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 Road to Mordor: Riders of Whoa-han!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/the-road-to-mordor-riders-of-whoa-han/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/the-road-to-mordor-riders-of-whoa-han/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/the-road-to-mordor-riders-of-whoa-han/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

LotRO
This past week we heard from Turbine about its general plans for Lord of the Rings Online in 2012, and while it may not have hit everything on my personal wish list for the year, it was a good start.

I was mulling over the question of whether it's better for MMOs to show all of their big cards up front like Turbine or to parcel them out over the course of the year. Both have advantages, of course. Front-loading the year with a broad overview like this gives players long-term reasons to stick with the game, but it also can steal the exciting thunder from these events down the road. On the other hand, measuring the big news out during the year would probably give Turbine more publicity, but it could frustrate players who might feel "in the dark" about the company's plans.

In any case, we got what we got, and there's a lot to chew over for this week's column: unbound skirmish soldiers, Riders of Rohan, the Great River, and the fifth anniversary. So let's get started!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Riders of Whoa-han!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Riders of Whoa-han! originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhelms-deeplord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroriders-of-rohanrise-of-isengardthe-great-riverturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-5update-6Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO Update 5.1 shoots Saruman in the knee]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/lotro-update-5-1-shoots-saruman-in-the-knee/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/lotro-update-5-1-shoots-saruman-in-the-knee/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/lotro-update-5-1-shoots-saruman-in-the-knee/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

LotRO
Lord of the Rings Online is bringing its servers down today to apply Update 5.1 across the board. While it's certainly not a content patch like its predecessor, it does have a sizable number of fixes and tweaks that should improve quality of (game) life for all.

Some of the changes include eliminating dyes from lootboxes, a nerf to Minstrel codas, many tweaks to the Tower of Orthanc raid, the option to timestamp chat messages, and small improvements to the treasure hunt. The devs have also posted an updated list of known issues for the game.

As always, it's worth going through the patch notes to try to find the funny asides. In this update? "Addressed a number of typos. Probably added some new ones."

MassivelyLotRO Update 5.1 shoots Saruman in the knee originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.1f2pfree-to-playknown-issueslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrominstrelnerfno-more-skyrim-jokespatch-5.1patch-notessarumantower-of-orthancturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-5update-5.1Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online releases new Armies of Isengard screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/lord-of-the-rings-online-releases-new-armies-of-isengard-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/lord-of-the-rings-online-releases-new-armies-of-isengard-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/lord-of-the-rings-online-releases-new-armies-of-isengard-screens/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Lord of the Rings Online Update 5
Lord of the Rings Online's latest update, Update 5: Armies of Isengard went live last week, signaling the first major update since the Rise of Isengard expansion was released. The update brings five new Isengard-themed instances (as well as a group finder function) to the game and continues the epic story. Perhaps in order to draw in some unsuspecting souls, Turbine has released a new set of screenshots showing off the new content. To see the screenshots, click on through the gallery below. Then head on over LotRO's official site to get in on the action.

[Source: Turbine Entertainment press release]

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Update 5: Armies of Isengard

Lord of the Rings Online Update 5: Armies of Isengard

MassivelyLord of the Rings Online releases new Armies of Isengard screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armies-of-isengardf2pfree-to-playgalleriesgallerylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroscreenshotscreenshotsturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-5update-5-armies-of-isengardMon, 19 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO's Update 5: Armies of Isengard storms servers today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/lotros-update-5-armies-of-isengard-storms-servers-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/lotros-update-5-armies-of-isengard-storms-servers-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/lotros-update-5-armies-of-isengard-storms-servers-today/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

LotRO
It's Big Honkin' Patch Day for Lord of the Rings Online as a platoon of content is double-timing it to a server near you. Update 5: Armies of Isengard is the game's first post-Rise of Isengard release, and it's been highly anticipated as it will finally add the long-awaited instance cluster to the endgame. This cluster contains five new dungeons: three three-person, one six-person, and one twelve-person.

In addition to the cluster, Update 5 is including the next book in the epic storyline, The Prince of Rohan. Through it, players will gain a nifty set of Ranger cosmetic armor and participate in an epic battle at the gates of Orthanc. The update also will add an instance finder, unified currency, a LUA plugin manager, a reputation update, and far, far more.

Oh, and there's finally coffee in the game. Mmm... coffee.

Turbine has posted the official patch notes for Armies of Isengard on the site, so you can read up on all of the changes while you're patching the game!

MassivelyLotRO's Update 5: Armies of Isengard storms servers today originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armies-of-isengardcoffeecosmetic-armorcosmetic-outfitf2pfree-to-playinstance-clusterinstance-finderlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroorthancpatchpatch-notesprince-of-rohanrangerreputationreputation-systemrise-of-isengardthe-prince-of-rohanturbineturbine-entertainmentunified-currencyupdateupdate-5update-notesMon, 12 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO gains +500 faction with players due to improved reputation system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/lotro-gains-500-faction-with-players-due-to-improved-reputation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/lotro-gains-500-faction-with-players-due-to-improved-reputation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/lotro-gains-500-faction-with-players-due-to-improved-reputation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

LotRO
Among the many quality-of-life improvements coming to Lord of the Rings Online with Update 5 is a significant change to the game's reputation system. Previously, players would assemble entire stacks of items to turn into vendors for point boosts, but this will soon change. Starting with Update 5, players can simply click on reputation items and get an instant point increase, similar to using any other one-shot item in the game.

This change will render certain barter NPCs obsolete, with some being removed from the game entirely and others continuing to offer quests and tradable items. Turbine's also added special instant-reputation items to Moria to help with gaining faction with the esteemed Iron Garrison Guards and Miners.

The changes to reputation items along with the many other features of this patch will take effect when Update 5 hits servers on December 12th.

MassivelyLotRO gains +500 faction with players due to improved reputation system originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfactionfaction-pointsfaction-systemfree-to-playinstant-reputation-itemslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromoriareputationreputation-itemsreputation-pointsreputation-systemturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-5Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online's Update 5 invading Dunland next week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/lord-of-the-rings-onlines-update-5-invading-dunland-next-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/lord-of-the-rings-onlines-update-5-invading-dunland-next-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/lord-of-the-rings-onlines-update-5-invading-dunland-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

LOTRO
Turbine's asking you out on a very special date next week -- December 12th, in fact. That's when the studio will show up to your door dressed in a sharp-looking tux, bearing flowers, and eager for you to head out on a magical tour around Middle-earth on a carriage ride.

It's on December 12th that Lord of the Rings Online will be releasing its first major post-Rise of Isengard patch, Update 5. The update comes loaded with endgame activities, including a huge instance cluster, an instance finder, and a new book in the epic storyline: Volume III, Book 5.

You can read more about Update 5 with our Turbine interview, head over to A Casual Stroll to Mordor to listen to what questions fans have about the patch, or check out the gallery below for five new screenshots of one of the instances, The Foundry.

[Source: Turbine press release]

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Core Gallery

MassivelyLord of the Rings Online's Update 5 invading Dunland next week originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-casual-stroll-to-mordorf2pfree-to-playinstanceinstance-clusterinstance-finderinstancesinterviewlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroprince-of-rohanrise-of-isengardthe-prince-of-rohanturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-5Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO dev diary details the Instance Finder]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/lotro-dev-diary-details-the-instance-finder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/lotro-dev-diary-details-the-instance-finder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/lotro-dev-diary-details-the-instance-finder/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Lord of the Rings Online
In today's Lord of the Rings Online developer diary, game systems engineer Leo "Ransroth" Zelevinsky takes some time to provide players with information on the Instance Finder coming with Update 5. In a nutshell, it works like this: The tool exists in order to allow players to easily find instance parties and to reward them for participating in random content. Joining and completing an instance or skirmish using the Instance Finder, which can be done with or without an existing fellowship, will grant players instance currency, which can then be redeemed for spiffy loot.

For the full details on how the Instance Finder works, head on over to the official dev blog.

MassivelyLotRO dev diary details the Instance Finder originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-diarydev-journaldeveloper-diarydeveloper-journalf2pfree-to-playinstance-finderleo-zelevinskylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroransrothturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-5Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO's Devs of the Roundtable sally forth on Update 5's instance cluster]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/lotros-devs-of-the-roundtable-sally-forth-on-update-5s-instanc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/lotros-devs-of-the-roundtable-sally-forth-on-update-5s-instanc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/lotros-devs-of-the-roundtable-sally-forth-on-update-5s-instanc/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

LotRO
What's better than one developer sharing the thought process behind a major update to a game? Six. Cut out the middleman and go right to "six," we say. Ergo, it's lightning development caught in a bottle to see a half-dozen Lord of the Rings Online designers and worldbuilders gather together to talk about the instance cluster of the upcoming Update 5.

Update 5's five instances -- including an epic raid confrontation with Saruman -- presented unique challenges and exciting opportunities for the team. Worldbuilder Dan Ouellette says that Turbine didn't want to limit itself to merely Orthanc: "After looking at all our ideas we knew we didn't want to have them all in the tower, because that would be a very boring cluster. It's a very small space and in general... just really long."

Instead, the team branched out to focus on the surroundings, inner workings, and underneath of Orthanc for the five instances. The different types of instances -- three-, six-, and 12-person -- allowed the team to try out different tricks as well. "It's an exciting and difficult demand when working on a three-man," Content Designer Bob Hess says. "The types of challenges you present to people have to be a little more outside-the-box."

It's a smörgåsbord of delectable information, so if you're craving good group content in LotRO, you'll definitely want to scoop this up.

MassivelyLotRO's Devs of the Roundtable sally forth on Update 5's instance cluster originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob-hessDan-Ouellettedev-q-and-adev-roundtabledeveloper-roundtablef2pfree-to-playinstanceinstance-clusterinstanceslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroorthancrise-of-isengardrobert-hessroundtablesarumanturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-5Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Thoughts on Update 5]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/the-road-to-mordor-thoughts-on-update-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/the-road-to-mordor-thoughts-on-update-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/the-road-to-mordor-thoughts-on-update-5/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

LotRO
Update 5: Saruman's Obviously Not Compensating for Anything With That Tower will undoubtedly be the last hurrah of Lord of the Rings Online -- this year, that is. It's an interesting update that looks to patch in the rest of Rise of Isengard's content (namely, the instance cluster) and provide a little something-something for players who have already reached the end of the epic storyline and are looking for more.

Earlier this week I took a dev tour through some of the main parts of the update, and while I wasn't able to see all of it (such as the non-raid instances), what I did preview certainly filled my head with opinions, analysis and further questions. Generally I came away pleased with what we're going to experience next month, although the comments section of the tour showed split feelings on what's in store for the patch.

Is this a case of too little, too late for those dissatisfied with Rise of Isengard's release? Will it breathe new life into dungeon-running, especially for the many soloers out there? Is it what this game needs right here and now? Hit the jump and I'll give you my honest thoughts on it all, both the good and the bad.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Thoughts on Update 5

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Thoughts on Update 5 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clustercoffeecurrencydungeon-finderf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhaunted-burrowhobbithobbitsinstanceinstance-clusterinstance-finderinstance-joininstancesisengardisengard-clusterlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropreviewriftrise-of-isengardsarumanthe-prince-of-rohanturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-5winter-homeworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 19 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rings and words of power: Going inside LotRO's Update 5]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/rings-and-words-of-power-going-inside-lotros-update-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/rings-and-words-of-power-going-inside-lotros-update-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/rings-and-words-of-power-going-inside-lotros-update-5/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

LOTRO
It's been a couple of days since the news broke that Lord of the Rings Online's Update 5 is going to be bigger than previously thought, with not only a new instance cluster but an additional book in the epic storyline and an Instance Finder system.

As Update 5 goes up on the test server for the remainder of the week, we got in touch with Turbine to talk about the details of this mountain of content heading our way, including an epic confrontation with Rise of Isengard's big baddie himself, Saruman. It wouldn't be a conference call without a few notable surprises as well, and Adam Merskey, Aaron Campbell, Jeff Libby, and Joe Barry were eager to share what the team has been working on for the first update after the expansion.

It's time to wave goodbye to the Rangers, stop putting off instance runs, and take the fight to the bearded dude himself. It's time for Update 5. Get all the skinny after the jump!

Continue reading Rings and words of power: Going inside LotRO's Update 5

MassivelyRings and words of power: Going inside LotRO's Update 5 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aaron-Campbelladam-merskydungeon-findereagleconentfeaturedgrey-companyinstanceinstance-clusterinstance-finderinstancesjeff-libbylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroorthancrangersrise-of-isengardsarumanthe-foundrythe-prince-of-rohantheodredtower-of-orthancupdate-5volume-3-book-5volume-iii-book-5Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Instance finder coming to LotRO in Update 5]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/instance-finder-coming-to-lotro-in-update-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/instance-finder-coming-to-lotro-in-update-5/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/instance-finder-coming-to-lotro-in-update-5/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

LOTRO
When Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard launched, it did so with the understanding that it wasn't quite completed. The expansion had no new instanced content apart from a 24-person raid, and Turbine promised that this would be rectified by the end of the year. Enter the redemption of Update 5, where a new instance cluster will be introducing five additional dungeons into the game. These instances include a walk through Fangorn Forest and a personal encounter with Saruman.

Ten Ton Hammer got a chance to talk with the devs about Update 5 and discovered a few previously unreleased details. The biggest of these is word of an instance finder feature -- AKA a "dungeon finder" -- that is similar to those found in World of Warcraft and RIFT. Through the instance finder, players will be able to queue up for level-appropriate runs and be matched up with other eager adventurers.

Update 5 will also include the next book of the epic storyline titled The Prince of Rohan in which players will part with the Grey Company for new vistas.

Stay tuned to Massively as we'll have a hands-on look at Update 5 later this week!

MassivelyInstance finder coming to LotRO in Update 5 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-finderepic-storylinef2pfangorn-forestfree-to-playinstanceinstance-finderinstanceslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropatchriftrise-of-isengardsarumanthe-prince-of-rohantthturbineTurbine-Entertainmentupdateupdate-5world-of-warcraftwowMon, 14 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine confirms five new LotRO instances by the end of the year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/turbine-confirms-five-new-lotro-instances-by-the-end-of-the-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/turbine-confirms-five-new-lotro-instances-by-the-end-of-the-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/turbine-confirms-five-new-lotro-instances-by-the-end-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rise of Isengard
While a new expansion is usually a cause for celebration, some Lord of the Rings Online players have expressed disappointment that September's Rise of Isengard lacks new instances outside of the much-ballyhooed 24-man raid.

Between convention appearances, Turbine's Sapience confirmed on the forums that while Isengard players won't be enjoying any additional three-man or six-man dungeons, more will come by the end of the year in Update 5:
We are currently preparing five new instances for release post-Isengard.

Rise of Isengard will be released on September 27 along with a 24-player raid. There will be 3 three-player, 1 six-player and 1 twelve-player instance released in Update 5, the first update after the release of Rise of Isengard. These instances will be free to any player who has pre-purchased the Rise of Isengard expansion or who purchases after launch via the Turbine web store.

Update 5 will be available before the end of the year.
Rise of Isengard will be on display at Turbine's booth this weekend at PAX in Seattle.

MassivelyTurbine confirms five new LotRO instances by the end of the year originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-man12-player24-man-raid24-player-raid3-man3-player6-man6-playerdungeondungeonsexpansionf2pfree-to-playinstanceinstancesisengardlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropaxraidrise-of-isengardsapienceturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-5Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine announces details, screenshots, and release date for DDO Update 5]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/turbine-announces-details-screenshots-and-release-date-for-ddo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/turbine-announces-details-screenshots-and-release-date-for-ddo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/turbine-announces-details-screenshots-and-release-date-for-ddo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Evil carnivals, Rogues that build traps, and flying guild halls. If you can't find something to love in Dungeons and Dragons Online Update 5, you're not looking hard enough. Turbine announced today that Update 5: Rise of the Guilds will arrive June 28th, bringing with it a huge list of updates and a brand new adventure pack.

The update is centered around guilds. Guild renown, guild trophies, and the long-awaited guild airships will all arrive with this update, encouraging guilds to work together to earn them. Before those of you in OneDAwesome even ask: Yes, we'll be chasing all of these shinies as well as the adventure pack.

Watch for this Friday's Exploring Eberron when we will we take a closer look at the update, but for now check out the details and new screenshots on the DDO site.

MassivelyTurbine announces details, screenshots, and release date for DDO Update 5 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddoddo-update-5dungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfree-to-playguild-airshipsrise-of-the-guildsturbineUpdate-5Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan video walks players through new Tarantia Commons zone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/age-of-conan-video-walks-players-through-new-tarantia-commons-zo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/age-of-conan-video-walks-players-through-new-tarantia-commons-zo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/age-of-conan-video-walks-players-through-new-tarantia-commons-zo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This has been a really big week for Age of Conan. They released Update 5, "Gangs of Tarantia", which has introduced new zones and content, but more than that, completely reworked some of Age of Conan's existing game mechanics. The amount of written content that Funcom has put together on these changes is substantial -- in fact we linked to all of it in our post on Update 5 earlier this week. Funcom can write all they want about the new changes to the game, but when it comes down to it, actually seeing these places they've described may have a stronger impact. With that in mind, Funcom released a video tour of the Tarantia Commons zone today, narrated by game director Craig Morrison.

Tarantia Commons is what he describes as "the urban underbelly" of the capital city of Tarantia, a place Morrison says is "wracked by gang warfare and civil unrest." In other words, there's always a lot going on in Tarantia Commons and the video walkthrough shows this, revealing how players will choose which side to take in riots -- either aid the city guards or stick it to the man with fellow rioters. The riots then trigger other events. Specific quests become available and certain bosses spawn, depending upon the general state of chaos in the streets of Tarantia Commons.

There are two warring gangs in the new gameplay area, The Wharf Rats who exist at ground level in the streets of Tarantia Commons, and The Crows whose area of influence shows off a different aspect of the game: rooftops. Interacting with The Crows above Tarantia Commons gives a different perspective on the city, with some impressive views of the zone. Of course there's content on the outskirts of Tarantia Commons for players to experience as well, including a leper colony where NPCs will lash out at you, intentionally trying to infect you with disease. As an added bonus, or spoiler depending upon your point of view, the walkthrough also shows off a boss encounter and the tactics he'll employ against players.

If you're on the fence about returning to Age of Conan to see the new content, this Tarantia Commons walkthrough might just be the tipping point. We've got a video embed for you after the jump:

Continue reading Age of Conan video walks players through new Tarantia Commons zone

MassivelyAge of Conan video walks players through new Tarantia Commons zone originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccraig-morrisonfantasyfuncomgangs-of-tarantiariotstarantia-commonsthe-crowsthe-wharf-ratsupdate-5videowalkthroughwalkthroughsFri, 26 Jun 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan's Update 5 goes live, game director hints at future improvements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/age-of-conans-update-5-goes-live-game-director-hints-at-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/age-of-conans-update-5-goes-live-game-director-hints-at-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/age-of-conans-update-5-goes-live-game-director-hints-at-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


The fifth major update to Age of Conan,"Gangs of Tarantia", has gone live. The update adds the Tarantia Commons District, a high level area with both single player and group dungeons, as well as a revamped RPG system. There are substantial system changes that have gone into effect in Update 5, which impact every class in Age of Conan, covering everything from itemization changes to feat trees, as well as abilities, spells, and combos. Plus Funcom has rolled out a complete overhaul of the gem crafting system and introduced new rewards tied in with guild cities. Any in-depth look at the sweeping changes made to Age of Conan with Update 5 is beyond the scope of this post, but are summarized in the patch notes.

In the June letter from the game director, Craig Morrison explains how Gangs of Tarantia is the most significant update made to the game thus far. Morrison also drops some hints about the directions Funcom plans to take Age of Conan with future game updates. He writes that the next update to Age of Conan will focus on three main areas: improving guild gameplay; new high level content in the House of Crom; and more goals and objectives with Border Kingdom PvP.

Beyond the letter from the game director, Funcom has grouped together a ton of information related to Gangs of Tarantia and AoC in general, which can be found in Issue #23 of the Age of Conan newsletter.

MassivelyAge of Conan's Update 5 goes live, game director hints at future improvements originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccraftingcraig-morrisonfantasyfuncomgame-directorgame-mechanicsgangs-of-tarantiagem-craftingguild-citiesguildsitemizationmmo-industrypatch-notespatchestarantia-commonsupdate-5Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST