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 Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-game-archaeologist-when-dead-mmos-come-back-to-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-game-archaeologist-when-dead-mmos-come-back-to-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-game-archaeologist-when-dead-mmos-come-back-to-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hellgate Tokyo
Maybe I'm alone in this, but my jaw just dropped when I came home this past week to see that Massively posted the news that Shadowbane is coming back to life. Granted, it's only going to happen in China, but still, that's pretty incredible. Shadowbane's been in the ground for three years now, and if I had to pick an MMO that deserved resurrection, this particular one would be farthest from my mind (no offense if you liked the game; it's just that there are so many others that are even more worthy).

But how can this not give you hope? Many of us have lost an MMO we loved or at least had a decked-out character populating the character select screen, and the thought of that game coming back against all odds is a goosebump-rising one. It may also smack of justice served, as some MMOs fail not because of faulty gameplay but because of mismanagement by the studio, complex legal wrangling, or bad marketing.

Today let's look at a few examples of dead MMOs that were brought back to life and what this may mean for the future of the industry. Zombie MMOs! Not, you know, MMOs with zombies.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrchangyouclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicsclone-wars-adventurescrimediablodiablo-clonef2pfallen-earthfantasyfaxion-onlinefeaturedflagshipfree-realmsfree-to-playfrogsterg1galaxiesgame-archaelogistgamersfirsthanbitsofthellgatehellgate-globalhellgate-londonhellgate-tokyojohn-smedleylego-universemythosmythos-europemythos-globalnostalgiaopinionPirates-of-the-Burning-Seapvprebootredbanaresurrectionrevivalsandboxsci-fishadowbanesoesony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgswgot3t3funtabula-rasathe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlinevanguardzombie-mmozombiesTue, 01 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Is maintenance mode better than nothing at all?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/the-daily-grind-is-maintenance-mode-better-than-nothing-at-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/the-daily-grind-is-maintenance-mode-better-than-nothing-at-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/the-daily-grind-is-maintenance-mode-better-than-nothing-at-all/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Vanguard
In the last few years, long before rumors that Vanguard would be heading down the F2P path were confirmed, players groused about the state of the game, complaining that SOE was allowing the game to languish with no devs and no updates. Those were exaggerations, of course, but the players were vocal about their perceived neglect, throwing around dirty words like "abandonware," and worse, "maintenance mode" -- the idea that an MMO is just kept as is with no updates and only enough attention to keep the servers running.

Of course, players whose games were sunsetted entirely (Tabula Rasa, Asheron's Call 2, and The Matrix Online, to name a few) might have wished for maintenance mode rather than death. Getting no updates might suck, but at least you still have a game to play.

What say you -- is maintenance mode better than nothing at all?

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: Is maintenance mode better than nothing at all? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abandonwareac2asherons-call-2brianna-royce-tdgdaily-grindmaintenance-modeopinionsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentsunsettabula-rasatdgthe-daily-grindthe-matrix-onlineTRvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesMon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist seals up 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
You know what I love about the end of each year? The lists. Man, but I'm a sucker for lists, especially when they come in "best of" varieties. In the lull between Christmas and New Year's, there typically isn't a lot happening in the world of entertainment, so it's a good time to look back before we head forward.

And so it is for The Game Archaeologist. 2011 marks the second year I've been doing this column, and it's been one of my personal favorite series to write. Every week I'm learning more and more about the history of the MMO genre, and I'm encouraged to see just how much passion and interest there are for the titles that started it all and got us to where we are today.

So before we head into 2012, let's take one last glimpse back at the road we've traveled. If you've missed out on any of these columns or want to revisit your favorite classic MMO, I've compiled a huge list of everything I talked about this year, from histories to interviews to player stories. There's also a special request for you (yes, you) at the end of this column, so do me a favor and hit that jump!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist seals up 2011

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist seals up 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011a-tale-in-the-desertac2Andrew-Tepperasherons-callasherons-call-2Ben-Chamberlainbrian-greenclimaxdark-age-of-cameloteaearth-and-beyondeqEric-Heimburgeverquestfeaturedimperator-onlineJosef-HalllineagelistlistsMeridian-59Middle-earth-Onlinemudmulti-user-dungeonmxomythicaplanetsidepsychochildRade-StojsavljevicrarebitRichard-Bartleround-uproundupshadow-of-yserbiusshadowbaneStuart-Zissuteppytgathe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlinethe-shadow-of-yserbiusThom-TerrazasTodd-ColemanTrue-Fantasy-Live-OnlineUltima-Worlds-Online-OriginUltima-X-OdysseyWarhammer-Onlineworld-of-warcraftyear-in-reviewTue, 03 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Why I write]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/the-game-archaeologist-why-i-write/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/the-game-archaeologist-why-i-write/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/the-game-archaeologist-why-i-write/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist
We're going to take a brief detour this week from our normal excavations and six-hour-long lectures to address a fundamental question to The Game Archaeologist series. Namely, why write it? Why give attention to games that are "past their prime," have been canceled, or never got off the launch pad in the first place?

It's no secret that bigger games and newer titles get the lion's share of the attention and love. It's how it is, and not just here at Massively. I love looking forward to the next hot thing like anyone else, and I will gorge on all the juicy infos if given the opportunity. Yet it's a little-known secret that many staffers here at Massively are passionate about the old guard of MMOs, up to and including playing them on a regular basis. Bree won't let pass any opportunity to tout Ultima Online's "did it first!" superiority on every occasion, Eliot and City of Heroes make out on a regular basis, and several writers are in group therapy as I write this because of the impending shutdown of Star Wars Galaxies.

To be an MMO fan is to love the genre as a whole, not just one game. Today I'm going to crack my chest wide open and bare my soul to you as to why I write about older MMOs and why they're still incredibly important to our hobby.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Why I write

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Why I write originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescoheqeverquesteverquest-nextfeaturedmmo-genremmo-industrymxoopinionriftstar-wars-galaxiesswgtabula-rasathe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlineultima-onlineuoworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 27 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which MMO are you sorry you missed?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-are-you-sorry-you-missed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-are-you-sorry-you-missed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-are-you-sorry-you-missed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Matrix Online screenshot
Time is always against us, a wise man once said, and truer words were never spoken regarding the MMORPG genre. The glut of titles released over the last few years means that fans have some hard choices to make, and when those choices are coupled with the inevitable game closures, it's rare that even folks with huge amounts of free time have time enough to play everything.

And since we're speaking of time: If you spend enough of it reading and talking about our favorite genre, you'll inevitably come across a game that sounds right up your alley. If you're lucky, said game will still be available to you. If not, well, you might have the answer to this morning's Daily Grind question. Which MMO(s) are you sorry you missed?

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 MMO are you sorry you missed? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturegame-discussiongamer-discussionmaking-timematrix-onlineMiscellaneousmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsmxoopinionstar-wars-galaxiesswgtabula-rasatdgthe-daily-grindthe-matrixthe-matrix-onlinetimeWed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Be here now]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/the-soapbox-be-here-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/the-soapbox-be-here-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/the-soapbox-be-here-now/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fond, sepia-toned memories of SWG.
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

Games die. It's an unpleasant reality but a reality just the same, with the highest-profile death on the horizon being Star Wars Galaxies. Business decisions get made, and unfortunately, sometimes those decisions boil down to "this game is no longer worth the money to keep it running." If you're lucky, the announcement comes with a great deal of time for you to wrap up what you've always wanted to do in the game; if you're unlucky, you might have a couple of weeks before the servers go dark.

So what do you do as a player? How do you cope with the fact that the game is shutting down? There are a lot of approaches, but I think it's unfortunate that most of the reactions seem to center around some last-ditch effort to save the game from oblivion. It's entirely missing the point to try and pull the game back from the brink of death, and it does a disservice to both the game and the players when you spend your last days desperately fighting a foregone conclusion.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Be here now

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Be here now originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closingclosing-eventsclosuredyingdying-gamefeaturedgame-closergame-shutdownopinionserver-shutdownshutdownsoapboxstar-wars-galaxiesswgtabula-rasathe-matrix-onlinetmotrTue, 09 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Clearly I need more totally random pictures edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/ask-massively-clearly-i-need-more-totally-random-pictures-editi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/ask-massively-clearly-i-need-more-totally-random-pictures-editi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/ask-massively-clearly-i-need-more-totally-random-pictures-editi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

So apparently, having a picture of a BattleMech as the header for Ask Massively makes everyone expect that there's some big news about a BattleTech MMO somewhere to be found. Sorry, folks -- I'd like it just as much as you would, although I'm not sure that it would necessarily turn out to be very good. (There's not a lot to do outside of a 'Mech and not much to do inside of one other than shoot things.) Luckily, I'm pretty sure that it will not be possible to misconstrue this week's image. I certainly hope not.

Today's discussion has absolutely nothing to do with the above picture, which is usually the case. Instead, we're talking about integrated voice chat in games and the apparent immortality of Ultima Online. If you've got a question you would like answered in a future edition of Ask Massively, just drop us a line at ask@massively.com or leave your question in the comment field.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Clearly I need more totally random pictures edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Clearly I need more totally random pictures edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbask-massivelyeaElectronic-Artsfeaturedintegrated-voice-chatmumblemythicncsoftold-gamesopinionsoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttabula-rasathe-matrix-onlinetmoultima-onlineuoventrilovoice-chatThu, 26 May 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Your memories]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-your-memori/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-your-memori/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-your-memori/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

What can you trust when your memories are merely the by-product of intelligent machines tinkering with your brain? When you come right down to it, who's to say that our alleged recollections of The Matrix Online weren't just computer viruses uploaded into our cerebral cortexes -- and that the game never existed at all?

Real or not, The Matrix Online is in no danger of being forgotten. Whether it's because of the meta setting, the too-hip-to-stay-on-cows fashion, or the interactive stories, MxO never fails to evoke passionate testimonies. After speaking with developer Ben Chamberlain last week, today we're going to turn the tables on the players themselves to see what they have to say.

Was The Matrix Online really all that and a bag of computer chips? Was it merely a good-looking graphical chat room or something more? And how will it be remembered many years from now when we sit our grandchildren on our laps and tell them about how we took the blue pill? Or was it red... I can never remember!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Your memories

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Your memories originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 May 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agentben-chamberlainbluepillcommunityeye-socketsfeaturedfurious-angelshostile-servermachinesmachinistsmatrixMerovingiansmorpheusmxoNiobeplayer-storiespvprarebitredpillroleplayroleplayersrpseraphtestimoniesthe-game-archaeologistthe-matrixthe-matrix-onlinezionTue, 24 May 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Jamming with Ben 'Rarebit' Chamberlain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When we started into The Matrix Online month last week on The Game Archaeologist, one of the comments caught my eye. Massively reader stealthrider wrote:
Please, please do a tribute to Rarebit. MxO was his baby, and no one took its death worse than he.

He did everything for that game, much of it single-handedly. Everything from playing the canon characters and co-writing the story to fixing hundreds of bugs and even creating a new zone from scratch. Not to mention developing and implementing the story missions, new items, the RP item vendors, and pretty much everything else in MxO's final couple of years. He even implemented and moderated a player-created minigame as part of the official story.

He retired from game development in the months before MxO's shutdown. He was that dedicated to this game that he couldn't work on anything else afterward.

He's a god among developers, and he is as sorely missed as the game itself.
I think this sums up how many Matrix Online vets feel about Ben "Rarebit" Chamberlain. So instead of a mere tribute, we drove the MassivelyMobile over to Chamberlain's house (read: send a polite email request), and he graciously said he'd be glad to reminisce with us. So hit that jump to find out the last word on MxO from the dev who held it together!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Jamming with Ben 'Rarebit' Chamberlain

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Jamming with Ben 'Rarebit' Chamberlain originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-versus-predator-2architectassassinben-chamberlainben-rarebit-chamberlainbluepillcinematicscommander-lockdevdeveloperfeaturedgrandmasterin-game-eventsinterviewkung-fulittle-nemolive-eventslive-events-teammatrixmatrix-onlinemissionsmonolithMonolith-ProductionsmorpheusmxooraclePaul-Chadwickrarebitredpillsoesony-online-entertainmentspystorystorylinethe-matrixthe-matrix-onlineWachowskiWinsor-McCayzionTue, 17 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-the-highlig/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-the-highlig/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-the-highlig/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's not every year that a movie comes along that captures the pop culture zeitgeist so powerfully and so quickly as The Matrix did. I recall lugging a few college friends along to see this in 1999 -- having heard only a few sparse details about it beforehand -- and coming out of the theater feeling as if we we'd been electrified. The bold mix of science fiction, martial arts, philosophy, action, and leather ensembles became the smash hit of the year, and a franchise was born.

And while we had great hopes that this would be this generation's Star Wars, The Matrix ultimately proved to be a lightning-in-a-bottle phenomenon, impossible to recapture once unleashed. Sequels, animated shorts, video games, comic books -- none rose to the height of the original film, and eventually the franchise petered out.

During this period, an odd duck of an MMO was born: The Matrix Online. When you think about it, an online virtual world where people log in and fight against programs was a really short hop from the movie series. MxO, as it was abbreviated, was an audacious game with unique features, story-centric gameplay and a sci-fi bent in a field of fantasy competitors, and while it only lasted four years, it was enough to make a huge impression for its community.

So by popular demand, this month we're going to revisit the 1s and 0s of The Matrix Online to see just how deep the rabbit hole (and well-worn cliche) goes -- and what made this game stand out!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 May 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben-Chamberlinbluepilldaniel-myersfeaturedfranchisefree-firegamespotinterlockkung-fuleatherlive-events-teammachinesmatrixmatrix-onlinematrix-revolutionsmeleeMerovingianMonolithMonolith-ProductionsmorpheusmxooraclerarebitredpillsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-warsstorylinethe-continuing-storythe-matrix-onlineubisoftWalruswarner-brosWarner-Bros-InteractivewbzionTue, 10 May 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: The next internet fad will be tires edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/ask-massively-the-next-internet-fad-will-be-tires-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/ask-massively-the-next-internet-fad-will-be-tires-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/ask-massively-the-next-internet-fad-will-be-tires-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tires are round bits of rubber that are placed upon the wheels of vehicles in order to facilitate spinning or something. Also, sometimes your parents might string some rope around one because they're too cheap and lazy to buy you a decent swingset. Anyhow, the next thing on the internet will be tires. I'm calling it right now. Don't look at me like that. We're talking about the same people who made Rebecca Black and Happy Cat famous. Just... tires. Rolling or... whatever.

It's time for Ask Massively this week, as you could probably tell from the introduction about half a step away from a schizophrenic rant. This week, we've got a question about scaling instance difficulty and a couple of questions from our forums, none of which has anything to do with tires. If you'd like to ask a tire-related question, leave one in the comments or mail it along to ask@massively.com. I guess I can answer MMO questions, too.

Continue reading Ask Massively: The next internet fad will be tires edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: The next internet fad will be tires edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aikaask-massivelydungeon-scalingfeaturedgroup-contentgroupslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromxoopinionpolishqualityriftscalingthe-matrix-onlineThu, 21 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Shut a game down or let it waste away?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/the-daily-grind-shut-a-game-down-or-let-it-waste-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/the-daily-grind-shut-a-game-down-or-let-it-waste-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/the-daily-grind-shut-a-game-down-or-let-it-waste-away/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's not exactly a good time to be a player of Vanguard. Actually, it hasn't been a good time for more than a year now -- while the game isn't shutting down, the December letter that essentially announced the game's development was no longer ongoing was a serious blow to the game's vitality. What's in the game now may very well be all that will ever be in the game. Of course, you can argue that the players are still better off than members of The Matrix Online's community, since that game went completely offline.

But is that really better? Many Vanguard fans almost wanted the game to turn off when SOE made the first announcement, and perhaps in some ways it's better to shut down with grace than waste away on progressively slower and smaller updates. Which would you rather face in your favorite game? A slow fading into the darkness, where the game is still online but less vibrant with each day? Or a cancellation that removes the game forever, cutting you off from an old friend but granting closure?

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: Shut a game down or let it waste away? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>content-patchesexpansionsgame-mechanicsopinionpatchesshutdowntdgthe-daily-grindthe-matrix-onlinetmoupdate-scheduleupdatesvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgSat, 09 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Unlike fantasy, the sci-fi genre has had a rocky relationship with MMORPGs. While studios have tried just as hard to make and promote them, there seems to be a curse that hovers over most of these games. From the canceled (Earth & Beyond, The Matrix Online, Tabula Rasa) to the radically retinkered (Star Wars Galaxies) to the relatively niche (Anarchy Online, Star Trek Online), sci-fi struggles to be seen as relevant and embraced as its bigger brother. That isn't to say that these games or the genre is worthless, just that it's a harder sell to both investors and players to throw players into the future than the mythical past. Fortunately, the industry hasn't given up on these games, and some of these titles -- such as EVE Online -- have proven that they're worth pursuing.

And if science fiction is a difficult sell, first-person shooters are doubly difficult in the MMO space. After all, it's not as though the world is suffering a shortage of FPS titles that can be played without a monthly subscription. To convince players to part with a monthly payment, the studio has to make a powerful, compelling case as to why its MMOFPS is worthy of that premium price.

Enter PlanetSide, circa 2003. While sci-fi MMOs, multi-faction PvP and online shooters had been done separately at that point, PlanetSide stepped up to the plate to combine all three into a persistent war on an alien planet. Due to popular demand, this month we'll be setting our sights to the far reaches of the galaxy and beyond as we explore one of the more unique MMOs in existence.

Today let's take a look at what made PlanetSide a unique twinkle in SOE's eyes by counting down the highlights of this futuristic war.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinanarchy-onlineapbauraxisdark-age-of-camelotearth-and-beyondeve-onlinefactionsfeaturefeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsglobal-agendajohn-hewittjohn-smedleymagmmofpsplanetsideplanetside-nextreal-time-combatsci-fiscience-fictionsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiestabula-rasathe-matrix-onlinethree-front-warvehiclesworld-war-ii-onlinewwii-onlineTue, 08 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

To many veteran MMO players, the opening horns of EverQuest's score are enough to trigger vivid memories, violent hallucinations, and an unstoppable desire to leap through the computer screen to return to Norrath. It all depends, of course, on which MMO you first cut your teeth, and while many gamers would claim titles like World of Warcraft as their first, there is a large contingent who will confess that EQ was their first MMO lover.

In fact, before WoW came on the scene in 2004, EverQuest was the gold standard of MMOs for a half-decade -- it was insanely popular, perfectly addictive, and absolutely revolutionary. It was a giant that roamed the virtual lands of those days, a giant that continues to forge new grounds well over a decade from its inception.

It was 1995 when John Smedley realized the potential for online gaming and roped in Brad McQuaid and Steve Clover to start putting together an online RPG for SOE. What began as a small project ballooned into a crazy endeavor as the growing team created a monster RPG the likes the world had never seen before -- a game that would forever shape the MMO genre.

This month, the Game Archaeologist is going after one of the biggest treasures of recorded history as we unearth the secrets to EverQuest's popularity, legacy, and longevity. The first step on our journey is to look at some of the highlights that made EQ what it is today.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5-dacAlex-Afrasiabiasherons-callbrad-mcquaidclone-wars-adventuresdc-universe-onlinedcuodikumuddingdkpdoomDuke-Nukem-3De-deqeq-iieq2evercrackedevercracked-the-phenomenom-of-everquesteverquestEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iiexpansionsfarmfree-realmshouse-of-thuleignj-allen-brackjace-halljeff-kaplanjohn-smedleykunarkmeridian-59mezzmudnerfnichenorrathPirates-of-the-Burning-Seaplanetsideprocraph-kosterrezrob-pardoshadows-of-luclinsoesonySony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstation-accesssteve-cloversubscription-numberssubscriptionsswgthe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlinethe-ruins-of-kunarkultima-onlineunderfootuovanguardverantverant-interactiveWorld-of-WarcraftwowTue, 04 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO cataclysms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-perfect-ten-mmo-cataclysms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-perfect-ten-mmo-cataclysms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-perfect-ten-mmo-cataclysms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Today sees the launch of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, which represents a destructive "reboot" button on the world of Azeroth. The old has been made new by virtue of fiery explosions that have rent the very earth in twain, and WoW gamers will have to find their footing all over again. As you might imagine, it's made one big-ass mess, which is compounded by the fact that there are no janitor classes in the game to sweep it up (the next hero class, perhaps?).

However, the notion of an in-game cataclysm is hardly the sole domain of Activision-Blizzard; on the contrary, large-scale apocalypses pop up all the time in MMOs. After all, nothing grabs the attention like the end of the world (but hey, you still feel fine)!

In a list that in no way is meant to capitalize on any expansions that may or may not be on the market, we're going to strap on our Kevlar suits, slather our arms with 1000 SPF sunblock, and take a brief tour of 10 worlds that have dated cataclysms -- and lived to tell the tale.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO cataclysms

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO cataclysms originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-Blizzardagent-smithapocalypsearenanetascalonazerothbanebig-bangblizzardc-storecataclysmchampionschampions-onlinechickenscity-of-heroescohcrypticcryptic-studioscrystal-warcrystal-war-revisiteddetroitelrondEverQuest-2everquest-iifacebookfallen-earthff11ffxifinal-fantasy-xigethguild-warsgwhumoricarus-studiosjack-emmertjohn-smedleykiller-virusklingonmaplestorymegatronmillennium-citymono-dohmonorailncsoftnew-game-enhancementsnew-jerseyngenorrathnuclear-warparagon-cityperfect-10perfect-tenpicardpost-apocalypticpost-searingquadavrex-the-sheepdogriktiromulansearingsoespace-invadersstar-trek-onlinestar-trek-the-next-generationstar-wars-galaxiesstarfleetstoswgtabula-rasathe-matrixthe-matrix-onlinethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenvwheres-waldo-in-tagsWorld-of-Warcraftworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmzombiesTue, 07 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: The sadistic shopper's list for Black Friday and Cyber Monday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/the-perfect-ten-the-sadistic-shoppers-list-for-black-friday-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/the-perfect-ten-the-sadistic-shoppers-list-for-black-friday-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/the-perfect-ten-the-sadistic-shoppers-list-for-black-friday-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

With the holiday shopping season upon us, gamers are hot for great deals and cheap entertainment. As my wife's logic goes, if something is 80% off, you buy it, even if you didn't really want it in the first place. It's the principle of the thing, an automatic 80% dose of smug satisfaction at being a savvy shopper!

Not every deal should be pursued, however. Although most video games are playable for years and decades after release, not so with MMOs that have had their service shuttered. It's recently come to my attention that even though these games are completely unplayable -- rendered nothing more than a few cents' worth of a DVD and cardboard packaging -- online retailers haven't kept up with the times and keep these products on the virtual shelves long past their expiration dates.

That's not to say you should avoid these products at all cost, because studies show that a large percentage of Massively readers have a sick and twisted sense of humor. What would make a better gift this Christmas than a multi-million-dollar-budget MMO that died a horrible death years before?

So don't be the typical gifter who settles for a Blu-ray player or an iPod -- give a package of misery, disillusionment and broken dreams! Hit the jump for 10 items that absolutely belong in your shopping cart if you wish to be feared!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The sadistic shopper's list for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: The sadistic shopper's list for Black Friday and Cyber Monday originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinamazonapbasherons-call-2auto-assaultbill-roperblack-fridayblu-raybostonbox-artchristmascircuits-of-timeclock-craftcyber-mondayearth-and-beyondfeaturedflagshipflagshippedflux-capacitorfuryguamhellgate-londonhubbleipodkrystallematrix-onlinemxonasancsoftnerd-rageperfect-10perfect-tenrf-onlinerichard-gariottrichard-gariotts-tabula-rasa-limited-collectors-editionshadowbaneshoppingsoespocktabula-rasathe-matrix-onlinethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentime-traveltimecardturbineturbine-entertainmentThu, 25 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The pain and suffering of MMO shutdowns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/the-pain-and-suffering-of-mmo-shutdowns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/the-pain-and-suffering-of-mmo-shutdowns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/the-pain-and-suffering-of-mmo-shutdowns/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Like life itself, the MMO industry doesn't often seem fair -- promising games can die premature deaths while creaky antiques continue to chug along just fine. When an MMO like APB or Tabula Rasa announces that it's closing its doors after only a couple years (or months), the first reaction is usually to ask, "What in Sam Hill happened and why are they doing this to me?" Yet what isn't always considered is the emotional fallout on behalf of the devs.

Over at Kotaku, Michael Fahey examined the fallout when MMOs are shuttered prematurely, using the examples of Auto Assault and The Matrix Online as case studies. NetDevil spent four years developing the former, which lasted a mere fraction of that time -- 16 months -- as a live game. Ryan Seabury testifies to the pain that this causes for a dev team: "I won't lie, it hurts like hell still over four years later... Naturally, if a universe like Auto Assault that you sort of mentally attach to over multiple years suddenly ceases to exist, it's like a part of you dies." He personally points to NCsoft as the reason for Auto Assault's closure, stating that the game might still be in operation if it wasn't for the publisher's lack of faith.

On the flip side, The Matrix Online had a longer run and plenty of time to prepare for the end once word was passed down. Then-Community Manager Daniel Myers says that the decision was a matter of dollars and sense. Still, Myers admits that it continues to affect him: "There are still days that I wish I could log in and see the Megacity again. I don't know [if] that will ever completely stop. I kind of hope it doesn't."

MassivelyThe pain and suffering of MMO shutdowns originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apbauto-assaultcanceleddaniel-myerskotakumegacitymmo-closingsncsoftnetdevilryan-seaburysera-lives-in-the-matrixshutdownsoetabula-rasathe-matrix-onlinewho-is-sam-hillFri, 29 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What will you miss about APB?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/the-daily-grind-what-will-you-miss-about-apb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/the-daily-grind-what-will-you-miss-about-apb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/the-daily-grind-what-will-you-miss-about-apb/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's never enjoyable when a game or game company goes belly-up, and MMO fans have had no shortage of depressing news over the years. Whether it was Earth and Beyond, The Matrix Online, Tabula Rasa, or (now) All Points Bulletin, many of our favorite games burned twice as bright but lasted half as long.

The case of All Points Bulletin is even more aggravating due to its peerless character creation system, a unique take on music, and a payment model that attempted to blend the best of subscription-based and F2P titles. While we're the first to admit the game had its problems, it also had its charms and will be missed.

That leads us to our question of the day, Massively readers. What will you miss about APB?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What will you miss about APB? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbclosurecustomizationearth-and-beyondgame-closureopinionrealtimeRealtime-WorldsRealTimeWorldstabula-rasatdgthe-daily-grindthe-matrix-onlineFri, 17 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Girdle of Anarchy: The history]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-girdle-of-anarchy-the-history/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-girdle-of-anarchy-the-history/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-girdle-of-anarchy-the-history/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

"The future in your hands," Funcom promised gamers in the early days of the new decade. As the MMORPG genre slowly took shape and grew in popularity, game studios were still babes in the woods, feeling out this brave and complex new world without a standard handbook to guide them to success. EverQuest focused on large group content and raids, Dark Age of Camelot featured Realm vs. Realm conflict, and RuneScape brought the MMO to the browser. Everyone desperately hoped he had the next big hook that would reel in gamers by the thousands, especially Norwegian developer Funcom, which made headlines in 1999 with its highly acclaimed adventure The Longest Journey.

Funcom took one look at the small but expanding MMO market, got together in a group huddle, and said, "You know what guys? This fantasy thing, it's everywhere. Let's do something different. Let's drill for sci-fi gold. And let's throw in robots, cuddly rodents, randomly generated missions and a bitter rivalry between factions. Geronimo!"* (*Quote fabricated by author.)

And thus, almost a decade ago, Anarchy Online hit the industry like a sack of broken features. It wasn't the stellar debut Funcom desired, but the game endured and went on to carve itself out a workable plot of land. This month, The Game Archaeologist trades in his rugged leather attire for space armor and a high-powered laser rifle. The year is 29475, and the place is Babylon 5. Er, Rubi-Ka.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Girdle of Anarchy: The history

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Girdle of Anarchy: The history originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1337age-of-conanalien-invasionanarchy-onlineaocbabylon-5clansdante-alighieridaocdark-age-of-camelotearth-and-beyondeqeverquestf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfroobsfuncomgeronimoleetleetslegacy-of-the-xanlost-edennorwaynotumnotum-warsomni-tekperksrubi-karubi-owns-a-ka-true-storyshadowlandstabula-rasathe-divine-comedythe-game-archaeologistthe-longest-journeythe-matrix-onlinethe-secret-worldTue, 07 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which game will receive the F2P treatment next?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/the-daily-grind-which-game-will-receive-the-f2p-treatment-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/the-daily-grind-which-game-will-receive-the-f2p-treatment-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/01/the-daily-grind-which-game-will-receive-the-f2p-treatment-next/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Two years ago, if you'd have told many people that large Western-based developers would be shifting their games to the free-to-play model, your response might well have come in the form of a great deal of laughter. However, as we've seen in the last while, the market is changing. Turbine shifted Dungeons and Dragons Online to a F2P model and have had great success with it. So much so, that they're now working to shift Lord of the Rings Online to a F2P model as well. Sony Online Entertainment dipped their toes into the water with Free Realms, and have found the response to be overwhelming. Now, they're working on bringing EverQuest II over to a F2P model as well by spawning entirely new servers for an EverQuest II - Extended version. Even Age of Conan and Warhammer Online have offered up a modified freemium model -- unlimited "trials" giving players a certain number of levels to play for as long as they'd like.

Meanwhile, we're all left wondering: With the recent shifts into the F2P market we're seeing, what game do you think will make the jump next? Will SOE garner excellent profits from the planned EQ2E servers, thereby setting off a chain reaction whereby they shift their older titles like Vanguard, Star Wars Galaxies, EverQuest, and the rest, to that model? (Might we even see them reviving The Matrix Online as a F2P if the profits are really good?) Do you think Turbine will finally turn its eye towards Asheron's Call once LotRO takes off under its new model? Will NCsoft jump into the fray with one of the games from their stable? In the world of guesses, anything is possible -- so tell us: What game do you think will make the jump to free-to-play next?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Which game will receive the F2P treatment next? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocasherons-callconjectureeqeq2eq2eeverquestf2pfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumfuncomlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromxomythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgtdgthe-daily-grindthe-matrix-onlineTurbineturbine-entertainmentvanguardvgwarwarhammer-onlineSun, 01 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Beta burnout, spoilers, and testing TOR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/the-daily-grind-beta-burnout-spoilers-and-testing-tor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/the-daily-grind-beta-burnout-spoilers-and-testing-tor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/the-daily-grind-beta-burnout-spoilers-and-testing-tor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The recent hubbub surrounding Star Wars: The Old Republic's closed beta invites got me to thinking. Perhaps I should reconsider my recent policy against signing up for the betas of games that I'm planning on playing long-term, not only to get a sneak peak at the most anticipated title in years (purely for journalistic purposes of course), but also to help test and make my voice heard while the game is still somewhat malleable.

Then, I recalled my experiences with betas ranging from Vanguard, to Mortal Online (alpha?), to The Matrix Online, all titles which at one point or another were at the top of my list of prospective "main" MMORPGs. In each case, the testing period soured me on the games before they even launched, and while each case was different, the ultimate outcome was the same: come release, I really had no desire to be there. That changed quickly with Vanguard, and I did ultimately end up playing the release client for quite a while, but as a result of the other burnouts, I've adopted a policy of signing up for betas of those titles that don't really interest me long-term.

What say you, Massively readers? Are you prolific beta-testers who lend a bug-hunting hand to every title that comes down the pipe? Or are you more like me, selective and prone to avoiding those games you know you actually want to play at release?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Beta burnout, spoilers, and testing TOR originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testingbetasburnoutmortal-onlineopinionspoilersstar-wars-the-old-republicthe-daily-grindthe-matrix-onlinethe-old-republicVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesTue, 29 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: The Dead Pool]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/the-daily-grind-the-dead-pool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/the-daily-grind-the-dead-pool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/the-daily-grind-the-dead-pool/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Now it's widely known that MMORPG players are a cheerful, optimistic bunch [citation needed]. It also goes without saying that no Massively reader would ever be caught wishing the downfall of a particular MMO or company [citation needed]. After all, the more titles that survive and thrive, the more the genre as a whole grows. With games like EverQuest, Ultima Online and Asheron's Call pushing well over a decade of run-time at this point, MMOs have proven that -- given a chance and enough initial steam -- they can go the distance.

However, realism is a nasty mistress, and we can't ignore the fact that sooner or later MMOs will shut down. We've seen some flare up and burn out quickly (Tabula Rasa, Auto Assault), some struggle for years before capitulating (The Matrix Online, Asheron's Call 2), and some quietly put to pasture after all attempts at prolonging life failed (Shadowbane). The dark truth is that even the games we currently play have a finite lifespan, and one day will see their light extinguished.

Cheery, right? So today, let's engage in a bit of macabre speculation and wager on a MMO dead pool. Without using this as a platform to rail against a MMO you hate and were personally wronged by on one midsummer's eve, what MMO do you think will be the next to close its doors? Will it be one of the newer titles, or one published by a company that has the tendency to shutter struggling games, or an aging beauty? Enter into today's dead pool, and earn the right to say "I told you so!" when the sad day happens. Because that will totally make you look tactful, don't you know.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: The Dead Pool originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callasherons-call-2auto-assaultclint-eastwooddead-pooldirty-harryeqeverquesti-told-you-soopinionshadowbanetabula-rasatdgthe-daily-grindthe-dead-poolthe-matrix-onlineultima-onlineuoSun, 06 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: just slap "free" on it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/free-for-all-just-slap-free-on-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/free-for-all-just-slap-free-on-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/free-for-all-just-slap-free-on-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I will admit it. I am just as guilty as anyone else, even though we are all coming from a well-meaning place. We see our favorite game seemingly going south, and pass judgment that nothing will save it. Or, we simply don't want to see a good game go to waste so we come up with the same solution almost every time. The idea is one part daydream, one part hopeful nostalgia and several parts unrealistically easy.

I can list the games that I have wished this on, for no other reason but for the fact that they are or were good games, and I want them to be frozen in time or want them to be there for me whenever I can make the time. Games like Ryzom, Vanguard, Tabula Rasa or The Matrix Online. How many hours have we spent writing up forum posts or dreaming up ways to implement this idea: just slap free on it, and the game will be fine.

Continue reading Free for All: just slap "free" on it

MassivelyFree for All: just slap "free" on it originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 May 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfree-for-allfree-to-playftpopinionRyzomTabula-Rasathe-matrix-onlinevanguardTue, 11 May 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Patience, grasshopper]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/one-shots-patience-grasshopper/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/one-shots-patience-grasshopper/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/one-shots-patience-grasshopper/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While The Matrix Online is gone, there are those among us who remember the world fondly and miss its futuristic role-playing and live events. As we cannot get shiny new One Shots from these events any longer, we wanted to share this one from the heyday of the game that was sent in to us by Bv_dinner. She writes in to explain this moment from the history of the Recursion server in The Matrix Online: "[This is a screenshot of] my toon BlackVelvet aka BV sitting at one of the dojos waiting for other team members to show up. I was on a roleplaying server so I was waiting for the event to occur. Good memories and good friends were made there."

If you played an MMO that is gone but not forgotten, and have screenshots you'd like to dust off and share, why not send those to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com? Be sure to include your name, the name of the game, and any stories you'd like to tell us about what went on in the screenshot. After all, screenshots -- like experiences -- are better when shared!

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

MassivelyOne Shots: Patience, grasshopper originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackvelvetbv_dinnermxoone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssunsettedthe-matrix-onlineThu, 29 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: 2009's defining moment]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/30/the-daily-grind-2009s-defining-moment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/30/the-daily-grind-2009s-defining-moment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/30/the-daily-grind-2009s-defining-moment/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The look back has already started here and there, and we've got only two days left -- assuming you count today. And we've seen a lot of things happen over the last year, which everyone on-staff has their own opinion about. To some, it was the year of free-to-play. To others, it was the year of dying games. But there's no way to encapsulate everything about 2009 into just one statement, with the industry still changing and evolving. Sometimes even seemingly small changes are what we remember (fondly or otherwise) when viewed in hindsight.

Out of all of the things that happened this year, what struck you as the most defining moment? Was it something major, such as the end of Tabula Rasa or The Matrix Online? Or was it something minor that other players might not even notice? Did it make the whole year better, worse, or was it simply a turning point? What seems like it's going to stick in your memory when you think back on the year as a whole? And as a connected topic, what seems like a big deal at the moment that you're pretty certain isn't as important as people say?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: 2009's defining moment originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009-in-reviewf2pfree-to-playhindsightretrospectivetabula-rasatdgthe-daily-grindthe-matrix-onlinetmotryear-in-reviewWed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Avoiding a sinking game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/25/avoiding-a-sinking-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/25/avoiding-a-sinking-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/25/avoiding-a-sinking-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


With the holiday season usually comes a healthy dose of gift money, and what comes with extra money for many people reading the site is new games. It's not as if the past year has been exactly spare on game releases, although the success of several is a bit up in the air. But be forewarned -- if you needed the reminder, 2009 could very well be the year we learned that no title is immune to being shut down, with Tabula Rasa and The Matrix Online being among the highest-profile games to finally be shut down for good due to sales figures.

Bio Break has an excellent post on what is termed "avoiding the Titanic" -- in short, making sure that you're not signing up for a game that's going to just leave you high and dry. The recent announcement from Vanguard is among the examples cited, although some fans would be quick to point out it's not a death knell for the game. But it doesn't sound like the game is going to advance far beyond its current state, and for many games, that means a slow bleeding-out. Of course, avoiding titles that are perceived as hopeless can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, but it's worth keeping in mind that perhaps that money might be better spent if you question a game's near future.

MassivelyAvoiding a sinking game originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bio-breakgames-cancelledgames-shut-downncsoftshutdownsinking-shipssoesony-online-entertainmenttabula-rasathe-matrix-onlinetitanictmotrvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesFri, 25 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What MMO would you like to see be brought back to life?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/the-daily-grind-what-mmo-would-you-like-to-see-be-brought-back/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/the-daily-grind-what-mmo-would-you-like-to-see-be-brought-back/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/the-daily-grind-what-mmo-would-you-like-to-see-be-brought-back/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Today is a day where we should honor our fallen. Motor City Online. Tabula Rasa. Auto Assault. Asheron's Call 2. Earth and Beyond. Underlight. Shadowbane. Castle Infinity. The Matrix Online. The Sims Online. Seed. All of these games, and more, are MMOs that have launched, played, and then died.

Each of these games has a reason for why it was cancelled, but the outcome remains the same -- they aren't online today and their clients are nothing more than wasted code sitting on a disk. Some of these games were our introduction to the genre. Others were our favorite games -- the ones that could trump even the largest names in the MMO business.

So Massively readers, which dead MMO would you like to see be resurrected? Tell us some stories as to why you pick your game of choice, and drop them all in the comment box below. Mourn with others, we encourage it!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What MMO would you like to see be brought back to life? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-call-2auto-assaultcancelled-mmoscastle-infinitydead-mmosearth-and-beyondmotor-city-onlineopinionseedshadowbanetabula-rasathe-daily-grindthe-matrix-onlinethe-sims-onlineunderlightMon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Asheron's Call lead designer talks 10-Year anniversary, the MMO market, more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/asherons-call-lead-designer-talks-10-year-anniversary-the-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/asherons-call-lead-designer-talks-10-year-anniversary-the-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/asherons-call-lead-designer-talks-10-year-anniversary-the-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Not many MMOs last a decade, and this week marks 10 years since the launch of Asheron's Call, the fantasy MMORPG by Turbine Entertainment. Releasing several months after EverQuest, the game held its own and found its way to becoming one of the top MMOs of its time, providing fond memories for many players.

"I'm very proud of Asheron's Call, even today," said former AC lead designer Toby Ragaini in an e-mail to Massively. "It really broke a lot of new ground and I still have people come up to me saying what a great time they had playing. That's a pretty wonderful compliment after 10 years."

Ragaini, who has since worked on Sony Online Entertainment's The Matrix Online and is now working on a casual web-based MMO called Faunasphere, reminisced about working on Asheron's Call and spoke about what it's like working in the MMO market after 14 years of being in the biz.

Continue reading Asheron's Call lead designer talks 10-Year anniversary, the MMO market, more

MassivelyAsheron's Call lead designer talks 10-Year anniversary, the MMO market, more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-callfaunaspherefeaturedthe-matrix-onlinetoby-ragainiFri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you buy lifetime memberships?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/the-daily-grind-do-you-buy-lifetime-memberships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/the-daily-grind-do-you-buy-lifetime-memberships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/the-daily-grind-do-you-buy-lifetime-memberships/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

On Monday we told you Cryptic had announced a lifetime membership for Champions Online. For $199 you get access to the Star Trek Online closed beta, special costumes not available to anyone else and other juicy perks. Cool huh? Now while lifetime memberships are not new (LotRO springs to mind), it's a lot of money to try a must-play game but, in a way, it also binds you to said MMO. You're buying before you try, in effect, and promising to invest a large amount of time in a particular game based on screen shots, lore or the IP.

The problem is, it's hard to tell whether a game will be hit and miss and if it ultimately goes the way of Tabula Rasa and The Matrix Online. At the same time, the really popular MMOs like WoW never seem to offer lifetime subs, as if they know they will be so popular that subscriptions will keep the game going well into the next decade. I'm wondering, constant readers, do you buy lifetime memberships and did you do it because it would work out cheaper or because you genuinely love that MMO?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you buy lifetime memberships? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlineCOlifetime-membershiplifetime-subscriptionlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroMxOstar-trek-onlineSTOtabula-rasathe-daily-grindthe-matrix-onlineTRworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: When MMOs die]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/the-daily-grind-when-mmos-die/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/the-daily-grind-when-mmos-die/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/the-daily-grind-when-mmos-die/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's a sad thing when an MMO gets switched off and all our hard played toons go to the great virtual world in the sky. This week it was the turn of The Matrix Online. It's rare for the better known MMOs, like Tabula Rasa, to go out with a bang. For most games, their death throes are just a whimper as they fade into obscurity. Big or small, when a game closes it's doors, it's an event which will being a tear to some players, even if most might have already gone to pastures new.

How do you cope when an MMO, specifically your MMO, dies? Imagine for a second, you've invested thousands of hours in characters, amassed a fortune in gold -- or whatever currency is hip right now -- and conquered the world literally. Personally, I firmly believe MMOs are not just about the world you exist in but also the people you play with. So, if you played The Matrix Online or Tabula Rasa, did you and your guild pick another game to try? Has game death prompted you to meet up in real life? Did you quit the moment the announcement of plug pulling came down from on high or were you there when the skies lightened and the end came? Tell us in the usual way by dropping your thoughts in the box below.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: When MMOs die originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ending-an-mmopulling-the-plugtabula-rasathe-daily-grindthe-matrixthe-matrix-onlineTue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What you missed in The Matrix Online pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/what-you-missed-in-the-matrix-online-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/what-you-missed-in-the-matrix-online-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/what-you-missed-in-the-matrix-online-pt-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Hiding in plain sight

After the vampires and lupines were quelled, a new issue of the Sentinel and a concurrent game update brought new images into the Matrix. Colorful billboards advertising bug spray began appearing all over the city, confusing some and intriguing others. The first visual puzzle of The Matrix had been covertly unleashed on players.

The solution wasn't hard, but far from obvious. The second page of the new in-game newspaper, The Sentinel, showed a colorful "terrorist alert level chart." While it was an obvious mockery of everyone's favorite homeland security poster, astute players saw that the same colors were being used on the in-game billboards. Each billboard contained a number somewhere in it's slogan, such as "Blue brand pesticide kills bugs four times faster than the competition!" These numbers, along with their corresponding colors and the terrorist alert level chart were the keys.

Players took the numbers and re-arranged the terrorist alert level in that order. If the blue billboard had the number four on it, then it went fourth in the order. If red had one, then it went first in the order and so forth. As the chart was re-arranged, the first letters of the "alert" status began to spell out a word. Definite, Elevated, Likely, Possible, Huge, Imminent -- DELPHI. The final part of the puzzle was a small poster that had appeared in certain clubs, advertising an extermination service that could be contacted by e-mailing an address at Monolith Entertainment, the game's current developer.

Players e-mailed the address, asking to consult The Oracle of Delphi. Wishes were soon granted as Seraph appeared in-game to not only fight players who solved the puzzle, but also wisk them away to meet with the Oracle herself. Other players got to consult the Oracle via their real life e-mail, creating an alternate reality game of sorts with The Matrix. Either way, the event made one thing clear: The Assassin was made entirely of blowflies and could be destroyed with specially designed killcodes -- bug spray.

And that was just the beginning...

This entire article has simply focused on two of the first events in The Matrix Online's storyline. Every bit of it was unrepeatable and lead to some amazingly memorable moments in the game. The type of moments that stay with you forever.

Very few, if any, games are able to accomplish this phenomenon. Who cares if you kill Yogg-Saron? Who cares if you defeat the Witch King of Angmar? Other players are going to eventually do that in droves because the content is repeatable.

But the Matrix was able to wrap everybody up into an evolving storyline, philosophy, and sense of community. Players worked together and fought one another on more levels than just PvP and PvE. They formed bonds with characters who didn't even exist while forming bonds with others around them that were willing to believe in the same things they did. They roleplayed willingly in order to keep the story going beyond what the developers had planned.

All of this was amazing, and I can only hope to see another game take the same ideas and drive them to a level beyond what that Matrix could offer. These were amazing ideas, but just too far ahead of their time.

MassivelyWhat you missed in The Matrix Online pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>characterseventsin-game-eventmonolithmorpheusmxopuzzlessoesony-online-entertainmentstorylinethe-matrix-onlineMon, 03 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What you missed in The Matrix Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/what-you-missed-in-the-matrix-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/what-you-missed-in-the-matrix-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/what-you-missed-in-the-matrix-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Yes, The Matrix Online sucked. Its gameplay was an abhorrent pile of repetitive garbage that offered no real direction other than doing storyline-less missions until you hit 50, in which there was no endgame. The combat was interesting, as it offered scripted camera shots for insane kung-fu flips and hits, but it wasn't enough to "save" the game. I hear you.

But if you think the above paragraph is all The Matrix Online had to offer, then you are sadly mistaken. You missed out on storyline events, PvPvE, amazing roleplayers, writers, and graphic artists. You missed out on philosophy, politics, memorable characters, and puzzles. You actually missed out on the bulk of what The Matrix Online had to offer, all of which makes the game's passing more painful.

MxO wasn't World of Warcraft, and it certainly had enough dark spots in the game design. But the game and its developers brought a very different style of play to the MMO scene -- one that should be commemorated with a few looks back on some of the best events the game had to offer.

Continue reading What you missed in The Matrix Online

MassivelyWhat you missed in The Matrix Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>characterseventfeaturedin-game-eventjoystiqfeaturesmonolith-entertainmentmorpheusmxopuzzlessoesony-online-entertainmentstorylinethe-matrix-onlineMon, 03 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wake Up: The final day of The Matrix Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/wake-up-the-final-day-of-the-matrix-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/wake-up-the-final-day-of-the-matrix-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/wake-up-the-final-day-of-the-matrix-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Like we said in our article before, "...until everyone's RSI is smashed into a tiny, tiny ball." Now you see that we really weren't joking about that.

But we were in The Matrix Online for the final hours as well, and we managed to get some great screenshots from the end of the game. There were explosions, lightning bolts, oddly colored skies until finally.... in the last few hours... it became beautiful again. The green skies were rolled back in favor of a blue sky tinged with hints of red. Then, of course, we all got our plugs pulled and ended up smashed into... well... you know.

If you're interested in how it all looked before everything crashed, check out what we got to see during our final moments!



Gallery: The Matrix Online: Wake Up

LoginCorruptionRaining BloodDark Sky with EyesClub Hel

MassivelyWake Up: The final day of The Matrix Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gallerygame-closuremxoscreenshotsserver-crashsoesony-online-entertainmentsunsetthe-matrix-onlineSat, 01 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Check out The Matrix Online before it decompiles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/reminder-check-out-the-matrix-online-before-it-decompiles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/reminder-check-out-the-matrix-online-before-it-decompiles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/reminder-check-out-the-matrix-online-before-it-decompiles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Ashes to ashes, decompiling sky to deletion. The Matrix Online is reminding us all that it's slowing coming undone as the system becomes more and more unstable with each passing day. Ashes raining from the sky, eyes being seen in the clouds, zombies, agents, angels, and demons all appearing out of the system's corruption to wreak havoc across the Mega City.

This week is the last week for The Matrix Online and all former subscribers are welcomed to come back to play one final time before the machines pull the plug for good. The Matrix crashes on July 31st, so be sure to be logged in on that day to be assaulted by pretty much everyone and everything until everyone's RSI is smashed into a tiny, tiny ball.

MassivelyReminder: Check out The Matrix Online before it decompiles originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ashesdeletiongame-closuremonolith-entertainmentmxosony-online-entertainmentthe-matrix-onlineMon, 27 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Station launcher moves out of beta, adds voice chat support]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/station-launcher-moves-out-of-beta-adds-voice-chat-support/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/station-launcher-moves-out-of-beta-adds-voice-chat-support/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/station-launcher-moves-out-of-beta-adds-voice-chat-support/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

So the beta launcher is finally un-betaed! Sony has officially pushed the Station Launcher into the "final version," dropping in voice chat, simplified menus, faster servers for downloads, and the ability to run the launcher without administrative rights as well.

The fun stuff, however, is really contained within the voice update. This new voice, dubbed "station voice," lets you communicate with friends from within the game or outside of the game. Creating a room from outside of the game is done with your in-game character, letting people who are on the station launcher join you, or people inside of the game join your room from the inside, no launcher required.

Plus, the other new features like the upgraded servers that will give more downstream bandwidth for game updates, are certainly nothing to sneeze at.

This doesn't mean that Sony is done with upgrading and changing the launcher, as they've already pledged to continue taking user feedback and pushing that into their product to constantly make a better launcher.

For the full patch notes, check them out on the EverQuest forums, located in this thread.

MassivelyStation launcher moves out of beta, adds voice chat support originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaeqeq2everquesteverquest-2goldlaunchermxopatchespirates-of-the-burning-seapotbsserverssony-online-entertainmentsony-stationstar-wars-galaxiesstationstation-launcherstation.comswgthe-matrix-onlineupdatevanguardvoice-chatMon, 29 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: So long, and thanks for all the woah pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/anti-aliased-so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-woah-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/anti-aliased-so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-woah-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/anti-aliased-so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-woah-pt-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


My personal favorite moment? Past attending a few of the Merovingian's parties (being a faction leader in the organization certainly qualifies you for the guest list), it had to have been investigating into the street magician, Cryptos. Cryptos appeared in the Mega City with a bang, placing "Cryptos coffins" all over the city as he popped out of them at certain intervals to speak riddles to players. As I attended one of the coffins for its speech, the clacking of heels turned my attention over my shoulder, my camera falling onto Niobe walking down the street towards me.

She commented that she was surprised that I actually found my way down a street without falling over in a drunken stupor, while I smirked and laughed. Soon afterwards, a whole vanguard of Zionist players showed up, backing up Niobe with guns -- lots of guns.

"Give me one good reason I shouldn't kill you right here, *Lady* Return." She mocked. That would be when I pulled out the three best words in the Merovingian organization arsenal.

"You owe me. I helped you in the church at the funeral. You cannot neglect your debt, Niobe," I replied with a strong smile. She acted taken aback and motioned to the others behind her. The players all lowered their guns and shot me angry looks, to which I shrugged happily and laughed.

In no other game could social combat be as effective as physical combat. You didn't always have to shoot your way out of a situation if you knew the right people... or just paid enough of them.

An MMO not all about combat? Lies!

Certainly the combat of MxO was awesome. You had great martial arts combat, you had insane wire-fu moves, and you even had bullet time. (It would basically slow down on your screen just long enough to show you some great action, then it would speed up again to match up with the action that had gone on while you were slowed down.)

But some of the real charm of the game came in the fact that puzzles were hidden inside of it. Billboards, the newspaper, and even specially constructed events started by a simple forum post or a simple tell from a character lead into stories told in live action.

The game had elements of collaborative puzzle solving, social tension started by organizational warfare, and a driving sense of community that no other game that I've played since has come close to having. People were there to really interact with the world, not just hit level 50 and grind their faces on endgame.

Hopes for the future

It's sad to see this game go, but I have the strong personal opinion that this game did not die because it embraced different styles of gameplay. It died because it stopped embracing them.

What MxO was offering players no other game offered. If there had been more polish to the static content and the developers would have stayed on their path of dynamic storytelling, I think this game would certainly would have continued on with a loyal fanbase because it would have offered gameplay that no other mainstream MMO to date has embraced.

And, with any luck, perhaps we'll see another attempt at this universe in the future. Look at what we have with two Star Wars MMOs coming out. The potential is still there for a great Matrix Online game.

With all of this though, thank you developers for all of your work, and thank you Sony Online Entertainment for keeping it up as long as you did. While I may not agree with all of the decisions surrounding the game, the effort was still there to keep the game alive for as long as it was.

Everything that has a beginning has an end.
Colin Brennan is the weekly writer of Anti-Aliased who hates aimless hate. When he's not writing here for Massively, he's rambling on his personal blog, The Experience Curve. If you want to message him, send him an e-mail at colin.brennan AT weblogsinc DOT com. You can also follow him on Twitter through Massively, or through his personal feed.

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: So long, and thanks for all the woah pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedcryptoslive-event-characterslive-eventsmatrix-onlinemerovingianmorpheusmxonioberoleplayroleplayingsoesony-online-entertainmentstorylinesunsetthe-matrix-onlinezionFri, 29 May 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: So long, and thanks for all the woah]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/anti-aliased-so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-woah/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/anti-aliased-so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-woah/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/anti-aliased-so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-woah/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


It's a depressing news day for me today. As we've reported earlier, Sony Online Entertainment has finally made the decision to pull the plug on The Matrix Online, a decision that makes absolutely perfect sense given the dire straights the game has been in for the past few years.

MxO was always "the little game that could" in regards to the community outlook. Even with horribly broken systems, a grind worthy of an Asian MMO, and periods where I literally sat around doing nothing, there was some odd charm about the game. Perhaps it was the setting, or maybe it was the really cool combat system (yes, it too was broken, but those animations were sweet), but I think it was the storyline.

Let's have a look back the history of Matrix Online and some of the stories no one ever heard about.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: So long, and thanks for all the woah

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: So long, and thanks for all the woah originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedben-chamberlainclosedclosurefeaturedjoystiqfeatureslive-event-characterslive-eventsmorpheusmovie-charactersmxoneurophyteniobenovalis-iiplotlinerarebitsunsetthe-matrix-onlineFri, 29 May 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE is jacking out of The Matrix Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/soe-is-jacking-out-of-the-matrix-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/soe-is-jacking-out-of-the-matrix-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/soe-is-jacking-out-of-the-matrix-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Hang on. Wait a minute. Has anyone else seen a sign of the apocalypse today, or is the news that Sony Online Entertainment is actually shutting down an MMO the only one out there currently? We had to ask because when we saw the news this morning, we really couldn't believe our eyes. SOE, long heralded for keeping MMOs open even with very small communities, has finally decided to close down The Matrix Online, leaving the remaining Redpills to jack out for the last time on July 31st, 2009.

From what we've seen, remaining members of The Matrix Online community will have some community team interaction, as Daniel "Walrus" Myers is threatening to "[crush] everyone's RSI just one more time." Additionally, any MxO players making the jaunt to Las Vegas this year for SOE's Fan Faire will also be able to meet up with Walrus there, as he will be there for The Agency. Still, it's a sad day - and a memorable one - in seeing SOE shut down an MMO. We only wonder what this will mean for their other smaller-subscriber-number MMOs. Will we see any of them shuttered as well? Only time will tell.

[Via Tipa from West Karana]

MassivelySOE is jacking out of The Matrix Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 May 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingmxoredpillsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-matrix-onlinewalrusFri, 29 May 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: I can kill dragons, but I can't dress myself pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/anti-aliased-i-can-kill-dragons-but-i-cant-dress-myself-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/anti-aliased-i-can-kill-dragons-but-i-cant-dress-myself-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/anti-aliased-i-can-kill-dragons-but-i-cant-dress-myself-pt-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Take egg, insert onto face

One of the biggest blunders of the "I can't dress myself" type had to have been The Matrix Online. Take The Matrix franchise -- a world that is washed in a deep cyberpunk atmosphere and slick, luxurious styles. Morpheus's purple vest and yellow tie, Trinity's catsuits, Neo's coat -- all of these defined the culture that was, undoubtedly, The Matrix. How you dressed was as much of the game as the game itself.

Then, the game rolled out, people jumped in, and everyone was excited over all of the options. They had trenchcoats, dresses, boots, vests, shirts, jumpsuits, hats, gloves, corsets, you name it. Clothing vendors had a very serious appeal upon launch as everyone ran around, getting dressed exactly how they wanted to look. Finally, the world looked right.

"The combinations of clothing that worked diminished until everyone looked like they had fallen into a display of paint cans at the local hardware store."
Then, just a few days in, people found upgraded equipment. Clothing that carried stat buffs instead of just sitting on your body. Soon that slick style began to quickly degrade as people were combining green shoes with dull yellow shirts and red pants. The combinations of clothing that worked diminished until everyone looked like they had fallen into a display of paint cans at the local hardware store. An aspect of the culture that was so undoubtedly The Matrix had been swiftly crushed by the player's instinct to maximize benefits and minimize losses.

Let the creativity fall to the player

It's easy to say something like, "Well, just take the stats off of the clothing," but the fact is that our culture is now attuned to having equipment that boosts stats. When they don't have that, they get a little antsy because they may not "feel" the progression of the game.

Take City of Heroes, for example. A game where you could wear basically anything from level 1, and look exactly the way you wanted to. What happened down the road? They added items that had stats because players wanted them. On a creative level, I disagree with that decision, but on a design level I can fully support it. You want to give the players the comfort they want.

But, I don't think the idea of separating stats from appearance is dead. If more developers would find ways to embrace that system, more people are going to find it an easy system to navigate. This way people get to wear what they want without having the game force them into outfits they may not like to see. If you want a few games for examples, City of Heroes and Phantasy Star Online are two that come to mind.

And if you're worried about still having players armor look better and better as the game progresses, then that's still very doable. Clothing items can still be rare drops -- perhaps as a token that everyone can loot and turn in for a piece of the outfit. Clothing items could still be level restricted as well, so a level 1 can't be dressed up in the max level look. Progression is left intact while still giving players enough freedom to not look like rodeo clowns.

Just, simply, let the stats come from somewhere else.
Colin Brennan is the weekly writer of Anti-Aliased who wants his fashion to look cohesive for once. When he's not writing here for Massively, he's rambling on his personal blog, The Experience Curve. If you want to message him, send him an e-mail at colin.brennan AT weblogsinc DOT com. You can also follow him on Twitter through Massively, or through his personal feed.

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: I can kill dragons, but I can't dress myself pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedbuffsclothingcultureequipmentfashionpentavisionpves4s4-leaguestatisticsstatsstylish-esper-shooting-sportsthe-matrix-onlineFri, 24 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What happens at Fan Faire, stays at Fan Faire]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/what-happens-at-fan-faire-stays-at-fan-faire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/what-happens-at-fan-faire-stays-at-fan-faire/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/what-happens-at-fan-faire-stays-at-fan-faire/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Vegas, city of lights, nightlife, and SOE's Fan Faire! Sony has announced that they will once again be heading for Vegas to party down in high-rolling style. This year they'll be holding the event from June 25th to 28th at Bally's Hotel. The location they've picked is right in the middle of various Vegas attractions - although we're sure if you're there for the SOE party, you won't need to worry about that too much.

Having attended last year's Fan Faire, we can definitely say that it's a great weekend of fun and interesting panels, nice people - and this year's lineup appears to be just as interesting. So far the scheduled events include:

  • Special announcements and sneak peeks of upcoming SOE titles at the Third Annual Community Address from SOE President John Smedley
  • Autograph signings with members of the original EQ development team and other key contributors
  • Lots of in-game tournaments; and live, game-themed competitions and quests
  • Developer forums and roundtables
  • Cool giveaways and other fun items!
  • Player of the Year
To top it all off, prices for Vegas vacations are quite good, currently. So if you've been thinking about getting away, really dig SOE's games - or upcoming titles, and enjoy partying down with a great bunch of friendly, welcoming people, then definitely make some plans to attend this year's Fan Faire.

MassivelyWhat happens at Fan Faire, stays at Fan Faire originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballys-hoteldcuoeqeq-2eq-iieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-online-adventuresfan-fairefan-faire-2009free-realmslas-vegaslegends-of-norrathmxopirates-of-the-burning-seapotbsstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-agencythe-matrix-onlineWed, 18 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST