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 Perfect Ten: The truth about lockboxes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-perfect-ten-the-truth-about-lockboxes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-perfect-ten-the-truth-about-lockboxes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-perfect-ten-the-truth-about-lockboxes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
Call them lockboxes, lootboxes, super packs, gift packs, treasure boxes, mystic chests, or Chupacabra's lunchpails, but these virtual boxes of mystery, fame, and fortune are all the rage in MMOs these days. Few studios have resisted the siren's call of such easy money, much to the dismay of many-a-gamer.

The idea is that a game will dish out to players free locked treasure boxes that require purchased keys to open. The allure of the box's mystery prize is often too strong to resist, especially when there's the possibility of a huge reward inside. The result too often is strong buyer's remorse and studio glee.

There's been a lot of conversation around lockboxes here on Massively, so I wanted to dedicate this week's Perfect Ten to dissecting the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth of these items for you.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The truth about lockboxes

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: The truth about lockboxes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcasinoChupacabracity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomgamblinggift-packsguild-wars-2gw2humorlockboxlockboxeslootboxlootboxeslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromystic-boxmystic-chestncsoftoddsopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwereal-money-tradingrmtroundupsci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosuper-packsuper-packssuperherosuperheroesthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtreasure-boxesturbineturbine-entertainmentThu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Guild Wars 2 gravestone epitaphs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-perfect-ten-guild-wars-2-gravestone-epitaphs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-perfect-ten-guild-wars-2-gravestone-epitaphs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/the-perfect-ten-guild-wars-2-gravestone-epitaphs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Scooby Doo
The dead tell the best stories, they say.

Outside of Divinity's Reach in Guild Wars 2 is a graveyard. It's the type of place that you run through quickly on your way to more lively settings, unless a zombie attack emerges. It was the type of place that I was running through quickly during the previous beta weekend when I realized that the gravestones could be examined -- and each and every one of them had an interesting epitaph to read. Some crazy ArenaNet writer sat down one afternoon and wrote out dozens and dozens of gravestone inscriptions on the off-chance that any of us would slow down enough to read them. It paid off in my case.

This may be one of the most trivial Perfect Tens I've ever done, so forgive me with being absolutely fascinated by the epitaphs that came up during my explorations. With an absolute economy of words, each gravestone tells a complete story. Some are funny, some are dark, some play into the lore, and some actually managed to be quite moving.

Here are my 10 most favorite that I found. Maybe they'll haunt you as they do me.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Guild Wars 2 gravestone epitaphs

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Guild Wars 2 gravestone epitaphs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetblack-humorcemeterycrankshaftdisney-worldEdward-Goreyepitaphepitaphsfantasyfeaturedfunnygravegravestonegravestonesgraveyardguild-wars-2gw2humorinscriptionslittle-red-riding-hoodncsoftopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenroundupthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenTirzah-Bauertop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listThu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-holdouts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-holdouts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-holdouts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
In the increasingly diminishing field of subscription-only MMOs, two distinct camps have formed. There is the Old Guard that has its established playerbase and is simply not interested in jumping on board the F2P train, and then there are the New Kids on the Block (which would make an excellent band name, by the way), who argue that their premium features and AAA content warrant a subscription in the F2P age.

A few years ago, doing a list of the final few F2P holdouts would have been a ridiculous proposition, but now it's actually difficult to get to 10 of these. Each company has a different reason that it hasn't given these games more flexible payment options (FPO should replace F2P; pass it on!), and while some have addressed this publicly, others say nothing and leave us to speculate on it.

For today's Perfect Ten, we're going to look at the 10 biggest current F2P holdouts in the industry and muse about what's going on behind the scenes. Will this list be impossible to do in a few years or will subscription-only titles come back in a big way? Hey, I don't predict things; I just make lists.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acactivisionAndy-Cataldoasherons-callbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcamelotccpccp-gamesclassic-mmoconsoleconsolesdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialeveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivfpsfree-to-playhumorinternet-spaceshipsKai-Schoberlord-britishlucasartsmmofpsmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenplanetsidepsps1pvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrsandboxsci-fiscott-hartsmansoesony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinesquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuowarwarcraftwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
When a beloved friend, family member, hero, or role model dies, we feel the pain of that loss and grieve in many different ways. Part of that grieving and healing process is often entails those left behind constructing some sort of tribute to the dearly departed. Sometimes this comes in the form of a shrine of flowers, sometimes it's the establishment of a charity, and sometimes it's creating an in-game memorial that thousands if not millions of people will see over the course of years.

So while death and illness are depressing topics to dwell upon, I find the many MMO tributes that studios and even gamers have erected to be inspiring and a celebration of individual players' lives. With the help of my fellow Massively staffers, I researched 10 wonderful in-game tributes that serve to honor the lives of fellow gamers.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionahab-wheathoofAnthony-StarkArmando-Ossexbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcamelotCaylee-Dakcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohcovcoxcoyoted-and-dDak-Krausedanieldaniels-questdaocdark-age-of-camelotdave-arnesonddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsEmilyeqeq1everquesteverquest-iiezraezra-chattertonezra-wheathooff2pfantasyfeaturedFrank-Campbellfree-to-playfreedomgalaxiesgary-gygaxhumorjeff-freemanJesse-Moraleskylelord-britishlunar-festivalmake-a-wishmake-a-wish-foundationmatthew-braggmemorialMichel-Koitermythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenphoenixpvpribbitribbitRobert-Bridenbeckerrounduprvrsandboxsci-fishrinesoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiessuperherosuperheroesswgswgothe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenTony-Starktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtributeturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 05 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Types of loot that get me excited]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-perfect-ten-types-of-loot-that-get-me-excited/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-perfect-ten-types-of-loot-that-get-me-excited/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/the-perfect-ten-types-of-loot-that-get-me-excited/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
Loot's not something that I see discussed much these days among MMO players. It's probably because loot's been around since the beginning of online time and is such a staple that we'd only really notice it if it went away completely or if the object in question were a major game-changer for us.

Random loot from mobs is a reward mechanic that is bordering on archaic, having been supplanted by dependable quest rewards and barter vendors that give us the gear we so desire. Of course, now we've come around the weird circle to the point that dropped lockboxes hold interesting loot, but we've got to pay for the privilege of seeing what's inside.

But let's not go there today! Instead, I'm going to share with you the 10 general types of loot that still get me excited while playing. They will shock, amaze, and radically reshape your life, as long as you've had a recent brain wipe and are awaiting brand-new neural instructions.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Types of loot that get me excited

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Types of loot that get me excited originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanetarenanetbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcrypticcryptic-studioseaelectronic-artserotic-roleplayerpf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playguild-warsgwhumorlootlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsncsoftnon-combat-petsopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweroundupsci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstosubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtorturbineturbine-entertainmentvanity-petswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 22 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Free-to-play shopping strategies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-shopping-strategies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-shopping-strategies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-shopping-strategies/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Perfect Ten
"Nothing is ever truly free," my grizzled Uncle Trigger once told me. "So you got to pay for that there air! Pony up, boy!"

While Uncle Trigger was overlooking a few aspects of this philosophy, the sentiment is an important one to grasp, especially when it comes to the growing wave of free-to-play MMOs. Even though the first word is "free," it should be followed up with several paragraphs of tiny lawyer disclaimers that basically say, "Nevertheless, the studio is going to look for other ways to tempt you out of your hard-earned cash." F2P is often funded by microtransactions, which offer players some variety in how they customize their game experience at the expense of a subscription's simplicity. It's often not better or worse; it's just different.

Because nothing is ever truly free, and because F2P is loaded with more shopping options than a Walmart supercenter, being a savvy customer is more vital than ever. Anyone who's waded into a F2P store probably has experienced buyer's regret due to a hasty or uninformed purchase, not to mention those who end up going broke because of poor impulse control. So today I'm going to get downright practical and offer up 10 strategies that will safeguard and strengthen your F2P shopping trips (also, random plug for Beau's Free For All column in the hopes that he doesn't get mad I'm treading on his territory here!).

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Free-to-play shopping strategies

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Free-to-play shopping strategies originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelcash-shopcash-storecryptic-pointsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhumorin-game-storeitem-shopitem-storelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromicrotransactionsopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenrise-of-isengardroundupshopping-strategiessoestation-cashthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listturbineturbine-pointsThu, 08 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Top 10 of '11]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/wings-over-atreia-top-10-of-11/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/wings-over-atreia-top-10-of-11/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/wings-over-atreia-top-10-of-11/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Wings Over Atreia header
Where in the Seraphim Lords did the year go? Daevas aren't the only ones who fly; time certainly has one powerful set of wings (though I haven't quite determined whether they are light or dark)! It's a bit hard for me to believe that a full year has come and gone. Yet even as I doubt, a cursory glance back over the past 12 months shows me I didn't Rip Van Winkle the time away.

In fact, much has transpired in Aion since 2011 rolled in. Between pining away for things to come and dreaming of things that may never be, chronicling the life and social scene of Atreia, offering guides and hints, and reporting on (sometimes surprise) announcements, Wings Over Atreia has covered a variety of topics over the past year. While each column is but one glimpse, together they show the evolution of our game.

Traipse past the break and down memory lane with me as we reminisce about Aion in the time-honored Massively tradition of top-10 lists.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Top 10 of '11

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Top 10 of '11 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-gamealter-egodaevas-of-our-livesdramafeaturedhousingmusicnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionrantrantsreal-liferoleplayroleplayersroleplayingtop-tentop-ten-listtrolltrollsWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 02 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: The secret lives of NPCs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/the-perfect-ten-the-secret-lives-of-npcs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/the-perfect-ten-the-secret-lives-of-npcs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/the-perfect-ten-the-secret-lives-of-npcs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It is fun, I've decided, to overthink things in life. This is especially relevant in MMOs, where we've long since taken absolutely bizarre staples as the accepted status quo. Sure, it's all polite fiction that allows developers to merge necessary game mechanics with a veneer of credibility, but many elements of MMOs simply fall apart when put under the microscope.

Case in point, the NPC. Is there a figure in online games that more symbolizes the thin barrier between the server database and user playerbase than the non-player character? NPCs exist to fill the world with warm bodies so that places don't feel empty, yet they also exhibit no more life than a mannequin with a tape recorder strapped to its back. These cardboard cutouts of the MMO scene are either reanimated corpses struggling to remember basic quest-giving instructions, or else they're prisoners of a foul witch who has struck the entire land with a paralyzing spell.

So even though it's 2011 and you'd think that NPCs would be showing us more signs of life than swiveling slightly when we approach, I'm happy to jump in and offer my opinion as to the secret life of these figures. What makes them tick? What do they get out of helping -- and prodding -- us into action? Why don't they ever sleep or use the bathroom? Just who are these people we encounter and dismiss every day?

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The secret lives of NPCs

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: The secret lives of NPCs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barbartenderfeaturedlovemannequinnon-player-charactersnpcnpcsperfect-10perfect-tenretiredretirementsidekicktavernteacherthe-perfect-tentop-10top-tentop-ten-listtrainerturgoth-the-destructorvendorThu, 10 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion grips top ten digital sales charts a month past release]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/07/aion-grips-top-ten-digital-sales-charts-a-month-past-release/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/07/aion-grips-top-ten-digital-sales-charts-a-month-past-release/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/07/aion-grips-top-ten-digital-sales-charts-a-month-past-release/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You'd be forgiven for thinking Aion would've fallen off the Steam and DIrect2Drive top ten sales charts, what with the fire hose blast of new PC releases. Fortunately for NCsoft, that isn't the case as the game is still clinging to said charts in the face of games like Dragon Age: Origins, Borderlands, Torchlight and Left 4 Dead 2. Boldness!

Actually, the game is pretty darn good -- if you don't mind your peanut butter with extra grind -- so that's not a huge surprise all things considered. It's always a good sign when an MMO can stay on the top ten after its launch, moreso when it does so against high profile, high pedigree releases. So, rejoice Aion players, you've likely got a strong community! (We could've just told you that, but now numbers vindicate said observation.)

MassivelyAion grips top ten digital sales charts a month past release originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionborderlandsd2ddigitaldirect2drivedragon-agedragon-age-originsl4d2nc-westncsoftsteamtop-tentorchlightSat, 07 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What are your Top Ten MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/what-are-your-top-ten-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/what-are-your-top-ten-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/what-are-your-top-ten-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A few other MMOGblogs have pointed to a thread in the F13 forums in the last day or so, and for good reason - it's fascinating. Some of the core users asked a simple question: What are your Top Ten MMOs? The following discussion gives a lot of insight into the thinking of some of the most dedicated players out there, and the running tally at the top of the thread should make the developers on that list of ten mighty proud. Here's the gestalt top ten list as of Wednesday night:

647 pts. - World of Warcraft
408 pts. - City of Heroes/Villains
357 pts. - Ultima Online
349 pts. - EverQuest
345 pts. - Eve Online
337 pts. - Dark Age of Camelot
278 pts. - Star Wars Galaxies
253 pts. - EverQuest 2
185 pts. - Planetside
171 pts. - Lord of the Rings Online

Some of the great comments that follow highlight other amazing titles that don't get nearly enough recognition, like Puzzle Pirates, A Tale in the Desert, and the still active community of Asheron's Call. It's a great conversation, and I wouldn't be surprised if you wanted to take part - just make sure to read the directions first.

So, let's hear it Massively: What are your Top Ten MMOs?

MassivelyWhat are your Top Ten MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroesdark-age-of-cameloteve-onlineeverquesteverquest-IIlord-of-the-rings-onlineplanetsidestar-wars-galaxiestop-tenultima-onlineworld-of-warcraftWed, 19 Dec 2007 22:00:00 EST