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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Free for All: My very own top ten list of MMO pet peeves]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/free-for-all-my-very-own-top-ten-list-of-mmo-pet-peeves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/free-for-all-my-very-own-top-ten-list-of-mmo-pet-peeves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/free-for-all-my-very-own-top-ten-list-of-mmo-pet-peeves/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top ten list screenshot
I couldn't just sit back and let Justin Olivetti have all the fun, could I? When he published The Perfect Ten: My gaming pet peeves, I swept my fist to the sky and screamed "Sypsterrrr!" Literally a week earlier I had jotted down an idea for a similar column. I mean jotted down because I keep yellow pads around the house for late-night ideas or dog-walk eurekas.

Of course his will probably end up the superior article as he is the better writer (and has a good bit of facial hair), but I'm going to present mine anyway. In fact I'll do one better by listing 11 of my MMO pet peeves because, well, I jotted down 11.

Continue reading Free for All: My very own top ten list of MMO pet peeves

MassivelyFree for All: My very own top ten list of MMO pet peeves originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbeau-hindmanccpdefianceeve-onlineeverquestEverQuest-2f2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumGuild-Wars-2justin-olivettilord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromabinogimilmommortsNexonnexon-americaopinionperfect-tenplanetside-2RyzomSandboxsci-fiscience-fictionspellbornthe-chronicles-of-spellbornTop-Tentriontrion-worldsturbinevelvet-ropeWed, 12 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: So about that PlayStation Home]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/free-for-all-so-about-that-playstation-home/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/free-for-all-so-about-that-playstation-home/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/free-for-all-so-about-that-playstation-home/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PlayStation Home screenshot
My birthday is this week, so I thought it was time to grab a PlayStation 3 bundle, something I have been wanting for a while. Not only have the prices dropped for the consoles, but with the next generation coming out soon, I knew that many of the games that I wanted to get for it would be even cheaper. On top of that, the PS3 is the best console for MMOs. It currently hosts several, one of them being PlayStation Home.

My curiosity for Home has been fired up since I heard about it, but I've never before looked into it and have rarely heard anything more from it other than the occasional news story. Most of the time when I ask a PlayStation user about the virtual world, he'll just sort of shrug. It was about time I saw it for myself!

Continue reading Free for All: So about that PlayStation Home

MassivelyFree for All: So about that PlayStation Home originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumopinionplaystation-homePlaystation3SONYvelvet-ropeWed, 05 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Interviewing Achaea's Matt Mihaly for MUD May]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/free-for-all-interviewing-achaeas-matt-mihaly-for-mud-may/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/free-for-all-interviewing-achaeas-matt-mihaly-for-mud-may/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/free-for-all-interviewing-achaeas-matt-mihaly-for-mud-may/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Achaea artwork
MUD May has been a very enjoyable experience, but the main thing I learned is that a month is not long enough to cover all of MUDdom. Not by a long shot. The fact is that MUDs have a much longer history than graphical, 3-D MMOs, and here we are on an entire site dedicated mainly to those! We owe a lot to MUDs, but I always try to point out to current or former players that we should not refer to these games only in the past-tense. They are still alive, filled with players and ongoing. That means they are just as viable and worthy of mention as World of Warcraft. How many of our favorite 3-D MMOs will be around for two or more decades?

These wonderful games do need to improve in many areas, though. Some MUD developers are attempting to bring these text-based MMOs into the future, none better than Iron Realms Entertainment's Achaea. I sat down with Matt Mihaly, the CEO and Founder of Iron Realms since 1995, for an interview to talk about Achaea and the future of MUDs.

Continue reading Free for All: Interviewing Achaea's Matt Mihaly for MUD May

MassivelyFree for All: Interviewing Achaea's Matt Mihaly for MUD May originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achaeabeau-hindmanearth-eternalf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumiron-realmsiron-realms-entertainmentmatt-mihalymudMUD-MayMUDsopinionvelvet-ropeWed, 29 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: An interview with ThresholdRPG's Michael Hartman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/free-for-all-an-interview-with-thresholdrpgs-michael-hartman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/free-for-all-an-interview-with-thresholdrpgs-michael-hartman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/free-for-all-an-interview-with-thresholdrpgs-michael-hartman/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

ThresholdRPG screenshot
The last time I explored ThresholdRPG, I had a blast. It was one of a batch of MUDs that I used to re-introduce myself to the ancient gaming genre, and I enjoyed its simplicity and friendly community. MUDs can seem to be very similar to each other, so in order to enjoy them, you must be able to pick out the finer details that separate them. In ThresholdRPG, I particularly enjoyed fishing, roleplay, customization, and a free-to-play model that was years ahead of its time when first released 17 years ago.

The game can be a bit odd, like any MUD. During MUD May I've discovered just how confusing many of these titles can be, but I have also grown to enjoy solving the "mystery" of each game's particular set of code-words that unlock actions. ThresholdRPG is like other MUDs and introduces players to basic commands, but once out in the world a player is on her own. The good news is that an out-of-character help chat is always available and sits right on top of the standard roleplay-enforced chat. That juxtaposition of both channels actually helps immerse me in the game, allowing me to see literally where and when I can use out-of-character speech.

I asked Michael Hartman, president and CEO of Frogdice, to talk about MUD development and branching out into other styles of gaming.

Continue reading Free for All: An interview with ThresholdRPG's Michael Hartman

MassivelyFree for All: An interview with ThresholdRPG's Michael Hartman originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achaeabeau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiuminterviewmichael-hartmanmudMUD-MayMUDsopinionthresholdthreshold-rpgthresholdrpgvelvet-ropeWed, 22 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Celebrating MUD May with Gemstone IV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/free-for-all-celebrating-mud-may-with-gemstone-iv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/free-for-all-celebrating-mud-may-with-gemstone-iv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/free-for-all-celebrating-mud-may-with-gemstone-iv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

GemStone IV website screenshot
MUD May has been a blast so far, but I won't lie to you and say that I hope to even make a dent in the decades-old history of many of these titles. I decided instead to use some examples from my favorite MUDs that I have come across over the last couple of years. It's admittedly been a challenge to think about what to cover. Do I cover the communities? The in-game mechanics? The publishers?

This week I decided to attempt to kill several birds with a handful of stones (and questions) and snagged Simutronics Producer Eric Latham for an video interview. Simutronics has been in the business for 26 years, and the publisher makes my favorite MUD, Gemstone IV. Latham has been with the company for 15 of those years! Technically I am using the interview and video as part of my Rise and Shiny series, but the questions and answers are more relevant to the general topic of MUDs. You might see it now as well as later, but it will hopefully provide some insight into the world of making MUDs.

Continue reading Free for All: Celebrating MUD May with Gemstone IV

MassivelyFree for All: Celebrating MUD May with Gemstone IV originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmaneric-lathamf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgemstonegemstone-ivmudMUD-MayMUDsopinionsimutronicsvelvet-ropeWed, 15 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: An intro to basic combat in MUDs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/free-for-all-an-intro-to-basic-combat-in-muds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/free-for-all-an-intro-to-basic-combat-in-muds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/free-for-all-an-intro-to-basic-combat-in-muds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Gemstone IV artwork
Welcome back to the second installment of MUD May! Almost any time I write an article, I try to keep new players in mind. It's fun to see the reaction from readers when I talk about MUDs or other "classic" MMO models and how these games can pull in fresh blood. Many people seem to forget that there are new players coming into MMO gaming all the time, and MUDs should be no different. Over the next few columns, I will be pulling examples from five games: Gemstone IV, Dragonrealms, Threshold RPG, BatMUD, and Achaea to explain how some basic MUD systems work.

With that in mind, I'd like to use this week's installment to explain -- in a very simple way -- how combat might feel in a MUD. One of the biggest hurdles for a new MUD player is often the massive amount of information that is built from decades of development. MUD players often sneer at the thought of simplifying the entry for new players. To be fair, this unwelcoming attitude is common in gaming in general. I feel differently, however, and want to explain some of the basics of these fantastic MMOs -- simply -- in a way that illustrates just how cool MUDs can be.

Continue reading Free for All: An intro to basic combat in MUDs

MassivelyFree for All: An intro to basic combat in MUDs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achaeaBatMUDbeau-hindmanDragonrealmsf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgemstone-ivmudMUD-MayMUDsopinionsimutronicsthreshold-rpgvelvet-ropeWed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Introduction to MUD May]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/free-for-all-introduction-to-mud-may/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/free-for-all-introduction-to-mud-may/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/free-for-all-introduction-to-mud-may/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Gemstone IV character description screenshot
For the month of May, I will be using this column to cover the world of MUDs aka multi-user-domains or dungeons. MUDs are text-based MMORPGs, and playing one is sort of like playing through a choose-your-own-adventure book with potentially thousands of other players. I'm not so arrogant to think that I could cover the decades of MUD development within the span of five articles, but I've had a go at it in the past and want to examine the topic more. Why?

There are many reasons, and to kick off this series, I'd like to talk about them. After today, my columns will concentrate on interviews with developers and players to explain how and why MUDs still work, and I hope that all of this will encourage many of you who have never tried a MUD to pick one out now. The recent buzz surrounding Twine-based games and interactive storytelling is perfect fuel for MUDs to come back into the spotlight. Unless, of course, many of the issues with the insulated community of MUDers sabotage the perfect timing.

Let's get started.

Continue reading Free for All: Introduction to MUD May

MassivelyFree for All: Introduction to MUD May originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achaeabeau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffaforced-rpfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgemstone-ivmudMUD-MayMUDsmulti-user-dungeonopinionroleplayRolePlayingthreshold-rpgvelvet-ropeWed, 01 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: My favorite female armor sets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/free-for-all-my-favorite-female-armor-sets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/free-for-all-my-favorite-female-armor-sets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/free-for-all-my-favorite-female-armor-sets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Brienne picture
Of all of the crazy characters from HBO's Game of Thrones, Brienne is easily my favorite. Why is she my favorite? It's not because she's just heroic or brave or any of the things that people often attribute to her; it's because she's a survivor. Much of that survival comes from her armor and the fact that she knows well enough to be able to protect herself! The actress Gwendoline Christie has talked about how uncomfortable the armor is to wear. I've heard the producers say that the metal skin is supposed to look sort of mismatched, and I love that. It only makes it stronger.

I often wish MMOs represented armor in better ways, especially for female characters. Some MMOs do a better job than others, and some MMOs do a decent job some of the time. Here are some of my picks for my favorite armor sets for female humans, orcs, goblins or... well, you get the point.

(Please don't post Game of Thrones spoilers in the comments section.)

Continue reading Free for All: My favorite female armor sets

MassivelyFree for All: My favorite female armor sets originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancostumesdesigneverquestEverQuest-2f2pfeaturedfemale-armorffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgemstone-ivGuild-Wars-2illyriadmudopinionRolePlayingRyzomVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropeWed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Ecol Tactics Online has a fun story but weak combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/free-for-all-ecol-tactics-online-beta-shows-weak-combat-fun-st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/free-for-all-ecol-tactics-online-beta-shows-weak-combat-fun-st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/free-for-all-ecol-tactics-online-beta-shows-weak-combat-fun-st/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ecol Tactics Online screenshot
I took a look at Ecol Tactics Online not so long ago and mostly enjoyed what I found. When the game recently launched into open beta, I knew I had to check it out again. It's possible that the game I experienced before the open beta would be vastly different from the one I'd find later on, but everything felt familiar even though I was given access to higher-level play and cash shop.

I enjoyed the storyline and quest text much more this time around. Last time, gameplay appeared pretty standard, but now that I know what to expect with combat and performance, I can enjoy the story a bit more. But a player can ignore the story completely and still find the game enjoyable. That's an issue with many MMOs in general. A lot of the time the story has no bearing on a player's character. This time I slowed down and read up most of the quests I came across and discovered some pretty cute tales and toons.

The combat is still fun as well. Of course, turn-based combat is what this game is all about.

Continue reading Free for All: Ecol Tactics Online has a fun story but weak combat

MassivelyFree for All: Ecol Tactics Online has a fun story but weak combat originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancash-shopecol-tacticsecol-tactics-onlinef2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgames-campusopinionTurn-basedvelvet-ropewakfuWed, 17 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: When true live events died]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/free-for-all-when-true-live-events-died/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/free-for-all-when-true-live-events-died/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/free-for-all-when-true-live-events-died/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mabinogi live event screenshot
My memory isn't what it used to be. My wife calls me "airheaded," but I like to pretend that the reason I often forget stuff (whether I had already washed my hair or not, for example) is because my brain is filled with amazing, distracting thoughts. One victim of that selective memory is the existence of live events. Feel free to correct me in the comments section -- in fact, I need you to -- but I seem to remember a time when live events were more common than not.

I'm not talking about scripted "random" events like those you'll find in RIFT, and I'm not referring to a quest-giver interaction. Nope, I'm talking about those special events when an employee logs in on a special account and makes things happen. In the game. In real time. Kids, ask your parents (or slightly older, funnier-looking favorite Massively columnist) for details. And no, I do not mean player-run events. Those are fantastic, but not the subject of this column.

I just attended a live event in Ryzom the other night, and it made me wonder: Why did real live events become so rare?

Continue reading Free for All: When true live events died

MassivelyFree for All: When true live events died originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrendan-drainEVE-Evolvedeve-onlinef2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumlive-eventlive-eventsopinionvelvet-ropeWed, 10 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: My five favorite MMOs for exploration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/free-for-all-my-five-favorite-mmos-for-exploration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/free-for-all-my-five-favorite-mmos-for-exploration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/free-for-all-my-five-favorite-mmos-for-exploration/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Vanguard screenshot
There's nothing more important to me than the ability to freely explore MMOs. Heck, exploration is the reason I got into MMOs. I remember grabbing that box of Ultima Online (man, I wish I still had that box!) from a shelf at the local game store and looking in wonder at just how vast this virtual world seemed to be. I'm still the same way, although after years of doing this, I am a bit more cynical about games. I've heard so many promises that never came true, but I know that even the worst of titles offers the chance to explore a brand-new world.

There are a lot of exploration mechanics out there. Free Realms has an adventurer "job," The Secret World needs players to explore to solve mysteries, Guild Wars 2 offers experience based on discovering new areas, EverQuest II entices people to explore by offering collectible items embedded in the ground, and there are so many MMOs that allow players to gain experience just by approaching areas they haven't before.

But I have my favorites. These are games that just make me feel like an explorer.

Continue reading Free for All: My five favorite MMOs for exploration

MassivelyFree for All: My five favorite MMOs for exploration originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atysbeau-hindmanEverQuest-2explorationexploreexplorerf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumlinden-labopinionrolf-janssonRyzomsecond-lifeSOEvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropewurm-onlineWed, 03 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Debating the current state of classic MMORPGs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/free-for-all-debating-the-current-state-of-classic-mmorpgs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/free-for-all-debating-the-current-state-of-classic-mmorpgs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/free-for-all-debating-the-current-state-of-classic-mmorpgs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dark Age of Camelot screenshot
This will not be another column dedicated to deciding the true meaning of "MMORPG." We've covered that plenty on Massively, but it's safe to say that we allow a lot of different styles of multiplayer gaming to be covered on the site. Half the staff are old fuddy-duddies when it comes to these virtual worlds, but even the fogiest of the fogies sees the writing on the wall: The meaning is changing or at least becoming something different to different people. We can fight it like fighting the latest wave of musical styles, or we can search for the good in all of it and keep up a sense of humor.

I tend to cover whatever I feel like covering, as long as my bosses agree that the games I am writing about do not stray too far away from the MMO core. Some of my readers see my writing as supporting games that are not MMOs, promoting developers who want to ruin true MMOs by selling power, or elevating social games that are anything but MMOs. But I believe I have covered and will continue to cover "true" MMOs. I try to recognize the current state of MMOdom, and I want to capture it all at the same time. It has to be possible.

Continue reading Free for All: Debating the current state of classic MMORPGs

MassivelyFree for All: Debating the current state of classic MMORPGs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanBlizzardeverquestf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumGuild-Wars-2opinionsecond-lifeSOEUltima-Onlinevelvet-ropeWorld-of-WarcraftWed, 27 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The 10 best-looking browser-based MMORPGs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/free-for-all-the-10-best-looking-browser-based-mmorpgs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/free-for-all-the-10-best-looking-browser-based-mmorpgs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/free-for-all-the-10-best-looking-browser-based-mmorpgs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Battlestar Galactica Online screenshot
Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Keep that in mind before you tell that me the games that fill out the following list of "best-looking browser-based MMORPGs" are ugly as sin. Sure, some of them are an acquired taste, but I wanted to display just how much variety there is now in browser gaming. It's not the delivery system it once was; we have had fancier-looking Flash-based titles for a while, but now with engines like Unity or Silverlight and even HTML5 coding, we have games that look no different from their client-based counterparts.

There are still some ugly-as-sin games out there as well, but they have endearing qualities all the same. So keep that in mind; this is my top 10 list. If you want to suggest your own in the comments section, I would love to hear them!

Now, on to the list, in no particular order...

Continue reading Free for All: The 10 best-looking browser-based MMORPGs

MassivelyFree for All: The 10 best-looking browser-based MMORPGs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landarcane-legendsbattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointcity-of-steamdragons-of-atlantisdrakensang-onlineEAf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiuminnogamesjagexkabamkartugalord-of-ultimamad-otter-gamesmilmoopinionrunescapespacetime-studiosvelvet-ropeWed, 20 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: How to be OK with not knowing how to play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/free-for-all-how-to-be-ok-with-not-knowing-how-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/free-for-all-how-to-be-ok-with-not-knowing-how-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/free-for-all-how-to-be-ok-with-not-knowing-how-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Asheron's Call screenshot
I've written before about how to accept your fate as a permanent newbie, international game explorer, or constant PvP victim. It has always come down to accepting the fact that many MMOs require hours of dedication in order to become skilled. Sure, we can break down what "skilled" really means and examine what sort of timetable is realistic for most human beings, but let's just say that we're past that. We're well into the territory of accepting our fate as a digital traveler, someone who simply cannot say no to a new MMO.

This time I thought it would be better to list some lessons on how I learned to love the MMO explorer lifestyle. It worked for me! (Cheesy theme music starts in the background.)

Continue reading Free for All: How to be OK with not knowing how to play

MassivelyFree for All: How to be OK with not knowing how to play originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alganonbeau-hindmandarkblood-onlinef2pfallen-earthfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiummabinoginewbieNexonnexon-americanoobopinionvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropeWed, 13 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Do PLEX make EVE pay-to-win?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/eve-evolved-do-plex-make-eve-pay-to-win/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/eve-evolved-do-plex-make-eve-pay-to-win/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/eve-evolved-do-plex-make-eve-pay-to-win/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Several years ago, the subscription model was king and the mere mention of an MMO selling in-game items for cash was almost enough to cause a virtual riot. RMT was the devil, and players who bought swords or spaceships for cash deserved nothing short of a permanent ban. The past decade of development has changed the MMO landscape and brought in a new generation of gamers with different attitudes. Today's players have grown up with and embraced ideas like the free-to-play business model, microtransaction shops, and perhaps even the idea of buying in-game advantages for cash.

In his latest Free for All column, Massively's Beau Hindman tackled the controversial issue of MMOs selling power for real cash, and his points about EVE Online sparked some pretty interesting discussion in the comments. The crux of the argument was that an EVE player can currently take out his wallet and buy his way into a bigger ship or even pick up a pre-trained veteran character. That's certainly true, but is that the same as buying an unfair advantage and does it necessarily make EVE pay-to-win?

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at why players find PLEX so much more palatable than direct item sales and ask whether the system fits the definition of pay-to-win.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Do PLEX make EVE pay-to-win?

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Do PLEX make EVE pay-to-win? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbeau-hindmanccpccp-gameseveeve-evolvedeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgrindgrindingguild-wars-2gw2iskMicrotransactionsncsoftopinionpay-to-winplexrmtsandboxsci-fivelvet-ropeSun, 10 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The continued standardization of selling power]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/free-for-all-the-continued-standardization-of-selling-power/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/free-for-all-the-continued-standardization-of-selling-power/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/free-for-all-the-continued-standardization-of-selling-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online forum screenshot
Selling power is a much quieter controversy than it used to be. I've been in gaming long enough to remember when selling anything desirable at all was taboo. At the same time, it's always been OK to sell some things like subscriptions or special boxed editions, proving that MMO gamers and others are brilliant at segmenting their rage. If it's a cool, special box with a neat virtual item inside, it somehow does not fall under the same umbrella as selling powerful, useful items in game. I think it does. But geeks in general are good at justifying poor behavior if they get what they want; just ask the hackers and file-swappers.

Still, it doesn't matter how we feel about selling power because the industry is already moving in the direction of selling power, lots of power. EA recently announced that every title it produces from now on will feature microtransactions. While that doesn't guarantee the sale of powerful items, I can promise that it will include some. This train ain't stopping. Sure, the console community seems a bit late to the party when it comes to the power-selling controversy, but that's likely because of MMOs' always-on multiplayer mode.

Continue reading Free for All: The continued standardization of selling power

MassivelyFree for All: The continued standardization of selling power originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinallods-onlineapbbattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointcliff-bleszinskidead-space-3die2niteeve-onlineeverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgamersfirstgears-of-warGears-of-war-2gpotatokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromabinogimass-effect-3mmortsmobileNexonnexon-americaopinionpirate101SOESONYspacetime-studiosTeam-Fortress-2turbinevalvevelvet-ropewakfuwizard101Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Wakfu's bizarre first year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/free-for-all-wakfus-bizarre-first-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/free-for-all-wakfus-bizarre-first-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/free-for-all-wakfus-bizarre-first-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Wakfu screenshot
Wakfu is not what many would consider a standard MMORPG. Its developer, Ankama, has never pushed out normal products. After all, this is a French company we're talking about. That's right, as in France, the same place that brought us amazing (but unusual) creations like Ryzom's plant-planet and the incredible art of Moebius. There's something going on over there, something that is refreshingly different from the typical game or art design. When I attended GDC Online 2011, I was floored by a session featuring Ankama's David Calvo called Chaos in Motion: Transmedia as a Living Community Experience. The panel implored developers to take a chance on development, to give players something unique to experience and world to have an impact on.

That was a while ago, however. The game launched a year ago, but the studio had an imperfect year. Let's follow the timeline from then to now.

Continue reading Free for All: Wakfu's bizarre first year

MassivelyFree for All: Wakfu's bizarre first year originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamabeau-hindmancash-shopf2pfeaturedffaffxivfinal-fantasy-xivfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumopinionpoliticssandboxseSquare-EnixSquareEnixsquenixstrategystrategy-mmosubsubscriptionturn-based-combatvelvet-ropewakfuWed, 27 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Host your own Stanford Prison Experiment thanks to Die2Nite]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/free-for-all-host-your-own-stanford-prison-experiment-thanks-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/free-for-all-host-your-own-stanford-prison-experiment-thanks-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/free-for-all-host-your-own-stanford-prison-experiment-thanks-to/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Die2Nite screenshot
Whenever I wander into a new town in Die2Nite, I try to be as quiet about it as I can. I walk in, nod my head at a few people, and settle down. I also try to figure out the pecking order of the town as quickly as I can. There is almost always a pecking order. If not, it's a town of chaos and likely won't last longer than a few days of zombie invasions. I've played long enough to recognize players who are trying to lead, those who are willing to follow any instruction (even if wrong), and the fact that most players are content with popping in, making a few moves, and logging out.

The town I am in at the time of this writing is called Plagued Sanitorium. The names seem randomly generated for each town, but they always fit. I am a paid member, so I can choose the town I want to start in. Once a town has 40 members, the invasions begin. At 5:00 p.m. EST every day, the site literally goes down while the zombies come. After 10 minutes of attack, players log in to see what happened and who survived. check out any one of my livestreams on the game to see it all in action.

Sanitorium is a pretty unique experience so far, but in most ways it's as common as basic human psychology.

Continue reading Free for All: Host your own Stanford Prison Experiment thanks to Die2Nite

MassivelyFree for All: Host your own Stanford Prison Experiment thanks to Die2Nite originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-baseddie2nitef2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumopinionpost-apocalypticroleplaysurvivalSurvival-Horrorvelvet-ropezombiesWed, 20 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Skylancer Battle for Horizon actually displays originality]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/free-for-all-skylancer-battle-for-horizon-actually-displays-ori/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/free-for-all-skylancer-battle-for-horizon-actually-displays-ori/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/free-for-all-skylancer-battle-for-horizon-actually-displays-ori/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Skylancer: Battle for Horizon screenshot
Skylancer: Battle for Horizon is a pretty unique take on the hugely overpopulated MMORTS genre. I play a lot of the popular strategy titles, and I'd estimate that 85% of them are simple repeats of previous titles. To be fair, I must admit that gaming in general is much like other forms of entertainment like movies or music and is mostly full of stuff that we've seen before. It can be a bit disheartening to write about something you love like gaming, only to struggle to find games that are truly unique and give you that same feeling you had when you first played games.

Now, I'm not setting up Skylancer: Battle for Horizon as some sort of paragon of originality. The fact is that there are plenty of mechanics and systems in the game that are familiar to me, but there are also enough twists in the design to remind me that it is still possible to feel unique, even in this overcrowded genre.

Continue reading Free for All: Skylancer Battle for Horizon actually displays originality

MassivelyFree for All: Skylancer Battle for Horizon actually displays originality originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiummmortsopinionRyzomsci-fantasysci-fiskylancerSkylancer-battle-for-horizonvelvet-ropeWed, 13 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: How to survive an attack in your favorite MMORTS]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/free-for-all-how-to-survive-an-attack-in-your-favorite-mmorts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/free-for-all-how-to-survive-an-attack-in-your-favorite-mmorts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/free-for-all-how-to-survive-an-attack-in-your-favorite-mmorts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Grepolis screenshot
You know what I love about the MMORTS? It's the massive scale of everything involved. But it's not as though you are hand-crafting every single siege engine or raising armies of monsters one baddie at a time; that would simply take too long. The MMORTS is really a casual genre that is equal to playing with your action figures on a Saturday afternoon when you were nine years old. Don't let its casual nature fool you; just like those battles between plastic toys, the wars that can happen in your favorite MMORTS can suck you in and keep you glued to the screen for hours.

It's going to happen to you at some point. Some bigshot is going to send a round of spies, estimate that you're easy pickings, and throw a fresh batch of hurt your way. What do you do? The good news is that it can be a thrilling experience almost every time if you follow a few basic guidelines.

Continue reading Free for All: How to survive an attack in your favorite MMORTS

MassivelyFree for All: How to survive an attack in your favorite MMORTS originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancommand-and-conquer-tiberium-alliancesdragons-of-atlantisf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgrepolisillyriadillyriad-gameskabamlord-of-ultimaministry-of-warmmortsopinionsnail-gamesSurvival-Guidevelvet-ropeWed, 06 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The West: The most realistic fantasy MMO yet]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/free-for-all-the-west-the-most-realistic-fantasy-mmo-yet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/free-for-all-the-west-the-most-realistic-fantasy-mmo-yet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/free-for-all-the-west-the-most-realistic-fantasy-mmo-yet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The West screenshot
There's something distinctly unfair about being an American fantasy fan. If you enjoy all of the movies or run around in all of the wonderful fantasy landscapes you'll quickly notice how un-American the inhabitants are. Sure, monsters or knights in a fantasy MMO don't really belong to any one nationality or time, but they are more likely to sound like they're from England rather than Long Island. It's not fair. What do Americans have in their past that is anything as cool as knights and swords?

Actually, we've had some pretty cool stuff over here as well. And, if you think about it, a lot of it is pretty much like a more recent middle ages... sort of. The thought sunk in as I was looking at Salem, a hardcore free-for-all PvP MMO by Paradox Interactive. Then the thought really sunk in when I recently fell in love with The West by Innogames, a German publisher.

America has a very primitive, and recent, past that had to feel a lot like a time of magic and wonder to those who were in it. Why aren't we seeing more Western MMOs or games set in the time of the founding of our country?

Continue reading Free for All: The West: The most realistic fantasy MMO yet

MassivelyFree for All: The West: The most realistic fantasy MMO yet originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiuminnogamesopinionsix-shootersthe-westvelvet-ropeWestwesternyeehawWed, 30 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Taking my turn in Ecol Tactics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/free-for-all-taking-my-turn-in-ecol-tactics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/free-for-all-taking-my-turn-in-ecol-tactics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/free-for-all-taking-my-turn-in-ecol-tactics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ecol Tactics screenshot
Last weekend, I spent some time with Ecol Tactics, a new turn-based MMO brought to us by Games Campus. It features a lot of the same mechanics we have seen before, similar art design to other titles, and a browser-based, Flash-based accessibility that is always welcome. Sure, I was able to enjoy it for only several hours, but during that time, I noted just why Anime and turn-based combat is still successful and why Ecol Tactics is wise to take such a successful genre and launch a new title within it.

Anime is easy to digest. The characters on the screen feel chunky but agile. There's something instantly likeable about the characters in Ecol Tactics. They are detailed like an army of miniature soldiers. Wisely, the developers show you some high-level spells and combat before you even get out of the newbie area. I have to admit that I looked forward to the day I would be able to lay waste to a half-dozen monsters with a single swipe of my weapon.

Gallery: Ecol Tactics online beta gameplay

Continue reading Free for All: Taking my turn in Ecol Tactics

MassivelyFree for All: Taking my turn in Ecol Tactics originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedecol-tacticsf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumftpgameplay-trailergames-campusguild-warsinstancedinstancingopinionSquare-Enixvelvet-ropevideowakfuWed, 23 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Adventure Time's nostalgia is MMO drama done right]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/free-for-all-adventure-times-nostalgia-is-mmo-drama-done-right/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/free-for-all-adventure-times-nostalgia-is-mmo-drama-done-right/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/free-for-all-adventure-times-nostalgia-is-mmo-drama-done-right/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Glitch screenshot
I've tried to explain my love for a bit of melodrama several times over the years. It's sort of a hard thing to explain. I like a good bit of "sad" in my MMOs when I can get it, and I can say that I enjoy some measure of drama as well. Sure, many MMOs have a dramatic storyline quest here or there, but more often than not, the game forgets to be a world and rushes us off into yet another combat assignment.

The fact is that it's very hard to find the balance. We all want a good story, but many of us just want to get to the good stuff. The loot. The treasure. The virtual glory. I've had a hard time explaining my want for a game that makes me feel real emotion and explaining why I enjoy those feelings. Well, the PBS Idea Channel on YouTube did it much better than I ever could, and it used the popular Cartoon Network series Adventure Time as the perfect example of why nostalgia is a powerful and universal thing.

When it comes to video games, I believe nostalgia is even more powerful than loot.

Continue reading Free for All: Adventure Time's nostalgia is MMO drama done right

MassivelyFree for All: Adventure Time's nostalgia is MMO drama done right originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adventure-Timebeau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumice-kingMarcelinenostalgianostalgicopinionpbspbs-idea-channelvelvet-ropeyoutubeWed, 16 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Preparing for battle in Alliance Warfare]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/free-for-all-preparing-for-battle-in-alliance-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/free-for-all-preparing-for-battle-in-alliance-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/free-for-all-preparing-for-battle-in-alliance-warfare/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Alliance Warfare screenshot
As I have pointed out before and will likely point out again, the MMORTS represents one of the most common genres in MMOs today -- and one of the worst ones for repetitive design. If you've played one MMORTS, you haven't played them all, but you've played pretty damn near to them all. I love the genre luckily so I am able to wade through literally scores of these games in the hopes of finding those rare gems that make me think that the genre is still very valuable.

There are a lot of reasons the MMORTS is so common, number one being ease of delivery. After all, the gameplay in an MMORTS is more MMO-like than most MMOs out there, thanks to layers of persistence. Creating a series of barely animated images has to be much easier than creating an entire 3-D world; surely that has something to do with the spread of the genre.

I played yet another one over the last several days, this time Alliance Warfare. Is it different? Does it just simply repeat the same designs and mechanics from every other MMORTS? Well, yes and no.

Continue reading Free for All: Preparing for battle in Alliance Warfare

MassivelyFree for All: Preparing for battle in Alliance Warfare originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliance-warfarebeau-hindmandigital-experience-studiosf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiummmortsopinionReal-Time-Strategyvelvet-ropewarfareWed, 09 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The second annual Frindie Awards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/free-for-all-the-second-annual-frindie-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/free-for-all-the-second-annual-frindie-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/free-for-all-the-second-annual-frindie-awards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Frindie Awards logo
It's time once again for the Frindie Awards, my attempt to shine some light on the best indie, browser-based, free-to-play, and unusual MMOs that are all-too-often ignored by press -- and players. This one is for the little guys! Well, mostly. It's also for those games that seem to have passed under the collective radar of Massively readers or that seem to be very misunderstood.

Picking the winners this year is just as hard as it was last year, maybe even harder. 2012 was an incredible year for MMOs, so I would rather have just put together an article that highlights every single favorite. In the end, it's more helpful to make myself pick out a winner. It's a rare thing for some of these games to even receive a nod on a major website, something I still can't figure out. Either way, it's best to think of all of the MMOs on this list as my favorites from 2012.

Anyway, let's get to the awards!

Continue reading Free for All: The second annual Frindie Awards

MassivelyFree for All: The second annual Frindie Awards originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landalganonarcane-legendsasherons-callbeau-hindmanbrowsercastle-empireclub-penguindeepworldderek-smartdrakensang-onlinef2pfeaturedffaforge-of-empiresfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumfrindiefrindie-awardsfrindiesgameglobeglitchhabbo-hotelinnogamesistariajagexlife-is-magiclinden-labmilmonadirimopinionrunescapeRyzomsalemSandboxsecond-lifeSOESony-Online-Entertainmentspacetime-studiosSquare-EnixStar-Stablethe-matrix-onlinethe-missing-inkThereThere Will Be Bloodtiny-specktravianturbineVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropewakfuwurm-onlineWed, 02 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The continued confusing misuse of the beta tag]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/free-for-all-the-continued-confusing-misuse-of-the-beta-tag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/free-for-all-the-continued-confusing-misuse-of-the-beta-tag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/free-for-all-the-continued-confusing-misuse-of-the-beta-tag/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Wurm Online beta screenshot
I was thrilled when I read a recent news post about one of my favorite MMOs, Wurm Online, finally releasing to the public. Wait a second, releasing? I've been enjoying the game, spending money on it, and forming a Massively village over the last few years. I also know that the game was running -- and charging -- before that. So how do the developers explain the game's recent switch to "released"?
What it means is Wurm will contain the (improved) features that we consider make the game marketable. We will finally have character customization, visible armour, multi-story buildings and nicer looking creatures.
This is the kind of statement that leaves players like yours truly a bit baffled. I think that posts and delayed "releases" like this are actually damaging to the game in a subtle way. In fact, this week I decided to look at games like Wurm that coast along under the "beta" banner for a long time, for good and bad.

Continue reading Free for All: The continued confusing misuse of the beta tag

MassivelyFree for All: The continued confusing misuse of the beta tag originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbetacash-shopf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgamersfirstglitchopinionParadox-Interactivereleaserelease-datesalemtaikodomtiny-specktiny-speck-glitchvelvet-ropewurm-onlineWed, 19 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Getting the most bang for your virtual buck this season]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/free-for-all-getting-the-most-bang-for-your-virtual-buck-this-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/free-for-all-getting-the-most-bang-for-your-virtual-buck-this-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/free-for-all-getting-the-most-bang-for-your-virtual-buck-this-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Gift Cards screenshot
So the 'rents finally came through for you this year, skipping the toaster or pair of socks and giving you gift cards for your favorite MMOs? Brilliant! Now, what do you do with all of that virtual cash? Not so fast! If you blow through that pile of pixelated dough, you're sure to regret it later. Not to worry, though; I've taken the trouble to list several methods for not only getting the most out of your internet bucks but keeping the waves of impulsive goodness washing over you for some time after.

How did I do it? Well, research really. I spent the last several years playing MMOs and spending money in cash shops. I've made plenty of buying decisions that I regretted later, so let my sufferings serve as example for you.

Continue reading Free for All: Getting the most bang for your virtual buck this season

MassivelyFree for All: Getting the most bang for your virtual buck this season originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowser-basedcash-shopcash-shopsf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumjagexmabinogiNexonopinionrunescapeshoppingshopping-guideSquare-EnixSquareEnixvelvet-ropevirtual-cashvirtual-purchaseswakfuWed, 12 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Why I prefer primitive graphics over realistic imagery]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/free-for-all-why-i-prefer-primitive-graphics-over-realistic-ima/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/free-for-all-why-i-prefer-primitive-graphics-over-realistic-ima/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/free-for-all-why-i-prefer-primitive-graphics-over-realistic-ima/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RuneScape screenshot
There are a few divisive topics that I can bring up in my columns that will be guaranteed to not only bring in the comments but light a fire to the comments section. I've learned that browser choice is a hot topic. PvP versus PvE will always cause players to erupt. Mac or PC? That topic will not end in civil discussion.

If I really want to hurt a reader's feelings, cause insults to be hurled at me, and provoke readers to accuse me of attempting to bring game development -- real game development -- to its knees, I can bring up graphics and gaming power. As in gaming rig. But I'll be brave this week and explain just why I prefer more primitive graphics over high-end visuals.

Continue reading Free for All: Why I prefer primitive graphics over realistic imagery

MassivelyFree for All: Why I prefer primitive graphics over realistic imagery originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowser-basedbrowser-based-MMOsf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumglitchgraphicshabbohabbo-hotelillyriadillyriad-gamesjagexmirimagiaopinionrunescapetiny-speckvelvet-ropeWed, 05 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Justifying the subscriptions I maintain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/free-for-all-justifying-the-subscriptions-i-maintain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/free-for-all-justifying-the-subscriptions-i-maintain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/free-for-all-justifying-the-subscriptions-i-maintain/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Wakfu screenshot
Subscriptions are a funny thing. For as long as I can remember, they've represented a level of quality to many gamers. To those players, only those funny Eastern MMOs didn't have a sub. Granted, I loved a lot of those funny Eastern games and didn't care how a game monetized itself. Watching Western players spin on a dime about subscriptions has been a pretty weird experience. The Western developers have changed as well, providing tiered services and other models that would have been seen as suspicious only years ago.

I've been known as a free-to-play guy for a while. Heck, I was originally hired here at Massively to cover free-to-play games. Now that there are more free games than not, this column has spread out a bit, covering multiple topics. Payment models do still come up, as they did this week. I thought it'd be cool to examine the subs I do maintain and why -- not press accounts or accounts from long before I began working at Massively, but accounts that I choose to pay for with my own money.

Continue reading Free for All: Justifying the subscriptions I maintain

MassivelyFree for All: Justifying the subscriptions I maintain originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamabeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopcasualclassic-mmodie2nitef2pfantasyfeaturedffaflashfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumglitchjagexjagex-games-studioopinionrsrunescapesandboxSquare-Enixsquenixstrategysubssubscriptionsubscriptionstiny-specktinyspecktwinoidvelvet-ropevirtual-goodswakfuWed, 28 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: What I learned from the Guild Wars 2 free weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/free-for-all-what-i-learned-from-the-guild-wars-2-free-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/free-for-all-what-i-learned-from-the-guild-wars-2-free-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/free-for-all-what-i-learned-from-the-guild-wars-2-free-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 Asura
Before this free trial weekend for Guild Wars 2, I had spent a total of around an hour and a half in the game. I also spent more time watching my wife play the game during beta. Our PCs, at the time, were in the same office, if that helps you picture just how much exposure I had. At first, neither one of us was impressed; it felt like RIFT 2.0. That's not entirely a negative; while RIFT is not my favorite game and while I have not played beyond something like level 17, I do respect the game and think it is a high-quality game. Both games are wonderfully crafted.

So when Massively's Elisabeth Cardy shared a buddy key with me last week, I knew I'd be able to finally clear up some of the fog surrounding the title for me. I'd spend a good part of the weekend playing the game -- plenty of time for a fresh first impressions. Here's what I thought.

Continue reading Free for All: What I learned from the Guild Wars 2 free weekend

MassivelyFree for All: What I learned from the Guild Wars 2 free weekend originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetArena-Netarenanetbeau-hindmanbuy-to-playf2pfantasyfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumguild-warsGuild-Wars-2gw2hands-onncsoftopinionpay-to-playvelvet-ropeWed, 21 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Arcane Legends is more than Pocket Legends 2.0]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/free-for-all-arcane-legends-is-more-than-pocket-legends-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/free-for-all-arcane-legends-is-more-than-pocket-legends-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/free-for-all-arcane-legends-is-more-than-pocket-legends-2-0/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Arcane Legends screenshot
Spacetime Studios' newest title, Arcane Legends, which just launched officially yesterday, didn't quite excite me at first. This was before I had played the game or really caught a glimpse of any in-game artwork, but after three titles, I'd been wondering whether Spacetime could change its tune a bit. The last three titles have been basically the same game, albeit set in different genres and universes. First we were given Pocket Legends, a fantasy dungeon-crawler that surprised us with how much content and fun was to be had inside. Then we got Star Legends, a sci-fi version with a few tweaks. Next up came Dark Legends, a vampire-themed modern adventure that introduced us to action-based combat with a more "adult" tone.

It's not that all of the previous titles were no fun to play. Instead, each one offers a smooth experience that's easy to jump into and sometimes hard to put down. But each one felt a bit more like a variant on a previous model, a build-up to something more finalized and slick.

Is Arcane Legends that better product? Did it take three tries to finally get things right in the Legends line?

Gallery: Arcane Legends screenshots

Continue reading Free for All: Arcane Legends is more than Pocket Legends 2.0

MassivelyFree for All: Arcane Legends is more than Pocket Legends 2.0 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-based-combatarcane-legendsbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-baseddark-legendsf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepocket-legendspremiumsmartphonespacetime-studiosstar-legendsvelvet-ropeWed, 14 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Five gripes about DC Universe Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/free-for-all-five-gripes-about-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/free-for-all-five-gripes-about-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/free-for-all-five-gripes-about-dc-universe-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

DC Universe Online screenshot
I enjoy the heck out of DC Universe Online. It's a fantastically fun, action-based romp through a wonderfully drawn universe of wacky characters and amazing adventures. Even for someone who never really enjoyed almost anything that DC Comics has released (Superman? Ha!) the game provides tons of linear, quest-based fun when I want it or loose, open-world destruction when I feel like exploring. I have to admit that the game did not seem that complex or deep when I first started playing it but now I see how much has been added and just how much can be done with what seemed like a limited.

This is no perfect relationship, however. I have some issues with the game. Of course I am not a typical player and have not yet climbed my way to the top of the level mountain, so many of the issues I have will more-than-likely not be the same issues most other gamers have. I just don't worry about stuff like lock-out timers or loot drops. That stuff's all part of the math of the game, and that bores me.

No, my gripes stem from customization or making the game your own. So, at the risk of making it seem like I dislike the game in some way, here's my list of five things I want to see either go away or be remedied.

Continue reading Free for All: Five gripes about DC Universe Online

MassivelyFree for All: Five gripes about DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancash-shopconsoleconsolesdc-comicsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumglitchopinionplaystation-3playstation3ps3SOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesvelvet-ropeWed, 07 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Casual is as hardcore does and the daily gaming list]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/free-for-all-casual-is-as-hardcore-does-and-the-daily-gaming-li/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/free-for-all-casual-is-as-hardcore-does-and-the-daily-gaming-li/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/free-for-all-casual-is-as-hardcore-does-and-the-daily-gaming-li/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dragon Nest screenshot
It's always a lot of fun to compare casual players to hardcore players. We've all seen many articles and had our own discussions on the topic and it never seems to stop being entertaining. After all, how much or how intensely a player plays an MMO can help predict how that player might react to market changes or to new titles, so we can easily see how developers will always be interested in the information even when we tire of it.

For me, personally, I would rather skip the whole discussion and just talk about how I play casually. I can list hours played and titles accessed, but I think it would be a better idea to sketch out a rough but typical day or week in my household to illustrate just how someone who considers himself casual is actually quite committed. Does that mean I am hardcore in certain cases? I don't care anymore, frankly. What I care about is seeing if how I play is completely alien or if there are other players out there who love to do what I do.

Let's call it a cry for help... or at least information.

Continue reading Free for All: Casual is as hardcore does and the daily gaming list

MassivelyFree for All: Casual is as hardcore does and the daily gaming list originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointdc-universe-onlinedcuodie2nitef2pfeaturedffafleckforge-of-empiresfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumglitchgrepolisillyriadillyriad-gamesinnogamesjagexlagooniaopinionparallel-kingdomperblueremanumrise-and-shinyrunescapeself-aware-gamessuper-herosuperheroestiny-speckvelvet-ropeWed, 31 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Dragon Nest's Titan Nest, Lotus Marsh equals pwnage within]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/free-for-all-dragon-nests-titan-nest-lotus-marsh-equals-pwnag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/free-for-all-dragon-nests-titan-nest-lotus-marsh-equals-pwnag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/free-for-all-dragon-nests-titan-nest-lotus-marsh-equals-pwnag/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dragon Nest's Lotus Marsh screenshot
Ah, Dragon Nest -- you are one of my favorite action MMOs. Truth be told, you're currently ranked above Vindictus in this household. I know, I know... but don't judge me until you have played through the new content that is being released today and until you watch my embedded video. It shows just how dramatic, well-scripted, and fun dungeons in Dragon Nest can be.

I was given a level 45 character, a Lunar Knight, one of the new classes coming with this patch, to try out on the test server. The saddest part is that I haven't reached anywhere near level 45 on my current Warrior, even though I have learned his abilities well and enjoyed the heck out of him during my 24-hour stream. Unfortunately I didn't utilize the powerset from the Lunar Knight in the video much, instead using my familiar Warrior abilities. I was also given a nice set of Sea Dragon Armor, a mount, and a killer sword -- after all, a naked level 45 character would be sad.

I loaded up and jumped in, and here's what I found.

Gallery: Dragon Nest Lotus Marsh and Titan Nest screenshots

Continue reading Free for All: Dragon Nest's Titan Nest, Lotus Marsh equals pwnage within

MassivelyFree for All: Dragon Nest's Titan Nest, Lotus Marsh equals pwnage within originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-based-combatarchbishop-nestbeau-hindmanclassesdragon-nestdungeonsf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgrindingguild-warshands-onlotus-marshNexonnexon-americaopiniontitan-nestvelvet-ropeWed, 24 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Free-to-play and mobile at GDC Online, part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/free-for-all-free-to-play-and-mobile-at-gdc-online-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/free-for-all-free-to-play-and-mobile-at-gdc-online-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/free-for-all-free-to-play-and-mobile-at-gdc-online-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

GDC Online information screenshot
GDC Online was fantastic this year. Really, it's great every year, but I found more bits of goodness this time around than ever before. It's simply my favorite convention, possibly because it's aimed more at press and devs than at fans. There's a wonderful lack of loudspeakers booming dance music and only a handful of booth babes. In other words, GDC Online is quieter, smaller and more professional than a typical fan convention. For a grumpy old gamer like yours truly, it's heaven. I can actually talk to developers without having to scream over music.

What did I find, and what excited me this year? A lot. We've already written up or recorded many interviews so far, but I wanted to take this week's Free for All and MMObility to recap the stuff that truly got me excited.

Let's get to it... there's simply too much to see!

Continue reading Free for All: Free-to-play and mobile at GDC Online, part 1

MassivelyFree for All: Free-to-play and mobile at GDC Online, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeaustinbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedconconferenceconventionf2pfeaturedffaforge-of-empiresfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012gdc-onlinegdc-online-2012gdcogdco-2012grepolisherokon-onlineinnogamesjustin-beckkartugalagooniamobileopinionparallel-kingdomparallel-mafiaparallel-zombiesperblueunityvelvet-ropeWed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Ryzom - when a server merge feels right]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/free-for-all-ryzom-when-a-server-merge-feels-right/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/free-for-all-ryzom-when-a-server-merge-feels-right/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/free-for-all-ryzom-when-a-server-merge-feels-right/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Official Ryzom screenshot from Facebook
I wonder what you readers thought when you read about Ryzom's latest issues. If you've been playing for a long time, you'll feel a sense of deja vu as yet another server merge or account tweak is being forced on the playerbase. If you're not familiar with the game (why haven't you tried it yet?), then it's likely the recent announcement of server merges and character wipes was a sure sign of failure. Ah, failure: the go-to word for those who don't want to investigate the normal goings-on in the MMO world.

MMOs, especially indies, can leap from owner to owner and server to server quite easily. It's not unusual to say the least. Ryzom has been through more of these changes than I care to recall, but the core game and long list of veteran characters have remained -- that is, until the developer announced that, along with the merge, characters would be wiped. Players flipped out. The forums were filled with intense conversations, and even non-players were astonished.

Consider the Darkfall announcement by contrast. Some Darkfall players are apparently looking forward to the character wipe. But Ryzom is not a FFA PvP title. Roleplayers are very happy in Ryzom; I am one of them. Luckily the developers tweaked the decision, and now I have been playing on my old character, back in the world of Atys.

Was the decision a good one? I think so.

Continue reading Free for All: Ryzom - when a server merge feels right

MassivelyFree for All: Ryzom - when a server merge feels right originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumlinuxmacopinionpcRyzomSandboxsci-fantasysci-fiserverserver-mergevelvet-ropewinch-gatewinch-gate-property-limitedwinch-gate-property-lldwinchgateWed, 10 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: An interview with disabled gamer Keith 'Aieron' Knight]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/free-for-all-an-interview-with-disabled-gamer-keith-aieron-kn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/free-for-all-an-interview-with-disabled-gamer-keith-aieron-kn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/free-for-all-an-interview-with-disabled-gamer-keith-aieron-kn/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Keith 'Aieron' Knight playing Guild Wars 2
There are literally millions of disabled citizens in the United States alone. How many of these millions play games or would love to if the developers and hardware manufacturers provided more options for control and accessibility? During my time volunteering with Ablegamers.com, I learned a lot about how disabled gamers are often ignored or simply forgotten during the making of a title. Despite the fact that MMOs are generally more accessible than, say, the latest FPS, the community and developers still have a long way to go.

Don't tell that to Keith "Aieron" Knight. Besides having a killer name, he hasn't let his muscular dystrophy stop him at all. Recently he gained a bit of fame after being promoted by the official Guild Wars 2 and AbleGamers Twitter accounts. It turns out he was streaming his gameplay live, along with his webcam, as he played games to raise money for research. When I first tuned in to watch, he had over 3,000 viewers. The chat was mostly civil and showed just how educational it can be to show how a disabled player actually accesses a game. Many in the chat room didn't believe it was real. Why? Well, because Knight can pretty much kick some butt in both Guild Wars 2 and League of Legends... all while playing by using a pen in his mouth and his cheek on the mouse.

I had to ask this guy some questions!

Continue reading Free for All: An interview with disabled gamer Keith 'Aieron' Knight

MassivelyFree for All: An interview with disabled gamer Keith 'Aieron' Knight originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilityaieronanetArena-Netarenanetbeau-hindmandisableddisabled-playersf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumguild-warsGuild-Wars-2gw2keith-aieron-knightkeith-knightleague-of-legendsLiveStreamMOBAmuscular-dystrophyncsoftopinionperfect-world-entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicstoswtortwitch-tvtwitchtvvelvet-ropeWed, 03 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Killing monsters in my undies in C9]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/free-for-all-killing-monsters-in-my-undies-in-c9/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/free-for-all-killing-monsters-in-my-undies-in-c9/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/free-for-all-killing-monsters-in-my-undies-in-c9/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

C9 screenshot
Calling your game an "unrivaled action RPG" is a pretty daring thing to do. After all, we play in a market that offers games like Vindictus, TERA, Dragon Nest, and Dungeon and Dragons Online. Action-based MMOs are nothing new, really, but they do seem to become more extreme with every new title that comes out. Where Vindictus goes for dark realism and DDO strives for classic gameplay, C9, aka Continent of the Ninth Seal, goes for over-the-top combos and incredible boss battles.

It delivers on its promises for the most part. I've played pretty much every action-based MMO on the market, and so far, the bold claims seem true: Nothing rivals C9's loud, combo-liscious approach to combat. Not all is perfect, of course, but most of the issues I had with the game resulted from art design or customer service. Those areas might be easier to fix than a boring game.

Continue reading Free for All: Killing monsters in my undies in C9

MassivelyFree for All: Killing monsters in my undies in C9 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaction-based-combatbeau-hindmanbutt-armorc9cash-shopcontinent-of-the-ninth-sealdragon-nestf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumNexonnexon-americaopinionvelvet-ropevideovindictuswebzenyoutubeWed, 26 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Dragon Nest's Boswell discusses birthdays, rental items]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/free-for-all-dragon-nests-boswell-discusses-birthdays-rental/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/free-for-all-dragon-nests-boswell-discusses-birthdays-rental/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/free-for-all-dragon-nests-boswell-discusses-birthdays-rental/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Dragon Nest screenshot
I first got my grubby gamer paws on Dragon Nest at E3 2011. I stood in line to take my turn asking the devs questions, said no to an offer for free booze (it was early, after all!), and was thrown into an impromptu team with another writer who obviously had no single idea about how to play the game. Back then, I was blown away by how stylized and fun the game was.

It's still a fun title. If you ever have the hankerin' for beating up some fantastically animated goblins, minotaurs, and other various dungeon scum, download this free title and jump in. It utilizes basic FPS controls, but you have to actually time attacks thanks to a key hotbar that is packed with interesting abilities. The presence of the hotbar and "standard" powers make Dragon Nest an action game set in a standard MMO-combat universe. If you can get comfortable with the setup, you'll be in for many hours of wrist-destroying mayhem!

I sat down with Benjamin Boswell, Associate Production Manager for Dragon Nest at Nexon America, to ask him about the game as it reaches its first birthday.

Continue reading Free for All: Dragon Nest's Boswell discusses birthdays, rental items

MassivelyFree for All: Dragon Nest's Boswell discusses birthdays, rental items originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbenjamin-boswellcash-shopdragon-nestf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiuminterviewinterviewsNexonnexon-americaopinionrentalrental-itemstime-limitedvelvet-ropeWed, 19 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Getting lost in the labyrinth of Wurm Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/free-for-all-getting-lost-in-the-labyrinth-of-wurm-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/free-for-all-getting-lost-in-the-labyrinth-of-wurm-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/free-for-all-getting-lost-in-the-labyrinth-of-wurm-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wurm Online screenshot
Wurm Online is a game of darkness. Really, the entire world is balanced on what will happen after the sun sets. If a player isn't careful, she can find herself lost and alone without a torch to light her path. I don't mean to make the daylight out to be a haven from danger; a player can die during the day as easily as at night. But at least during the day, a far-off shelter can be aimed for. Unless there's fog, of course.

OK, look. Wurm Online is a game of super-scary death things, but the night is particularly scary. That's what I meant.

When an old Vanguard: Saga of Heroes buddy of mine let me know that he and his friends had built a giant maze in Wurm, one that can actually keep players occupied for hours and can possibly lead to injury or death, I jumped into a tiny rowboat and paddled my way south toward the Deliverance server. I had to see this thing for myself.

Continue reading Free for All: Getting lost in the labyrinth of Wurm Online

MassivelyFree for All: Getting lost in the labyrinth of Wurm Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanDeedf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumLabyrinthmazemazesopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentpuzzlesrolf-janssonsandboxSOESONYSony-Online-EntertainmentvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropevoyages-of-vanguardwurmwurm-onlineWed, 12 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST