year there's quite a bit going on. Some events are old familiar ones that have stood the test of time. Others offer new twists and things to do for those who have been there, done that. If you aren't feeling the love bug biting, there's even the odd anti-Valentine's-type event, perfect for those who would rather rain destruction down on the head of anyone foolish enough to approach him with anything heart-shaped or pink. Curious as to what's going on? Check out our listing below -- and feel free to chime in if you know of a fun event others should check out!

Rip out your Fallen Earth character's heart for Valentine's Day (February 11th-13th)
What's better than surviving a nuclear holocaust and wandering your way across a blasted brown landscape rife with societal collapse? Why, sharing said wanderings with someone you love, of course (or at least, someone you lust after in that we've-got-to-do-this-for-the-future-of-mankind sort of way). In a novel spin on the traditional mid-February holiday, Icarus Studios is presenting Fallen Earth's Valentine's Day Massacre event, and clones everywhere can literally offer their hearts as a sign of affection (and a +3 stamina buff).
Vindictus spreads the love with new update and holiday (February 1st-15th)
Quirky events have quickly become one of Vindictus' staples. Right now players can participate in V-Day events for special rewards. If fishing and chocolate hunting isn't your bag, you can simply purchase a Valentine's Package at the Supply Depot for "sexy Valentine's themed Inner Armor." Cute undies, in other words. Valentine's events will end after the 15th, so players are encouraged to partake sooner rather than regret it later.
Time for love in Final Fantasy XI (February 1st-15th)
Valentine's Day is almost here, that special time of year when you attempt to distill the essence of a romantic relationship into chocolate form. And if you were hoping to escape from the day within Vana'diel, your efforts are rather misdirected -- Valentione's Day coincides nicely with the holiday in the real world, with just as much saccharine summation of liaisons in Final Fantasy XI.

Continue reading Massively's guide to Valentine's Day festivities

MassivelyMassively's guide to Valentine's Day festivities originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionallodsallods-onlinecash-shopChangyouchangyou.comcity-of-heroesCity-of-Villainscomedycostumescovdc-universe-onlinedcuoEQ2eq2xeqiieverquest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedewok-love-festivalfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfefestivalffxifinal-fantasy-xiifrfree-realmsfree-to-playfungpotatoheartholidayholidaysicarus-studiosin-game-eventsncsoftnexonromancesoesony-online-entertainmentsquare-enixsqueenixstar-wars-clone-wars-adventuresstar-wars-galaxiesswgtlbbvalentinevalentines-dayvalentines-day-2011vindictusvirtual-worldFri, 11 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This week on The MMO Report]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/this-week-on-the-mmo-report/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/this-week-on-the-mmo-report/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/this-week-on-the-mmo-report/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This week on The MMO Report, Casey takes us on a free-for-all ride through the MMOGverse, scratches an itch in Uncle Casey's Mailbag, and shares a timely lesson just before World of Warcraft: Cataclysm launches. Listen and learn, for lo, there is wisdom to be had on this mythical (and not-so-mythical) topic.

This episode starts off with a look at All Points Bulletin, which has been pulled back from the grave by GamersFirst, and hopefully will get more of the features it was supposed to actually have when it launched. Moving on from there, Casey touches on the recent opening of Ministry of War as a browser-based MMORTS. Some of the staff here dig it, being a bunch of Civ fiends. Mind you, if we start seeing boob-infested flash ads for the game popping up everywhere, we're going to deny ever hearing its name.

In other snark news, Casey takes a look at the continuing saga of the Final Fantasy XIV free trial, which is being extended yet again in an attempt to keep fans happy. Looks like Square-Enix will have a title out for the holidays* -- which might be when this one actually becomes fully playable. Finally, the last bit of news wraps up with a mention of DC Universe Online's new trailer showing off a police station which is strangely devoid of donuts. Guess glazed pastries just don't mix with skin-tight spandex.

You can find this week's episode behind the cut and of course every week at G4TV.

* Note: 'Holiday' is used here to refer to any/all holidays in a given calendar year. Could be Christmas, could be Arbor Day. Who knows?

Continue reading This week on The MMO Report

MassivelyThis week on The MMO Report originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedcasey-schreinerdc-universe-onlinedcuoffxivfinal-fantasy-xivG4TVg4tv.comgamersfirstministry-of-warmmo-reportmmortsmownot-evonyopinionsnail-gamessnail-games-usasoesony-online-entertainmentsquare-enixsqueenixthe-mmo-reportFri, 19 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: It's dangerous to go alone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/one-shots-its-dangerous-to-go-alone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/one-shots-its-dangerous-to-go-alone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/one-shots-its-dangerous-to-go-alone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While One Shots is generally full of bright, vivid scenery, some folks find other vistas can catch their eyes and fire up the imagination. Today's murky, shadowy area was captured recently by a reader who likely felt the oncoming storm offered visual interest and mystery. This image comes to us from Gabe C. who stumbled across this scene in Final Fantasy XIV and writes in to tell us a bit more about it: "[I] had just logged on to do some levequests on my little Thaumaturge. When I got to the camp, I was stunned by the site of Ul'Dah in the distance during a sandstorm. Everything in this game continues to amaze me."

If you'd like to share your adventures from time to time, we're always looking for regular contributors! All you have to do is email a screenshot to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a note to tell us what's going on in the image. To become a regular submitter, just send your pics in every so often and keep us in the loop on what you're up to. We'll post your images out here on Massively and give you the credit for sending them in!

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

MassivelyOne Shots: It's dangerous to go alone originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffxivfinal-fantasy-xivgabe-cone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssquare-enixsqueenixthaumaturgeuldahFri, 05 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: A productive day]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/12/one-shots-a-productive-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/12/one-shots-a-productive-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/12/one-shots-a-productive-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sundays are great days for getting those real-life tradeskills leveled up -- as well as relaxing in various worlds! After all, there's something to be said for squeezing in a bit of fun during that inane laundry grind. Today, we offer up an adventurous screenshot from the Final Fantasy XIV beta, courtesy of Jon C., who writes in: "After a long day of exploring and harvesting trees I started marching my way back to Uldah so I could start crafting, when I ran into this great image of the city as the sun went down. I'm having a great time in beta counting down the days until release."

If you're taking part in a beta -- with the NDA down, mind you -- why not snap a screenshot and send it to us? We're always curious what players are excited about in terms of upcoming titles. All you have to do is email them to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here and give you the credit for sending it in.

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

MassivelyOne Shots: A productive day originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffxivffxiv-betafinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivjon-cone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssquare-enixsqueenixSun, 12 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: A starry night, kupo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/one-shots-a-starry-night-kupo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/one-shots-a-starry-night-kupo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/one-shots-a-starry-night-kupo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We're glad to see that players are taking us up on our invitation to show off worlds we don't often get to see here on One Shots. Yesterday we were treated to the bizarre fashion stylings of a flying ninja, and today we're given a look at nighttime in Final Fantasy XI. This star-filled screenshot comes to us from Focant, who writes in to tell us a bit more about this scene: Nighttime in Jugner Forest during the calm between Orc attacks on the outpost held by San d'Oria. The sky in the most recent expansion Wings of the Goddess is by far the most vibrant in the game to date. Rarely will you journey into the past and not be in awe at the beautiful land that also happens to host the bloody and horrendous Crystal War.

If you've spotted a screenshot here that showed off one of the cool aspects of a zone, but somehow missed another part you think is pretty cool too, why not send your own viewpoint in? We're always on the lookout for more screenshots - especially of games we don't see as often as we'd like. Just email them to us at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name and what game the image is from. We'll do the rest, and you'll get the credit!

Gallery: One Shots

MassivelyOne Shots: A starry night, kupo originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffxifinal-fantasy-xiFocantone-shotspcscreenshotscreenshotssquare-enixsqueenixWed, 01 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009: Massively's day 2 roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/e3-2009-massivelys-day-2-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/e3-2009-massivelys-day-2-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/e3-2009-massivelys-day-2-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


We thought the first day of E3 2009 turned out pretty well, with announcements for Star Wars: The Old Republic, Final Fantasy XIV, and All Points Bulletin. That's in addition to the packed interview schedule we lined up so we'll have plenty more to show you in the coming days. While the Massively team frantically taps their fingertips down into little bloody tater tots to bring you more fresh E3 goodness, have a look at some highlights of what day 2 of E3 2009 brought in MMO news.

Want to see more? We've got E3 galleries to flip through for these titles and events after the jump.

Continue reading E3 2009: Massively's day 2 roundup

MassivelyE3 2009: Massively's day 2 roundup originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009eventsfantasyfinal-fantasy-xivfree-realmsglobal-agendaguiness-world-recordshi-rez-studiosmassively-event-coveragemmofpsroundupsci-fisoesony-online-entertainmentspysquare-enixsqueenixthe-agencythe-daresThu, 04 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square-Enix security tokens on sale Tuesday!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/05/square-enix-security-tokens-on-sale-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/05/square-enix-security-tokens-on-sale-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/05/square-enix-security-tokens-on-sale-tuesday/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you've been waiting to get your hands on one of those Square Enix authenticator tokens to keep your Final Fantasy XI account safe and sound, then you're in for some great news. Square Enix has announced that they will start selling their security tokens on Tuesday, April 7th in Japan, North America and Europe. These new tokens will cost $9.99 US and will be available for purchase through the PlayOnline viewer.

Also, if you opt to pick up one of the security tokens, you'll get a special in-game bonus item called "The Mog Satchel." Apparently this nifty new item will grant you additional inventory space equal to a character's Gobbiebag capacity - up to 60 slots! Additionally, it will "benefit all characters on the PlayOnline account(s)". Now as to whether that means shared communal space between all the characters or just the ability to have one on each character, they didn't explain. Square Enix did note that the bag would be able to be accessed from anywhere; the Mog House or while out running around adventuring. For $10 to ensure your account's security and to score up to an additional 60 inventory slots? We know we'll be making that investment, kupo.

MassivelySquare-Enix security tokens on sale Tuesday! originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffxifinal-fantasy-xikupomog-satchelplayonlinesecurity-tokensquare-enixsqueenixSun, 05 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA["Return Home to Vana'diel" is back, and Squeenix hopes you will be too]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/return-home-to-vanadiel-is-back-and-squeenix-hopes-you-will/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/return-home-to-vanadiel-is-back-and-squeenix-hopes-you-will/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/return-home-to-vanadiel-is-back-and-squeenix-hopes-you-will/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The last "Return Home to Vana'diel" campaign ended in February this year, making the decision of whether to return to Final Fantasy XI a lot easier. Now, Square Enix is running the promotion again, giving former players the chance to restore their characters and making that decision a little less clear-cut. The campaign officially kicks off at midnight on Thursday, the 18th of December, and ends at 1am on April 15th. After that point, you'll be stuck with two choices: waiting for the chance of another campaign, or starting from scratch if you wish to resubscribe.

To sweeten the deal, re-subscribers will be able to obtain an Anniversary Ring which provides a 100% experience bonus. However, there are a couple of eligibility requirements:

- Characters who did not receive an Anniversary Ring during the Adventurer Appreciation Campaign in May 2008.
- Characters who were created before Wednesday, May 28, 2008 and have logged into the game at least once since then.

*Note: Characters meeting the above requirements are able to receive an Anniversary Ring even without participating in the Return Home to Vana'diel Campaign.

That's right -- if you're already a subscriber and don't have an Anniversary Ring, this will be your chance to pick one up as well (this offer also ends on April 15th). Be warned though that deleting your current ring doesn't mean you can get another one.

This is a great opportunity to get back into FFXI, and we can't deny that there's a lot going on in the game right now -- but such a campaign would not be necessary if characters weren't deleted after 3 months. Is such a practice acceptable for today's MMOs?

Massively"Return Home to Vana'diel" is back, and Squeenix hopes you will be too originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversary-ringffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-ximembershipreturn-home-to-vanadielsquare-enixsqueenixsubscriptionsvanadielSat, 13 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI to receive mentoring-esque Level Sync system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/final-fantasy-xi-announces-mentoring-esque-level-sync-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/final-fantasy-xi-announces-mentoring-esque-level-sync-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/final-fantasy-xi-announces-mentoring-esque-level-sync-system/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Square-Enix is taking another step towards making Final Fantasy XI a little bit more playable for the masses by implementing what it calls the "Level Sync" system. The feature resembles the mentoring systems found in EverQuest II or Age of Conan in that it allows higher level players to drop down to friends' levels and adventure with them while gaining experience.

In its announcement of this feature, Square-Enix went out of its way to emphasize that it has built in the system safeguards against abuse by powerlevelers and gold farmers. There are also some reasonable limitations intended to keep the game streamlined, fun, and balanced. For example, equipment-based stat bonuses will scale down with each level a player drops.

There are explicit details at the official Final Fantasy XI website about how experience gains and equipment scale. We approve of this addition (as if you needed us to); in fact, we wonder why certain other games still don't have it. Being able to play with friends regardless of their time commitment and experience is a big positive, and we can't even think of a substantial drawback.

[Via Allakhazam]

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI to receive mentoring-esque Level Sync system originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conaneverquest-2everquest-iifeatureff11ffxifinal-fantasy-xilevel-syncmentormentoringplay-onlinesquare-enixsqueenixWed, 27 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FFXI's September update will add new relic gear sets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/ffxis-september-update-will-add-new-relic-gear-sets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/ffxis-september-update-will-add-new-relic-gear-sets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/ffxis-september-update-will-add-new-relic-gear-sets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Square-Enix announced that the September update to Final Fantasy XI will add the relic gear sets for the Blue Mage, Corsair, and Puppetmaster jobs. The FFXI team considered adding new content that would lead to the gear. However, the team finally decided to do it the old way. That means Blue Mages, Corsairs, and Puppetmasters will be working Dynamis and Limbus like everyone else.

Drop rates and entry item costs for those two areas have been altered to make everything nice and smooth for all the folks who will be working at acquiring this new gear. Yeah, we know that's vague! But Square-Enix didn't say anything specific about the drop rate changes.

It did, on the other hand, specify that the Timeless Hourglass entry item will drop in cost from 1,000,000 gil to 500,00, and the Cosmo-Cleanse will drop from 30,000 to 15,000. That's half off! Nice.

[Via WarCry]

MassivelyFFXI's September update will add new relic gear sets originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-magecorsaircosmo-cleansedynamisffxifinal-fantasy-xigearjobslimbuspatchpuppetmasterrelicrelic-gearseseptembersetssquare-enixsqueenixtimeless-hourglassupdateTue, 05 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST