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[Dark Legends launches on Apple devices, hits 500K players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/dark-legends-launches-on-apple-devices-hits-500k-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/dark-legends-launches-on-apple-devices-hits-500k-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/dark-legends-launches-on-apple-devices-hits-500k-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dark Legends
The tortured souls of the underworld Apple users have twiddled their thumbs and sharpened their canines for over a month now, a month that Android and Chrome users have played Dark Legends to their hearts' content. After that long wait, iOS owners can stop penning brooding poetry on Livejournal and start playing the game proper: Spacetime Studios has released Dark Legends on the App Store.

Apple users can now joining the 500,000-plus Dark Legends community by simply downloading the game from the store and getting their vamp on. Edward-wannabes have a daunting task in front of them, however, as all of the darker fantasy forces are out to be a serious pain in their neck.

Dark Legends follows in the wake of Spacetime's enormously popular Pocket Legends and Star Legends. It's available as a free download with optional in-app purchases and can be played over wifi, edge, 3G, and 4G networks.

Our own Beau is livestreaming Dark Legends today on Massively TV, so be sure to see what he thinks of the game!

[Source: Spacetime Studios press release]

MassivelyDark Legends launches on Apple devices, hits 500K players originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapp-storeappleapple-app-storechromedark-legendsdraculaedwardf2pfree-to-playiosipadiphoneipod-touchitouchlaunchmobilemobile-mmoobscure-livejournal-referencepocket-legendsspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsvampireMon, 07 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Darkness creative director talks design and the MMO mainstream]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/world-of-darkness-creative-director-talks-design-and-the-mmo-mai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/world-of-darkness-creative-director-talks-design-and-the-mmo-mai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/world-of-darkness-creative-director-talks-design-and-the-mmo-mai/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

World of Darkness - Masquerade rose
A new interview at Gamasutra posits that CCP is gunning for mainstream success with its upcoming World of Darkness MMO. The EVE Online developer has cornered what's left of the hardcore sandbox market, so now it's looking to marry EVE's emergent gameplay with more familiar MMO staples. "The way to drag people in will be traditional themepark-style PvE play. Once players get into the setting, they'll see the appeal of the sandbox play," says WoD creative director Reynir Hardarson.

Despite the concessions to mainstream accessibility, EVE's influence on World of Darkness will be more than superficial. "The live-action roleplayers of the Vampire the Masquerade tabletop game play this way," Hardarson explains. "It's really about politics and power plays."

Why don't more MMO developers try their hand at sandbox mechanics? Hardarson says designing for emergent play is difficult because you can't test it. It's worth it, though, because MMOs that hand-hold and limit players to a linear path miss the point. "I'm not a five-year-old. If I want to go in the cave and I want to die, that's my problem," Hardarson says.

MassivelyWorld of Darkness creative director talks design and the MMO mainstream originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilityccpccp-gamesemergent-designemergent-gameplayfantasygothichorrorinterviewmainstreammmo-mainstreamplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentreynir-hardarsonsandboxsupernaturaluser-generated-contentvampirevampireswhite-wolfwodworld-of-darknessTue, 24 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Shut up about Mass Effect edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-mmo-report-shut-up-about-mass-effect-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-mmo-report-shut-up-about-mass-effect-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-mmo-report-shut-up-about-mass-effect-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MMO Report
This week on The MMO Report, Casey tells everyone to stop whining about Mass Effect 3's ending, laments the loss of the "online" part of Warhammer 40K: Dark Millennium Online, touches on the World of Darkness keynote, and outlines The Secret World's preorder plans. He also reveals the identity of one of TERA's key voice actors: Michael Hogan (of Battlestar Galactica fame), who will play Samael in the final game. Finally, he pulls one measly letter from the mailbag and debates which class he represents in TERA.

Enjoy the full MMO Report after the cut!

Continue reading The MMO Report: Shut up about Mass Effect edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Shut up about Mass Effect edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioscasey-schreinerccpccp-gamesdark-millenniumdark-millennium-onlinedmoen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfactionfantasyfuncomgothichorrorhumormass-effect-3me3michael-hoganmmo-reportmythologynewsopinionroundupsamaelsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedsupernaturalterathe-mmo-reportthe-secret-worldtswvampirevampiresvideovideosvigilvigil-gamesvoice-actorvoice-overwar40kwar40k-dmowarhammerwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlinewarhammer-40kwarhammer-40k-dark-millennium-onlinewhite-wolfwodworld-of-darknessThu, 05 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/massively-speaking-episode-194-bookah-bookah/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/massively-speaking-episode-194-bookah-bookah/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/massively-speaking-episode-194-bookah-bookah/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Vanguard
Massively Speaking Episode 194 welcomes aboard resident Star Trek Online expert Terilynn Shull to talk about Tribbles and bits and why Star Trek doesn't have more "The Fly" incidents involving the transporter and local flora or fauna. Captain Archer would have been vastly improved by beaming him into a badger.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah!

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbrantbrianna-royceccpccp-gamesend-of-nationseonf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivegothicguild-wars-2gw2horrorhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmmortsncsoftopinionpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespodcastpodcastingpodcastsromrtsrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsupernaturaltaboreatelontriontrion-worldsvampirevampiresvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarwhite-wolfwodworld-of-darknessTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 194Massively.com Staff01:05:44podcasts<![CDATA[World of Darkness presented at EVE Fanfest 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/world-of-darkness-presented-at-eve-fanfest-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/world-of-darkness-presented-at-eve-fanfest-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/world-of-darkness-presented-at-eve-fanfest-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

World of Darkness title image
Ever since CCP Games merged with White Wolf, it has been developing the World of Darkness MMO. The game is nowhere near complete, and fans worried that last year's heavy layoffs at the Atlanta office had slowed the game's production. We haven't heard much about World of Darkness since then, but today at the EVE Online Fanfest, a few new details were revealed. Attendees were shown some early in-game footage of a city and given a mix of information we already knew and snippets of new information.

CCP wants to draw in the largely female World of Darkness fanbase. The game will have a focus on fashion, and CCP will control the theme of that fashion rather than letting players design their own clothes. The game will be based in the Vampire: The Masquerade universe, with an initial focus on vampires before the introduction of the other factions. Vampires will use human blood as a currency; it will be the resource they'll compete over, making human cities the central locations they will inhabit. When mages and other character types are released, they will compete for different resources.

The game will have a single-shard world, with sandbox territorial warfare for control of cities mirroring EVE Online's nullsec warfare. Developers investigated using real cities for the game but found that "real cities were generally boring." Presenters told fans that the team will "be using stylised versions, but they will be named after real cities." Each city will be lorded over by a player prince, who will under rare circumstances be potentially subjected to permadeath. The world's original vampire clans will be available on release, and CCP confirmed that it won't be using vampire generations as a form of leveling system but instead will be doing something different with it.

MassivelyWorld of Darkness presented at EVE Fanfest 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dark Legends
We've gotten our first glimpse at the world of Spacetime Studios' Dark Legends, and it certainly sets a different tone than the mobiile MMO developer's past efforts. In this teaser trailer, a haunting rendition of House of the Rising Sun plays as blood flows back up and into the mouth of a delighted vampire.

Slated for release in the first quarter of this year on iOS, Android, and Chrome, Dark Legends is all about the supernatural underbelly of society. Players will choose a society of vampires to join and go forth to battle nasties like werewolves and zombies.

You can watch the trailer after the jump!

Continue reading Dark Legends' teaser trailer is to die for

MassivelyDark Legends' teaser trailer is to die for originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online title image
When CCP Games laid off 20% of its worldwide staff back in October of last year, the World of Darkness dev team bore the brunt of the cuts while DUST 514 continued on course for its launch later this year. In an interview over at TenTonHammer today, CCP's new Chief Marketing Officer, David Reid, joined CEO Hilmar Petursson to discuss the development of both games. Hilmar reveals that a team of 60 developers are currently working on WoD, and that DUST 514 will be playable at this year's EVE Online fanfest event in March.

Despite acknowledging that the entire PlayStation Network comprises a total of 60 million users, Reid asserts that DUST will bring "tens of millions of people that play shooters on PSN into the New Eden universe," going on to make the bold statement that "EVE could be the biggest game in the world at the end of 2012" as a result. Reid also claims that "EVE Online is the only game in the West that has shown consecutive growth year after year," a statement that's sure to upset RuneScape developer Jagex and others. The statement also comes with a slightly bitter note as this year EVE may have lost its record of continual subscription growth during the summer drama.

MassivelyInterview confirms World of Darkness dev team, predicts DUST 514 sales originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescmoconsoledavid-reiddustdust-514eveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfpsfree-to-playgothichilmar-peturssonhorrorinterviewjagexjagex-games-studiomillionsmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3PlayStation-Networkps3psnrsrunescapesalessandboxsci-fishootersupernaturalvampirevampireswhite-wolfwodworld-of-darknessFri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chris McDonough talks about the development of the World of Darkness]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/chris-mcdonough-talks-about-the-development-of-the-world-of-dark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/chris-mcdonough-talks-about-the-development-of-the-world-of-dark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/chris-mcdonough-talks-about-the-development-of-the-world-of-dark/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Personally, I was hoping for the first game to be Hunter: The Reckoning. Just for shock value.
With layoffs having hit CCP, there's been a lot of apprehension about whether or not World of Darkness would continue in development or suffer a quiet death. But a recent interview with Senior Producer Chris McDonough makes it clear that the title is still very much in development and very much following in the footsteps of its older brother, EVE Online. Both games will share the single-shard setup, and McDonough states that several technologies developed for World of Darkness have been incorporated into EVE Online (something many players suspected about player avatars from the beginning).

McDonough also talks in depth about turning the game into an MMO, claiming that a pen-and-paper game naturally translates into an MMO better than other properties because of the lack of iconic characters who players wish to play. The challenge, of course, is bringing over some of the feel of a tabletop setting into an online environment, with McDonough explaining that several of the computer games such as Vampire: The Masquerade -- Bloodlines have been used as a point of common reference. Click past the break to see the full interview.

Continue reading Chris McDonough talks about the development of the World of Darkness

MassivelyChris McDonough talks about the development of the World of Darkness originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adaptationccpccp-gameschris-mcdonoughdesigneveeve-onlineinterviewvampirevampire-the-masqueradevampiresvideovideo-interviewvideosvtmwodworld-of-darknessTue, 17 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DarkEden returns from the grave with Ignited Games' help]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/darkeden-returns-from-the-grave-with-ignited-games-help/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/darkeden-returns-from-the-grave-with-ignited-games-help/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/darkeden-returns-from-the-grave-with-ignited-games-help/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

DarkEden
Long before recorded history, there was a race of vampires who were like, "Man, we should totally make a massively multiplayer online roleplaying game starring us!" Unfortunately, that wasn't to be the case for centuries until DarkEden came along in 1997 in South Korea, but even then North American players would have a while to wait to sink their fangs into it. After an aborted 2008 launch, Ignited Games is finally launching DarkEden as "the world's first free-to-play vampire MMO" here in the States.

Ignited Games CEO Peter Kang hopes that the isometric MMO will appeal to those looking for a well-established throwback: "DarkEden offers online gamers a nostalgic journey to the classic era of MMORPGs. The game's macabre setting invites fans of vampire-centric movies and lore to experience the style of gameplay that launched an entire genre of online gaming."

As part of the launch celebration, DarkEden is hosting several events and promotions including handing out starter packs to anyone who joins by January 11th, a "Bible War" contest, a Christmas Stocking Hunt, and a merry chase to capture Rudolph. Seeing as how the population of the game is made up of vampires, we are a little worried for Rudolph's eventual fate, but such is afterlife.

Ignited Games did not wipe characters from the second closed beta, and those toons have already made the transition to launch.

MassivelyDarkEden returns from the grave with Ignited Games' help originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bible-warbible-war-what-the-whatdarkedenf2pfree-to-playignitedignited-gamesin-game-eventsisometricisometric-mmolaunchpeter-kangreleaserudolphsouth-koreavampirevampire-mmoThu, 15 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week In MMO: Rated M for mature edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/this-week-in-mmo-rated-m-for-mature-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/this-week-in-mmo-rated-m-for-mature-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/this-week-in-mmo-rated-m-for-mature-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

TWIMMO: World of Darkness
It's another Thursday, and another week for Gamebreaker.TV's This Week in MMO. What's in store for this installment? Massively's very own Editor-in-Chief Shawn Schuster and Community Manager Rubi Bayer join regular host Gary Gannon in "mature" discussion about MMOs.

First up, Gary, Shawn, and Rubi run through the topic of the mature rating in MMOs such as CCP's World of Darkness. Then our intrepid hosts guide us through the magical and technological starting zone for the Asura in Guild Wars 2. Also, saving Metropolis just became cheaper -- free, in fact! Shawn and Rubi discuss DC Universe Online's entry to the free-to-play market. Where is the future of MMO-subscription models going? Freemium? When Shawn spoke to SOE President John Smedley, Smed certainly favored it.

Moving on to another action-based game, Rubi reveals TERA's PR speak within its endgame Q&A statements, and Shawn admits that the small raid size in The Secret World isn't quite big enough for him.

Catch all that and more in the full Gamebreaker.TV video after the break!

Continue reading This Week In MMO: Rated M for mature edition

MassivelyThis Week In MMO: Rated M for mature edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetAsurablue-hole-studiosccpDCdc-universe-onlineEAElectronic-Artsen-masse-entertainmentendgamef2pfree-to-playfreemiumftpFuncomgamebreaker-tvgary-gannonGuild-Wars-2GW2humanjohn-smedleync-softncsoftRaid-Sizeraidsrubi-bayershawn-schusterSOESonySony-Online-Entertainmentstarting-zoneterathe-secret-worldTSWVampireWarner-BrosWODworld-of-darknessThu, 22 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP reveals World of Darkness details to bloodthirsty fans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/ccp-reveals-world-of-darkness-details-to-bloodthirsty-fans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/ccp-reveals-world-of-darkness-details-to-bloodthirsty-fans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/ccp-reveals-world-of-darkness-details-to-bloodthirsty-fans/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Vampire the Masquerade
Details about CCP's World of Darkness are popping out of White Wolf's The Grand Masquerade in New Orleans this weekend, and they're definitely worth draining for every last sweet drop of... information. While the game is still in pre-production -- and as such, nothing is set in stone -- the devs weren't hesitant to dish out a lot of the ideas and features that they hope will make this the best vampire MMO to date.

It's CCP's desire to emulate LARPing (live-action roleplaying) as much as possible with World of Darkness, with plenty of metaplots running inside the game and without. Players will begin as a mortal human who can make the choice to become a kindred (vampire) or stay mortal for the duration of their characters' lives. There's a very real danger that characters might experience "final death" -- permadeath -- if they take too many risks. If you get in over your head, you can retreat to your character's Haven for safety.

The entire game will take place at night and on one server, and CCP is definitely aiming it toward the hardcore set. Nudity, gore, and insanity effects are all par for the course.

If players push outside of the acceptable boundaries too often, they'll lose "humanity" points and could become flagged for constant attack by other players and NPCs. Play your cards right and you may become the prince of the city. The game will change over time with dynamic events, and CCP promises that there will be real consequences for player decisions.

Look for our World of Darkness interview with CCP coming later this week.

[Thanks Pilgrim for the tip!]

MassivelyCCP reveals World of Darkness details to bloodthirsty fans originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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[Rusty Hearts reveals Frantz, releases new dev diary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/rusty-hearts-reveals-frantz-releases-new-dev-diary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/rusty-hearts-reveals-frantz-releases-new-dev-diary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/rusty-hearts-reveals-frantz-releases-new-dev-diary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Perfect World Entertainment is treating Rusty Hearts fans to a bevy of new information today, with the release of a new dev diary and some new information about Rusty Hearts character Frantz. Poor, poor Mr. Frantz. As if getting bitten by a vampire wasn't enough, his fiancée ended up in a tragic accident, forcing Frantz to turn her into a vampire as well in order to save her life. Unlike Frantz, who apparently had the willpower to only go half-vampire (you never go full-vampire), his fiancée seems not to have taken it quite so well and has disappeared, leaving Frantz desperately searching for her.

Next up is the new developer diary, which is short but sweet. In the video, Product Manager Mark Hill talks a bit about Rusty Hearts and what players can expect from it. None of the information revealed is terribly new, but there is some flashy gameplay footage, as well as some talk about the two of the game's characters who aren't half-vampires.

For some new pictures of Frantz, check out the gallery below, and then jump on past the cut for the full dev diary video. And remember, Rusty Hearts' closed beta gears up later this month, so head on over to the official site to sign up.

Gallery: Rusty Hearts Frantz character reveal

Continue reading Rusty Hearts reveals Frantz, releases new dev diary

MassivelyRusty Hearts reveals Frantz, releases new dev diary originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beat-em-upbrawlercontrol-padcontrollerdev-diarydoes-he-sparklef2pfrantzfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryhalf-vampireperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerusty-heartsscreenshotscreenshotsvampirevideovideosThu, 14 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: City of Eternals]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/rise-and-shiny-recap-city-of-eternals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/rise-and-shiny-recap-city-of-eternals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/rise-and-shiny-recap-city-of-eternals/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

City of Eternals is somewhat of an enigma to me. I've heard of it off and on through the last few years. I've seen it before, and it doesn't seem as though it has changed much, if at all. I am familiar with it just because I have been covering games for a long time, yet I've never really checked it out. Sure, I poked my head into it through Facebook once or twice, but to be honest, I didn't really like what I saw. I am all about independent, different-looking, or not-so-pretty games... heck, if I weren't, I'd have nothing to play but bloated "AAA" grindfests.

But there's just something about the skinny-jean, pleather-wearing vampire scene that I cannot stand. My wife is into True Blood, the campy, vamp-heavy, naked-people festival that shows on the HBO network, but at least the show has fun with it and builds up interesting characters. City of Eternals seems to be stuck in that cheesier area of vampire fandom, though.

Still, I played it over the last week and started to enjoy it a bit, for a few different reasons. Click past the cut and I'll tell you about it.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: City of Eternals

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: City of Eternals originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedcity-of-eternalscoef2pfeaturedflashflash-basedfree-to-playftphboipadlivestreammobileohaiorder-and-chaos-onlinerunescapeskinny-jeanstrue-bloodvampirevampiresvideovideosWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 26 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP and White Wolf celebrating Vampire's 20th anniversary with new rulebook, fan gala]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/ccp-and-white-wolf-celebrating-vampires-20th-anniversary-with-n/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/ccp-and-white-wolf-celebrating-vampires-20th-anniversary-with-n/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/ccp-and-white-wolf-celebrating-vampires-20th-anniversary-with-n/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Vampire: The Masquerade is gearing up to celebrate its 20th birthday (20 years!?), and while two decades may be a drop in the proverbial bucket to your average vampire, it's quite a chunk of time for mere mortals. White Wolf (which MMO aficionados probably know as a subsidiary of CCP) is celebrating the milestone with a limited-run anniversary edition of the RPG's core rulebook.

The tome is available via pre-order and will set you back a hefty $99.99. The book's release will coincide with The Grand Masquerade 2011, a fan event scheduled for September 15th to 18th in New Orleans that will feature, among other things, "the next look at the future of the World of Darkness MMO."

MassivelyCCP and White Wolf celebrating Vampire's 20th anniversary with new rulebook, fan gala originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20th-anniversaryccpccp-gameseventsgrand-masqueradehorrormmo-industryreal-world-eventsrulebookthe-grand-masqueradevampirevampire-the-masqueradewhite-wolfwhite-wolf-publishingwodworld-of-darknessworld-of-darkness-onlinezomg-world-of-darknessFri, 17 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Shapeshifters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-perfect-ten-shapeshifters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-perfect-ten-shapeshifters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-perfect-ten-shapeshifters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Because we are true geeks, last weekend my wife and I went to see X-Men: First Class. Afterward, we got into a discussion about what mutant power we'd pick for ourselves if we had the choice. I was torn between teleportation and quick healing, while my wife wanted to be able to turn into cash to pay off our mortgage. I think one of us is more grounded in the real world than the other.

But the more I think about it, the more I was intrigued with the idea of a shapeshifter. To be anyone would give you unparalleled freedom -- and plenty of chances to get into mischief, too. Come to think of it, it's probably best I'm not granted that particular superpower.

However, plenty of MMOs do give players the chance to shift between their normal forms and something else entirely. While there are far more than 10 examples that the brain trust over here came up with, I'm going to pick out my favorites to highlight.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Shapeshifters

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Shapeshifters originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureraliensanarchy-onlineaoarchetypechronicles-of-spellborncity-of-heroescohcount-choculadervishdruiddruidsdwarfeq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iifacehuggerfeaturedfurygrim-reaperguild-warsgwkheldiankheldiansleetlichlich-formmoonkinmorphmorphsmysticnecromancerperfect-10perfect-tenpolymorphriftrift-planes-of-telarashapeshiftshapeshiftersshapeshiftingteam-edwardteam-jacobthe-chronicles-of-spellbornthe-countultima-onlineuovampirevampire-formwardenworgenworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 16 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TQ Digital announces Edge of Night expansion for Eudemons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/tq-digital-announces-edge-of-night-expansion-for-eudemons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/tq-digital-announces-edge-of-night-expansion-for-eudemons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/tq-digital-announces-edge-of-night-expansion-for-eudemons/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TQ Digital has announced the upcoming expansion to its free-to-play MMORPG Eudemons, titled Edge of Night, and boy is it going to suck. We mean that in the most literal sense, as the new update will add Vampires to the game's ranks. The Vampire will be the fourth class to join Eudemons' world of Cronus, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Warrior, Mage, and Paladin (somehow we think the Vampire may have some contention with the latter).

Details on this new class are virtually nonexistent at this point, but TQ Digital promises a slew of information leading up to the release of the new update. Of course, there's really only one truly pressing question regarding the matter: Will the Vampires sparkle? We sure hope not. Players thirsty for new information on the new class can sink their fangs into some Vampire-related lore and artwork while they wait for more news on the official site.

MassivelyTQ Digital announces Edge of Night expansion for Eudemons originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>do-they-sparkleedge-of-nighteudemonseudemons-onlinef2pfree-to-playtq-digitalvampirevampiresTue, 07 Jun 2011 16:30:00 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[Step right up, step right up and get your EverQuest II: Destiny of Velious pre-order!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/step-right-up-step-right-up-and-get-your-everquest-ii-destiny/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/step-right-up-step-right-up-and-get-your-everquest-ii-destiny/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/step-right-up-step-right-up-and-get-your-everquest-ii-destiny/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Every EverQuest II players' eyes are firmly fixed on February 22nd and the launch of the newest expansion pack, Destiny of Velious. Beta testers have already been exploring the Great Wastes of Velious for long-forgotten treasure, but soon these lands will be open to one and all.

SOE has announced that the pre-orders for Destiny of Velious are scheduled to go on sale on Tuesday, January 18th. Not only will you get the peace of mind knowing that your copy will be ready for you on launch day, but you'll be entitled to a number of sweet rewards that SOE is bestowing on the faithful.

You can check out the pre-order details over at EverQuest II's site, and don't forget to read our interview with Senior Producer Dave Georgeson about this exciting expansion!

MassivelyStep right up, step right up and get your EverQuest II: Destiny of Velious pre-order! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesondestiny-of-veliouseq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iigreat-wastes-of-veliouspre-orderpre-order-rewardssoesony-online-entertainmentvampireFri, 14 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II makes new vampire race available for purchase]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/everquest-ii-makes-new-vampire-race-available-for-purchase/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/everquest-ii-makes-new-vampire-race-available-for-purchase/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/everquest-ii-makes-new-vampire-race-available-for-purchase/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With all the holiday hype surrounding new MMOs, it's easy to overlook veteran titles like EverQuest II. SOE is doing its part to make sure that you don't, and one of the ways the team is keeping the six-year old title in the public eye is the introduction of the new Freeblood character race.

The blood-sucking avatars are available for purchase from the Station marketplace, or if you have a little patience, as part of your subscription fee via the winter rewards program coming in February. Regardless of when you choose to roll your vampire, you'll get a bunch of new abilities, new unarmed combat animations, and access to Freeblood-only accessories like new housing and a speed-boosting bat shapeshift ability. These accessories aren't obtainable in-game and can only be purchased with Station Cash on a Freeblood-enabled account.

MassivelyEverQuest II makes new vampire race available for purchase originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2EQIIEverQuest-2everquest-iifreebloodnew-racenew-racial-abilitiesrmtsoestation-cashstation-storevampireThu, 23 Dec 2010 20:00:00 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destiny-of-veliouseq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionice-wolf-mountsoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttwilightvampirevampire-raceveliousvelious-rewardsSat, 04 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Moonlight Online reveals concept art for its starting cities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/moonlight-online-reveals-concept-art-for-its-starting-cities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/moonlight-online-reveals-concept-art-for-its-starting-cities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/moonlight-online-reveals-concept-art-for-its-starting-cities/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Earlier this year, IGG announced they had begun work on an MMO based in the Moonlight universe. Moonlight Online takes place in a dark world where werewolves and vampires war for supremacy. Since the announcement, IGG has been regularly pumping out concept art to give people a feel for the style the game is aiming for. We've been shown some werewolf and vampire characters, a dark armoured horse and a few buildings inspired by medieval and gothic architecture. New art has now been released showing the game's three starting cities: Castle Williams, Fort Traster and Wolfsburg Bastion.

Castle Williams is a dark, gothic castle where all vampires first begin their journey. Home to the humans, Fort Traster is a municipality with a strong focus on teaching magic. As expected, werewolves start their adventures in Wolfsburg Bastion, a wild and untamed stronghold. IGG continue to release concept art on the upcoming title regularly, and updates can be found on the official Moonlight Online forum.

Gallery: Moonlight Online

MassivelyMoonlight Online reveals concept art for its starting cities originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artcitiescityconcept-artgalleriesgallerygothiciggmoonlightmoonlight-onlinevampirewerewolfFri, 12 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[[Rumor] World of Darkness MMO may emerge from the shadows soon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/rumor-world-of-darkness-mmo-may-emerge-from-the-shadows-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/rumor-world-of-darkness-mmo-may-emerge-from-the-shadows-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/rumor-world-of-darkness-mmo-may-emerge-from-the-shadows-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

What's that just out of sight... that darkness that flits maddeningly at the very edge of vision? Well, if you're a fan of the long-running World of Darkness series, that unsettling presence that makes your blood run cold could be a vampire, werewolf, or perhaps the rarest monster of all -- CCP's World of Darkness MMO. While we know the game has been under development for some time, trying to find out anything more about it from CCP employees is about as pointless as attempting to convince Marilyn Manson that khakis are the new black.

Well, according to some, a recent interview with Shane DeFreest, Community Developer on World of Darkness, offers a nugget of hope that many MMO fiends have been looking for. According to the post on Flames Rising, DeFreest notes that the upcoming White Wolf convention in September will play host to something important: "The big news that I can't really give to (sic) many details on is that we've got something really big we want to show our fans first. Friday at sundown is where we give everyone the first look at the future of the World of Darkness. If you have been a fan of our games for two months or two decades you won't want to miss what we have to say."

Now as to whether this reveal will be the long awaited World of Darkness MMO, or if people are seeing monsters where there is only smoke and mirrors, we can't say. In the meantime, we'll have to content ourselves with rolling dice and dreaming of a murderously delicious future.

[Thanks, Option!]

Massively[Rumor] World of Darkness MMO may emerge from the shadows soon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingccpCCP-Gamesmmorumorthe-grand-masqueradevampirewerewolfwodworld-of-darknessworld-of-darkness-onlineWed, 04 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Moonlight Online releases developer diary and art]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/moonlight-online-releases-developer-diary-and-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/moonlight-online-releases-developer-diary-and-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/moonlight-online-releases-developer-diary-and-art/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's been quite a bit of curiosity regarding IGG's upcoming vampire MMO, Moonlight Online. The original announcement came at the end of March, and that was all we heard until now.

IGG has released a developer diary detailing all sorts of game creation details which serves as an overview of what the game will be like. The diary includes information on basic game mechanics such as camera rotation and UI control as well as gameplay-oriented details like the differences between humans, werewolves, and vampires. The historical look depicted in the accompanying artwork seems to indicate that we're safe from anything with a sparkly Twilight feel to it, so follow along after the jump for the Moonlight Online developer diary.

Continue reading Moonlight Online releases developer diary and art

MassivelyMoonlight Online releases developer diary and art originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developer-diaryf2pfree-to-playIGGMoonlight-onlinevampirevampire-mmowerewolfThu, 10 Jun 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Forsaken World to offer non-sparkly vampires]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/the-forsaken-world-to-offer-non-sparkly-vampires/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/the-forsaken-world-to-offer-non-sparkly-vampires/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/the-forsaken-world-to-offer-non-sparkly-vampires/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Fantasy -- check. Elves -- check. Vampires? Yes, indeed! Perfect World Entertainment's new MMO, Forsaken World, is not only full of the normal fantasy trappings you'd expect such as elves, dwarves, and men made of stone, but they've also got a race of vampires known as the Kindred. As one scrolls through the classes available on the MMO teaser site, there's also a vampire class in the mix. (We wonder if that's actually a class choice, or more a designation to explain the Kindred's powers.)

While Forsaken World has only just been announced, the beta sign-ups are already open. Their shiny new site is also chock full of interesting information from the lore of the world, through to races, classes, and even a pretty cool looking trailer that we snagged a copy of and embedded behind the break for you to check out. We'll certainly be keeping our eye on it as more news come out because let's face it -- vampires (especially the non-sparkly ones) don't suck. Err. Well, not that way. You know what we mean.

Continue reading The Forsaken World to offer non-sparkly vampires

MassivelyThe Forsaken World to offer non-sparkly vampires originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfantasyforsaken-worldfree-to-playperfect-world-entertainmentperfect-world-internationalvampirevampiresWed, 03 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you play an NPC?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/the-daily-grind-would-you-play-an-npc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/the-daily-grind-would-you-play-an-npc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/the-daily-grind-would-you-play-an-npc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Back in The Day (before all this new-fangled 3D whozits and everything was text-based), when you wanted to roleplay, you weren't constrained by existing character classes or types; you could be anything you wanted. You could be a 10,000 year old vampire bartender, or an infant with a goldfish for a head, or anything in between. Nowadays, there is a clear distinction between player characters (PCs) and non-player characters (NPCs). The former are guided by humans, and the latter are bots.

But what if you had the opportunity to play the role of a traditional NPC? What if you could be that quest-giver, that fish vendor, that city guard? Instead of getting the same spiel over and over as you do now, a player could go have a leisurely chat with an actual person, making your favorite game world feel inhabited and real -- would you be that NPC? Would you do it for experience points that you could transfer to any of your alts? What if there were a leveling system in place for your fish vendor? Would you do it for nothing at all?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Would you play an NPC? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>botscity-guardfish-vendorgoldfishNPCroleplaythe-daily-grindvampireMon, 31 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vampire MMO Darkeden launches open beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/16/vampire-mmo-darkeden-launches-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/16/vampire-mmo-darkeden-launches-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/16/vampire-mmo-darkeden-launches-open-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Razorwire picked up on a new MMO to enter the open beta phase, with the intriguing vampire theme. From Joymax, the creators of Silkroad Online, comes Darkeden, a 'horror MMORPG' set in a futuristic fantasy world. Those joining the open beta will be treated to 200% experience gain to assist in seeing what the game has to offer and testing content, in the 'near-complete' build.

The features page of Joymax's Darkeden site fleshes out the concept: players will choose between the Vampire or Slayer races, with Slayers being more powerful during the day and Vampires at night. The races work on completely different leveling systems, and each will have their own methods of transportation (including motorcycles, helicopters, warp tunnels, and of course, bats). There will be battles for territories, both small and large scale, between the Vampires and Slayers.

Those interested in becoming a Vampire (or killing them) can visit the Joymax portal and make an account, then go to the Darkeden site to download the client.

MassivelyVampire MMO Darkeden launches open beta originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Dec 2007 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batshorror-mmorpgjoymaxlaunchopen-betaslayervampireSun, 16 Dec 2007 21:30:00 EST