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[Get into the Neverwinter beta by pre-ordering Torchlight II]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/get-into-the-neverwinter-beta-by-pre-ordering-torchlight-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/get-into-the-neverwinter-beta-by-pre-ordering-torchlight-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/get-into-the-neverwinter-beta-by-pre-ordering-torchlight-ii/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Neverwinter
Synergy and cross-promotion are what make the corporate world go 'round, so try not to boggle too much as you read the following sentences. Perfect World and Runic Games have teamed up to give you a unique way to access the Neverwinter beta. All you need to do is to pre-order Torchlight II.

The closed beta access comes with a couple provisions. You'll have to specifically pre-order through Perfect World to get beta access, as a Steam pre-order won't reap the same results. Also, it's important to note that Runic Games says that the "exact date of [beta] access will vary."

Runic Games is a subsidiary of Perfect Worlds, which also owns Cryptic Studios.

We found ourselves incredibly impressed with Neverwinter after getting our hands on it at PAX East, so it's great to have a guaranteed path into the beta. Make sure to read up on our impressions of this upcoming title from Cryptic.

[Thanks to Jay for the tip!]

MassivelyGet into the Neverwinter beta by pre-ordering Torchlight II originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobetabeta-accesscross-promotioncrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfree-to-playneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpromotionpwerunic-gamessteamsynergytorchlight-2torchlight-iiFri, 27 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI Developer's Tour: The November version update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/final-fantasy-xi-developers-tour-the-november-version-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/final-fantasy-xi-developers-tour-the-november-version-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/final-fantasy-xi-developers-tour-the-november-version-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

There's a new version update out on the Vana'dielian streets, and that means we've journeyed to Jeuno to meet up with our super-seekret contacts at Square-Enix and talk shop on what's new in Final Fantasy XI.

This latest expansion pack, A Shantotto Ascension, comes bundled with the November version update, as is customary for the past few updates to the title. So, in addition to being able to pay 10 bucks to attempt to foil Professor Shantotto's aspirations of having her own empire, the game has been updated with a brand new crafting system called synergy, the new ability to add "slots" onto your items and upgrade them with evolith modifications, more job updates, and an improvement to the existing wedding system!

As you can see, it's a busy time in Vana'diel, and we got to jaunt around the world and find out more. So come along, follow in our adventurous footsteps, and find out what all the fuss is about!

Continue reading Final Fantasy XI Developer's Tour: The November version update

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI Developer's Tour: The November version update originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-shantotto-ascensioncraftingdev-tourdeveloper-tourevolithfeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xinovember-2009-version-updatesquare-enixsynergyTue, 29 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI finishes version update at long last]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/final-fantasy-xi-finishes-version-update-at-long-last/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/final-fantasy-xi-finishes-version-update-at-long-last/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/final-fantasy-xi-finishes-version-update-at-long-last/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The final part of Final Fantasy XI's now very inaccurately named November version update has finally gone live. As you may recall, when the content-laden update finally did go live, it was missing one of the larger new features promised, the evolith and synergy systems slated for inclusion. Square-Enix stated that they would be available in a subsequent patch after the middle of the month, which does mean that they're technically still on schedule. But why complain when there are new things to play around with? The important point is that while a little belated, the new systems are now available for everyone.

Final Fantasy XI has the full patch notes available, which offers further detail regarding the mechanics of synergy and a few new bits regarding evolith itself. There's a large listing of the exact commands used in this new form of crafting, which looks to be an entertainingly complex minigame with a bit more of a skill-based component than the game's usual crafting system. Read over the full notes, find some friends willing to stand next to a furnace that could explode at any minute, and reap the rewards of further customization in the game. Maybe complain a little about how long it took in the process, if you have to.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI finishes version update at long last originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingevolithffxifinal-fantasy-xigame-mechanicsnovember-2009-version-updatepatchessquaresquare-enixsynergyMon, 07 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Details on Final Fantasy XI's new Synergy system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/details-on-final-fantasy-xis-new-synergy-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/details-on-final-fantasy-xis-new-synergy-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/details-on-final-fantasy-xis-new-synergy-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We've been seeing a great deal of news and information coming out from Final Fantasy XI -- which probably means the end times are coming, but be that as it may. Just the other day we found out about the upcoming Evolith system, with its cryptic mentions of the integrated "synergy" system and a promise of more details shortly. Sure enough, we already have an idea of what synergy will look like when it drops alongside the rest of the filled-to-bursting November version update. And it promises to be quite a deviation from the status quo for crafting right away -- it's an art practiced not by one person, but by a full six-person party.

In keeping with the extant nature of Final Fantasy XI's crafting, synergy doesn't promise to be simple. A number of reagents and elemental energies are dumped into the pictured "synergy furnace," at which point the entire part must begin carefully modulating and controlling the flow of elements therein. Crystals can be used to help alter the elemental composition, but will not be absolutely necessary from the sound of things. A failed synthesis can cause the whole mess to blow up in your face -- literally -- while success yields both slotted items and "cinders" that can be turned in for equipment to help boost your skill at the craft. There's a lot to digest here, so take a look and get ready for the most mold-breaking crafting yet seen in FFXI.

MassivelyDetails on Final Fantasy XI's new Synergy system originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingffxifinal-fantasy-xigroupingnovember-2009-version-updatepatchesprofessionssquaresquare-enixsynergysynthesisFri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions creator confirms tabletop and MMO will develop simultaneously]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/champions-creator-confirms-tabletop-and-mmo-will-develop-simulta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/champions-creator-confirms-tabletop-and-mmo-will-develop-simulta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/champions-creator-confirms-tabletop-and-mmo-will-develop-simulta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In an interview with SuperheroFlix, Hero Games creator Steve Long talks about how the tabletop version of Champions will develop in tandem with Champions Online.

Long says that while Cryptic Studios is free to do whatever they want with the IP for the MMO, future sourcebooks will expand upon what Cryptic does. In fact, two of the upcoming books will feature content exclusively created by the MMO studio. What's more, there will be crossover content between the two games going forward into the future. One wonders if this sort of -- forgive us -- synergy will influence other projects. Like, just as an example ... Star Trek Online. Let's hope so, because if there's one franchise that could use a reboot, it's that one!

MassivelyChampions creator confirms tabletop and MMO will develop simultaneously originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecryptic-studioshero-gamessourcebooksstar-trek-onlinesteve-longsuperheroflixsynergyWed, 09 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST