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[Wings Over Atreia: Once more into the rift, my friends]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/wings-over-atreia-once-more-into-the-rift-my-friends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/wings-over-atreia-once-more-into-the-rift-my-friends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/wings-over-atreia-once-more-into-the-rift-my-friends/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Wings Over Atreia
A rifting we will go
A rifting we will go
Hi-ho, the derry-o
A rifting we will go!

The Asmo makes a slice!
The Asmo makes a slice...

Ahh, the frivolity of travel songs; they entertain and amuse as well as pass the time while you're en route to your destination, even in Aion. And where am I headed while chanting this little ditty? Why, deep into the dangers of enemy territory, of course! Care to join me?

If you haven't traveled through a rift in Aion, you are missing out on one of the core features of the game, not to mention depriving yourself of some fun. Admittedly, rifting has a bad rap and can be quite a polarizing topic in discussion, but don't be fooled -- it's not just for PvPers. Not everyone who rifts is looking to completely gank others; even carebears can experience and enjoy the thrill of sneaking somewhere fraught with dangers! So what's stopping you from slipping through that colorful swirl?

Let me borrow the immortal words of wisdom from a shoe: Just do it! But before you go, let Wings Over Atreia offer a few handy tips to help you make the most of the experience.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Once more into the rift, my friends

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Once more into the rift, my friends originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionAPbroken-allianceeventf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhaving-funhintshumorin-game-eventin-game-eventsncsoftopinionPvPriftingrifting-eventtipstips-and-trickswings-over-atreiaMon, 07 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Nine tips for PvP in DC Universe Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/05/alter-ego-nine-tips-for-pvp-in-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/05/alter-ego-nine-tips-for-pvp-in-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/05/alter-ego-nine-tips-for-pvp-in-dc-universe-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

First things first: I'm going to admit openly that I'm not even close to the world's best PvPer, as anyone who has ever faced off in PvP against me can tell you. Up until recently, I tended to be the ultra-carebear player who generally avoids PvP combat altogether (outside of EVE Online). However, by ignoring PvP in DC Universe Online, one also ignores a decent chunk of the game's content. Between the open-world Green Lantern ring wars, quests to take on heroes or villains of a certain level range, Arena matches, and Legends play, there's a lot to do -- not to mention the challenge of playing on a PvP server. Worse still, PvE players will find their quest logs become cluttered messes full of PvP-related quests that can't be dropped -- an annoying prospect at best.

So with this in mind, I've compiled a handful of general tips for those PvE fans who don't tend to mess with PvP in DC Universe Online as well as players who have only dabbled in it. Are there I-win-button tips behind the break? Not really. However, it's good solid advice that's helped me improve my skills from utterly noobtastic insta-death to holding my own. If that sounds interesting to you, then join me behind the break for the list!

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Nine tips for PvP in DC Universe Online

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Nine tips for PvP in DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egoarenaarenascapture-and-holdcapture-the-flagconsoledc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedguideking-of-the-hilllegendspcplayer-versus-playerpowersps3pvpskillssoesony-online-entertainmenttipstips-and-tricksSat, 05 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: In the thick of it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/storyboard-in-the-thick-of-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/storyboard-in-the-thick-of-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/storyboard-in-the-thick-of-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Talking amongst ourselves only goes so far when it comes to roleplaying. Eventually there comes a time when you have to get up and get your character moving, or you're going to wind up playing a Federation captain whose mission is to explore strange new ways to sit on Risa without doing anything. And while you can certainly treat the leveling process as a sideline to the interaction, why would you want to do that?

Roleplaying in the midst of content isn't just a good idea, it's a great way to build character and really get your mettle tested. It means that you have to adapt to a different style of roleplaying, one that doesn't have the space for long-winded speeches or discussing the intricacies of your past. It seems so natural, but I know an awful lot of roleplayers who haven't tried it. But we're not just going to put forth a call to start getting out into dungeons or fleet actions or task forces with roleplaying partners -- no, we're going to talk about how to do it so that you don't wind up getting decorated with your own viscera.

Continue reading Storyboard: In the thick of it

MassivelyStoryboard: In the thick of it originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicecolumncontentdungeonsdynamic-roleplayingendgamefeaturedhandwavinghomeworklevel-disparitymissionsopinionroleplayroleplayingrpstoryboardtipstips-and-trickstrickstyping-practiceFri, 04 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Exploration -- Top tips]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/18/eve-evolved-exploration-top-tips/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/18/eve-evolved-exploration-top-tips/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/18/eve-evolved-exploration-top-tips/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Over the past two weeks, I've been giving an in-depth look at EVE Online's exploration profession. Exploration is one of the many PvE elements that players can get involved in right from their first week in EVE. By concentrating on astrometrics skills, a new player can be a more-than-competent prober within a week. Although some sites may require the help of an older player for the first few months, it's still one of the most fun PvE elements a new player can get into. In the first part of this three-part guide, I went over the basic equipment and techniques you'll need to scan down hidden complexes. In last week's second part, I went on to look at the different types of hidden site you can discover, what loot you can expect to find in each of them and what kind of challenge you'll face.

Since the exploration system was launched many years ago, I've picked up a few tricks and tips that can help any explorer. In this final part of the EVE Evolved guide to exploration, I run down my four top tips for budding explorers.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Exploration -- Top tips

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Exploration -- Top tips originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesdotlaneveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexplorationexplorerfeaturednew-playernew-player-experiencenew-playersnewbieprobesprofessionspvescan-probesscanningtipstips-and-trickswormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 18 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: A few tips for running in-game events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/anti-aliased-a-few-tips-for-running-in-game-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/anti-aliased-a-few-tips-for-running-in-game-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/anti-aliased-a-few-tips-for-running-in-game-events/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

So you're playing your favorite MMO, you've hit max level, you've done your raids or progression-related activities, and you find yourself a little bored. So, to ease that boredom, and perhaps cure the boredom of others, you decide to run a special event in your favorite world. Wonderful! Good for you! That's the type of stuff that makes MMOs so great!

But running an event isn't as simple as running an event. Events require a solid idea to plan on, time to plan out the event, reliable volunteers, and advertising. If those weren't hard enough, you might need an in-game reward to provide incentive for people to join you, depending on your event.

Over the years, I've certainly run my fair share of events, and I continue to do so as I plan events alongside developers. I've learned a few things that I'd like to pass along, so let's not delay any further. Onwards, to the meat of the matter!

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: A few tips for running in-game events

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: A few tips for running in-game events originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedcontentevent-planningeventsfeaturedguild-eventguild-eventsin-game-eventlive-eventneglected-contentold-raidsopinionpvepvpraidsrunning-an-eventtips-and-tricksFri, 16 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: Try not to be such a noob]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/wastland-diaries-try-not-to-be-such-a-noob/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/wastland-diaries-try-not-to-be-such-a-noob/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/wastland-diaries-try-not-to-be-such-a-noob/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth has a steep learning curve. It's not hard to die a horrible death in Fallen Earth because you simply didn't have even the slightest clue what you were doing. But life doesn't have to be short and brutal in the wasteland. In fact, you can eke out a decent living and make quite a name for yourself. There are a few things you can do to minimize the bewilderment you will face once you emerge from the LifeNet pod for the first time into the unforgiving desolation of the apocalypse. After reading this guide, you are likely to be heard saying things like: "Y'know what? The apocalypse isn't all that bad." and "I wish this place were just a little more dangerous."

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: Try not to be such a noob

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: Try not to be such a noob originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buildbuildingcraftingfactionfactionsfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfaqfaqshelphintsnoobnoob-guidenoobztipstips-and-trickstips-tricksFri, 23 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Mail time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/the-tattered-notebook-mail-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/the-tattered-notebook-mail-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/the-tattered-notebook-mail-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ah ha! Finally! Freedom from the human reporter, Seraphina! She is going to PAX East, leaving me to my own devices! Now, finally, I can enact the plan I've been waiting so long to do!

...answer one of your e-mails. Muhahahahahahaha!

Ok, ok darlings. I know that perhaps this is not quite the same as world domination or the destruction of Qeynos, but it's special for me, yes? Usually I have to be somewhat pleasant in these weekly scribblings. But, with my oversight gone, I can let you experience the wrath of a true Tier'dal!

...with helpful advice along the way, of course.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Mail time

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Mail time originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicecasterclassdamage-dealere-maileq2eqIIeverquest-2everquest-iieverquest2guidepartyingpetpet-classsoesony-online-entertainmentspellcasterthe-tattered-notebooktips-and-tricksTue, 23 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Medic ships, part 1: The healers of EVE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/21/eve-evolved-medic-ships-part-1-the-healers-of-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/21/eve-evolved-medic-ships-part-1-the-healers-of-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/21/eve-evolved-medic-ships-part-1-the-healers-of-eve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The holy trinity of tank, healer and damage-dealer is present in every MMO, including EVE Online. While most MMOs dedicate these roles to specific classes, ships in EVE can do all three at the same time. When running missions solo, for example, a ship will need to tank incoming damage, repair it and deal damage themselves. Setting up a ship for solo PvE becomes a balancing act between the three roles. Too little tank and you'll find yourself in trouble, but too little damage and you'll take forever to kill NPCs.

As part of a gang, however, remote armour repair and shield transfer modules allow pilots to specialise into a traditional healer role. Rather than having each player repair their own damage, it can be much more effective to have a dedicated medic ship to repair anyone that gets shot at. There are even specialised ships for would-be healers in EVE, from entry-level cruisers to advanced Tech 2 Logistics ships and massive capital ships. Medic ships can be an effective part of any gang, whether you're tackling a tough level 4 or 5 mission or engaging in large-scale gang PvP.

In this first part of a two-part look into dedicated healers in EVE Online, I look at the more affordable ships and modules available and the best strategy for healing in PvE.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Medic ships, part 1: The healers of EVE

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Medic ships, part 1: The healers of EVE originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarrcaldariccpccp-eveccp-gamesdpseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedgallentegroupgroupsguardianguidehealerhealershealinglogisticsminmataroneirossolotanktankingtipstips-and-tricksSun, 21 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Staying safe in high security space]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/28/eve-evolved-staying-safe-in-high-security-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/28/eve-evolved-staying-safe-in-high-security-space/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/28/eve-evolved-staying-safe-in-high-security-space/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One of EVE Online's defining factors is the idea that you're not completely safe anywhere in the game. If you're not docked in a station or securely logged off, there's always a chance that someone will pick a fight with you. Many pilots opt to stay in the relative safety of high security space but even this isn't an absolutely safe area. Suicide attacks, corporate wars, can flippers and loot thieves are a common sight in New Eden and if you don't know how to handle them, you could find yourself on the business end of a 150mm railgun.

In this guide for newer EVE players, I look at the main threats you could be exposed to in high security space and how to keep yourself safe in spite of them.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Staying safe in high security space

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Staying safe in high security space originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aggressionccpccp-eveccp-gamescorpcorporationeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedGame-Mechanicsgankguidehighsechulkageddonhulkageddon-2hulkageddon-iisafesafetysuicidetipstips-and-trickstrickwarSun, 28 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Five useful starbase configurations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/eve-evolved-five-useful-starbase-configurations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/eve-evolved-five-useful-starbase-configurations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/14/eve-evolved-five-useful-starbase-configurations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Player housing is one of those features we love to see in an MMO but every game that has it seems to implement it differently. Sometimes it's limited to instanced rooms the player can decorate and sometimes it's a little more functional like shared guild halls. In EVE Online, the closest thing to widely-available player housing would be anchorable starbases, which can be configured to serve a variety of functional roles. Originally, their primary purpose was to mine moon minerals and react them to produce advanced materials for Tech 2 production.

Starbases can be very useful as tactical staging points for PvP operations. With the right modules anchored around them, they can also be configured for use in other industries, from mining and manufacturing to research and deep space exploration. Until recently, they also played a critical role in EVE's alliance sovereignty warfare as the alliance with the most starbases in a system gained control of it. With that role now fulfilled by Outposts, Infrastructure Hubs and Territorial Claim Units, starbases have mostly returned to their former industrial and tactical uses.

In this article, I look at five different starbase configurations that can be very useful to organised corporations.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Five useful starbase configurations

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Five useful starbase configurations originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesdeath-stardepotdominioneveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedpiracyplayer-housingplayer-owned-starbasepospvpsafespotsleepersovereigntystarbaseterritorial-controltipstips-and-trickswormholewormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 14 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five tips on being a better agent in Global Agenda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/five-tips-on-being-a-better-agent-in-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/five-tips-on-being-a-better-agent-in-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/five-tips-on-being-a-better-agent-in-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When it comes to action-based shooters like Global Agenda, gear is good but skill is better. Way better. Even the most technologically endowed enemies can come crashing down with a little teamwork and creative ingenuity.

But if you're new to the game, new to action-based shooters, or just not doing so hot in your PvP matches, then you might need some help. That's where we come in.

After playing a huge amount of PvP, PvE, and a decent amount of AvA in Global Agenda, I've found that many players make a few common mistakes. So, while I know this article will result in more deaths for me, I want to help all of you avoid these common mistakes and play a better game.

Continue reading Five tips on being a better agent in Global Agenda

MassivelyFive tips on being a better agent in Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assaultglobal-agendaguidehealth-bubblesmedicreconroboticsshoot-the-medicteamworktips-and-tricksturretsMon, 08 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Tips for a WoW player in EQII]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/the-tattered-notebook-tips-for-a-wow-player-in-eqii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/the-tattered-notebook-tips-for-a-wow-player-in-eqii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/the-tattered-notebook-tips-for-a-wow-player-in-eqii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Greetings and fair travels to you, adventurers. Once again it is I, Seccia Ravenloft, here to present this week's look into the world of Norrath.

Now, from what these humans on this spiderweb site tell me, some of you are more familiar with other worlds than you are with Norrath. Blasphemy, I say! This week, I wish to mend that little problem of yours by teaching you how to adapt quickly to our world, lest you coddle yourself with the pillow armor other worlds offer you.

Luckily there are many similarities between our world and that Azeroth thing. So come, read along, follow my instructions, and soon you'll look like a hardened Norrathian adventurer in no time flat.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Tips for a WoW player in EQII

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Tips for a WoW player in EQII originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate-advancementeq-iieq2everquest-2everquest-iifeaturedfood-and-drinkhelprace-traditionssoesony-online-entertainmentthe-tattered-notebooktips-and-trickswow-players-guideTue, 02 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Planet Risk podcast explains tactics for EVE's high level wormholes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/planet-risk-podcast-explains-tactics-for-eves-high-level-wormho/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/planet-risk-podcast-explains-tactics-for-eves-high-level-wormho/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/planet-risk-podcast-explains-tactics-for-eves-high-level-wormho/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The EVE Online-focused Planet Risk Show returned this week after a planned holiday hiatus. For those who've never heard of Planet Risk, it's a live weekly Split Infinity Radio program that's also released as a podcast. Planet Risk differs from most EVE podcasts in that it's largely focused on wormhole colonization, which only became possible after the Apocrypha expansion was released, allowing players to pull back the curtain of known space and head into uncharted expanses. Hosts Luminus Aardokay and Quivering Palm spend most of their EVE time in wormhole space, so they're fast becoming experts on the subject. Indeed, they broadcast The Planet Risk Show from within their colonized wormhole system, which is a rather unique one in the game.

Their home is one of the most hostile types of wormholes in New Eden -- a Class 6 -- where the Sleeper NPCs are especially deadly. The ship setups and tactics used against the Sleepers in such a solar system differ greatly from how it's done in lower class wormholes. They explain some of the tricks that allow them to overcome the Sleepers in their Class 6 wormhole this week in Episode 13 -- right around the 1 hour 11 second mark. It's a good listen, particularly as there isn't a great deal of information available on such high level encounters in the game.

Continue reading Planet Risk podcast explains tactics for EVE's high level wormholes

MassivelyPlanet Risk podcast explains tactics for EVE's high level wormholes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaccpccp-gamesclass-5class-6eveeve-onlineexplorationgame-mechanicsluminus-aardokayplanet-riskpodcastspvequivering-palmsci-fisleepersthe-planet-risk-showtips-and-tricksw-spacewormholesFri, 29 Jan 2010 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Five interesting combat tactics, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/eve-evolved-five-interesting-combat-tactics-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/eve-evolved-five-interesting-combat-tactics-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/eve-evolved-five-interesting-combat-tactics-part-2/#commentsContinue reading EVE Evolved: Five interesting combat tactics, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Five interesting combat tactics, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bubblebumpbumpingccpccp-gameseveeve-evolvedeve-onlinegatecamplogisticsmaneuversoverviewtacticaltacticstipstips-and-trickswarpSun, 10 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Five interesting combat tactics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/eve-evolved-five-interesting-combat-tactics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/eve-evolved-five-interesting-combat-tactics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/eve-evolved-five-interesting-combat-tactics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Although EVE Online's combat isn't twitch-based, the outcome is often swayed by strong tactical and strategic influences. Whether you're running missions, battling Sleeper AI in a wormhole site or engaging other players in PvP, chances are you've pulled off a few fancy tactical maneuvers. Over the years, we learn these little tricks and teach them to each other. From mundane ways to avoid damage from NPCs to the cat and mouse games we play with other players, tactical maneuvers are a big part of EVE's gameplay. In this short article, I look at a few of the tips and tactics players use to gain an edge in combat.

Angular velocity:
If you've ever used a turret-based ship and found yourself missing enemies a lot, there are a few tricks you can do to even the score. Open the overview settings menu and under "column" select "Angular Velocity". This shows the transverse velocity of enemy ships relative to your own in radians per second, which is the same measurement your turret tracking score uses. By checking the show-info pane on your guns, you can look up the maximum tracking speed of your guns. Ships with an angular velocity greater than your turret's tracking speed will be practically impossible to hit so having this information on-hand means you can avoid picking targets that will just waste your time and ammo. Another useful trick to do is to match your course and speed as closely as you can with an enemy ship rather than just approaching it. This will decrease their angular velocity relative to your ship, allowing you to hit some fast ships you otherwise wouldn't be able to.

Skip past the cut for four more interesting tactics and tips. Do you have a particularly useful tip or a clever tactical maneuver you use a lot? Leave a comment and let us know what it is.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Five interesting combat tactics

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Five interesting combat tactics originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bubblebumpbumpingccpccp-gameseveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedgatecamplogisticsmaneuversoverviewtacticaltacticstipstips-and-trickswarpSun, 10 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Finding your place in Fallen Earth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/finding-your-place-in-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/finding-your-place-in-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/finding-your-place-in-fallen-earth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Back just before the holidays, Fallen Earth joined the ranks of many other games on the market in offering a free trial. That's all well and good, but that leaves one to face the slight problem the game has. Once the tutorial is over, you get rather unceremoniously dropped off with a line pointing you toward... well, nothing. Like any true post-apocalyptic survivor, you have the clothes on your back, a couple of weapons, and no real goal handed to you beyond "don't get killed."

While Andy Breckman's advice is certainly a good overall goal, something specific is better. That's why Bio Break has recently compiled a list of tips on finding your place once you get done with your tutorial. The condensed version is simple enough: scavenge everything you can, because it can all be used to craft something, and buy nothing unless you absolutely have to do so. It's also recommended that you avoid spending any of your character's AP early on, instead saving it until you have a clearer picture of what you want to do. The list also includes some links to fansites that can provide excellent data for a first-time player, so if you're diving into the tutorial, it's a handy resource.

MassivelyFinding your place in Fallen Earth originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bio-breakfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfenew-playersplayer-guidepost-apocalypticsuggestionssurvivaltips-and-trickstutorialWed, 06 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Research: Five top tips, page 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/eve-evolved-research-five-top-tips-page-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/eve-evolved-research-five-top-tips-page-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/eve-evolved-research-five-top-tips-page-2/#commentsContinue reading EVE Evolved: Research: Five top tips, page 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Research: Five top tips, page 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueprintccpccp-gameseveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedguideindustryinventionproductionprofitresearchreverse-engineeringtech-1tech-2tech-3tipstips-and-tricksSun, 03 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Research: Five top tips]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/eve-evolved-research-five-top-tips/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/eve-evolved-research-five-top-tips/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/eve-evolved-research-five-top-tips/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

In the past three weeks, I've covered the ins and outs of research in EVE Online, from Tech 1 blueprints and the Tech 2 invention system to Tech 3 and reverse engineering. In my nearly six years of playing EVE, I've delved into every traditional profession and picked up some valuable tips and insights on each one. Having been involved in every aspect of the Tech 1, 2 and 3 industries, I've built up a fairly complete picture of how the research portion of any industry interacts with its production lines. In this final part to the EVE Evolved guide to research, I give five top tips that I consider invaluable for anyone getting into research and industry.

#5 - Chasing profit:
To keep your profit margins high in any business, you'll need to adjust your choice of products frequently to keep up with what's recently profitable. The most important tool you'll ever have in any industry is a spreadsheet or application to calculate build costs for you. By updating the prices on your spreadsheet regularly, you can quickly spot which items are profitable to build and stay ahead of the curve. This is important because in some areas, like the market for Tech 2 modules, it can take as little as a week for an item to go from high profit to making a loss. In EVE's highly competitive markets, it's the most agile players able to stay on top of market trends who make the most ISK. There are several freely available applications and websites that can help with practically every industry but I've always found it useful to make my own spreadsheets.

Skip past the cut for four other invaluable tips on reverse engineering chances, invention profit margins, predicting trends and more.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Research: Five top tips

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Research: Five top tips originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueprintccpccp-gameseveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedguideindustryinventionproductionprofitresearchreverse-engineeringtech-1tech-2tech-3tipstips-and-tricksSun, 03 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Research: Reverse Engineering and Tech 3, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/eve-evolved-research-reverse-engineering-and-tech-3-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/eve-evolved-research-reverse-engineering-and-tech-3-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/eve-evolved-research-reverse-engineering-and-tech-3-part-2/#commentsContinue reading EVE Evolved: Research: Reverse Engineering and Tech 3, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Research: Reverse Engineering and Tech 3, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueprintccpccp-gamesengineeringeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineguidelegionlokiprofitproteusreresearchreversereverse-engineeringskillssleepersstrategic-cruiserssubsystemtech-1tech-2tech-3tengutipstips-and-trickswormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 27 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Research: Reverse Engineering and Tech 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/eve-evolved-research-reverse-engineering-and-tech-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/eve-evolved-research-reverse-engineering-and-tech-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/27/eve-evolved-research-reverse-engineering-and-tech-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

In the first two parts of this guide to Research in EVE Online, I covered the basics of Tech 1 blueprint research and the "Invention" system that allows players to make their own Tech 2 blueprint copies. The reverse engineering process used to make Tech 3 blueprints is a lot like invention except with a new set of materials, equipment and skills. Though the process used to create it will be familiar to inventors, the end product is a strange beast. Unlike Tech 2, Tech 3 isn't just a straight improvement over lower tech levels and doesn't use Tech 1 or 2 as a base. Instead, it's an entirely new technology used to make custom, modular ships. At the moment, the only Tech 3 products we have are the modular "Strategic Cruiser" class but more is planned for future patches. Tech 3 frigates are rumoured to be next on the development table and it's entirely possible that we'll see strange new Tech 3 modules thrown into the mix too at some point.

In today's part of this bumper guide to research, I look into EVE's newest addition to the researcher's repertoire as I examine Tech 3 and "Reverse Engineering". I'll look at how it all fits together to make a finished product, what's required to get involved and best practices for staying profitable in what has become a very competitive marketplace.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Research: Reverse Engineering and Tech 3

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Research: Reverse Engineering and Tech 3 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueprintccpccp-gamesengineeringeveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedguidelegionlokiprofitproteusreresearchreversereverse-engineeringskillssleepersstrategic-cruiserssubsystemtech-1tech-2tech-3tengutipstips-and-trickswormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 27 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Trading: Tips and tricks, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/eve-evolved-trading-tips-and-tricks-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/eve-evolved-trading-tips-and-tricks-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/eve-evolved-trading-tips-and-tricks-part-2/#commentsContinue reading EVE Evolved: Trading: Tips and tricks, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Trading: Tips and tricks, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyingccpccp-gameschribbaeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexpansionfeaturedguideisklotterymanipulationmarginmarketnyphuropinionpatchprofessionsprofitpvepvpsellingspeculationtipstips-and-trickstradetradingSun, 29 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Trading: Tips and tricks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/eve-evolved-trading-tips-and-tricks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/eve-evolved-trading-tips-and-tricks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/eve-evolved-trading-tips-and-tricks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

So far in this guide to trading in EVE Online, I've covered the jobs best suited to new players and some of the more advanced trading techniques like margin trading, market speculation and price manipulation. This is by no means the entirety of what can happen in EVE's marketplaces, but serves as a good foundation for those trying to break into the trading game. In the hyper-capitalistic world of New Eden, the markets are hugely competitive and any edge you can get will help. With that in mind, this final part of the guide will cover a few of the tips and tricks I've learned over the years that have given me an edge in the marketplace. Some are common sense rules that most traders will learn eventually and will be invaluable to newer players. Others are more closely-guarded secrets that I've gleaned from years of gameplay.

What is a cyclic product and what do you do when you spot a price manipulation? In this final part of the trading guide, I dish out some of my personal top tips for budding marketeers.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Trading: Tips and tricks

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Trading: Tips and tricks originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyingccpccp-gameschribbaeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexpansionfeaturedguideisklotterymanipulationmarginmarketnyphuropinionpatchprofessionsprofitpvepvpsellingspeculationtipstips-and-trickstradetradingSun, 29 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Trading: Advanced trading, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/eve-evolved-trading-advanced-trading-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/eve-evolved-trading-advanced-trading-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/eve-evolved-trading-advanced-trading-part-2/#commentsContinue reading EVE Evolved: Trading: Advanced trading, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Trading: Advanced trading, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyingccpccp-gamescontractsDominioneveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexpansionfeaturedguidehaulingiskmanipulationmarginmarketprofessionsprofitpvepvpsellingspeculationtipstips-and-trickstradingSun, 22 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Trading: Advanced trading]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/eve-evolved-trading-advanced-trading/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/eve-evolved-trading-advanced-trading/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/eve-evolved-trading-advanced-trading/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In the first part of this guide I covered the basics of trading in EVE Online and some of the jobs best suited to newer players. There's a lot more to trading than buying low and selling high and in this week's installment, I'll cover some of the more advanced trading and marketeering tactics that have proven themselves effective in EVE. From margin trading on the market to making a living off the contracts page, anyone with enough dedication can learn to rake in hundreds of millions of ISK per day without even leaving the station. For the gamblers and risk-takers among you, market speculation and price manipulation can produce incredible short-term profit but with significant risks attached.

In this second part of my concise guide on trading, I look at margin trading on the market, playing the contract pages, market speculation around patches and the dirty art of market manipulation.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Trading: Advanced trading

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Trading: Advanced trading originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyingccpccp-gamescontractsDominioneveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexpansionfeaturedguidehaulingiskmanipulationmarginmarketprofessionsprofitpvepvpsellingspeculationtipstips-and-trickstradingSun, 22 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Trading: The basics, page 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/15/eve-evolved-trading-the-basics-page-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/15/eve-evolved-trading-the-basics-page-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/15/eve-evolved-trading-the-basics-page-2/#commentsContinue reading EVE Evolved: Trading: The basics, page 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Trading: The basics, page 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyingccpccp-gamescontractscouriereveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedguidehaulingiskmarketprofessionsprofitpverefiningsellingtipstips-and-trickstradingSun, 15 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Trading: The basics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/15/eve-evolved-trading-the-basics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/15/eve-evolved-trading-the-basics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/15/eve-evolved-trading-the-basics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Of all the moneymaking endeavours you can take in EVE Online, trading is perhaps the one with the highest potential for profit. While mission-running profit tops out at a few tens of millions per hour and the profit margin from production isn't that big, trading is limited only by the amount of effort you're willing to put in and is much improved by inherent business talent. At the low end of the trading spectrum, beginners can make a healthy income ferrying items from A to B. At the other extreme, a market-savvy individual can pull billions per week out of the players in EVE's great conglomerated marketplaces.

In this first guide in a short series on trading, I look at the different types of trading options available to newer EVE players.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Trading: The basics

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Trading: The basics originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyingccpccp-gamescontractscouriereveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedguidehaulingiskmarketprofessionsprofitpverefiningsellingtipstips-and-trickstradingSun, 15 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to email a Second Life DMCA notice]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/how-to-email-a-second-life-dmca-notice/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/how-to-email-a-second-life-dmca-notice/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/how-to-email-a-second-life-dmca-notice/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While Linden Lab allows you to submit a DMCA notice via post or fax, there is a third option that's valid while you're waiting for the promised new DMCA process to come along.

While many service- and platform-providers insist that they do not accept emailed DMCA notices, if you submit them correctly, the provider is lawfully obligated to accept them. Interestingly, a proper DMCA notice by email can actually give the recipient more surety about the identity of the submitter than faxed or posted notices.

Continue reading How to email a Second Life DMCA notice

MassivelyHow to email a Second Life DMCA notice originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copyrightcopyright-infringementdmcaeconomyhow-tolegallinden-labsecond-lifethawtetips-and-tricksvirtual-worldsSat, 31 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five quick tips for Aion (week 3)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/five-quick-tips-for-aion-week-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/five-quick-tips-for-aion-week-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/five-quick-tips-for-aion-week-3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Welcome to our third installment of "Five quick tips for Aion." The title is pretty self-explanatory so let's just jump right into things, shall we? This week's post features the trade broker, group recruitment, faster XP, rift locations, and custom signatures!

1. Quickly search the trade broker
It can get annoying typing out the full name of an item in the 'Buy' tab, especially when the names are all case-senstitive and can be quite long. Here are two quick tips to speed up the process.

a) If you have an item in your inventory and want to do a quick 'Buy' search to see how much it is selling for, simply ALT + Left Click the item in your inventory and the search bar will be auto-filled with the complete item name.

b) If you don't happen to have an item in your inventory but know its name, you can simply enter the first letter of each word (capitalized) in the search box. For example, you can search 'T S L J' instead of Thin Soft Leather Jerkin. Some item names share the same initials, so you can narrow the search by adding a second letter in lower-case. For example, 'M W F' will result in Major Weapon Flux and Minor Weapon Flux. If you only want Major Weapon Flux, search for 'Ma W F.'

Continue reading Five quick tips for Aion (week 3)

MassivelyFive quick tips for Aion (week 3) originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abyssaionaion-tipsfeaturedgroupingncsoftpvpvestrategytips-and-tricksWed, 21 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crafting in Final Fantasy XI: A few tips to achieving success]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/crafting-in-final-fantasy-xi-a-few-tips-to-achieving-success/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/crafting-in-final-fantasy-xi-a-few-tips-to-achieving-success/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/crafting-in-final-fantasy-xi-a-few-tips-to-achieving-success/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Most games give crafters the shaft. There's no real art to pushing a button and having an item pop out, especially when today's modern MMO design heavily favors "quick crafting." Crafting is an afterthought to most games, or something that players can do to both pass the time and perhaps offer an alternative to buying items from the shops.

Then there's Final Fantasy XI. The game equipped with a crafting system so complicated, people still have arguments about how the game calculates success 6 years after its American launch. A crafting system so complicated, some people like to refer to it as "voodoo crafting."

The ins-and-outs of the system may be hard to grasp for the starting player, but we here at Massively want to give everyone a fighting chance at what is a very interestingly designed crafting system. So if you want a few tips on how to leverage the crafting system in your favor, or if you want to find out what makes crafting in this game so difficult and draw so much debate, then this is the guide for you.

Continue reading Crafting in Final Fantasy XI: A few tips to achieving success

MassivelyCrafting in Final Fantasy XI: A few tips to achieving success originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingcrystalsdirectional-craftingfeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xiguidemoon-phasessynthesistipstips-and-tricksTue, 20 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Make your own kind of music]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/the-daily-grind-make-your-own-kind-of-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/the-daily-grind-make-your-own-kind-of-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/the-daily-grind-make-your-own-kind-of-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The optimal ways to play are pretty easy to find, these days. If you didn't have several dozen sites with forums, guides, and other tricks to let you know exactly what the best approach to a given game might be, many players will also be very helpful in offering their advice. (Often they'll offer it repeatedly, whether you want it or not, with little regard for phrasing or whether or not they even know the subject well.) Naturally, if you want to play the game at your best, you should be reading these guides and tricks and deviating as little as possible.

For some of us, of course, that's exactly why we've disregarded everything the guides say.

When you play an MMO, do you try and make your character optimal, or do you throw all caution to the wind and grab whatever you want? Do you play undervalued classes or use skills generally considered sub-par just because you like working up to the challenge? Do you like trying to crack a new build that no one else will realize the strength of for a while? What are your little ways of rebelling against the "correct" way to play and build your character, if you have them?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Make your own kind of music originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesgame-mechanicsopinionskillstdgthe-daily-grindtips-and-tricksTue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five more quick tips for Aion (p2)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/five-more-quick-tips-for-aion-p2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/five-more-quick-tips-for-aion-p2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/five-more-quick-tips-for-aion-p2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Continue reading Five more quick tips for Aion (p2)

MassivelyFive more quick tips for Aion (p2) originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aioncraftinggrindingguidesmaking-moneyncsoftquestingtips-and-tricksMon, 28 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Five more quick tips for Aion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/five-more-quick-tips-for-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/five-more-quick-tips-for-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/five-more-quick-tips-for-aion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We spent a lot of time playing Aion last weekend and have another round of quick tips to share with you. Check out last week's list in case you missed it. Enjoy!

1. Cheaply level your craft

This tip assumes you know the basics of crafting. The fastest and cheapest way to raise your crafting skill is to complete work orders given out by your crafting trainer in the Artisan district in your capital city. Crafting costs kinah (money), but there are three important things you should bear in mind to maximize your savings.

First, only grind up your skill on work orders 10-15 levels below your current crafting level. For instance, if your Tailoring is at 40, only do work orders that require a 30 Tailoring until you reach 50 skill points. Each work order will give you around 1-1.5 skill points, will complete more quickly with a higher level of success, and your extra ingredient(s) cost will be lower from the crafting vendor.

Second, only make as many items as needed to complete your work order. Each work order only requires that you create 6 items but the trainer gives you enough basic ingredients for 8. Too many people click "Craft All," which ends up wasting additional resources (i.e., money). Manually type in "6" and then press your craft button.

Continue reading Five more quick tips for Aion

MassivelyFive more quick tips for Aion originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-tipscraftingfeaturedgrindingguidesmaking-moneyncsoftquestingtips-and-tricksMon, 28 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Survival tips for Fallen Earth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/survival-tips-for-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/survival-tips-for-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/survival-tips-for-fallen-earth/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Fallen Earth is one of most recent titles to arrive on the MMO scene. If you weren't a beta tester, though, you might have some questions about the best way to progress in the game. Syp over at Bio Break put together some tips to help Fallen Earth players get a handle on the game, and hopefully points out a few overlooked aspects of this post-apocalyptic title. Some of his tips are practical and relate to game mechanics or common mistakes made, others are simply advice from someone who's clearly spent a lot of time wandering the wasteland.

Pair Syp's "20 Tips for Fallen Earthers" with Massively's "FAQ That" for Fallen Earth and you should be well on your way to getting the most from the newly released title. Also don't miss our Fallen Earth guides -- A WoW player's guide to Fallen Earth and the Beginner's guide to horse crafting -- for a closer look at what this MMO can offer.

MassivelySurvival tips for Fallen Earth originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bio-breakfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcgame-mechanicsguidesicarus-studiospost-apocalypticsci-fisyptipstips-and-tricksSat, 26 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five tips to make the most of your new Champion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/five-tips-to-make-the-most-of-your-new-champion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/five-tips-to-make-the-most-of-your-new-champion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/five-tips-to-make-the-most-of-your-new-champion/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's a new day, and a new subscription. Fresh outfit, powers, setting, rules and things to remember. If you don't know that Champions Online has launched, then you've been hiding under a sizeable rock.

The odds are you didn't read the manual, and face it, most folks just aren't going to, despite its brevity. There's also some tips and tricks that you're just not going to get out of it, and the last thing you want with a new MMOG is to screw up your build and tactics, right?

So, with that in mind, we've rounded up a number of simple things to remember to help you get more out of your Champions Online character.

Continue reading Five tips to make the most of your new Champion

MassivelyFive tips to make the most of your new Champion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinefeaturedhow-totips-and-tricksWed, 02 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Second Life user's guide to tier]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/a-second-life-user-s-guide-to-tier/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/a-second-life-user-s-guide-to-tier/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/a-second-life-user-s-guide-to-tier/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

At its heart, tier (as it is called in Second Life) is the capacity to own land. This capacity is paid for in a number of steps (or tiers, hence the name). Each ownership capacity tier is double the area of the previous tier.

Tier is a ubiquitous concept in Second Life, but a frequently misunderstood or an incompletely understood one. Understanding land-tier in Second Life is important, whether you are owning, renting, or part of a group that owns land, so read on, and we'll tell you all about it.

Continue reading A Second Life user's guide to tier

MassivelyA Second Life user's guide to tier originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economyfeaturedguideshow-tosecond-lifesecond-life-land-tiertips-and-tricksvirtual-landvirtual-worldsSat, 01 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life torture guide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/second-life-torture-guide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/second-life-torture-guide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/second-life-torture-guide/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

No, not the torture of avatars - who cannot be harmed, nor even restrained against their will - but what is called prim torture. You see, prims (those deliciously smart building blocks from which almost everything in Second Life is made) can be made to behave very oddly, if you do things just right. With just the right settings in the right order, you can make a host of shapes that they were never actually designed to have.

The gentle art of prim torturing (also called prim twisting) has been documented extensively in a catalogue of shapes by Second Life user Ayumi Cassini. It isn't every possible shape you can make, but there's a bewildering array of unusual and useful forms. By all means, check out Ayumi's guide, and be inspired.

Are you a part of the most widely-known collaborative virtual environment or keeping a close eye on it? Massively's Second Life coverage keeps you in the loop.

MassivelySecond Life torture guide originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ayumi-cassiniguideshow-toprimssecond-lifesl-buildingtips-and-tricksvirtual-worldsWed, 29 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Using kill-switches for safer Second Life scripts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/using-kill-switches-for-safer-second-life-scripts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/using-kill-switches-for-safer-second-life-scripts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/using-kill-switches-for-safer-second-life-scripts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Realistically, there are ton of things that can go wrong with scripted systems in Second Life. Most of them can be worked around comparatively easily, if you're willing to pay a little attention to the details.

Skimping on those details can lead to runaway objects, or even executing a distributed denial-of-service attack against your own systems. A lot of people do skimp, however. Sometimes it's sloppiness, but more often it's just a matter of inexperience. Sometimes you need to be bitten before you think of these things. Some of us have been bitten more than once.

Continue reading Using kill-switches for safer Second Life scripts

MassivelyUsing kill-switches for safer Second Life scripts originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guideshow-tolordfly-digeridoolslsecond-lifetips-and-tricksvirtual-worldsMon, 27 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten great tips for new Second Life users]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/ten-great-tips-for-new-second-life-users/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/ten-great-tips-for-new-second-life-users/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/ten-great-tips-for-new-second-life-users/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Over the last couple of weeks, a larger number of our readers than usual have decided to give Second Life a try (in some cases, a second try after some years). It seems appropriate therefore to lay out some essential tidbits to help you get to grips with your first few hours in Second Life.

From quick graphical tune-ups to how to get help, we've got the stuff you need to know first.

Continue reading Ten great tips for new Second Life users

MassivelyTen great tips for new Second Life users originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>educationfarrah-fawcettfeaturedguideshow-tonewbienewbie-guidesecond-lifespiro-t-agnewtips-and-tricksvirtual-worldsMon, 20 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: The reason why you hate Second Life and a few ways to fix that pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/anti-aliased-the-reason-why-you-hate-second-life-and-a-few-pt2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/anti-aliased-the-reason-why-you-hate-second-life-and-a-few-pt2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/anti-aliased-the-reason-why-you-hate-second-life-and-a-few-pt2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Tip #1 -- Take the time to learn the UI

The tutorial, while not the best thing in the world, isn't a bad introduction to learning how to navigate the user interface. It shows you the ropes (dryly) and lets you get in some practice before you're dumped onto the main grid. Take your time through it, listen to what it has to say, and then jump on into the world.

For gamers, here's a couple of protips. Right click opens a radial menu, and holding it down does nothing. If you're looking to spin the camera, remember to use alt + click and hold. However, also remember that alt + click centers your camera on whatever you clicked on. If you want to orbit your avatar, alt + click and hold on your avatar, then move the mouse left and right to orbit and forward and back to zoom.

Resetting your camera is the escape key. That's very handy.

Clicking activates many, many things. Try clicking on objects, as you never know what might occur.

If moving is too slow for you, try flying. Hold down E to start flying, then use E to go up and C to go down. Beware that you can't fly everywhere though... look at the top bar to see if flying is amongst the "banned symbols." It looks like a little man flying.

Tip #2 -- Search is your friend

If Second Life is the internet, then the search button is your Google. This little fellow is super handy for finding stuff that you want. Interested in finding a Star Wars group? Just type Star Wars into the group search box after you press the search button, and you're on your way to finding Star Wars fans like yourself. Do you want to buy a lightsaber? Open the "places" tab and type in lightsaber -- you're sure to find a few hits.

You always know where to go when you master the search tool.

Tip #3 -- Be social!

You see the people over there? Talk to them! You like someone's avatar? Tell them! You looking for a specific sim? Ask questions!

One of the most important assets you can have is to speak with the others around you. Find out new things, make new friends, and actually experience SL rather than just watching it on your monitor. If you want a good place to check out that's reliably filled with people, I recommend the city of Nova Albion. If you're new and you want more help with Second Life, then I recommend checking out all of the help options at New Citizens Incorporated.

Tip #4 -- Know what you want

Lastly, set a goal for yourself in Second Life. Don't just go in to wander, go in and search for something you like. Does roleplaying interest you? Search for some roleplaying sims. Games? You'll find a wide variety of independently created games in Second Life. There's even an MMORPG inside of SL! Clubs? Yeah... there's way too many clubs to really count in SL.

If you follow these few tips, your time in Second Life will probably benefit greatly. Of course, if the system isn't your thing, then it isn't your thing. You can't enjoy what you don't enjoy. But if you were always on the fence with Second Life, perhaps now you can give it a "second look" (see what I did there?) with confidence.
Colin Seraphina Brennan is the weekly writer of Anti-Aliased who thinks all games should be given a fighting chance. When she's not writing here for Massively, she's rambling on her personal blog, The Experience Curve. If you want to message her, send her an e-mail at colin.brennan AT weblogsinc DOT com. You can also follow her on Twitter through Massively, or through her personal feed, @sera_brennan.

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: The reason why you hate Second Life and a few ways to fix that pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chatclubfungroupsinitiativenew-citizens-incorporatednewbienova-albionroleplayingsecond-lifeslsocialsocial-networkingtips-and-tricksvirtual-worldsThu, 09 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: The reason why you hate Second Life and a few ways to fix that]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/anti-aliased-the-reason-why-you-hate-second-life-and-a-few-ways/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/anti-aliased-the-reason-why-you-hate-second-life-and-a-few-ways/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/anti-aliased-the-reason-why-you-hate-second-life-and-a-few-ways/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Second Life gets a really bad rap from the MMO community that's largely undeserved. I get to hear all of these slams like it's a usless waste of data, there's nothing to do, it's a bunch of sex sims, and how I should work on my "first life" before my Second Life. Har, har, har.

But, like I said at the opening of this column, Second Life doesn't deserve those punches to the gut. The world of SL is pretty vast and has much to offer any gamer, regardless of what they like. It's important to remember that this system is not a game. It has no objectives and no overt goals, but it does have an unlimited supply of imagination and creative possibilities. It's not a place of "serious business," because something that's fun shouldn't be taken quite that harshly. Sure, you can make money, but you guys want to have fun, right?

So let's talk about Second Life, the reason the masses hate the system, and how you can find something enjoyable inside of "the grid" even if you've tried it before and got some negative first impressions.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: The reason why you hate Second Life and a few ways to fix that

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: The reason why you hate Second Life and a few ways to fix that originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedchatclubsfeaturedfungridgroupshaving-funjoystiqfeatureslightsabersnew-citizens-incorporatednova-albionroleplayingsearchsecond-lifesltips-and-tricksvirtual-worldsThu, 09 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST