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Rise and Shiny: Looking back on two years and making changes

Beau Hindman — Sun, 06 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Screenshots, Video, Culture, New titles, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Mobile, Hands-on, Casual, Humor, First Impressions, Rise and Shiny, Miscellaneous, Anniversary

This column will turn two years old on May 8th, 2012. I'm proud of not only the fact that I have been able keep up the column with a decent amount of content and writing that has slowly gotten better over that time but also the fact that I have introduced the readers of Massively to so many games that they wouldn't otherwise have known about. Recently, I have increased my efforts by streaming odd and indie games as well as writing about the relatively new world of mobile MMOs.

This might all seem like I am attempting to build some sort of indie hipster street cred, but the totally honest truth is that nothing thrills me more than exposing a new game to the world or giving an older game some much-needed sunlight. If someone posts, "This game is still around?" in the comments section, I call that a win.

From now on, I am going to tweak how I do things for Rise and Shiny in order to raise the quality of coverage. Let me explain how as well as give you a few figures to illustrate just how many titles I have covered.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Looking back on two years and making changes

Rise and Shiny: Looking back on two years and making changes originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Firing Line: Global Agenda year two retrospective

Jef Reahard — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, in-game, MMO industry, Opinion, Free-to-play, MMOFPS, Global Agenda, The Firing Line

You! Yeah, you! You still haven't played Global Agenda, have you? I know, I know, you're going to get around to it, it's on your list, blah blah and etc. While you've been dilly-dallying about, Hi-Rez Studios' sci-fi shooter has gone and turned two years old!

That's OK, though, because the game has more options, more content, and more pew-pew than at any time in its history, and thanks to a gaggle of anniversary events, now is the perfect time to saddle up.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Global Agenda year two retrospective

The Firing Line: Global Agenda year two retrospective originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hi-Rez handing out prizes for Global Agenda's second anniversary

Jef Reahard — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Business models, Events, in-game, MMO industry, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, Global Agenda

Time flies when you're fragging newbs, and Global Agenda fans have been doing just that for the better part of two years now. Hi-Rez Studios' sci-fi shooter launched on February 1st, 2010, and for this week's anniversary, the firm is offering up some exclusive prizes as well as trotting out a few old flair favorites.

Starting today, any Global Agenda player who wins an instanced PvE or PvP mission before February 6th will receive a mini Switchblade pet to parade around Dome City in between matches. Hi-Rez is also sponsoring a 6-on-6 PvP tourney that features a dragon helmet for all participants and an unnamed exclusive item and cash prize for the winning team.

But wait, there's more! Check out Chloe's Burning Fashion for an extensive back catalog of previously retired flair pieces. There are over 100 items available for purchase using Hi-Rez's cash shop currency, including some headgear from past holiday events.

Finally, check out this Friday's The Firing Line for more info on Global Agenda at the two-year mark.

[Source: Hi-Rez press release]

Hi-Rez handing out prizes for Global Agenda's second anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Trek Online dev diary details new Odyssey vessel

Jef Reahard — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items, Star Trek Online, Free-to-play

If you're looking for more details on Star Trek Online's new Odyssey-class starship, the game's official website has them.

Acquiring one is as easy as leveling a Federation character to five, since Cryptic is handing out the new hulls for free in celebration of STO's second anniversary. You'll need a Vice Admiral rank to pilot the ship, and if you're a bit behind, you'll receive an inventory item that can be redeemed later.

Cryptic says the Odyssey class is "the pinnacle of Federation starship design" and the largest vessel ever built. The ship can operate for lengthy periods without resupply, and it also features universal ensign and lieutenant commander bridge officer stations that can be operated by any bridge officer class.

Star Trek Online dev diary details new Odyssey vessel originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Trek Online handing out Odyssey starships for its second anniversary

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, in-game, Star Trek Online, Free-to-play, Giveaways

It's been in the making for months now, but the wait is almost over. On February 2nd, Star Trek Online will release the latest in the line of Enterprises, the Odyssey-class (Enterprise-F) starship. Players are invited to do more than gawk at its power and majesty, as Cryptic is inviting all players level 5 or higher to take one for a test drive... and then take one home on the house.

Cryptic notes that the new Odyssey will be available for only a limited time at the start of the month, after which it will disappear from the game for an indeterminate amount of time. Players who cannot fly the top-tier starship can nevertheless earn it for use at a later date.

The Odyssey (and its corresponding Klingon Vengeance-class starship) giveaway is just the first part of STO's second anniversary events. From February 2nd through the 5th, the mischievous Q will challenge players to complete tasks in exchange for mystery prizes.

Star Trek Online handing out Odyssey starships for its second anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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League of Legends turns two, reskins Fiddlesticks

Jef Reahard — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play

It's hard to believe that League of Legends is two years old this week, but time marches on and so does the requisite birthday celebration. Riot has updated its website with an anniversary post and the game itself boasts a new legendary skin for Fiddlesticks, also known as "everyone's favorite Harbinger of Doom."

The special model will dent your wallet for 975 Riot points (what, you didn't expect to pay for your birthday gift?!) and it boasts "new and sinister" sound effects on all the champion's abilities. Party hats and balloons are also part of the package, as are some "frighteningly festive" spell effects. As always, more info is available on the official League of Legends website.

League of Legends turns two, reskins Fiddlesticks originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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League of Legends turns two this Thursday, celebrations planned

Brendan Drain — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Events, real-world, News items, Free-to-play, Not So Massively

The relatively new MOBA genre has seen a massive surge in popularity over the last few years, due mainly to the popularity of DotA remakes like League of Legends and Heroes of Newerth. It's hard to believe it, but League of Legends is already almost two years old. The free-to-play giant celebrates its second birthday this Thursday the 27th of October, and the developers at Riot Games aim to make sure the day goes down in players' memories. Celebrations have been planned for the big day, but Riot is keeping the details a secret until the day. Players are urged to keep an eye on the LoL website on Thursday.

To help celebrate reaching the two year mark, Riot has released an interactive development timeline page showing the game's development from launch day all the way up to last week's Graves patch. The timeline shows when each of LoL's champions was implemented, as well as major developments like the Twisted Treeline 3v3 map, the player-mediated banning tribunal and the recent release of the Dominion game mode.

League of Legends turns two this Thursday, celebrations planned originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Behind the Mask: Two years and two thousand miles

Patrick Mackey — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Opinion, Free-to-play, Champions Online, Behind the Mask

Some of you will recall what Champions Online was like at launch. I think that a lot of readers here at Massively still remember that soreness. The first year of CO was kind of a rough, rocky ride. At some point or another, I think all of us expected the game to fail. It was really only in the in the last few months of that year that Cryptic started to turn the game around.

The second year of Champions has been a lot more successful. I'm pretty sure that from a bottom-line perspective, the F2P launch helped turn the game into a profitable venture. However, that hasn't been the only major change. If Cryptic had held this kind of attitude from day one, I think things would have turned out differently.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Two years and two thousand miles

Behind the Mask: Two years and two thousand miles originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Terrible twos? A look at Darkfall on its second anniversary

Jef Reahard — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Darkfall, MMO industry, PvP, PvE, Opinion

It's hard to believe that two years have passed in the lands of Agon, but passed they have, and Darkfall is celebrating its second anniversary this week. Aventurine's FFA PvP sandbox title has turned out to be one of the more resilient MMORPGs in recent memory, surviving a disastrous launch and a lingering (and undeserved) reputation as a haven for parolees, sociopaths, and griefers. It's also managed to grow its dev team, release three expansions, and carve out a respectable niche for itself in an increasingly competitive massive industry.

What's the secret to the game's success? Can Aventurine become the next CCP and ride the coattails of a non-linear MMORPG to indie greatness? Is Darkfall, purportedly the hardest of the hardcore PvP games, really a fantastic PvE sandbox in disguise? Join us after the cut for some thoughts on these topics as well as a peek at the highlights from Darkfall's first two years.

Continue reading Terrible twos? A look at Darkfall on its second anniversary

Terrible twos? A look at Darkfall on its second anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WAR celebrates second anniversary, offers vet rewards

Jef Reahard — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Warhammer Online, News items

Its hard to believe that Warhammer Online turns two this week, but at least Bioware-Mythic is rolling out the veteran rewards to ease the sting of getting older. While many things have changed in the course of the game's first two years (including Mythic's absorption by BioWare, the departure of head man Mark Jacobs, and the debut of the endless free trial), the WAAAGH! remains the same.

In addition to the constant strains of battle, dedicated 24-month players can now make use of the Double Aegis which gives an experience bonus to surrounding players, much like the one-year anniversary WAR Aegis. Vets also receive a regenerating firework launcher which, unlike the majority of fluff fireworks in other games, never exhausts itself and can be used indefinitely. Finally, a celebratory veteran cloak is also available. Check out the details at the Warhammer Herald.

WAR celebrates second anniversary, offers vet rewards originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wizard101 celebrates its second anniversary

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, real-world, Expansions, News items, Kids, Wizard101, Family

It's easy to dismiss Wizard101 as nothing more than a cute MMO for kids, but the game has proven that it has quite a bit of depth and staying power. And September is the milestone to mark it by, since the game launched in September of 2008. With the arrival of the two-year anniversary for the game, the production staff for KingsIsle Entertainment has posted a short letter to commemorate the achievement and discuss the game's future in brief.

Obviously, one of the big points of the future is the release of Celestia, which is currently slated for early fall. The new area and concurrent free expansion will raise the level cap and offer players a variety of new abilities, in addition to the eponymous underwater zone. To help kick off the pending launch, the development team is promising a quest later this month featuring "one of the hottest teen icons on the planet." It's been a busy two years for Wizard101, and it looks like the team is looking forward to many more.

Wizard101 celebrates its second anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved: Two year anniversary

Brendan Drain — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: At a glance, Sci-fi, EVE Online, Contests, Culture, Massively Meta, EVE Evolved

On April 27th 2008, the EVE Evolved column kicked off with an in-depth look at the controversy surrounding the removal of NPC supply of shuttles in EVE Online. That first crude article began a continually improving weekly dose of EVE spanning the last two years. In that time, I've written around 100 articles on topics ranging from faction warfare and piracy to mining and economics. It sometimes seems to me that I've covered practically everything of note but in a game as complex as EVE, there's always something to write about. The rapidly evolving universe of New Eden seems to continually produce something new and interesting to discuss.

To celebrate the second anniversary of the column in just over a week's time, I'm giving away an expensive faction battleship worth around 500 million ISK. One lucky reader will win and take his pick from the list of navy or fleet issue battleships. To enter, just drop a comment and suggest a topic you'd like to see covered in a future edition of EVE Evolved. Every suggested topic may be written up as a future article in the column with credit to the reader that came up with the idea. This is your chance to say what types of article you'd like to read from Massively's weekly EVE column. The winner will be the reader that suggests my favourite topic by the evening of Friday 23rd April. In addition to winning an expensive navy issue battleship, the winner's suggestion will be written up as next week's anniversary column topic.

Skip past the cut for full entry guidelines and a look back at this past year of the EVE Evolved column.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Two year anniversary

EVE Evolved: Two year anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Welcome to Massively's third year!

Shawn Schuster — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Events, real-world, News items, Massively Meta, Massively Event Coverage

Massively.com officially turns two years old today, and while that may be quite young for an MMO news site, we'd like to think we've really made a name for ourselves in that time. Starting out as the secret love child of Second Life Insider, WoW Insider (now WoW.com) and the rest of the Joystiq network, we've come a long way in our 730 days.

As we fondly reminisce about the good times we've had, we thought it would be best to not only compile our own favorite content, but also reach out to our readers for their own favorites. After all, without you, we would be nothing. Literally. No, seriously, we love you all. Even Graill and Mr. Angry!

So we reached out to our Twitter followers earlier today to grab a few opinions and combine them with our own. Follow along in the gallery below for our showcase of best content, and feel free to add your favorites in the comments below.

Gallery: Two years of Massively features

Welcome to Massively's third year! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Come back to DDO for the price of free

Kyle Horner — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Dungeons and Dragons Online, Events, in-game, News items

If you've every had a Dungeons & Dragons Online account, then you'll be interested in this piece of news. Starting this Wednesday on March 5th and continuing through until Tuesday March 11th, previous players will have free access to all the new content added (including all the modules) into DDO over the past two years. We mention two years because of its significance -- this special offer marks the second anniversary of the tabletop inspired massively game and it looks like Turbine plans on celebrating the event in style.

Continue reading Come back to DDO for the price of free

Come back to DDO for the price of free originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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