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[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the Vahzilok]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-vahzilok/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-vahzilok/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-vahzilok/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
A lot of the villains in City of Heroes started out as pretty nasty characters and only got worse from there. You can certainly justify why the Skulls feel the need to be a bunch of vandalizing thugs, sure, but it doesn't change the fact that the gang formed because a couple of thugs got to be top dog in the area. The Sky Raiders have always pretty much been out for piracy, the Circle of Thorns are one side of a battle of evil against evil, and the good acts that come out of Crey are more a testament to the size of the organization than anything.

And then you have the organizations that started out with good intentions. Often times these groups still have good intentions, in fact -- it's just that they don't have good ways of executing them. So it goes with Dr. Vahzilok and his loose coalition of involuntary surgeons. Oh, sure, they're modern boogeymen on the streets of Paragon City, but their goals are noble -- a fact that's easy to forget when you're faced with zombie bombs.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the Vahzilok

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the Vahzilok originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporterbackstorycity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcolumncovcoxenemiesfeaturedlorencsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosvillainsWed, 07 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The dark side of Super Hero Squad Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/the-dark-side-of-super-hero-squad-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/the-dark-side-of-super-hero-squad-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/the-dark-side-of-super-hero-squad-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

SHSO Villainville image
Who says good guys never go bad? In Villainville, the newest expansion to Marvel's kid-friendly Super Hero Squad Online, players can do just that. Situated beyond the borders of the pleasant Super Hero City, Villainville is home to Doctor Doom's Lethal Legion and his evil minions, and within the dark city's walls and sewers, players go beyond merely fighting the bad guys -- they can become fallen versions of some of their favorite heroes, like Dark Surfer, Red Hulk, Iron Patriot, and Red She-Hulk. Players can also explore the all-new game world and jump into new missions like Abomination Obliteration and MODOK's Mo' Problems.

SHSO, which released last year complete with housing and a trading card game, is a F2P browser-based MMO that's heavy on the comic mischief and perfect for a quick superhero-flavored dungeon romp.

Be you big kid or small, check out the new Villainville trailer behind the break!

Continue reading The dark side of Super Hero Squad Online

MassivelyThe dark side of Super Hero Squad Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazing-societybrowserbrowser-baseddoctor-doomf2pfamilyfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentkidsmarvelnewsshsosuper-hero-squadsuper-hero-squad-onlinesuperherothe-amazing-societytrailertrailersvideovideosvillainvillainsvillainvilleWed, 07 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on Hellions & Skulls]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-hellions-and-skulls/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-hellions-and-skulls/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-hellions-and-skulls/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In every hierarchy, there has to be someone on the bottom, and that's where the Skulls and the Hellions sit. Sure, these gangs are terrifying to the civilian populace of Paragon City, but to heroes they're little more than a mild irritant. (They're probably less terrifying to the civilian populace of the Rogue Isles just by virtue of terror overload.) The one thing they're perfect for, however, is starting at the bottom of the many enemy groups within City of Heroes, because these two gangs are likely to be among your first enemies and the ones you level past the fastest.

Normally, villain groups deserve their own writeups, but in the case of these two gangs they can't help but be lumped together. Not just because they're similar in play, but because they're similar in structure. They're both the new kids on the block, metaphorically speaking, and they;'ve both made aggressive gains in various parts of Paragon City. The good fortune of one necessitates the fall of the other, even if one of the gangs is clearly destined for disintegration sooner or later. So let's look at the facemask-wearing enemies of the early-level game.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on Hellions & Skulls

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on Hellions & Skulls originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reportercity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcolumncovcoxenemiesenemy-groupsfeaturedgo-hunt-kill-skulshellionsncsoftopinionopponentsparagonparagon-studiosskullsvillainsWed, 27 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes bonus weekend coming July 28th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/city-of-heroes-bonus-weekend-coming-july-28th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/city-of-heroes-bonus-weekend-coming-july-28th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/city-of-heroes-bonus-weekend-coming-july-28th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Break out those City of Heroes alts, as there's a double XP event looming large over Paragon City next week. The festivities kick off at 9:00 a.m. Pacific on Thursday, July 28th, and the party continues through 11:59 p.m. Pacific on Sunday, July 31st.

In addition to the XP smorgasbord, you'll be happy to know that your characters can double their pleasure when it comes to Inf and Prestige as well, so dust off those semi-retired superheroes and get ready to gorge them on NCsoft's sweet, sweet bonus event. Catch up on all our City of Heroes coverage while you wait, and don't forget to visit the CoH website for the official announcement.

MassivelyCity of Heroes bonus weekend coming July 28th originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonus-weekendcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcoxdouble-infdouble-prestigedouble-xpheroesncsoftparagonparagon-cityparagon-studiossuperheroesvillainsxpMon, 18 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online devotes a new trailer to villainous safehouses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/dc-universe-online-devotes-a-new-trailer-to-villainous-safehouse/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/dc-universe-online-devotes-a-new-trailer-to-villainous-safehouse/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/dc-universe-online-devotes-a-new-trailer-to-villainous-safehouse/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's a hard life, being a villain. Everyone always expects you to be up to no good, fencing stolen goods and generally behaving on the wrong side of the law. It's true, sure, but the assumptions hurt. DC Universe Online feels your pain, hence the establishment of special places just for you to mingle with other villainous backstabbers in safety. (Well, as much safety as you can get in a room full of people who'd steal all of your valuables in a second if they thought they could get away with it.)

If you're already intimately familiar with the game, of course, the newest trailer for the game isn't going to convey much in the way of new information. But it shows some of the attention paid to the setting and the little details -- and besides, who doesn't like a chance to watch a man with a mohawk and a cape jump up and down on a mailbox? Click on past the break for the newest DC Universe Online trailer covering these hives of... no, never mind that part. Too obvious.

Continue reading DC Universe Online devotes a new trailer to villainous safehouses

MassivelyDC Universe Online devotes a new trailer to villainous safehouses originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basesdc-universe-onlinedcuogame-mechanicsgameplayhome-basesafehousessoesony-online-entertainmenttrailertrailersvideovideosvillainsThu, 17 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Into the pool]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/26/one-shots-into-the-pool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/26/one-shots-into-the-pool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/26/one-shots-into-the-pool/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When it comes to villainy in DC Universe Online, we don't often get a chance to see what the other side is like here on One Shots. As we find out today from our regular contributor, Redwense, life isn't too terribly bad when you're on the other side. In fact, it can actually be pretty swanky, as he notes -- both in-character and out: "And then Doctor Moxie felt it... a sudden urge to play pool. But alas, still adjusting to her new-found superpowers, she accidentally crushed the cue stick in her iron grip and shattered the table with her ice breath. Doctor Moxie faded back into the shadows, alone and ashamed. Nobody would play with her, anyway. So she plotted her rise as the next ruler of the known galaxy."

Out of character, he adds: "I have to hand it to the villains of DC Universe Online -- they know how to lend some personality to their safe houses. I was disappointed at the recycling of interiors, but I began to appreciate the little details that went into the general design of the areas, even if rough around the edges and needing some extra polish. Let's hope the developers continue to flesh out the world and the activities within it. (Maybe we can have that sadistic game of pool to determine who gets shot in the head?)"

If you'd like to share screenshots of your character -- with an in or out of character note -- we'd love to see them! Just email your image to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here and give you the credit!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Into the pool originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuoone-shotsredwensescreenshotscreenshotssoesony-online-entertainmentvillainvillainsSat, 26 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What enemy groups do you feel are overused?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/the-daily-grind-what-enemy-groups-do-you-feel-are-overused/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/the-daily-grind-what-enemy-groups-do-you-feel-are-overused/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/the-daily-grind-what-enemy-groups-do-you-feel-are-overused/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's no denying that the Praetorian Clockwork of City of Heroes are a cool-looking gang of robots. They're powerful, military, and intimidating in numbers, and their prominence in recent task forces isn't unwelcome. Of course, after fighting them all through the first 20 levels of the game, and then fighting them in the most recent task forces, and then fighting more of them in the upcoming Issue 20... some players might be getting just a bit tired of seeing the war machines stomping about.

World of Warcraft has at least one troll dungeon per expansion, Star Trek Online loves its Borg, and of course you've got Orcs from dawn to dusk in Lord of the Rings Online. Sometimes they make sense; sometimes they don't. But there's always one group of enemies that seems to get trotted out more often than others. So what group do you feel gets brought into the forefront just a bit too often in your game of choice? Was it a group that you used to like but have grown bored of, or one you never found all that interesting?

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: What enemy groups do you feel are overused? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antagonistsenemiesenemyfoesloremobsmonstersopinionopponentsoppositiontdgthe-daily-grindvillainsSun, 13 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online releases a cinematic of the future... and the present]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/dc-universe-online-releases-a-cinematic-of-the-future-and-the/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/dc-universe-online-releases-a-cinematic-of-the-future-and-the/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/dc-universe-online-releases-a-cinematic-of-the-future-and-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It was always an interesting point for fans that the instigator of DC Universe Online's boom in superhumans was Lex Luthor from an alternate future timeline. After all, Luthor has always been portrayed as one of the most ardent villains in the IP, a scheming and calculating figure, someone whose actions are always made with his benefit as the end goal. The newest cinematic trailer for the game addresses precisely that fact, and it does so with a style and energy that's admirable.

As the video opens, we see Luthor and an unknown character, Fracture, fleeing through the Fortress of Solitude in the wake of Brainiac's world-shattering attack. Their mission, and the ultimate backstory behind Luthor's plan to change the course of history, is given a satisfying and energizing twist over the course of the trailer. DC Universe Online fans would do well to watch the movie just after the break, to get a closer look at the developing backstory behind the game's premise.

Continue reading DC Universe Online releases a cinematic of the future... and the present

MassivelyDC Universe Online releases a cinematic of the future... and the present originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycinematiccinematic-trailerdc-comicsdc-universe-onlinedcuofractured-futurelex-luthorloreluthorsoesony-online-entertainmenttrailervideovillainsTue, 08 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Heroes beware]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/one-shots-heroes-beware/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/one-shots-heroes-beware/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/one-shots-heroes-beware/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While we've given some column space to the heroes fighting crime in Gotham and Metropolis since the launch of DC Universe Online, today we wanted to spotlight one of the many villains who make it challenging. Why challenging? Well, if you play on a PvP server, you know all-too-well what it's like to get pounced while working toward a story object or when in the wrong place at the wrong time. That's the beauty of today's One Shots from Mourne -- it's just indiscriminate villainy. He writes in to explain: "I snapped this pic of my dual-pistol wielding villain, Slinger, ejecting brass. The graphics in this game look a lot better than I thought they would, and the cities are very immersive. My favorite part -- open world PvP is non-stop on PvP servers."

Whether you're a hero, villain, or something else entirely, we'd love to see what you're up to in your favorite MMO. Just email your image to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing in the image. Please make sure your image is at least 1024 pixels across and has no visible UI elements showing. It could wind up being the next one we showcase here on Massively!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Heroes beware originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-comicsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuomourneone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssoeSony-Online-EntertainmentvillainvillainsThu, 20 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What motivates your faction choice?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/the-daily-grind-what-motivates-your-faction-choice/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/the-daily-grind-what-motivates-your-faction-choice/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/the-daily-grind-what-motivates-your-faction-choice/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Most MMOs have some sort of factional component, even if the mechanics and options aren't directly identified by a "faction" label. Whether it's heroes and villains in DC Universe Online, Alliance and Horde in World of Warcraft, or the Albion, Hibernia, and Midgard trifecta from Dark Age of Camelot, creating a character in an MMO usually requires some sort of alignment choice.

Often this choice boils down to a good or evil stereotype, and while roleplayers and lore enthusiasts may argue that "the Horde isn't evil" (or similar arguments from other games and factions), the fact remains that the Horde's visual palette is filled with imagery and concepts that have signified evil throughout much of human history.

In today's Daily Grind, we'd like to know why you pick particular factions, and if the visual or lore-centric baggage they carry influences your decision. Do you usually roll characters that are good? Evil? Neutral? Why?

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: What motivates your faction choice? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daocdark-age-of-camelotdc-universe-onlinedcuoevilfaction-choicefactionsgame-discussiongamer-discussiongoodheroesmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsneutraltdgthe-daily-grindvillainsWorld-of-WarcraftwowThu, 20 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online turns the spotlight on Lex Luthor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/dc-universe-online-turns-the-spotlight-on-lex-luthor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/dc-universe-online-turns-the-spotlight-on-lex-luthor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/dc-universe-online-turns-the-spotlight-on-lex-luthor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Through all of Superman's adventures, there's one adversary that epitomizes everything he's not: Lex Luthor. A brilliant man with no special powers, Luthor has nothing but contempt for others, seeking control and power even at the same time that he seeks the destruction of Superman. It's a known fact that Luthor will be featured in DC Universe Online, after appearing in the cinematic trailer as both antagonist and ally -- but now we get to see the man himself in his now-familiar power armor.

Marv Wolfman, writer for DC Universe Online, has plenty of history with writing Luthor, as he was behind the character's shift from being a mad scientist to the cold and calculating businessman he is today. And any veteran of DC comic continuity knows that Luthor might not ever come out on top... but he always makes for a worthy adversary. Take a gander at the gallery for a good look at an iconic character in the game -- a sometimes-ally, a dangerous adversary, and one of the motivating factors behind the game's overarching plot.

Gallery: DC Universe Online Lex Luthor preview

MassivelyDC Universe Online turns the spotlight on Lex Luthor originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycharactersdc-universe-onlinedcuogallerylex-luthorluthormarv-wolfmannpcspower-armorscreenshotssoesony-online-entertainmentstory-characterssupermansupervillainsvillainsThu, 30 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: It feels so good to be bad]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/behind-the-mask-it-feels-so-good-to-be-bad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/behind-the-mask-it-feels-so-good-to-be-bad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/behind-the-mask-it-feels-so-good-to-be-bad/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Playing bad guys in an MMO is one of those features mostly unique to the superhero genre. In other games, there are factions and these factions are vaguely good or bad, but it's kind of rare to see players clamor about playing an evil faction as much as they do in superhero games.

One of the reasons behind the lack of true villain factions in most games is that the hero factions in other MMOs are a touch more grey than the good guy factions in a superhero game. In World of Warcraft, both the Alliance and the Horde have their faults; the Alliance are stuck-up bigots and the Horde are ruthless and somewhat bloodthirsty. In Aion, the light and dark factions tread equally on the thin blue line that separates good and evil (although it's somewhat less obvious as an Elyos).

One of my biggest grievances with getting into Champions Online was the lack of playable villain content at launch. I was unwilling to test drive City of Heroes at all until villains were playable, and over half of the characters I've made in Champions are bad guys. Even my non-villains aren't heroes (at least not in character).

I have a certain infatuation with being a bad guy.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: It feels so good to be bad

MassivelyBehind the Mask: It feels so good to be bad originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-guysbehind-the-maskchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosethicsevil-campaignevil-charactersfeaturedgriefersgriefingneutral-evilooc-dramaroleplaying-ethicsroleplaying-villainsvillainsThu, 30 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Both sides now]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/a-mild-mannered-reporter-both-sides-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/a-mild-mannered-reporter-both-sides-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/a-mild-mannered-reporter-both-sides-now/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Back when Going Rogue was first released, I made a point that I wasn't going into detail on the alignment and tip system. As I saw it at the time, there were two major reasons not to go whole-hog into it, the first being that I was already writing an entire novel on the expansion, and the second being that Paragon Wiki was hard at work putting more details into place. Why try to reinvent the wheel in a weekly column? And there was also a third reason: I'd been spending more time in Praetoria than on my old characters.

So I suppose in some way I ought to thank whichever designer gave my poor brute the chance to fight two elite bosses at the same time with three NPCs as backup in a single-player mission. It gave me plenty of incentive to spend more time with my higher-level characters. (Seriously, that mission is absurd.) That meant I started diving into the alignment system, and that means I'm going to spend more time detailing one of the centerpieces of City of Heroes gameplay at the moment: alignment.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Both sides now

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Both sides now originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alignmentalignment-switchingalignment-systemcity-of-heroesCity-of-VillainsCOHCoVcoxfeaturedgoing-roguemild-mannered-reportermoralitymorality-systemncsoftparagonparagon-cohparagon-studiospraetoriaRogueroguelikeroguesRolePlayingtiptipsvigilantevigilantesvillainsWed, 15 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Outlaws of EVE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/eve-evolved-outlaws-of-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/eve-evolved-outlaws-of-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/eve-evolved-outlaws-of-eve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online's Community Manager CCP Wrangler once said that "EVE isn't designed to just look like a cold, dark and harsh world; it's designed to be a cold, dark and harsh world." That sentiment sums up the core philosophy behind the game, which permits such nefarious gameplay styles as thief, smuggler, scam-artist, pirate and market manipulator. Underhanded deals go on every day in EVE, with bounty hunters hired to ruin someone's day and spies tearing corporations apart from within. Many are drawn to EVE because it's one of the few MMOs that allows players to embrace their darker side. The opportunity to be a real villain in a sandbox universe can be intoxicating.

Perhaps more intoxicating is the notion that the presence of tangible villains affords players a rare opportunity to play the role of hero. For every pirate gang lurking at a stargate in low security space, there's an anti-pirate squad somewhere planning an attack. For every thief ready to empty their corporation's hangers, there's a security specialist weeding out spies. The true outlaws of EVE are people who have earned their infamy through acts of ruthlessness in their chosen field.

Over the years, we've interviewed and examined some of EVE's most notorious outlaws. In this article, I look back at four of EVE's most wanted, how they earned their infamy, and what they're doing today.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Outlaws of EVE

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Outlaws of EVE originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamescriminalcsmeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedghscguiding-hand-social-clubheisthellcatsinfiltrationistvaanistvaan-shogastsuIstvaanShogaatsumercenariesmercenarymiz-cenuijmynxeeoutlawoutlawspiracypirateprofessionssandboxscamscam-artistscammerspiestheftthiefunderworldveronevetoveto-academyveto-corpvillainsSun, 08 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: The villain in me is the villain in you]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/storyboard-the-villain-in-me-is-the-villain-in-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/storyboard-the-villain-in-me-is-the-villain-in-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/storyboard-the-villain-in-me-is-the-villain-in-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I don't play any villains, and I never have. Not in their words, anyway -- they're always noble crusaders fighting against others who are sadly mistaken. Or just driven by pragmatism. Or suffering for the sins of another. They've always got a justification, a reason why the things they've done are somehow necessary. And even though I know (hopefully) that they're full of it, it makes them fascinating to play. So for today's Storyboard, I want to talk about villains in RP and how to make them work in your favor.

Before we start talking in-depth, however, it's worth noting that villains do share one thing with in-character romance: they're flashpoints for drama. They're not as bad, since it's a lot easier to separate the player from the character, but they still have the potential. They're also not going to fit into every style of roleplaying, as not every group is going to be conducive to having a specific character antagonist to work around. At least for now, we're just going to take those facts as given and look into the most important part of the equation: making and playing an effective villain in the first place.

Continue reading Storyboard: The villain in me is the villain in you

MassivelyStoryboard: The villain in me is the villain in you originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antagonistsenemiesfeaturedplayer-threatsplayer-villainsroleplayersroleplayingrpsociopathystoryboardthreatsvillainsFri, 23 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online tells players what not to expect]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/champions-online-tells-players-what-not-to-expect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/champions-online-tells-players-what-not-to-expect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/champions-online-tells-players-what-not-to-expect/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sometimes it's very helpful to hear what you're not getting. It's never particularly pleasant, of course -- we usually like to hear about the cool things coming right around the bend -- but it's also useful to be told what isn't coming for your favorite game. The most recent installment of Ask Cryptic for Champions Online falls under that category, with several questions about upcoming features given a straight denial. There are no plans for four-armed characters, rotating and scaling tattoos, and a current push for more persistent content as opposed to zone-wide attack events.

On the flip side, the answers do paint a few interesting pictures, such as talk about potentially adding a villainous counterpart to the game in the vein of City of Villains. The idea is discussed as something not in the immediate future, but on the list for future inclusion -- albeit with a much more sandbox style of gameplay, keeping in the vein of a supervillain romp. Champions Online is currently pretty well dedicated to getting its existing systems shored up and working well, however -- and while that might mean a few rejected ideas, it means that the team wants to build a solid foundation.

MassivelyChampions Online tells players what not to expect originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticchampions-onlinecity-of-villainscocovcrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studioscustomizationdenailfuturefuture-featuresmultiple-armsnegativesrejectedsupervillainsupcomingvillainszone-eventsMon, 12 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Going Rogue video documentary hits the City of Heroes Facebook page]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/new-going-rogue-video-documentary-hits-the-city-of-heroes-facebo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/new-going-rogue-video-documentary-hits-the-city-of-heroes-facebo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/new-going-rogue-video-documentary-hits-the-city-of-heroes-facebo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Having celebrated its sixth anniversary back in April, City of Heroes is a bit of an old dog in the MMO world. But it's proving quite adept at learning new tricks, with Going Rogue bringing out a big new trick in the form of its morality system. Allowing players not only to play heroes or villains but several intermediate forms in between, the ability to change allegiance is one of the expansion's biggest selling points -- as well as being the focus of the second video documentary, available on the game's Facebook page.

While the video doesn't reveal every piece of system information on changing from hero to villain or vice versa, it does talk more about the choices that go into such a shift. We've been hearing for some time that players will be making choices within the missions of Going Rogue, and it's explained here as well. It also discusses in brief how Praetoria is a framework removed from the hero-villain dichotomy of Paragon City and the Rogue Isles, allowing players to make choices and shape morality from the ground up. City of Heroes players are encouraged to take a look at the documentary and leave their comments on the page, as the developers are due to check in there throughout the day.

MassivelyNew Going Rogue video documentary hits the City of Heroes Facebook page originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainscohcovcoxexpansiongoing-rogueheroesmoralitymorality-systemncsoftparagonparagon-studiosroguesvideovideo-documentaryvigilantesvillainsThu, 01 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your favorite villain group?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-villain-group/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-villain-group/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-villain-group/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


There are some groups of enemies that are just there in any game. You have to deal with them, but you don't really think about them after the fact. Then there are groups you actively dislike, either because they're obnoxious to fight or because of meta-game reasons. But then there are those other groups. The ones that are just pure fun to fight against, the ones you always take quests or missions for once they become available. They've got interesting story elements, they look visually distinct, and they're challenging but not annoying. It's at that point which you almost want to be allied with the villains in question, just out of sheer awesomeness. (EVE Online might have had this in mind when they first let you do precisely that.)

We ask you, our fine readers, what's your favorite antagonistic group? Are they a low-level enemy that you remember fondly, or a high-level group that you still fight against at the endgame? Have you liked them ever since you first encountered them, or did you slowly grow to like them as you were flung against them? What is it you like about them? It's silly, but we can't play a game for too long without forming attachments, so share yours with us this morning.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's your favorite villain group? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicantagnoistscultureenemiesopinionpvetdgthe-daily-grindvillainsMon, 30 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Things that make you go kweh]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/anti-aliased-things-that-make-you-go-kweh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/anti-aliased-things-that-make-you-go-kweh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/anti-aliased-things-that-make-you-go-kweh/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


So this week wasn't an easy week for me. Darkfall seems to be slowly consuming all of my free time, because I sure as heck don't want to have Tasos Flambouras kicking down my door with his server logs and curses of inappropriate reporting. (Although at this point I'd love to see my server logs because they're probably long enough to trip him when he carries them down hallways.)

Anyway, that's not my point. My point is that I just couldn't think of anything to write about. Nothing would come into my head no matter how hard I tried. Then, last night, when I was munching on some Milano cookies, it finally hit me. (I'm totally being paid for that Milano cookies reference, by the way. The truth is coming out -- I'm rolling in Pepperidge Farm bribe money and I don't care who knows how corrupt I am!)

I should write a column on things that drive me batty about MMOs! Things that just, well, never quite made sense to me, yet we do them. There are lots of examples of this, of course, but let me show you some of the things that make it to the top of my list.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: Things that make you go kweh

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Things that make you go kweh originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedevilfeaturedhumori-take-bribes-from-pepperidge-farmillidan-stormragejoystiqfeaturesmagical-itemsmagical-weaponsmilano-cookies-are-ungodly-goodraid-bossestabula-rasathey-pay-me-in-cookiesvillainsworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 24 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[An early peek at the DC Universe Online storyline]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/an-early-peek-at-the-dc-universe-online-storyline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/an-early-peek-at-the-dc-universe-online-storyline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/an-early-peek-at-the-dc-universe-online-storyline/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


DC Universe Online is a superhero MMO in development at Sony Online Entertainment, but one that we didn't get to see much of at E3 2009. That's not going to be the situation with Comic-Con International which is happening this week in San Diego. The DC Universe Online team will be on hand and will hopefully reveal more about the game.

While you won't get to play as Superman, Batman, or Wonder Woman, you will begin the game as a hero who fights alongside such comic book icons. In fact, once you roll a character you'll choose a specialty from among super powers, tech powers, or magic powers. That choice will determine the storyline you begin with, according to info revealed in a Variety article. Sony Online Entertainment gave Chris Morris from Variety's 'The Cut Scene' an exclusive on how players will begin the game.

Continue reading An early peek at the DC Universe Online storyline

MassivelyAn early peek at the DC Universe Online storyline originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingchris-morriscomic-condc-universe-onlineheroesmarv-wolfmanmissionsnew-titlesquestssoesony-online-entertainmentsuper-herosuperherothe-cut-scenevarietyvariety.comvillainsWed, 22 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic's Bill Roper on balancing powers in Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/cryptics-bill-roper-on-balancing-powers-in-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/cryptics-bill-roper-on-balancing-powers-in-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/cryptics-bill-roper-on-balancing-powers-in-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


When news came in of the Champions Online launch being delayed to September, a few of the writers at Massively were despondent. It's always better for a game to launch once it's solid rather than release in a buggy state, though. While we wait for the re-scheduled September 1st launch, we're keeping up with the news and interviews surrounding the upcoming superhero title. In fact, we've just come across an MMOCrunch interview with Bill Roper, executive producer of Champions Online you might be interested in.

Roper gets into how some of the game mechanics in Champions Online will play out, and explains a bit about how travel powers like flight and teleportation can be countered by those without such capabilities. (For example, how does a ground-based melee character engage a kiting opponent in flight?) He also touches upon the game's sidekick system, which will allow newer players to temporarily boost their powers to keep up with higher level friends. Alternately, the sidekick system will give advanced characters the ability to tone their powers down to the level of their appallingly weak lower level buddies.

Continue reading Cryptic's Bill Roper on balancing powers in Champions Online

MassivelyCryptic's Bill Roper on balancing powers in Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-roperchampions-onlinecryptic-studiosexecutive-producergame-mechanicsmmocrunchnemesisnemesis-systemproducersidekicksidekickssuper-herosuperherotravel-powersvillainvillainsWed, 08 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The 5th Column returns as City of Heroes Issue 15: Anniversary goes live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/the-5th-column-returns-as-city-of-heroes-issue-15-anniversary-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/the-5th-column-returns-as-city-of-heroes-issue-15-anniversary-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/the-5th-column-returns-as-city-of-heroes-issue-15-anniversary-g/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


It was only a few weeks ago that we wrote about the City of Heroes Issue 15 beta testing, but this latest update to the game, Anniversary, has gone live. Issue 15 brings a host of improvements to City of Heroes particularly in terms of hero and villain character customization. There are 20 new character faces to choose from, two new costume sets, and costume change emotes, which provide flashy transitions between costumes for your characters.

Issue 15: Anniversary also marks the return of The 5th Column and The Reichsman, and thus new missions at levels 45-50 -- with Villain Strikeforce and Hero Taskforce arcs, depending upon which side of the law you're on. NCsoft has more info about Issue 15 on their Anniversary overview site, and asks, "What does the opening of the Omega Team Time Capsule hold in store for Paragon City and the Rogue Isles?" The answers, we suspect, should be clear as City of Heroes and City of Villains players explore the new Issue 15 content.

MassivelyThe 5th Column returns as City of Heroes Issue 15: Anniversary goes live originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarycity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcostume-change-emotescovcustomizationgame-mechanicsherohero-taskforceheroesissue-15omega-teamomega-team-time-capsuleparagon-citypatchesrogue-islessuper-herosuperherothe-5th-columnvillainvillain-strikeforcevillainsMon, 29 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online introduces new villain: Gigaton]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/champions-online-introduces-new-villain-gigaton/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/champions-online-introduces-new-villain-gigaton/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/champions-online-introduces-new-villain-gigaton/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While the term 'unlikely hero' is pretty familiar to most, it's not often we think of unlikely villains. But this is the case with the latest 'big bad' that Cryptic Studios has revealed for Champions Online -- "Gigaton". His story begins as Tim Colton, a perfect and loyal soldier and thus an equally perfect candidate for Project Sunburst, ostensibly a military war game involving nuclear strike scenarios. It was more than theoretical, however, and Colton became the military's unwitting guinea pig in actual nuclear tests. While most other test subjects died as a result of the tests, Colton developed superhuman abilities after being bombarded with radiation. Although he remained in perfect physical condition, requiring neither food nor water, he was inexplicably comatose.

Despite the slight drawback of being perpetually unconscious, Colton's bio-nuclear powers were off the chart. This came to the attention of a major villain in the Champions Online setting, Doctor Destroyer, who had Colton 'liberated' from the army's facilities. Colton was revived and given a new purpose in life by his villainous benefactor, to join forces with Doctor Destroyer's organization, the only real option open to Colton after being betrayed by the army. From that point on, Colton became Gigaton, and is thus the latest villain announced in the Champions Online lineup. Cryptic has put together a villain profile for Gigaton outlining the character's past, and of course his superhuman abilities.

MassivelyChampions Online introduces new villain: Gigaton originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecryptic-studiosdoctor-destroyerdr-destroyergigatonloresuper-herovillainvillainsSat, 13 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online's "The Next Legend Is You" trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/dc-universe-onlines-the-next-legend-is-you-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/dc-universe-onlines-the-next-legend-is-you-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/dc-universe-onlines-the-next-legend-is-you-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The new DC Universe Online trailer that just recently hit the streets is one comprehensive video. In the short one minute and 23 seconds that the trailer runs, we get to see many of the highlights of DCUO, including environmental weaponry and damage, many of the game's iconic characters, a frenetic look at the game's combat, a taste of character customizations, and more!

Currently the trailer can be viewed at the main DCUO site, or over at Shacknews in standard and hi-resolution modes. HD resolution, however, is only available to those who have a Shackvideo username and password.

Now, if you can excuse us, we're going to go ponder what colors of spandex we're going to choose for when the game comes out.

MassivelyDC Universe Online's "The Next Legend Is You" trailer originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncharacter-customizationdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuofutureheroessoesony-online-entertainmenttrailervillainsThu, 11 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft announces City of Heroes: Going Rogue expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/ncsoft-announces-city-of-heroes-going-rogue-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/ncsoft-announces-city-of-heroes-going-rogue-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/ncsoft-announces-city-of-heroes-going-rogue-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Two worlds collide. Loyalties will change. Where will you stand? This is the question posed to us as NCsoft announces the first major expansion for the City of Heroes franchise since the launch of City of Villains in 2005. Going Rogue will be a new experience for CoH fans introducing the 'mirror universe' of Praetoria and an all-new alignment system that blurs the lines between Heroes and Villains.

For the first time ever, Heroes can become Villains, and Villains can become Heroes. This is yet another groundbreaking game mechanic that the Paragon Studios folks have introduced in a recent whirlwind of exciting new features. Look out Champions Online and DC Universe Online; City of Heroes is raising the standard of superhero MMOs.

Check out the exciting new teaser trailer right after the jump, and to answer any questions you may have, they've compiled a handy FAQ.

Continue reading NCsoft announces City of Heroes: Going Rogue expansion

MassivelyNCsoft announces City of Heroes: Going Rogue expansion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 May 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Without Darth Vader and the Emperor, Luke probably wouldn't have seemed so heroic to everyone. Why exactly is this kid from the desert blasting all these guys in white armor with his magical powers? What exactly did they ever do to him? Oh, they killed his foster parents and murdered his grandfather figure/teacher. Well that changes a few things, and this developer diary for Fallen Earth discusses many of these merits for their own story.

For Fallen Earth, this seems to be the role that the White Crow Battalion fills for players. As a mercenary group, they don't appear to fall into a faction -- or at least we don't think they do. Considering the opening moments of your newly created character's life revolves around picking up a weapon to stop the merc group from blowing your brains out, we're sure most people won't want to make nice. This excludes the particularly masochistic players, of course.

MassivelyFallen Earth's villainous troupe, the White Crow Battalion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darth-vaderfallen-earthstar-warsstoryvillainvillainswhite-crow-battalionTue, 28 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Bleak Ones cast a fishy shadow over Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/the-bleak-ones-cast-a-fishy-shadow-over-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/the-bleak-ones-cast-a-fishy-shadow-over-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/the-bleak-ones-cast-a-fishy-shadow-over-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


There's definitely a loose Cthulu influence in Champions Online's Bleak Ones, but in a way that we're digging. So if you read this recent villain profile on the ancient Lemurian gods, don't feel like you're alone in noticing references like, "And when you die, we will bring you home. We will gather you to us. We will devour your souls in the ever after. You shall be our sustenance." Hah, and they call us crazy!

Well when the time comes to fend off these fishy foes, between our alliteration and determined gnashing of teeth we will ascend triumphantly to the mountaintop of victory! Or in other words, we can't wait to kick some fish people butt. But until that opportunity presents itself, we'll have to sate ourselves with lore and concept art that can be found within our gallery.

Gallery: Champions Online Main Gallery

MassivelyThe Bleak Ones cast a fishy shadow over Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribleak-oneschampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studioshero-systemlemurialorevillainsWed, 08 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online video shows open PvP gameplay as a villain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/dc-universe-online-video-shows-open-pvp-gameplay-as-a-villain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/dc-universe-online-video-shows-open-pvp-gameplay-as-a-villain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/dc-universe-online-video-shows-open-pvp-gameplay-as-a-villain/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Most of the video footage seen of DC Universe Online to date focuses on the setting's iconic heroes and the role a player can take in assisting them. While taking down the bad guys in a game is fun, sometimes it's good to be bad, as the newest gameplay footage we've seen of DCUO from New York Comic Con shows us.

We were pretty excited when we noticed this over at Limited Edition today and it's certainly worth a look if you're into the superhero games genre. The GameTrailers video is a walkthrough of an open PvP area, from the perspective of a psychotic clown with psi-blasts, blazing speed, and freakish strength. Need I say more? Check out the video embed below for a look at DC Universe Online's PvP mixed in with developer commentary on what you're seeing.

Continue reading DC Universe Online video shows open PvP gameplay as a villain

MassivelyDC Universe Online video shows open PvP gameplay as a villain originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinegame-mechanicsgametrailersheroeslimited-editionnew-york-comic-connyccopen-pvppreviewspvpshuttlersoesony-online-entertainmentsuper-herovideovillainsTue, 10 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest Champions Online video is all out of bubblegum]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/newest-champions-online-video-is-all-out-of-bubblegum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/newest-champions-online-video-is-all-out-of-bubblegum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/newest-champions-online-video-is-all-out-of-bubblegum/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Cryptic is on a roll with these trailers of their MMOs coming out of the New York Comic-con. Where the new Star Trek Online video showed us the power of it's character customization, this new Champions Online trailer gets nice and cinematic while showing off just how far the game's visuals and audio design has come. Also, it's hard not to love an armadillo-themed villain and his massive scaled armor.

A few things immediately discernible: Animations are looking exceptionally smooth, while the lighting and graphic effects are all being used in just the right amount -- not too much or too little. Lastly, we dug the short rock tune, which hopefully is a prime example of what to expect from the entire soundtrack.

While this is all very wonderful, we've still yet to see straight-up gameplay look this amazing. And really, if this sort of trailer can be whipped up with the in-game engine, we're sure Champions will look great come launch day. You can find the senses-pummeling trailer after the break.

Continue reading Newest Champions Online video is all out of bubblegum

MassivelyNewest Champions Online video is all out of bubblegum originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armadilloatarichampions-onlinecombatcryptic-studiosstar-trek-onlinestotrailervideovillainsSun, 08 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online flying into New York Comic-Con at full force]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/dc-universe-online-flying-into-new-york-comic-con-at-full-force/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/dc-universe-online-flying-into-new-york-comic-con-at-full-force/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/dc-universe-online-flying-into-new-york-comic-con-at-full-force/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you're planning on heading to the New York Comic-Con this year then be prepared to see DC Universe Online in full force. SOE is pulling out all the stops this time around, including the first-ever villain play via a new playable demo at the SOE booth on the show floor. Something else attendees won't want to miss will be the panel on Saturday, February 7th where a mysterious new creative team member will be revealed and opened to questions along with Jim Lee, Geoff Johns, SOE developers Wes Yanagi, Jens Andersen and Jared Carr.

Immediately after the Saturday panel, SOE will be holding a fan event where the new villain-focused demo will be available for further play. Plus, Jim Lee and Geoff Johns will be on hand to speak about the game some more -- as if they won't have been pelted by fervent fan questions already. Still, the whole thing sounds like a ton of fun for anyone looking forward to DC Universe Online and the new superhero MMOs in general.

Find full details after the cut.
Did you enjoy this? We've donned our capes and tights to explore SOE's DC Universe Online in-depth. Come explore more of Metropolis and Gotham with your friends at Massively!

Continue reading DC Universe Online flying into New York Comic-Con at full force

MassivelyDC Universe Online flying into New York Comic-Con at full force originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuofan-eventgeoff-johnsjim-leenew-york-comic-connyccsoesony-online-entertainmentvillainvillainsThu, 29 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PvP touched on for DC Universe Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/pvp-touched-on-for-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/pvp-touched-on-for-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/pvp-touched-on-for-dc-universe-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Studio creative director Chris Cao (aka The Biggest Designer in the Building) has tossed up some initial details on PvP in SOE's upcoming DC Universe Online. It sounds like plans are being drawn up to create a varied and worthwhile system for heroes and villains to duke it out within. We're going to be getting some open world PvP, arena-based PvP and even a system allowing heroes and villains to battle over control of the world itself.

Basic PvP will be over stuff like protecting cops, or trying to beat them down in the case of baddies. Arenas are going ot be instanced content where both sides struggle over things like downed alien spacecraft --- mmm, alien technology. Finally, control over the world wasn't delved into very much. All we know is that strategic points in the world play a role in who controls how much of what.

Chris ends it with a few notes, stressing things like the availability of PvP servers, opt-in PvP and designated zone. He also touches on SOE wanting to make the experience more skill-based in lieu of purely stat-based. So the better fighter should usually win in DC Unvirse Online.

MassivelyPvP touched on for DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienalienschris-caodc-comicsdc-universe-onlinedcuoearthheroespvpsoesony-online-entertainmentspacecraftvillainsThu, 30 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The 7 Deadly Sins of EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/the-7-deadly-sins-of-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/the-7-deadly-sins-of-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/the-7-deadly-sins-of-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


EVE Online is by design a darker game than most other MMOs, which means certain actions unthinkable in other games are allowed in EVE's setting of New Eden. It's a game that rewards cunning and brutally punishes stupidity.

Players can assume many roles in New Eden, but the villains in a story are often the most interesting. In EVE, you get to be one. While there are many wrongs a pilot in New Eden can commit, these are seven of the worst. Some players specialize in one of these 'sins,' while others manage to indulge in all seven.

Gallery: The 7 Deadly Sins of EVE Online

PiracyScammingSuicide GankingNinja SalvagingEspionage

MassivelyThe 7 Deadly Sins of EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boosterscan-flippercan-flippingccpccp-gamescrimedrugsespionageeveeve-onlinefeaturedgankgatecampgatecampingghscguiding-hand-social-clubistvaanjoystiqfeaturesnew-edenninja-salvagingpiracypirateroleplayingscammingscamssinsinssmugglersuicide-ganktheftthiefveroneveto-corpvillainvillainsFri, 15 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lead artist-ing with Champions Online's Christopher Chamberlain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/lead-artist-ing-with-champions-onlines-christopher-chamberlain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/lead-artist-ing-with-champions-onlines-christopher-chamberlain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/lead-artist-ing-with-champions-onlines-christopher-chamberlain/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Would you believe that this week's edition of Cryptic's meet the team is all about Christopher "Absinthe" Chamberlain, the lead artist in charge of characters, animation and FX for Champions Online? Yeah? Good. We were sure you'd believe, but we still had to check. It's not that Mr. Chamberlain is some kind of famous developer, he's just a very cool individual -- which also makes him an interesting interviewee. That is unless he used is crazy backwards-talking skills whenever you asked him a question. Then he'd just be a startlingly confusing interviewee.

As far as his workday goes for creating characters and animations, we're once again forced to feel a little jealous. Most grown-up men don't get to play with form swords all day anymore, but Christopher does just that. Then after getting to play around for who knows how long, the man gets to sit down and decide how villains in the game will look. It doesn't stop there, but we'll let you discover what other madness this man is involved with on a daily basis.

MassivelyLead artist-ing with Champions Online's Christopher Chamberlain originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationartistchampionschampions-onlinechristopher-chamberlaincrypticcryptic-studiosmeet-the-teamvillainsThu, 10 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Strong hint at Broadsword for Villains in CoX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/strong-hint-at-broadsword-for-villains-in-cox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/strong-hint-at-broadsword-for-villains-in-cox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/strong-hint-at-broadsword-for-villains-in-cox/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Back Alley Brawler of City of Heroes has made a brief but encouraging comment on the official forums, hinting strongly at a new piece of Powerset Proliferation in Issue 13. Villains who had complained of not having access to the funky new Nictus Sword have been reminded that they don't have the necessary sets 'yet'. Unless this is a cruel tease, this means Villains will be getting broadsword soon - and despite Back Alley Brawler's habit of turning into a shark when he visits the Test Server, we don't think he's that mean.

We already know that more Powerset Proliferation is coming in Issue 13, because Positron and Castle have told us it'll bring the villain equivalent of Empathy (which won't, of course, be called Empathy). Issue 13 is also an ideal time to give Villains the Broadsword set, as it should be bringing Shields, too. We've already learned that Shields will be a defensive powerset, usable with one-handed and unarmed sets; this opens up the possibility of Broadsword and Shield wielding Brutes, surely an obvious combination to go for. The Shield animations are now largely done, courtesy of the Roman NPCs in the Cimerora zone released with Issue 12, so we can't see any reason why they'd miss Issue 13.

MassivelyStrong hint at Broadsword for Villains in CoX originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The questions for this week's Ask Cryptic come in incredibly specific flavors, making their answers all the more interesting. We get some information on how user-friendly the combat system will be for non-twitchy types, a bit of insight into how modular the new game engine will be, some talk about making sure solo players fight villains that aren't simply re-skins of old mobs and a whole lot more. Overall we'd say this is a good week to be interested in Champions Online.

The last question is one that we were really happy to see answered. It asked simply, "Is eye color going to be a costume option?" The answer that Cryptic gave was more than we were expecting, however. Not only will players be able to change the pupils and whites of their character's eyes, but they'll also get to make their eyes glow any color they want. We can only hope this is something that's offered at the beginning of character creation, since glowing eyes are a priority for alien-, magical- and robot-powered superheroes.

MassivelyAsk Cryptic gets specific originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When the City of Villains Devs first mentioned that the new Villain Epic Archetypes were going to be Soldiers of Arachnos, some players were apprehensive. They didn't see how a mere rank-and-file member of a villainous organization was going to be any fun to play. Arachnos is a stratified, militaristic outfit, and people make villains in order to break the rules, right? So what's the fun in being a uniformed lackey?

As it turns out, the Devs have tackled this head-on in the Epic Villain AT story arc. The key point is that all player villains in CoV so far have been special, because they're Destined Ones, potentially fated to overcome all other villains in a war for ultimate supremacy.

Continue reading Villain Epics mere lackeys? Not likely

MassivelyVillain Epics mere lackeys? Not likely originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arachnoscity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxcox-issue-12epicepic-ATmidnight-hourvillainvillain-epic-archetypevillainsSun, 18 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Real Villains: Westin Phipps]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/the-real-villains-westin-phipps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/the-real-villains-westin-phipps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/the-real-villains-westin-phipps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

City of Villains is full of avatars of comic-book evil. They have skull motifs and spikes and scowling faces. They sport names with 'dark' in them.

But the most despicable being in all the Rogue Isles is a weaselly, bespectacled little man with thinning hair plastered across his scalp; a man who is regarded as a public benefactor, a champion of charity. His very ordinariness is what makes him so dreadful, as it is much easier to recognise the evils of the real world in him than in a comic character like Lord Recluse.

In our brief tour of the contacts in CoV who have the most authentically villainous content, Phipps's missions are the final stop. Some people have found them disturbing to play; the mission writer, Constellation (no longer with the CoX team) wondered if he might have gone too far. Some players have even wished for side-switching after playing Phipps's missions, and now that player generated content is on the horizon, players are proposing custom missions in which you get to beat Phipps to a pulp.

So, what is it about this content that provokes such guilt and remorse?

Continue reading The Real Villains: Westin Phipps

MassivelyThe Real Villains: Westin Phipps originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 May 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohconstellationcontactscontentcovcoxevilfeaturedhaven-housencsoftphippsstoryarcvillainsvillainywestinwestin-phippsFri, 02 May 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Champions Online preview hints at villains]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/new-champions-online-preview-hints-at-villains/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/new-champions-online-preview-hints-at-villains/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/new-champions-online-preview-hints-at-villains/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The guys over at 1up.com have a great two page preview/interview covering Champions Online. The preview itself covers quite a bit, including Cryptic's time with the Marvel MMO, customization in Champions Online, combat, the Xbox 360 version and of course some hints at what we may see for villains. Overall the preview expands on a lot of these subjects, with quotes for Jack Emmert giving away a detail or two here and there.

The big tease about the villains has really piqued our curiosity, as Emmert says, "But it's something we're thinking about in Champions: Is the gameplay experience the same for a hero and a villain? But that's part of our top-secret plan we're not talking about."

A lot of people on the official forums have been clamoring for some kind of villain gameplay and Cryptic has previously shown they pay attention to the community. We would love to see the villain side play dramatically different from the hero side of Champions Online. The big question left to Cryptic is exactly how villains will be a different experience from heroes?

MassivelyNew Champions Online preview hints at villains originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A brand new villain has been revealed on the Champions Online website. His name is Menton and he's the most powerful human psionic alive. He harbors a massive contempt for humanity and considers everyone else -- even the supremely powerful Doctor Destroyer -- to be stupid in comparison. There's a lot of very good back-story to read concerning Menton at the official site. It's a real treat for anyone who enjoys some good comic book-style stories, so check it out.

This is some early proof that Cryptic made a good choice going with the Champions world for their next MMO. Granted, we say early because until we get a taste of John Layman's writing of these characters we won't really know how compelling they are in-game. Still, Menton looks and sounds pretty cool so far and that's a strong start.

MassivelyChampions Online's newest villain is Menton originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This column comes to us from our new blogger, Adrian Bott, reporting in from the field. Adrian is joining our team as a City of Heroes and City of Villains fanboy aficionado extraordinaire, so keep an eye out for even more in-depth CoX coverage here at Massively!

"I cannot believe how polished this event is," confided visiting City of Heroes developer Melissa 'War Witch' Bianco, during a lull in the frenzy. Nor could we. NCsoft Europe knows how to throw a party.

As we crossed from the gloomy streets of central Birmingham into the blazing techno-sanctuary of Omega Sektor, the professionalism and sheer hard graft of the NCsoft team gleamed from every splash-panel surface. Amid the sounds of hordes of happy Super Group members meeting up in the flesh for the first time, video screens showing looped footage of NCsoft games, and the wibbles and whoops of more than four hundred individual PCs, we struggled through to the admin desk.

The organizers and their blue-shirted 'sidekicks', buoyed up by who knows what inhuman energy source (they had already been doing this for two days and showed no signs of flagging) gave us the rundown. There were PvP events, task force challenges, 'death races' and sundry other in-game activities. And huge, padded, Gladiator style superhero suits for real-life PvP. Seriously.

Continue reading Massively Event Coverage: The NCsoft Europe Heroic Weekend

MassivelyMassively Event Coverage: The NCsoft Europe Heroic Weekend originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdraw-the-world-togetherevent-coveragefeaturedghost-widowheroesheroic-weekendjoystiqfeaturesmassively-event-coveragemassively-eventsmelissa-biancomiss-libertyncsoftncsoft-europeomega-sektorvillainswar-witchFri, 28 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST