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[Details of EVE's long-awaited hybrid balance patch revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/details-of-eves-long-awaited-hybrid-balance-patch-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/details-of-eves-long-awaited-hybrid-balance-patch-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/details-of-eves-long-awaited-hybrid-balance-patch-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
Balancing combat in a PvP-centric game like EVE Online is a tricky business. In a sandbox universe that pits fleets of hundreds of ships against each other in a struggle for territorial dominance, balance changes can alter the PvP landscape. Unfortunately, hybrid weapons have always received the short end of the stick in balancing efforts, leaving Gallente turret ships like the Deimos and Megathron behind their Amarr and Minmatar counterparts.

In a new devblog, CCP Tallest adds a major Hybrid weapon rework to the growing list of long-awaited features finally making an appearance in EVE's coming winter expansion. Blasters will be receiving some much-needed CPU and powergrid reductions, a 30% reduction on capacitor usage and a huge 20% bonus to tracking speed. Railguns receive the same CPU, powergrid and capacitor reduction as blasters, in addition to a straight 10% damage increase. All ships typically fit with blasters will also be getting speed bonuses to help them get into blaster range, and tech II ammo for all turrets is due for an update.

MassivelyDetails of EVE's long-awaited hybrid balance patch revealed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanceblasterblastersccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-tallestdeimosdev-diarydevelopmentdominixeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansiongallentehybridhybridsmegathronrailgunrailgunsthoraxturretvexorwinterTue, 01 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Eric Flannum on GW2's Engineer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/massively-exclusive-eric-flannum-on-gw2s-engineer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/massively-exclusive-eric-flannum-on-gw2s-engineer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/massively-exclusive-eric-flannum-on-gw2s-engineer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Unless you've been spelunking near the center of the earth for the past few days, you're likely aware that ArenaNet recently unveiled Guild Wars 2's seventh class. Chances are high that you're also aware of said class's affinity for turrets, guns, and various contraptions meant to rain death down upon any unfortunate enemies that cross its path.

Today, Massively presents a new interview with Guild Wars 2 lead designer Eric Flannum. Naturally, the guest of honor at this Tyrian banquet of exclusivity is the Engineer, and Flannum (along with several other ANet dignitaries) provides us with a few tasty mechanical appetizers before getting down to the lore-centric main course.

Bon appetit after the cut.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Eric Flannum on GW2's Engineer

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Eric Flannum on GW2's Engineer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 May 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-mcleodanetarena-netarenanetclassesengineereric-flannumexclusivefeaturedgame-mechanicsguild-warsguild-wars-2gw2interviewjohnathan-sharpmike-fergusonncsoftthe-engineerturretturretstyriaWed, 25 May 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2's explosive seventh class: The Engineer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/guild-wars-2s-explosive-seventh-class-the-engineer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/guild-wars-2s-explosive-seventh-class-the-engineer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/guild-wars-2s-explosive-seventh-class-the-engineer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 fans, did you love the Commando class? Were you disappointed that it was all an elaborate joke? Did you love the idea of detonating bombs, flinging grenades, and setting mines in Guild Wars 2?

Well, this is going to be a good day for you, because ArenaNet has announced the seventh profession: the Engineer. While it's not the Commando class per se, the Engineer is described as "a master of mechanical mayhem" and looks to be the class that will fulfill all of your most explosive gameplay wishes.

Ready to check it out in depth? We've got five skill videos right in a row and a rundown of the Engineer's abilities, so follow along after the jump and let's take a look!

Continue reading Guild Wars 2's explosive seventh class: The Engineer

MassivelyGuild Wars 2's explosive seventh class: The Engineer originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 May 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alchemyanetarenanetclassclass-revealengineerengineer-classfeaturedguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-engineergw2gw2-engineerncsoftpotionssteampunkturretturretsThu, 19 May 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online Fanfest 2011 roundup: Day 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/eve-online-fanfest-2011-roundup-day-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/eve-online-fanfest-2011-roundup-day-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/eve-online-fanfest-2011-roundup-day-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The third and final day of festivities at the massive EVE Online Fanfest has come to an end, and it was definitely worth waiting for. There were several round-table discussions and events going on today, but the event everyone was looking forward to was definitely the "CCP Presents" talk in the afternoon. With yesterday's keynote speech wrapping up all the awesome plans CCP has for EVE this year, it wasn't certain exactly what had been saved for today's show. Yesterday we heard details of the Incarna captain's quarters, server upgrades, new turret effects, new nebulae and more.

Highlights of today included a round-table discussion on how CCP would be linking EVE with DUST 514, the hilarious finals of the Fanfest PvP tournament and the CCP Presents feature. This was followed by the CCP panel, in which developers answered questions from the audience. Having spent three days watching developers talk about the future of EVE, I get the distinct impression that many of them have as much passion for EVE as even the most fanatical EVE players.

Read on for a roundup of what happened today at the EVE Fanfest, along with detailed explanations of a few personal highlights from today and the Fanfest in general.

Continue reading EVE Online Fanfest 2011 roundup: Day 3

MassivelyEVE Online Fanfest 2011 roundup: Day 3 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbonccpccp-eveccp-gamesdust-514eveeve-ccpeve-communityeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2011eve-mmorpgeve-onlineeventevent-coverageeventsfanfestfanfest-2011featuredgalleryincarnanebulanebulaenebulasturretworld-of-darknessSat, 26 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New EVE exploit gives wormhole corp incredible advantage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/new-eve-exploit-gives-wormhole-corp-incredible-advantage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/new-eve-exploit-gives-wormhole-corp-incredible-advantage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/new-eve-exploit-gives-wormhole-corp-incredible-advantage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A potentially game-breaking new exploit was revealed tonight in EVE Online. The exploit was first noticed by Rooks and Kings pilots during their invasion of populated wormhole systems. Their target, a corp named Aperture Harmonics, appeared to have almost game-breaking abilities. The corporation's ships were somehow able to successfully hit their targets from over 150km away using short-range weapons like blasters and autocannons. Since short-range weapons with short-range ammo deal massive damage, being able to hit with them at distances beyond a few thousand metres is potentially game-breaking.

Aperture Harmonics and its parent alliance K162 have both maintained a strong presence in EVE's 2500 hidden star systems since the appearance of wormholes over a year ago. The corp has become incredibly wealthy by running the difficult exploration content in these hidden systems, but it was always assumed that the tactics Aperture Harmonics pilots used were entirely legitimate. Whereas other corps tackle high-end Sleeper sites with complex logistics and electronic warfare strategies, the Aperture Harmonics pilots may simply have been cheating to run the sites in an almost impossibly short time.

Continue reading New EVE exploit gives wormhole corp incredible advantage

MassivelyNew EVE exploit gives wormhole corp incredible advantage originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbreakingccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexploitgame-mechanicspvprooks-and-kingsturretFri, 17 Sep 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Electronic Warfare, part 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/21/eve-evolved-electronic-warfare-part-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/21/eve-evolved-electronic-warfare-part-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/21/eve-evolved-electronic-warfare-part-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


In the first two parts of this three part guide, I explained the basics of electronic warfare in EVE Online and examined the skills and equipment you'll need as an electronic warfare specialist. In this final section, I tackle the tricky issues of battlefield operations and survival.

Survival:
An unfortunate fact about being part of a fleet's electronic warfare crew is that you'll almost certainly be a high priority target for your enemies. To make matters worse, specialist electronic warfare ships tend to have very poor defensive capabilities. Fitting any kind of tank on an electronic warfare ship can waste vital module slots and severely impact the performance of your ship. This is particularly true in the case of ECM jamming ships where the low slots should be used for signal distortion amplifiers.

What can you do to keep your ship safe on the battlefield and what should you do to help your fleet be victorious? Join me as I answer these questions in a thorough tactical overview of electronic warfare in EVE Online.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Electronic Warfare, part 3

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Electronic Warfare, part 3 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpcelestisdampdampenerECMelectronic warfareElectronicWarfareeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineewfactionfactional-warfarefalconfeaturedfleetjoystiqfeaturesneutraliserneutralizerpiracypiratepvpsnipertrackingturretSun, 21 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Electronic warfare, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/eve-evolved-electronic-warfare-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/eve-evolved-electronic-warfare-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/eve-evolved-electronic-warfare-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

In part 1 of this guide, I delved into the world of electronic warfare in EVE Online. In this second segment, I examine the skills and equipment you'll need to be an electronic warfare specialist with special regard to ECM jammers, remote sensor dampeners and tracking disruptors. Contrary to popular belief, new pilots with few skillpoints can still be extremely useful in this area of PvP. The entry-level skills and equipment for electronic warfare specialists can be obtained within days of starting the game.

Entry-level ships:
Although electronic warfare modules can be fitted to any ship, each race has its own set of specialised ships that get bonuses to them. Ranging from cheap expendable frigates up to expensive force recon ships, there are specialist ships for players of all skill levels and in all price ranges. The Caldari race have ships that specialise in ECM jammers, the Gallente specialise in remote sensor dampeners and the Amarr make good use of tracking disruptors and energy neutralisers.

Read on as I examine the skills and equipment you'll need to be one of the most effective electronic warfare specialists in EVE.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Electronic warfare, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Electronic warfare, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpdampdampenerECMelectronic warfareElectronicWarfareeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineewfactionfactional-warfarefeaturedfleetjoystiqfeaturesneutraliserneutralizerpiracypiratepvptrackingturretSun, 14 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Electronic warfare, part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/07/eve-evolved-electronic-warfare-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/07/eve-evolved-electronic-warfare-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/07/eve-evolved-electronic-warfare-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Whether you're taking part in faction warfare, pirating, fighting a dirty corporate war or defending your homeland in 0.0, chances are you'll be engaging in a lot of fleet warfare. Although a lot of newer fleet commanders prefer all fleet members to be in ships that deal a lot of damage, the optimum setup makes better use of a variety of ship types. A strong fleet in EVE Online is typically composed of three main groups. First you have the tacklers who intercept and warp-scramble enemies, then the damage dealers who kill the enemy and finally you have the electronic warfare crew.

What is electronic warfare?:
Electronic warfare involves the use of modules that debilitate the enemy indirectly rather than attacking them head-on. This includes using target jammers to cause the enemy to lose his active target locks, sensor dampeners to decrease his lock range and energy neutralisers to deplete his capacitor. A good electronic warfare ship has the potential to remove several enemy ships from the battle, cutting the effectiveness of the enemy fleet down significantly. For this reason, a good electronic warfare wing in your fleet can be seen as a force multiplier, allowing your fleet to engage much larger forces and succeed.

In the first part of this guide, I cover the basics of electronic warfare in EVE and show just how important this often underused portion of a fleet is.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Electronic warfare, part 1

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Electronic warfare, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpdampdampenerECMelectronic warfareElectronicWarfareeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineewfactionfactional-warfarefeaturedfleetjoystiqfeaturesneutraliserneutralizerpiracypiratepvptrackingturretSun, 07 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST