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 and the year that was 2010]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-year-that-was-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-year-that-was-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-year-that-was-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Earlier in the year when I started this column, I realized two things. First, I'd be giving myself as much as any of you a crash-course education in older MMOs, particularly with some of the more fringe titles that I'd never really explored up to this point. And second, it would be a challenge to find the right mix of elements to do these MMOs justice.

So before we look back at all the games this column covered in 2010, I'd like to ask each and every one of you to take a minute and drop a comment about what you'd like to see The Game Archaeologist do next. What titles would you love to see honored in 2011? What features are the most interesting to you -- dev interviews, player interviews, history overviews, photo galleries, first impression playthroughs, or links to community fansites and blogs? What could I add to make The Game Archaeologist even better?

I also want to take a minute to thank the readers, players and developers who have contributed to this column so far. While there are MMOs that get a lion's share of the press these days, we at Massively are committed to spotlighting as many of these games as possible, particularly if there's a passionate community and dev team behind them. I've loved hearing your stories and hope that in passing them along, perhaps we've opened a door or two to games that you might've never considered before.

So let's hop in our hot air balloon and soar over the year that was 2010!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the year that was 2010

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the year that was 2010 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anarchy-Onlineaoaolbbsbulletin-board-systemdaocdark-age-of-camelotdnddoor-gamesdungeons-and-dragonseaea-mythicend-of-the-year-2010featuredfuncomgary-gygaxjagexjickkingdom-of-loathingmark-jacobsmr-skullheadmythicMythic-Entertainmentneverwinter-nightsnew-game-enhancementsngepvprichard-garriottrunescapesoestar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-game-archaeologistthe-simsthe-sims-onlinetsoturbineultima-onlineuowinter-holiday-2010wookiee-loveTue, 28 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Legend of the Sims: Our memories]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-legend-of-the-sims-our-memories/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-legend-of-the-sims-our-memories/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-legend-of-the-sims-our-memories/#commentsFiled under: ,


Last week marked the beginning of a brief foray into the world of The Sims Online -- "brief" because the title is defunct (meaning no hands-on experiences to share these days) and I doubt that any of the game's creators are itching to reminisce about this lackluster entry into The Sims franchise. So chances are that today marks the end of our expedition, but we'll put our chins up and try to do it justice.

Recently in the Massively office, a few of us spent a bit of time chewing the fat about The Sims Online. It's hard to imagine, but when the beta came out for this title, it was actually pretty hot stuff. The Sims had that crack-like addictive quality to it, and a lot of people -- myself included -- thought that the online version would make it exponentially better. Instead of every copy of The Sims being a little island unto itself, now we could connect and build in ways that were limited only by our imaginations.

Oh, and also questionable developer decisions.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Legend of the Sims: Our memories

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Legend of the Sims: Our memories originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-lovebetabordellochubbys-crab-shackdjeafeaturedgreen-upradio-stationsecond-lifesimsskill-upstargracestephanie-morrowthe-simsthe-sims-onlinetsoTue, 13 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Legend of the Sims: The history]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-legend-of-the-sims-the-history/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-legend-of-the-sims-the-history/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-legend-of-the-sims-the-history/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Sims Online was one of the odder entrants into the MMO genre this past decade, an online iteration of an immensely popular game franchise that promised deeper social interaction. With EA at its back and the Will Wright name affixed to the front, TSO (not to be confused with Cryptic's STO) had a solid shot at cracking the big time.

It did not. It went over as well as a fish flopping out of water to make a go for it on dry land, eventually realizing that it was both going nowhere and dying slowly. The end result? It stunk.

And yet it was an interesting failed experiment in MMO gaming, especially considering that the concept wasn't as off-base as we once thought. With social "dress up" games booming -- Second Life, Habbo Hotel, Club Penguin, Hello Kitty Online, even elements of LEGO Universe -- The Sims Online could be seen as a prophet of the future, mistreated in its own time. Return with us to the days of pixelated 2-D isometric glory, as the Game Archaeologist interprets the Simlish of ancient tomes for your benefit.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Legend of the Sims: The history

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Legend of the Sims: The history originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>club-penguineaea-landelectronic-artseverquestfeaturedhabbo-hotelhello-kitty-onlinelego-universemeat-marketpenny-arcadered-light-districtsecond-lifesimlishsimlish-is-just-nonstop-swearingsimsstar-trek-onlinestothe-game-archaeologistthe-simsthe-sims-onlinetsoTue, 06 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Charting crafting changes in EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/charting-crafting-changes-in-everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/charting-crafting-changes-in-everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/charting-crafting-changes-in-everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Alongside the new dungeons and deep EQ lore that the developers have pushed out to EverQuest II with their latest expansion, there have been a load of new changes and updates to the game's crafting metagame. We touched briefly on those changes in our full on tour of The Shadow Odyssey, but Emily "Domino" Taylor dropped by the official forums to give more details. There she outlines her logic behind improving the overall crafting experience for non-combat players rather than focusing on a ton of new recipes or craftable items.

EQ2Traders bears the responsibility of hosting several in-depth looks into the new crafterly content in the expansion. The site looks deep into the Far Seas Supply Division Headquarters, the numerous changes to the Isle of Mara, and the new instanced-based crafting content. The site also features a quick reference guide for players wanting to jump right into the expansion-y, crafter-y goodness. Click on through to these great resources for the full skinny on this sword-less way to pass the time in Norrath.

MassivelyCharting crafting changes in EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq2everquest-2everquest-iisoesony-online-entertainmentthe-shadow-odysseytsoFri, 21 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How important are friends to MMO gaming?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/the-daily-grind-how-important-are-friends-to-mmo-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/the-daily-grind-how-important-are-friends-to-mmo-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/the-daily-grind-how-important-are-friends-to-mmo-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Over the last week or so we've been asking you how you've managed to decide between the big releases hitting the MMO genre these days. Last week's Lich King launch, followed by this week's launches of EverQuest 2: The Shadow Odyssey and Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria seem like challenging decisions for the fan of the MMO genre. We're not going to ask you how you picked, though, because we think we know how you decided which game to play. Like Codex and Zaboo up there, you hang out online where your friends are. At least, we think you do.

So our question this morning is, first, do you decide which MMO to play based on where your friends are? Second, how important are other people to your continued MMO gaming? If your friends weren't playing the game they are, would you be? How much does the directly social nature of massively multiplayer games affect your gameplay? Let us know, and good luck making those hard choices!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How important are friends to MMO gaming? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardeq2everquest-2lord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromines-of-moriasoesony-online-entertainmenttdgthe-daily-grindthe-shadow-odysseytsoturbineworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 19 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Your quick-start guide to EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/your-quick-start-guide-to-everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/your-quick-start-guide-to-everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/your-quick-start-guide-to-everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The EverQuest II team hopes to continue its string of upward-momentum expansions with today's launch of The Shadow Odyssey. After the landmark success of Echoes of Faydwer and the mixed reaction to Rise of Kunark, this new dungeon-heavy expansion hopes to recapture player excitement for the original EQ while polishing the design advances already in the game. We've already talked quite a bit about the game's big picture, so let's bring it down to some specifics.

Kendricke has posted up the full patch notes for the expansion, with everything from class balancing to new content laid out in the timeless bullet-pointy format. MMORPG Info has a handy quick-start guide, pointing out where you need to go to jump on the low level quests and the brand-new dungeons. EQ2 Wire, meanwhile, has difficulty ratings for the new dungeons, while the official site runs down the heritage quests added in the expansion. A ton of stuff to go through, and very texty. For a quick respite, head below the cut for a fantastic launch trailer! Happy dungeon-crawling!

Gallery: The Shadow Odyssey Grand Tour

InnothuleGnomey PrideTraveling in StyleInto GukDeadlok

Continue reading Your quick-start guide to EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey

MassivelyYour quick-start guide to EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq2everquest-2everquest-iiexpansionlauchsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-shadow-odysseytsovideoTue, 18 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey Launches!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey-launches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey-launches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey-launches/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It's not often that an expansion to an MMO launches, and it's even rarer that two do so in the same day! But that's the case, with EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey hitting the live servers today at noon PST. Massively has been following the expansion's lifecycle since it was announced at this year's SOE Fan Faire, and today we've put together the best of all our content touching on this brand-new chapter in the EQ2 saga. Read on for all the details!
Massively's grand tour of EverQuest 2: The Shadow Odyssey
Join us for a tour of Befallen, Lower Guk, the dangerous catacombs of Mistmoore and (most impressively) the Anchor of Bazzul, a part of the treacherous Void! Vampire dragons, floating Void priests, undead frogs and slave-owning trolls all await you below, in our exhaustive exploration of this brand-new expansion.
What you need to know about The Shadow Odyssey
The Shadow Odyssey, EverQuest II's fifth expansion, is not just the usual bump to the level cap, a couple of new raids, and a reset for all the armor you already got. It's none of those things. What SOE has done with this expansion is go through the level 50 to level 80 portion of the game and say, let's make an expansion that has something for pretty much everyone.
Exploring The Shadow Odyssey with EQII Senior Producer Bruce Ferguson
SOE just announced the newest expansion to their EverQuest II title, and we've got plenty of answers for your burning questions. We had the chance to sit down with the game's Senior Producer, Bruce Ferguson, to talk about what makes this such an important product for Sony Online. Join us as we talk through some of the fantastic new content coming to the game.
EQII: The Shadow Odyssey teaser trailer released
We have some fantastic new video footage to present as well. This footage shows some exciting new content such as a few new goal-based dungeons, as well as some old favorites like Ruins of Guk and Befallen, plus new creatures and much more. Check out the complete video after the cut and let us know what you think!
A walking tour of EverQuest 2's new Veksar dungeon
As we've done in the past with new updates to EverQuest II, we recently had the chance to go on a walking tour of the brand new Veksar Invasion dungeon. Just as with our looks at the Shard of Hate, GU 47, and GU 45, we were able to go deep inside the new content to get a sense of what's new and interesting about the game.

Continue reading EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey Launches!

MassivelyEverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey Launches! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingeq2everquest-2everquest-iiexpansionfeaturedlaunchsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-shadow-odysseytsoTue, 18 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II designers on The Shadow Odyssey expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/16/everquest-ii-designers-on-the-shadow-odyssey-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/16/everquest-ii-designers-on-the-shadow-odyssey-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/16/everquest-ii-designers-on-the-shadow-odyssey-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The latest EverQuest II expansion, The Shadow Odyssey, will launch this week on November 18th. In advance of the launch, Stephanie Morrow of Beckett Massive Online Gamer recently interviewed some members of the EverQuest II design team -- Noel Walling (Design Supervisor), Paul Molina (Game Designer), Adam Stevens (Game Designer) and Carlos Mora (Associate Game Designer).

The Beckett Massive Online Gamer interview focuses on the lore of EverQuest II (with an emphasis on background for readers who've never played), but also gets down into some specifics regarding The Shadow Odyssey dungeons, the challenges of designing around the 80 level cap, and some of the new features that players can expect from this week's launch of the fifth EverQuest II expansion. If you're an EQ II fan, the interview is worth a read, and of course we also hope you're enjoying our ongoing coverage of The Shadow Odyssey.

MassivelyEverQuest II designers on The Shadow Odyssey expansion originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq2everquest-2everquest-iiexpansionsfantasygame-mechanicsinterviewsloremissionmissionsmmo-industryquestssoesony-online-entertainmentthe-shadow-odysseytsoSun, 16 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do expansions cheapen all that hard work?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/the-daily-grind-do-expansions-cheapen-all-that-hard-work/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/the-daily-grind-do-expansions-cheapen-all-that-hard-work/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/the-daily-grind-do-expansions-cheapen-all-that-hard-work/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It happened with The Burning Crusade -- players had spent months raiding at level 60 to get the very best gear, and when TBC came out, people were getting green drops with better stats than the best raid drops after only a couple of levels. A lot of hardcore players were annoyed, while some just accepted it as the natural motion of things.

We've got at least three big expansions coming up in the next few weeks -- Wrath of the Lich King for World of Warcraft, Mines of Moria for The Lord of the Rings Online, and The Shadow Odyssey for EverQuest II. With the level caps going up in WoW and LotRO, we're expecting a similar situation to what we saw with TBC. How do you feel about this? Can it be avoided, should it? Maybe it's good to level the playing field now and then. Let us know!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do expansions cheapen all that hard work? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzarddiscussioneverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromines-of-moriamommoriaopinionsoetbctdgthe-burning-crusadethe-daily-grindthe-shadow-odysseytsoturbineworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrathwrath-of-the-lich-kingTue, 11 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A critical look at EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/08/a-critical-look-at-everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/08/a-critical-look-at-everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/08/a-critical-look-at-everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Massively tries to be your one-stop shop for everything MMO related ... but there's a danger to a site like ours. Ultimately, we become so close to the subject matter that we stop being able to objectively judge content. That's one of the reasons we try to avoid any definitive statements in preview materials. We're so used to MMOs that we try to adopt a passive viewpoint, a somewhat-impartial observer for the prospective player. That's useful to a lot of people ... but it can also allow the chance for critical observations to go by the wayside. Luckily, we're far from the only website on the internet talking about MMOs.

Eurogamer's MMO coverage has been very good since they started that subsite earlier this year, and they have an engaging look at EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey well worth reading. Author Jon Blyth is anything but passive in his discussion of the game, calling the expansion's occasional platforming puzzle "a flattering name for dodgy [gameplay] in a genre that really wasn't designed for it." He offers up a greater sense of what touring the new EQ2 expansion was like, and his walkthrough discussion of the dungeons gets across a newcomer's wonder at lore bastions like Befallen and Mistmoore Manor. Well worth a look for another viewpoint on the upcoming expansion, and a great contrast to our own gallery-style walkthrough.

Gallery: The Shadow Odyssey Grand Tour

InnothuleGnomey PrideTraveling in StyleInto GukDeadlok

MassivelyA critical look at EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq2everquest-2everquest-iiexpansionsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-shadow-odysseytsoSat, 08 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's grand tour of EverQuest 2: The Shadow Odyssey]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/massivelys-tour-of-everquest-2-the-shadow-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/massivelys-tour-of-everquest-2-the-shadow-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/massivelys-tour-of-everquest-2-the-shadow-odyssey/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Coming to players in just over eighteen days is a fantastic new expansion to SOE's flagship title EverQuest 2! The expansion is entitled The Shadow Odyssey, and we were one of the first sites 'on the scene' to offer you a sense of what was to come. We've talked with the developers about the game, previewed the dungeons via screenshots, toured the new Veksar 'demo dungeon', and were even on-hand at Fan Faire for firsthand TSO experiences! Now we've had the chance to delve into the dungeons themselves, and we've come away with a gallery full of dungeon-crawling goodness!

Join us for a tour of Befallen, Lower Guk, the dangerous catacombs of Mistmoore and (most impressively) the Anchor of Bazzul, a part of the treacherous Void! Vampire dragons, floating Void priests, undead frogs and slave-owning trolls all await you below, in our exhaustive exploration of this brand-new expansion. Plus! Check below the cut for our exclusive video of the Anchor of Bazzul, showing of the latest in high-end graphics EverQuest 2 has on offer. It's a one-of-a-kind spread, so put on your adventuring kit and head into the depths!

Gallery: The Shadow Odyssey Grand Tour

InnothuleGnomey PrideTraveling in StyleInto GukDeadlok

Continue reading Massively's grand tour of EverQuest 2: The Shadow Odyssey

MassivelyMassively's grand tour of EverQuest 2: The Shadow Odyssey originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq2everquest-2expansionfeaturedgallerysoesony-online-entertainmentthe-shadow-odysseytsoFri, 31 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey now available for preorder]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey-now-available-for-preorder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey-now-available-for-preorder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/everquest-ii-the-shadow-odyssey-now-available-for-preorder/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After a long Beta process, lots of speculation, and plenty of opportunities for delicious previews, the time of Shadow is almost upon us. SOE dropped us a line to let us know that the fifth expansion to EverQuest II, The Shadow Odssey, is now available for preorder. The usual suspects are offering the product, of course, and you can digitally preorder the expansion from SOE's official site. Normally we're all about the discless preorders at Massively, but this time around we have to admit the box sounds mighty appealing.

Along with the usual weird in-box physical object SOE loves to give us (a pewter figurine this time around), the boxed copy of Shadow Odssey includes a first for EQII pets! Here's how the release describes it: "Dire Bear Mount and Pet. A Dire Bear cub that grows up as you level to become a fearsome mount." Is this just one of a number of these pets? Will the bear be obtainable any other way? We'll find out together on November 18th when TSO goes live!

Read on below the cut for a celebratory preorder trailer, the full features list, images of the in-game preorder benefits.

Gallery: EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey Dungeons

Continue reading EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey now available for preorder

MassivelyEverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey now available for preorder originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingeq2everquest-2everquest-iisoesony-online-entertainmentthe-shadow-odysseytsoThu, 16 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Explore the dungeons of EverQuest 2's Shadow Odyssey expansion!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/explore-the-dungeons-of-everquest-2s-shadow-odyssey-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/explore-the-dungeons-of-everquest-2s-shadow-odyssey-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/explore-the-dungeons-of-everquest-2s-shadow-odyssey-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


There are a bevy of brand-new screenshots and an all-new trailer out for the dungeons of Shadow Odyssey, the next expansion to Sony Online's EverQuest 2. The new screens center on the mysterious resting place of Miragul's phylactery, the mystical talisman that keeps the ancient lich tied to the physical realm. Others explore The Void itself, the high-end dungeon tied directly into the expansion's backstory.

Click through to the gallery for these images, or through below the cut to watch the video exploring both of these locales and more!

Gallery: EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey Dungeons

Well met, fellow Norrathian! Make sure to check out all of our coverage of the next EverQuest II expansion, The Shadow Odyssey as well as Seeds of Destruction, the next expansion to EverQuest!

Continue reading Explore the dungeons of EverQuest 2's Shadow Odyssey expansion!

MassivelyExplore the dungeons of EverQuest 2's Shadow Odyssey expansion! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq2everquest-2everquest-iiexpansionsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-shadow-odysseytsoWed, 24 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Shadow Odyssey's Befallen dungeon featured at EQ2 website]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/the-shadow-odysseys-befallen-dungeon-featured-at-eq2-website/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/the-shadow-odysseys-befallen-dungeon-featured-at-eq2-website/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/the-shadow-odysseys-befallen-dungeon-featured-at-eq2-website/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


SOE posted a preview of Befallen, one of the classic EverQuest dungeons that will be reborn in EverQuest II's upcoming The Shadow Odyssey expansion. Included are several screenshots of the dungeon along with its background in the game's lore. The aesthetic of the old Befallen seems to be preserved -- and amplified -- in EQ2's newer graphics engine.

The story goes something like this: a bunch of Knights of Marr built the keep in the Commonlands as a headquarters in their quest to chase off the giants and orcs that terrorized the people in the countryside. Their fortress became their tomb, though, as orcs laid siege to the keep. A warrior named Gynok Moltor came to them to help, but it turned out that he had been cursed. He betrayed the Knights and turned Befallen into the dangerous mass grave that it is today.

It's standard fantasy fare. Cool enough, but we're sure most of you just care about the loot.
Well met, fellow Norrathian! Make sure to check out all of our coverage of the next EverQuest II expansion, The Shadow Odyssey as well as Seeds of Destruction, the next expansion to EverQuest!

MassivelyThe Shadow Odyssey's Befallen dungeon featured at EQ2 website originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>befallencommonlandscursedungeoneqeq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iiexpansiongiantsgynok-moltorloremarrorcsorder-of-marrscreenshotssoethe-shadow-odysseytsoundeadThu, 18 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 20]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-20/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-20/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/massively-speaking-podcast-episode-20/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 20 is a Shawn-less show! More's the pity, Mr. Schuster needed to attend to important issues this week - like a leaking roof. Instead Michael is joined by Mr. Darren Love of the Common Sense Gamer blog. Brenda Holloway, blogger at the West Karana site and Massively columnist, joins the gents to set them straight on the newly announced EQ and EQII expansions. Additional subjects of conversation include the new Conan expansion, Warhammer Online (of course), and the upcoming Module 8 for DDO!

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot us an email to podcast AT massively DOT com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!


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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Podcast Episode 20

MassivelyMassively Speaking Podcast Episode 20 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq2everquest-2massively-speakingthe-shadow-odysseytsowarhammer-onlineThu, 28 Aug 2008 11:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 20Massively.com Staff45:05podcasts<![CDATA[The week in Massively features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/24/the-week-in-massively-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/24/the-week-in-massively-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/24/the-week-in-massively-features/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Hyborian Backpackers' guide: Conall's Valley
This week, we present to you the first installment of the Hyborian Backpackers' guide to the zones of Age of Conan. Over the coming weeks, we'll be scouring every nook and cranny of Conan's world to bring you all the sights, quest locations, and notable local characters that make up the areas of AoC.
Massively's state of the game: Warhammer Online beta
Today this blogger has attempted to do the same for Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, the fantasy MMO slated for release by EA and Mythic Entertainment on the 18th of September. If anything, Warhammer Online is a title with a more tightly-wound, highly anticipatory audience than Conan was.
The Digital Continuum: Memoirs of a WAR beta tester
In my time interacting as a member of the beta community with Mythic -- concerning Warhammer Online, of course -- I think I've seen more progress made on any MMO in the span of about a year than I have in any other in beta. And I've been in a lot of them.
What you need to know about The Shadow Odyssey
The Shadow Odyssey, EverQuest II's fifth expansion, is not just the usual bump to the level cap, a couple of new raids, and a reset for all the armor you already got. It's none of those things. What SOE has done with this expansion is go through the level 50 to level 80 portion of the game and say, let's make an expansion that has something for pretty much everyone. Let's make an expansion where even if no upgrades drop, you can be working toward some awesome stuff just by playing.
Massively catches up with Dungeons and Dragons Online at Gen Con
Massively dropped in on their show floor booth to see what they had to see and chat about the brand new character creation system coming to the game, as well as upcoming enhancements, including an increased level cap and maybe even a chance to see Khorvaire in DDO.

Continue reading The week in Massively features

MassivelyThe week in Massively features originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedthe-shadow-odysseytsowarwarhammer-onlineweek-in-mv-featuresSun, 24 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring The Shadow Odyssey with EQII Senior Producer Bruce Ferguson]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/exploring-the-shadow-odyssey-with-eqii-senior-producer-bruce-fer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/exploring-the-shadow-odyssey-with-eqii-senior-producer-bruce-fer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/exploring-the-shadow-odyssey-with-eqii-senior-producer-bruce-fer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SOE just announced the newest expansion to their EverQuest II title, and we've got plenty of answers for your burning questions. We had the chance to sit down with the game's Senior Producer, Bruce Ferguson, to talk about what makes this such an important product for Sony Online. Join us as we talk through some of the fantastic new content coming to the game.

Some of it is "old content", revamped and updated areas from the original vision of Norrath the company created back in 1999. Befallen and Guk are fan favorites, and are making a comeback with a vengeance. Some of it is distinctly new, like the shard system that will allow players to customize their loot for the first time ever. And some of it is a mix of both! Read on for full details on this interesting new product.
Well met, fellow Norrathian! Make sure to check out all of our coverage of the next EverQuest II expansion, The Shadow Odyssey as well as Seeds of Destruction, the next expansion to EverQuest!

Continue reading Exploring The Shadow Odyssey with EQII Senior Producer Bruce Ferguson

MassivelyExploring The Shadow Odyssey with EQII Senior Producer Bruce Ferguson originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq2everquest-2everquest-iifan-faire-2008featuredshadow-odysseysoesony-online-entertainmentthe-shadow-odysseytsoFri, 15 Aug 2008 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA-Land shutting down]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/ea-land-shutting-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/ea-land-shutting-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/ea-land-shutting-down/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Electronic Arts' new baby, EA-Land, is apparently not going ahead, with news coming down a few hours ago that this replacement for The Sims Online is going to be closing.

The Sims Online closed and merged into the new EA-Land world in February this year, but it appears that whatever targets EA management might have set for the project weren't met, and it is now going to go away, closing around Midnight on the last day of July, this year.

Continue reading EA-Land shutting down

MassivelyEA-Land shutting down originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingeaea-landelectronic-artslucmmo-industrypaypalsecond-lifethe-sims-onlinetsovirtual-worldsWed, 30 Apr 2008 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Sims Online closes, relaunches as EA-Land]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/the-sims-online-closes-relaunches-as-ea-land/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/the-sims-online-closes-relaunches-as-ea-land/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/the-sims-online-closes-relaunches-as-ea-land/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Sims might have been a huge hit with casual gamers worldwide. The virtual world built on the same property, The Sims Online, was unfortunately rather less so. Last year, three employees led by Luc Barthelet convinced EA that the whole TSO concept could be revitalized under a new platform and model.

Development ensued, apace until on Thursday, February 21 the last of The Sims Online cities shut down, and were bundled off. Say hello to EA-Land. It appears that some or all of the downed cities have been merged into the new EA-Land mixed-pay model.

Continue reading The Sims Online closes, relaunches as EA-Land

MassivelyThe Sims Online closes, relaunches as EA-Land originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscasualeaea-landelectronic-artsfree-to-playlaunchesluc-barthaletsecond-lifethe-sims-onlinetsovirtual-worldsTue, 26 Feb 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Without a clue - why there isn't more competition for Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/without-a-clue-why-there-isnt-more-competition-for-second-lif/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/without-a-clue-why-there-isnt-more-competition-for-second-lif/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/without-a-clue-why-there-isnt-more-competition-for-second-lif/#commentsFiled under: ,

Actually there's quite a few reasons that there's little competition to Second Life in existance or planned - at least the sort of competition that a Second Life user would think of as a competitor to Second Life (hint: They don't think TSO is, or Kaneva, or Red Light Center, or Project Entropia or IMVU. Many don't count Active Worlds or There as competition either).

One of those reasons is that even people who think they're in the same industry or who are pundits and commentators on the industry don't have any idea what Second Life is. They don't use it, so they don't know what people are getting out of it. So when they come to build a 'Second Life Killer', they build something that does not (as far as the average user of Second Life can see) have much of anything that competes.

Continue reading Without a clue - why there isn't more competition for Second Life

MassivelyWithout a clue - why there isn't more competition for Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active-worldsdigital-phocusfacebookguy-bendovimvujourneysmyspaceproject-entropiared-light-centersecond-lifesony-homethe-sims-onlinethere.comtsoTue, 06 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST