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: Best MMO theme songs (part one)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
As I've well established both here on Massively and elsewhere, I'm somewhat of a nut for video game music. Whereas others might collect vintage hair metal tracks or the latest Justin Bieber opus, I'm always digging through obscure (and not-so-obscure) official soundtracks to games like Wipeout and Kirby. Video game scores can be right up there with the best that the film industry puts out, and the fact that they tie into personal experiences that we've played through can lend them sentimental weight.

So for the next two Perfect Tens, I scoured all the MMO theme songs that I could get ahold of in an attempt to formulate a list of the very best. It was originally slated to be just one list, but after an hour or so of listening to tracks and having friends and fellow staffers weigh in on the subject, I knew it was impossible to keep it there.

Two important things to note for this list. First, I wanted to keep to just the title/login screen tracks so that I wouldn't be working on this for the next 2.5 years. Second, unlike most past Perfect Tens where there's no significance to the order of the list, in this case we're going to have a genuine countdown to the best MMO theme song of all time. And I expect to take no flak about it, do you hear me? Good. Let's begin.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part one)

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part one) originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanbiowareblade-and-souldarkfalldarkfall-onlinefeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xiharry-potterlistmabinogimusicNobuo-Uematsuperfect-10perfect-tenpiratespirates-of-the-burning-searunescapescorestar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthemetheme-musictitle-musictop-10top-20transformerstwilightwizard101wurm-onlineThu, 12 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Moonlight Online launching by the end of 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/moonlight-online-launching-by-the-end-of-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/moonlight-online-launching-by-the-end-of-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/moonlight-online-launching-by-the-end-of-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Moonlight Online
All right, fang gang, prepare to get your vamp on -- Moonlight Online is coming to a PC or coffin near you by the end of 2011.

Moving to capitalize on the final Twilight films, IGG announced that Moonlight Online will be launching its own version of vampires and werewolves before too long. Moonlight Online isn't just about well-worn horror concepts, but fresh ideas as well, such as strategic empire building, epic love stories, combat on the move, and fantastic creatures.

According to the forums, there will also be dynamic weather patterns that will shape the game world, throwing zones from a blizzard to an idyllic summer day as the seasons progress.

If you haven't already, make sure to sink your teeth into our dev diary, which gives a good overview of the game. We also have our very first look at in-game screenshots of Moonlight Online, which you can view in the gallery below!

Gallery: Moonlight Online

MassivelyMoonlight Online launching by the end of 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>empire-buildingepic-love-storyfang-ganggalleryigglaunchlaunch-windowmoonlightmoonlight-onlinereleaserelease-daterelease-windowscreenshotstwilightvampirevampireswerewolfwerewolvesFri, 19 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Missed dev transmissions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/captains-log-missed-dev-transmissions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/captains-log-missed-dev-transmissions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/captains-log-missed-dev-transmissions/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Captain's Log, Stardate 64940.2...

Hello, computer (and players)! As we have explored in past logs, the developers working on Star Trek Online are extremely transparent with the community, and this, surprising to some, is actually by design. Since Dan Stahl took over as Executive Producer a year ago come July, he made it his personal mission to make sure that fans of the game knew where the game was heading at all times and what was currently being developed. Due to the success of this open communication, Cryptic as a whole has made a shift to this philosophy for its other announced projects. New details often emerge through several different official sources: the monthly Ask Cryptic and Engineering Report as well as a plethora of interviews.

While the previously listed outlets are often marketed and widely known about, there are several channels that I would like to bring to light, ones that seem to fall under the radar. As Twitter is one of the biggest social media crazes, developers are using it to get information and work-in-progress screenshots out to the public. Also, some devs seem to be sacrificing sleep, as we will often wake up to posts in the STO forums that were posted near the midnight hour of Cryptic's time zone. Many feel that the most interesting and drool-worthy information is found in these "leaks," so I would like to share some of them with you.

Ensign, warp 10! You might want to grab a towel to wipe up your mouth...

Continue reading Captain's Log: Missed dev transmissions

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Missed dev transmissions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticcaptains-logcraig zincCraigZinccrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdan griffisdan stahlDanGriffisdaniel stahlDanielStahlDanStahldstahlduty officerduty officer systemDutyOfficerDutyOfficerSystemfawfeaturedfire at willFireAtWillforum-postsforumsgozerground combatGroundCombathereticinterviewjheiniglivestreammatt highisonMattHighisonmhighisonmidnightocdpriority onePriorityOnestostormshadethomasthecattwilighttwitteruniformswipwishstonework-in-progresszincThu, 09 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Does MMO magic need a revolution?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/the-daily-grind-does-mmo-magic-need-a-revolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/the-daily-grind-does-mmo-magic-need-a-revolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/the-daily-grind-does-mmo-magic-need-a-revolution/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While the concept of magic in a fantasy setting (or something like nanos in a sci-fi setting) seems to offer unlimited potential and possibilities, MMO magic systems are almost depressingly routine. Ooh, I'm a fire mage, I cast... fireball! Ooh, I will suck out some of your life and inject it into my bloodstream and then star in a popular RomVamp series! Ooh, I will now summon something from the heavens to cave your skull in if you'd be so kind as to stop hitting me for the next five seconds!

Honestly, is it time that MMOs see a revolution in the magic department? Where's the danger of magic, the elaborate preparations, the imaginative systems that we read about in the fantasy series but never see in games? If I never have to see someone's hands light up all glowy-like before he thrusts them out and a ball of liquid hate spews forth, I wouldn't complain.

So what do you think? Are developers too complacent with how magic's been portrayed in MMOs? Do we need new systems to make magic come alive, or is it fine as is?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Does MMO magic need a revolution? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 May 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fire-magefireballmagicmagic-systemsnanonanosopinionrevolutionromvamptdgthe-daily-grindtwilightvampireSun, 22 May 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Why a Harry Potter MMO makes sense]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/the-perfect-ten-why-a-harry-potter-mmo-makes-sense/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/the-perfect-ten-why-a-harry-potter-mmo-makes-sense/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/the-perfect-ten-why-a-harry-potter-mmo-makes-sense/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The idea of a Harry Potter MMO is hardly a new one at this point -- we've even speculated on it around Massively for years now. Rumors and wishful thinking have brought up this hypothetical MMO time and again, and for good reason: It simply makes sense.

In fact, the more you think about it, the more surprising it is that we haven't heard official word of a Harry Potter MMO by now. After doing some poking around, the most likely suspects to take on this project would either be Warner Bros. (which owns the rights to the franchise) or Electronic Arts (which purchased a license from WB to make the movie video games). Both companies have MMO studios at their command -- Turbine, BioWare, Mythic -- and both have the resources to make it happen.

So why does Harry Potter make perfect sense for MMO-adaptation? Hit the jump and I'll run you down the top 10 reasons! And if you post a positive comment after this column, I'll add five points to the house of your choice (go Hufflepuff!).

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Why a Harry Potter MMO makes sense

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Why a Harry Potter MMO makes sense originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareclassesdeathly-hallowsdefense-against-the-dark-artseaea-biowareea-mythicelectronic-artsfactionsfantasyfeaturedgolden-goosegoose-that-lays-golden-eggsharry-potterharry-potter-mmoherbologyhogwartsholy-trinityhouseshufflepuffipj-k-rowlingjk-rowlingkingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlevelinglevelslord-of-the-ringsmagicmythicnarniapotionsquidditchrowlingspeculationturbinetwilightUniversal-Orlando-Resortwarner-broswarner-bros-interactiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentwizardwizard101wizardsworld-buildingThu, 05 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EQII offers blood-sucking rewards for Velious pre-orders]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/04/eqii-offers-blood-sucking-rewards-for-velious-pre-orders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/04/eqii-offers-blood-sucking-rewards-for-velious-pre-orders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/04/eqii-offers-blood-sucking-rewards-for-velious-pre-orders/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EverQuest II players undoubtedly wish it was next February already so that they could get their hands on the upcoming Destiny of Velious expansion. There's a hunk of new content on the way, including a broader flight experience, more dungeons and a pair of new zones... but three months can seem like an eternity when you want it now.

To take the edge off the wait, SOE has announced a series of rewards for subscribers who pre-order EQII's next expansion -- and better yet, the rewards will be parceled out prior to release. Every month, starting in December, SOE will send a pair of special in-game goodies to those who have proven their commitment to the game.

While SOE is being secretive about most of them, we do know two: the ability to play the new Vampire race, and an Ice Wolf mount. Vampires and wolves getting along? That's not what Twilight taught us!

These Velious rewards are schedule to be handed out December 15th, January 18th and February 8th, and each character on an account "in good standing" will get them. Head on over to EverQuest II to read up on this promotion.

MassivelyEQII offers blood-sucking rewards for Velious pre-orders originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thanks to some astute Joystiq commenters and a MySpace photo of a newspaper article, it seems we might all breathe a collective sigh of relief. The Twilight MMO isn't an official, confirmed project as of yet.

The current Twilight: The Video Game is being created by Brandon Gardner, a student of game design from Blountstown, Florida. BrainJunk Studios currently consists of a volunteer staff, all working together on the concept of a Twilight game. Currently, Gardner is still studying with Westwood College Online, seeking out a bachelor's degree in game design as he works on his pet project.

So, in conclusion, we're all temporarily spared... at least for the time being.

MassivelyThe world is safe: Twilight MMO not a confirmed project originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blountstownbrainjunk-studiosbrandon-gardnerbreakingjoystiqmyspacenewspapernot-confirmedphotostudenttwilighttwilight-mmovampireswerewolvesWed, 29 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What license would you like to see as an MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/the-daily-grind-what-license-would-you-like-to-see-as-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/the-daily-grind-what-license-would-you-like-to-see-as-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/the-daily-grind-what-license-would-you-like-to-see-as-an-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The announcement of the Twilight MMO made many book fans rejoice while many others simply grumbled while they slapped their hands against their faces. While we all may not agree with it, it's coming our way whether we like it or not.

Out of all of this commotion, however, an interesting breakfast question arises -- what license would you like to see turned into an MMO? What book, film, or TV series do you think could handle the transition from static property to virtual gaming landscape?

Harry Potter was one of our guesses, as an MMO set in the first wizarding war would probably work out nicely without getting in the way of the story. But this isn't about us readers, it's about you. Comment away and let us know what you'd like to see hit the gaming store shelves as an MMO.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What license would you like to see as an MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harry-potterharry-potter-mmointellectual-propertylicensethe-daily-grindtwilighttwilight-mmoWed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[There's a... er... Twilight MMO coming...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/theres-a-er-twilight-mmo-coming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/theres-a-er-twilight-mmo-coming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/theres-a-er-twilight-mmo-coming/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Because absolutely no license goes unturned these days, we've gotten word that there will, indeed, be a Twilight MMO.

Details are pretty sketchy right now on what exactly this whole experience will entail. It will be a virtual world where you get to play as either a human, vampire, or werewolf -- that much is pretty known. The game will also be an open, non-linear world set around the town of Forks, Washington, that will let the player roam freely.

Of note is the functionality of the game's journal, which is said to work not only like a novel, but also as a way to teleport back and forth through time to experience the events written inside of it.

The game is still early in-development, so we'll keep an eye on it for you as more information is released. Now where's our Harry Potter MMO, hmmm? We want a wizarding war!

Update: Apparently, this MMO isn't as official as it seems.

[Via Twilight Source]

MassivelyThere's a... er... Twilight MMO coming... originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingforksin-developmentnoveltwilighttwilight-mmotwilight-the-video-gamevamprieswerewolvesTue, 28 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST