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[Choose My Adventure: The last mile]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/choose-my-adventure-the-last-mile/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/choose-my-adventure-the-last-mile/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/choose-my-adventure-the-last-mile/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure road trip
You haven't steered me wrong. At least, not yet.

I am pretty sure there is that nagging worry at the back of the Massively writers' minds when they give themselves over to the masses for Choose My Adventure. Sure, there is an element of mystery and excitement, but what if... just what if the majority manifests an evil streak and sends you careening over an embankment to your virtual doom? Or banishes you to tasks that would make you want to lobotomize yourself with your mouse -- things like run Death From Below repeatedly? Thankfully, you all spared me from such torture. And with this week's tour of the Mission Architect system in City of Heroes, you definitely steered me right -- this is my favorite aspect of the game yet!

I am glad to say that my trust in you all has not been unfounded, and I will speak on your behalf to the others. The fact is, I have enjoyed our little road trip immensely and am sad it must come to an end. So let's take one last cruise through City of Heroes together before you drive off into the sunset with Eliot.

Gallery: CMA: City of Heroes

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: The last mile

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: The last mile originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baseschoose-my-adventureChoose-my-adventure-city-of-heroeschoose-my-adventure-cohchoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscmacohcovcoxdecoratingf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomgalleriesgalleryhands-onhousingmission-architectncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosplayer-generated-contentplayer-generated-missionspollpollsreaders-choicescreenshotssuperherosuperheroesvotevotingWed, 23 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Permadeath vs. no permadeath]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/leaderboard-permadeath-vs-no-permadeath/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/leaderboard-permadeath-vs-no-permadeath/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/leaderboard-permadeath-vs-no-permadeath/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Permadeath
Permadeath is one of those game mechanics that seems destined to forever be nibbling away at the fringe of the MMO genre than invited to the cool kids' table. Many players find themselves aghast at the notion of losing all their hard-earned progress with one untimely demise, and it seems like game developers agree with them: Very few MMOs have any sort of permadeath option.

However, this most-severest-of-severe death penalties does persist. Some players elect to form guilds and meta-groups to pursue a permadeath lifestyle in their games. A few upcoming titles, such as Salem and Wizardry Online, have permadeath as a core mechanic. Even the recently released Diablo III has a "hardcore" permadeath mode for the brave at heart.

The question we put before you today is yet another nibble that may never be noticed by the mainstream, but it's important to consider: Is permadeath worth including in MMO design, even as an optional mechanic or server, or should this brand of death penalty kick the bucket once and for all? Vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Permadeath vs. no permadeath

MassivelyLeaderboard: Permadeath vs. no permadeath originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattle-royalbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopd3ddodiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playgothic-fantasyhistoricalleaderboardmultiplayernew-englandone-on-oneone-vs-oneonline-multiplayeropinionparadoxparadox-interactivepermadeathpermanent-deathpollpollsroguelikerpgsalemsandboxturbineturbine-entertainmentversusvotevotesvotingvswizardry-onlineMon, 21 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Cruisin' with the gang in City of Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/choose-my-adventure-cruisin-with-the-gang/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/choose-my-adventure-cruisin-with-the-gang/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/choose-my-adventure-cruisin-with-the-gang/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure City of Heroes
You've experienced it, right? That magic moment on any trip of significant length when you've been living and breathing the locale long enough that the place starts to feel more familiar and you settle in, that time when you feel less like a tourist and more like a local. After the last few weeks traveling with you all, I have hit that moment in City of Heroes. While I still may not be able to tell one inspiration from another by sight, I can find my way around the 'hood and know the skyline when zipping about -- well, at least in Atlas Park. Oh, and I found a Mexican restaurant! It's almost like a second home now.

It was upon reaching this comfort zone that City of Heroes got better for me; this past week has been more fun than the previous ones during this Choose My Adventure road trip. (And yes, I'd even call the torture of the expansive character creation fun. Exhausting, but fun!) What transpired this week? Buckle up and step on the gas to see.

Gallery: CMA: City of Heroes

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Cruisin' with the gang in City of Heroes

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Cruisin' with the gang in City of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuringchoose-my-adventureChoose-my-adventure-city-of-heroeschoose-my-adventure-cohchoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscmacohcovcoxf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomgalleriesgallerygroupshands-onmissionsncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospollpollsreaders-choiceroad-tripscreenshotssupergroupssuperherosuperheroesvotevotingWed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: EverQuest II's housing vs. Aion's housing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/leaderboard-everquest-iis-housing-vs-aions-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/leaderboard-everquest-iis-housing-vs-aions-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/leaderboard-everquest-iis-housing-vs-aions-housing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Leaderboard
Everyone loves player housing, right? Oh, quiet you in the back. Look into my eye: Everyone loves player housing. It is the number one most requested, demanded, and mandatory feature of every MMO. In terms of priority, "having monsters to kill in the game" is lower than giving us sweet pads to decorate. This is the way the virtual world should be and always has been.

Well, now that I've dipped into the well of delusion, it's time to emerge with my hair sopping wet and my mind open to the possibility of a player housing revival. With the advent of Aion's 3.0 update, players in this now-free-to-play game can move into a suburban dreamhouse and spend countless hours figuring out the exact decor to match the subtle majesty of the bathroom's toilet.

But is it enough to challenge the de facto leader of player housing, EverQuest II? Mountains of novels have been written on this game's housing system, novels that were then used to construct a giant book fort in the middle of the grand ballroom. Because that's just how flexible that system can be.

So pitted against each other in an interior design contest, which game would emerge triumphant? Cast your vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: EverQuest II's housing vs. Aion's housing

MassivelyLeaderboard: EverQuest II's housing vs. Aion's housing originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionascensionbattle-royaldecoreq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playhousinginterior-decorationinterior-designleaderboardncsoftone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionplayer-housingpollpollssoesonysony-online-entertainmenttoilettruly-freeversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Patrolling the park]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/choose-my-adventure-patrolling-the-park/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/choose-my-adventure-patrolling-the-park/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/choose-my-adventure-patrolling-the-park/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure City of Heroes
Yes, Virginia, there is a game after character creation.

With such extensive customization available, it is quite likely that I would have spent the duration of Choose My Adventure without ever actually logging in to play City of Heroes. For all of the hours I spent in character creation with all the options (enough to completely blow a fuse in your mind), it was easy to lose sight of the fact that there was actually a game to go play once I finally made my character. Now I see the real appeal of the VIP pass with all of those character slots; it has even me thinking wistfully of all the alts that could be.

Luckily I have you folks directing me, forcing me past the costume creator and into my role as defender of truth and justice. If it hadn't been for you, I would have never embarked on my journey of flight and fricasseed evil doers in Atlas Park. Or participated in an impromptu street band performance. Yup, it is all your fault! And I'm looking forward to what we do next as we continue our City of Heroes adventures together.

But first, let's take a look at what mayhem I caused... er, put an end to this past week.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Patrolling the park

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Patrolling the park originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlas-Parkchoose-my-adventurecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscmacohcovcoxf2pfeaturedfirst-impressionsflightflyingfree-to-playfreedomhands-onncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospollpollspowersquestsreaders-choiceroad-tripsuperherosuperheroesvotevotingWed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Gaming on desktops vs. laptops]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/leaderboard-gaming-on-desktops-vs-laptops/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/leaderboard-gaming-on-desktops-vs-laptops/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/leaderboard-gaming-on-desktops-vs-laptops/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Gaming platforms
I have both a desktop and laptop computer that I use regularly. My desktop is my mainstay; a gaming fortress with loads of power and storage space with a 22" screen. My laptop is the best portable gaming machine that $650 could buy, which was surprisingly quite a lot. While it doesn't have the muscle of my desktop, it will run most everything just fine -- and let me do so while I'm reclining on the couch, in bed, or in line at the DMV (their wifi is awesome).

It strikes me that there's no gold standard when it comes to gaming platforms for MMOs. Excluding mobile and console devices for the moment, I'm vastly curious how many of you prefer to game on a desktop or a laptop. Do you enjoy the extra bang for the buck that desktop machines give you, or is your trusty laptop with its size and portability all the technology you'll ever need?

Let's hash it out on the Leaderboard today: Is it better to go with a gaming desktop or laptop? Vote after the jump and then back up your opinion in the comments!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Gaming on desktops vs. laptops

MassivelyLeaderboard: Gaming on desktops vs. laptops originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royaldesktopdmvgaming-desktopgaming-laptopgaming-platformlaptopleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionplatformpollpollsversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 07 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Taking a right at Paragon City]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/choose-my-adventure-taking-a-right-at-paragon-city/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/choose-my-adventure-taking-a-right-at-paragon-city/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/choose-my-adventure-taking-a-right-at-paragon-city/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure City of Heroes Road Trip
It was the flying Scrapper on Virtue with a mask!

The masses have spoken. For this leg of our Choose My Adventure journey, we will be parking ourselves in Paragon City, fighting the forces of evil, destruction, and movement keys! I must concede that Bree certainly knew her City of Heroes community -- ya'll voted just how she said you would. But Bree, you didn't predict the mask, now did ya?! Ha!

It recently came to my attention that I could have easily queried you on the spandex issue, but come on -- what superhero doesn't have to shimmy into that painted-on suit? We want the full experience, right? Right. So let's get to it. All we have left to do to get this show off the road and into some action is whip up a character.

But this is me we are talking about here! Thankfully, I am marching into this process armed with your decisions! I mean, how bad can it be? We have three days between close of the last vote and a new set of new ones, so it isn't like there isn't time. Here goes...

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Taking a right at Paragon City

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Taking a right at Paragon City originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-creationchoose-my-adventureChoose-my-adventure-city-of-heroeschoose-my-adventure-cohchoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscmacohcostumescovcoxf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomhands-onhumorncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospersonalizationpollpollsreaders-choiceroad-tripsuperherosuperheroesvotevotingWed, 02 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Two factions vs. three factions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/leaderboard-two-factions-vs-three-factions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/leaderboard-two-factions-vs-three-factions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/leaderboard-two-factions-vs-three-factions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Leaderboard
Two vs. three: It should be a cut-and-dry affair. After all, three is always better than two? Maybe... but maybe not. When it comes to factions in MMOs, the line seems to be split between two and three, and I think a good case can be made for both.

Two factions is the majority approach for MMOs that have them, and it's easy to understand why. We can comprehend an "us vs. them" mentality in almost every walk of life. If you're not with us, you're against us -- that sort of thing. Two factions draws a line in the sand and requires little explanation for people to understand that one side is naturally better than the other.

Three factions, on the other hand, is a godsend for PvP in particular. By having a third faction, it's much less likely that one side can dominate the battlefield eternally, as the other two sides can team up to put an end to that nonsense. Three factions also offers more variety and arguably stronger factional identities.

So what say you? Two or three? Cast your vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Two factions vs. three factions

MassivelyLeaderboard: Two factions vs. three factions originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalfactionfactionsleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollspvprealmrealmsrvrsidesidesthree-factionsthree-sidestwo-factionstwo-sidesus-vs-themversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 30 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Aion your way]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/wings-over-atreia-aion-your-way/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/wings-over-atreia-aion-your-way/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/wings-over-atreia-aion-your-way/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Wings Over Atreia
Though a recent catchphrase for Aion's conversion to the Truly Free model, having it "your way" ((R)[TM]BLT) predates NCsoft's usage. Burger joints and assassins for hire alike touted this business motto long before the game. So there is no real infringement if I borrow this philosophy and mold it to my own purposes. And mold it I will, like Playdoh on a hot summer's day.

Some of you may have noticed that I have been livestreaming on a weekly basis to help expand on the Aion experience. (If you haven't, it's never to late to watch!) The thing is, if we just follow my own personal playstyle, you might be stuck watching me rearrange furniture in my little condo for hours on end since I usually play however the mood strikes me at that moment. That's where you come in.

It's time to vicariously experience Aion your way! This week's Wings Over Atreia is all about getting to the heart of what you want. Then I can incorporate the things that you find interesting into the livestreams and even the weekly articles. How shall we accomplish this? Well, although it seems some of you have been able to resist the lure of the spiffy tag at the end of every column that asks for reader suggestions, how many of you can resist... *dramatic music* The Poll? So quick and simple, just a few clicks...

If you ever wanted to tell me where to go, now is your chance.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Aion your way

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Aion your way originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aioncmaf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onlivestreamLiveStreamingncsoftopinionpollpollsreaders-choicevotevotingwings-over-atreiaMon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Next stop, City of Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/choose-my-adventure-next-stop-city-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/choose-my-adventure-next-stop-city-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/choose-my-adventure-next-stop-city-of-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure
I hope your vote wasn't born from a desire to see me in tights!

Although road trips can be just as fun when you just jump in the car and take off with no predetermined destination, at some point you have to end up somewhere. And it looks like we now know our destination. While I was safely strapped in my seat and watching the scenery, you readers have taken the City of Heroes exit. So it looks like a cape and superpowers will be on order for the next few weeks in Choose my Adventure. (Unless you nix the cape, of course.)

Surprisingly, this time around I actually managed to sit back and enjoy the ride without checking the poll results every 20 minutes of every day; I managed to restrain myself to just once a day! Maybe it was because I've let you have the keys before and knew that I really would enjoy the experience no matter where you took me. After all, you didn't get us in a wreck last time, did you? And Justin survived (relatively) unscathed, so what was there to worry about?

Perhaps on another trip we will be able to explore other exotic destinations, such as Anarchy Online, Star Trek Online, Asheron's Call, or even World of Tanks. I'll admit that I wistfully entertained images of visiting each of these destinations while I was glancing periodically at the polls, but for now, our course is set, and we will be arriving shortly. The first order of business before jumping into City of Heroes is a shot pitstop to develop our character. Be sure to get your vote in before Saturday, April 28th, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. EDT!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Next stop, City of Heroes

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Next stop, City of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choiceschoose-my-adventureChoose-my-adventure-city-of-heroeschoose-my-adventure-cohchoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscmacohcovcoxcustomizationf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomhands-onncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospollpollspower-poolspower-setsreaders-choiceserversuperherosuperheroesvotevotingWed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Age of Conan's score vs. Guild Wars' score]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/leaderboard-age-of-conans-score-vs-guild-wars-score/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/leaderboard-age-of-conans-score-vs-guild-wars-score/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/leaderboard-age-of-conans-score-vs-guild-wars-score/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Leaderboard
Believe it or not, there are actually loads of incredible MMO soundtracks. Oh, I know we all bellyache about the repetitive music and how we turn it off and just listen to speed metal or Justin Bieber while we grind boars, but the scores are often wonderful when removed from infinite looping.

Today we're going to pit two of the greatest MMO soundtracks against each other as they vie for your approval. In the first corner is Age of Conan's score, which was composed by Knut Avenstroup Haugen. It's not only award-winning and famous outside of MMO circles but hauntingly beautiful to listen to as well. In the other corner is Mr. Jeremy Soule's epic Guild Wars soundtrack (we'll lump all four of them together for this poll), which many claim to be just as memorable as the game's visuals.

It's the cream of the audio crop presented for your judgment: Age of Conan's score vs. Guild Wars' score. Give each one a listen and then let us know which you'll vote for after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Age of Conan's score vs. Guild Wars' score

MassivelyLeaderboard: Age of Conan's score vs. Guild Wars' score originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanetaocaoc-unchainedarenanetbattle-royalconanf2pfantasyfree-to-playfuncomguild-warsgwhyboriajeremy-souleKnut-Avenstroup-Haugenleaderboardncsoftone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsunchainedversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Ultimate road trip edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/choose-my-adventure-ultimate-road-trip-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/choose-my-adventure-ultimate-road-trip-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/choose-my-adventure-ultimate-road-trip-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Choose My Adventure
Let's go for another spin!

Just like Mikey of Life cereal fame, I ventured into the realm of Choose My Adventure once before, and I liked it! Grand adventures, camaraderie with readers, exploring the unknown... what more could I ask for? More time, obviously!

It ended all too soon. I was totally revved up and ready to jump right back in, but unfortunately neither pleading nor bribery worked to continue my stint as your plucky puppet (and locking the other staff members in a dark closet didn't pan out either -- they escaped), so I had to park it and wait my turn. It took much too long, but finally my time has come again. *happy dance*

Now the boss may have handed me the keys, but you will be the ones driving. The top is down, and I've got snacks and shades; all that is left to begin our adventure for the next six weeks is to pick which direction to head and floor it. Although a lot of good places have already been visited, there are plenty more to choose from. In the mood for fantasy? Capes? Nebulas? Heavy artillery? Cast your votes by Sunday, April 22nd, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. EDT for your chance to steer me to the world of your choice. Our possible destinations (in no particular order) are...

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Ultimate road trip edition

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Ultimate road trip edition originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acaeriaaeria-gamesage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedasherons-callchampionschampions-onlinechampschoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriecity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocmacocohconanconsoleconsolescovcoxcrypticcryptic-studiosdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeden-eternalf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomfuncomhands-onhistoricalhyboriancsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaystation-3playstation3pollpollsps3pvppwereaders-choicesandboxsci-fisoesony-online-entertainmentstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosuperherosuperheroestanktanksturbineturbine-entertainmentunchainedvotevotingwarwargaming.networld-of-tankswotWed, 18 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Hobbits vs. Gnomes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/leaderboard-hobbits-vs-gnomes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/leaderboard-hobbits-vs-gnomes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/leaderboard-hobbits-vs-gnomes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Leaderboard
We shorties have been looked down upon our entire lives, so it's not without some sympathy that I champion the cause of the shorter races in MMOs. Happily, there are a lot of them, and they have their ardent supporters, with the added bonus of seemingly irritating the "Tallies" around them.

Yet out of all of the diminutive races in online games, two seem to stand out as the kingpins of the Shortie Empire. The first is Hobbits, the classic heroes of Tolkien's novels as well as Lord of the Rings Online. With their genial attitude, disregard for shoes, and fondness for multiple breakfasts, they've endeared themselves to millions and influenced the development of the RPG genre. The second is Gnomes, the tenacious inventors of the underworld who seem to pop up in every MMO that isn't afraid of a steampunk fringe.

So if a Hobbit and a Gnome fell into a pit together and there was only one breakfast to be had, which would go hungry and which would be satisfied? In other words, which race rules more than the other? Vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Hobbits vs. Gnomes

MassivelyLeaderboard: Hobbits vs. Gnomes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalf2pfantasyfree-to-playgnomegnomeshobbithobbitsleaderboardlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollssecond-breakfastturbineturbine-entertainmentversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 16 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week five]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-five/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-five/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-five/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DAoC
As I headed into my final week of playing Dark Age of Camelot, I found myself thinking about Warhammer Online more often than not. That shouldn't be surprising, really, as both games were made by Mythic and share a focus on RvR. I suppose it's because I finally hit a point in the game when DAoC started to emulate experiences I had in WAR, and thus a comparison between the two began to unfold.

While I'm sure plenty of folks who played DAoC went on to WAR, I'm curious whether there are many like me who went through the games in the reverse order. I may not be a veteran DAoC player after a few weeks in the game, but I certainly have a mountain of experience in WAR, and it intrigues me to be able to identify the connections between the two.

So as I plundered the battlefields of DAoC this week, I started to examine the game through the lens of a WAR vet to see whether I could spot the traits each game had in common and which traits each game handled better than the other.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week five

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week five originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotchoose-my-adventureclassic-mmocmadaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialfantasyfeaturedhands-onmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choicervrvotevotingwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineWed, 11 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Hotbar combat vs. action combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/leaderboard-hotbar-combat-vs-action-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/leaderboard-hotbar-combat-vs-action-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/leaderboard-hotbar-combat-vs-action-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Leaderboard

I've noticed that whenever a studio is developing an MMO that features action combat (i.e., faster-paced combat that's more dependent on positioning, reflexes, and mouse usage), it acts as though it's developing the savior of the genre -- even though action combat is nothing new (just ask Dungeons and Dragons Online or Age of Conan). Instead of seeing it as a revolution that will bring us out of the supposed dark ages, I look at it as a different style of play that some prefer while others shun.

Both have their pros and cons. Hotbar combat allows for quick access to a wide variety of skills, levels the playing field for those of us old fogeys who aren't so tight in the reflex department, and focuses more on strategic thinking. However, it's typically slower and not as visceral as many non-MMO video games tend to be. Action combat, on the other hand, is certainly more in-line with its non-MMO contemporaries, with exciting pitched battles at the expense of time to think and a more limited selection of input.

So for today's Leaderboard, we're going to tackle the grand ol' staple of MMOs, hotbar combat, vs. the action combat upstarts. Will reflexes or brains win the day? Cast your vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Hotbar combat vs. action combat

MassivelyLeaderboard: Hotbar combat vs. action combat originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-unchainedbattle-royalconanddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playfuncomhyborialeaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsturbineturbine-entertainmentunchainedversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 09 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week four]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-four/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-four/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-four/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DAoC
By participating in Choose My Adventure, I'm starting to realize that this column is perhaps one of the most meta projects that we do here on Massively. It's not just a popularity contest between games (although it begins that way) nor a mere hands-on play-through of a title. Instead, it's a bizarre combination of one person led by hundreds of puppet masters with the added layer of forging a path as a complete newbie so that others who follow in my wake may learn from my mistakes.

But with all of you as my puppet masters, I have the added pressure of not wanting to let any of you down. I know that last week some of you were disappointed with my progress (or lack thereof) and could identify dozens of things I was just doing flat-out wrong. That's another layer to this experience, I think: It gives experienced vets the chance to see the game through virgin eyes and to pass down sage advice that they themselves wish they had gotten right out of the gate.

So this past week was all about taking in your advice and attempting to execute it to the best of my ability. Some of it worked, and some did not, but the end result was a series of Dark Age of Camelot play sessions that were far less frustrating -- and even, dare I say, intriguing?

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week four

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week four originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicebiowarecamelotchoose-my-adventureclassic-mmocmadaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsfantasyfeaturedhands-onlevelingmacrosmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choicervrskaldvotevotingWed, 04 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Ultima Online vs. EverQuest vs. Asheron's Call]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/leaderboard-ultima-online-vs-everquest-vs-asherons-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/leaderboard-ultima-online-vs-everquest-vs-asherons-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/leaderboard-ultima-online-vs-everquest-vs-asherons-call/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Back at the turn of the century, you didn't have the equivalent of cable's infinite choices when it came to MMOs. No, you pretty much had the standard Big Three of network programming: Ultima Online, EverQuest, and Asheron's Call. With the subscription model firmly in place, most players had to choose their loyalty and choose it well.

For today's Leaderboard, we're going to pretend that no other MMOs exist other than those three and see how the 2012 crowd divides up between them. Would you fly your banner for Ultima Online and its enormous sandboxy world? Would you cast your lots with EverQuest, the once great and powerful king of the genre? Or would you throw in with Asheron's Call and its monthly stories?

Call it a popularity contest, a trip down memory lane, or an all-out brawl between MMO senior citizens. It's a three-way title fight on this week's Leaderboard, and only one game will live to see next week!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Ultima Online vs. EverQuest vs. Asheron's Call

MassivelyLeaderboard: Ultima Online vs. EverQuest vs. Asheron's Call originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callbattle-royalclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playleaderboardlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollssandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmentturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuoversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week three]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-three/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-three/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-three/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DAoC
Frustrating and boring: These are two words that don't bode well for any MMO, and yet that's exactly what my Dark Age of Camelot experience this past week was.

Now, granted there's always an adjustment period with new MMOs, and I like to think of myself as a fairly patient person. I know that sometimes it might be a matter of minutes or understanding to flip "frustration" into "joy" and "boring" into "addictive," which is why it's good to stick games out until you're sure that the issue isn't with you playing the game wrong or being ignorant of what makes it work.

That said, if I wasn't covering DAoC for this column but was just trying it out for myself, I certainly would not have subscribed after finishing the 14-day trial. New player journey or no, I found more aggravation than fun this past week and kept wondering to myself, "When does it start to get good? Where's all that great stuff players are telling me about? And as a Troll, how much lotion do I need to get my skin feeling silky soft?"

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week three

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week three originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotchoose-my-adventureclassic-mmocmadaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialfantasyfeaturedhands-onmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choicervrvotevotingwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineWed, 28 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Spider vs. pig]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/leaderboard-spider-vs-pig/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/leaderboard-spider-vs-pig/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/leaderboard-spider-vs-pig/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Spider-Pig
If you search the loftiest heights of fantasy, the dank dungeons of horror, the far-out locales of sci-fi, or the war-torn post-apocalyptic highways, chances are you'll stumble upon two creatures that are near-universal in MMOs. Whether you be swinging a sword or firing off compressed photonic bursts, chances are sooner or later you'll face off against a giant spider. And, later on, a giant pig.

Pigs and spiders, spiders and pigs: MMO devs do love both equally. They're convenient fodder for heroes to use as training on their way up to slaying dragons, as nobody likes spiders and everyone likes ham and bacon. And while they almost never stand a chance against the never-ending player onslaught, what would happen if spider fought pig in-game? Who would emerge triumphant and who would slink back to its trough/web in shame?

Take some time to weigh the pros and cons of each contestant, and let us know which you think would win in a one-on-one scuffle! (And for those of you out there itching to make a spider-pig reference in the comments, I'm preempting you. Booyah.)

Continue reading Leaderboard: Spider vs. pig

MassivelyLeaderboard: Spider vs. pig originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baconbattle-royalboarboarsleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpigpigspollpollsspiderspider-pigspiderpigspidersversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 26 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DAoC
Some of you probably know that I first got into the blogging scene with my Warhammer Online blog Waaagh! Back then in early 2008, I was a veritable Mythic and PvP newbie, and I spent a good portion of the lead-up to the game's release reading up on Dark Age of Camelot. I figured that, after all, WAR would be built on the foundation of DAoC. In a way, it both was and wasn't.

The one thing I never did was actually play DAoC. Older MMOs can be quite intimidating; they have deep-rooted communities and tomes of updates and history, and they were more rough around the edges. Rough in their cores, too, if we're being honest. So the intimidation factor kept me away until this past week, when Massively readers sent me on a quest to Camelot for the first time in my life.

Last week readers voted on the character I was to roll. An impressive 82% of you said to check out the realm vs. realm ruleset and roll a a Midgard (43.2%) beastly (40.8%) hybrid (43.3%) character. After reading some of the recommendations in the comments, I ended up making a female Troll Skald on a traditional server. She may be lumpy and bulky, but I took a shine to her right away.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week two

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week two originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcamelotchoose-my-adventureclassic-mmocmadaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialeqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onmidgardmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choiceron-swansonrvrskaldsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttrollvotevotingwarwarcraftwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 21 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Betas are a boon vs. betas are a bust]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/leaderboard-betas-are-a-boon-vs-betas-are-a-bust/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/leaderboard-betas-are-a-boon-vs-betas-are-a-bust/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/leaderboard-betas-are-a-boon-vs-betas-are-a-bust/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Leaderboard
For many, betas are the apex of the pre-launch experience. After months and even years of hearing about a title, discussing it rabidly, and scouring the internet for information on it, fans are finally given the chance to try it out for themselves. For many, this is wonderful, a drink of water to a parched gaming soul. For many, but not for all.

You see, betas can be a doubled-edged sword, capable of hurting as much as helping. They can be a boon to those who truly want to help a game's development by testing for bugs, they can help players decide if this is a product worth purchasing, and they can assist in getting one's "game legs" before the main event begins. However, betas have been known to foster an environment of entitlement ("Why isn't this game 100% polished? I judge it fail!") while robbing the newness of an MMO that has yet to release.

So, overall, do you deem that betas are a boon to the community or a bust? Are they useful tools for both developers and players, or are they nothing but glorified demos that harm more than help? Put your vote where your opinion is after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Betas are a boon vs. betas are a bust

MassivelyLeaderboard: Betas are a boon vs. betas are a bust originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalbetabetasbug-testingdemodemosleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollspublic-demostestingversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 19 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DAoC
Hol. Ee. Crap.

Seriously, folks, I don't know how it usually goes down in CMAtown, but I've never experienced a week of my life when I was literally watching strangers decide my destiny -- and go neck-and-neck in the process. After thousands and thousands of votes, it all came down to a difference of... three. Really.

Three MMO communities caught wind of last week's poll regarding the game I'd be playing and writing up over the next several weeks. Dark Age of Camelot players fought valiantly against Anarchy Online fans for the privilege of this column's focus, often times trading spots for first and second place. The City of Heroes community got into the game late and racked up several hundred votes in an attempt to secure the win, but ultimately it came down to a last-minute brawl in which DAoC garnered three measly votes more than AO, which means I'll be heading off to Camelot starting next week.

With the insane voting over a game at an end, today begins the real fun: You get to roll my character for me. Join me as I lay out just how this is going to work with DAoC's crazy setup.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week one

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week one originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotchoose-my-adventureclassic-mmocmadaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsfantasyfeaturedhands-onmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choicervrvotevotingWed, 14 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: DUST 514 vs. PlanetSide 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/leaderboard-dust-514-vs-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/leaderboard-dust-514-vs-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/leaderboard-dust-514-vs-planetside-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Leaderboard
One gets the sense that gamers can't wait for the future to get here so we can all join roving packs of pulse rifle-toting goons fighting each other for a living, like the world's most awesome paintball match. To tide us over, several studios are working hard at fulfilling our fantasies in virtual space with MMOFPS PvP titles such as DUST 514 and PlanetSide 2.

We recently got a closer look at both of these games at GDC, and it's safe to say that not only do they each come from experienced pedigree -- CCP and SOE -- but they're both highly anticipated by trigger-finger monitor mercenaries.

But we all know the sacred rule of MMOs, which is that there can only ever be one. There can only be one victor and one success -- and all the rest are doomed to languish in whatever the virtual equivalent of a compost heap is. So tell us true right now: Which will be more successful, DUST 514 or PlanetSide 2? Register your vote so that you'll be able to come back, months from now, and use this as proof that you knew better than all of the other fools out there!

Continue reading Leaderboard: DUST 514 vs. PlanetSide 2

MassivelyLeaderboard: DUST 514 vs. PlanetSide 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsgdcgdc-2012leaderboardmmo-shootermmofpsone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionplanetsideplanetside-2playstationplaystation-3pollpollsps2ps3sci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 12 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: CSM 7 candidate roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/eve-evolved-csm-7-candidate-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/eve-evolved-csm-7-candidate-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/eve-evolved-csm-7-candidate-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online is unique among MMOs, and nowhere is this more evident than in the political struggles that take place every day in New Eden. Just this weekend, I spent long hours negotiating the surrender of a friend's wormhole starbase with an Elysian Empire diplomat, only to have his CEO overrule the decision because he wanted to get the killmail for blowing the starbase up. For EVE's more ambitious political machinists, perhaps the greatest challenge of all is to be part of the democratically elected Council of Stellar Management (CSM).

The council functions as an advisory board to CCP and a mechanism through which players can get their views and ideas across to developers. Last year's CSM was instrumental in forcing CCP's hand and making the company refocus development on EVE Online. With this year's ambitious plans to revamp all ships and forms of PvP, and DUST 514 due for a summer release, the stakes for this year's council are even higher. Voting is now underway to select the team of players who will represent the EVE playerbase to CCP for the coming year.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I round up all of this year's candidates to help you choose whom to vote for.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: CSM 7 candidate roundup

MassivelyEVE Evolved: CSM 7 candidate roundup originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>candidateccpccp-gamescouncilcouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmcsm-7csm-chairmancsm-delegatecsm-electioncsm-summitelectioneveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedopinionroundupsandboxsci-fivotevotingSun, 11 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Insert cartridge]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/choose-my-adventure-insert-cartridge/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/choose-my-adventure-insert-cartridge/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/choose-my-adventure-insert-cartridge/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Choose My Adventure
Sooner or later, it had to happen. After years of resisting peer pressure from my fellow Massively writers, disapproving looks from old ladies on the bus, and two strongly worded op-ed columns in The New Yorker, I've finally capitulated to join the ranks of the few... the loud... the CMAers.

It's a scary thought, putting the fate of my gaming time into your hands, but so be it. Life is about getting out of your comfort zones, then realizing why those zones were so comfortable in the first place and racing right back to them. But before I reclaim my own destiny, I must navigate this dark valley of capricious voters.

I guess it's tradition to kick off a new series by giving y'all the chance to pick my new game of choice, and so until Sunday, you can attempt to dictate to me which title you'd like to see in the spotlight for the next couple of months. I thought long and hard about what games I was OK with trying and ended up with a list that fell into one of three categories: the old-school, the modern F2P wave, and the promising Asian imports. Read on to see the possible paths for my future, and choose wisely -- I'm counting on you!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Insert cartridge

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Insert cartridge originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atari-2600choose-my-adventurecmafeaturedhands-onopinionpollpollsreaders-choicevotevotingWed, 07 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Playing same gender vs. opposite gender]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/leaderboard-playing-same-gender-vs-opposite-gender/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/leaderboard-playing-same-gender-vs-opposite-gender/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/leaderboard-playing-same-gender-vs-opposite-gender/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Leaderboard
It amazes me that I still get weird looks/comments in 2012 whenever I mention that I typically play a female character even though I live and breathe pure testosterone. My wife used to rib me about it, but then she rolled a male Sith Warrior in SWTOR, decked him out with tattoos, and said, "This? Here? Is a REAL MAN. And now I'm going to spend 300 hours with him." This will probably come up in our marriage counseling sessions at some point in the future.

In any case, I thought we were past the era when rolling a character of the opposite gender was an oddity, but these discussions over whether or not this is appropriate or weird roll through the community more regularly than the tide. Some people simply identify more with an avatar of the same gender, but some enjoy roleplaying into a different sex entirely.

So today's Leaderboard is real simple-like, see? Are you compelled to roll your gender in (almost) every game, or do you more often than not take walks on the wild side of the bathroom stalls? Let's hear it for the boys! Or girls!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Playing same gender vs. opposite gender

MassivelyLeaderboard: Playing same gender vs. opposite gender originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalgenderleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionopposite-genderpollpollssame-genderversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 05 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Should players get a vote on content?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/the-daily-grind-should-players-get-a-vote-on-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/the-daily-grind-should-players-get-a-vote-on-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/the-daily-grind-should-players-get-a-vote-on-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Glitch
Nevermind games with complicated player councils -- TinySpeck's browser sandbox Glitch puts the power in the hands of the people. The game is free-to-play and back in beta, but once the game relaunches, those who've subscribed can make use of their accrued benefits, which include up to five votes per month in dev-led referenda on the game's content. Players can save their votes up and then cast them all at once or one at a time on whatever issues they feel deserve prioritization, although it's the devs, not the players, who will decide what each referendum entails.

So what do you think -- is it a good idea to let players vote (or pay to vote) on what content makes it into a game?

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: Should players get a vote on content? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrianna-royce-tdgbrowserf2pfree-to-playglitchopinionpay-to-votereferendumsandboxsubscriptiontdgthe-daily-grindtinyspeckvotevotingMon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Mainland in black]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/choose-my-adventure-mainland-in-black/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/choose-my-adventure-mainland-in-black/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/choose-my-adventure-mainland-in-black/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

These changing headers worked out well. I'm doing this again next time.
One of the comments from last week's Choose My Adventure suggested that I must not be enjoying Ryzom all that much. That isn't entirely accurate, but it would be accurate to say that the charm of the starter island has worn out its welcome and then some, which wouldn't surprise anyone, given that last week's poll wound up in a decisive victory for leaving the island and heading out to the mainland. And while there may have been some business left unfinished there, I'm not one to ignore the rule of the polls.

And so it was that Corlede obeyed the will of the people and headed off for the Zorai city. Once there, I set about the important business of getting Corlede outfitted, taking some advice, and assembling a team to plant an idea inside the head of a talking lion meant to represent a well-known religious figure. Or something like that.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Mainland in black

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Mainland in black originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armorchoose-my-adventurecmacolumnenvironmentsexplorationexploringfeaturedgame-mechanicshands-onjourneyingopinionpollpollsreaders-choiceryzomthe-saga-of-ryzomvotevotingwinch-gate-propertyWed, 22 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How do you like your MMOs? Let us know!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/how-do-you-like-your-mmos-let-us-know/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/how-do-you-like-your-mmos-let-us-know/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/how-do-you-like-your-mmos-let-us-know/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vote in our Survey
Last year around this time, we asked you to voice your opinion on certain aspects of Massively that you liked or disliked at the time. This year, we're asking for you to take a few moments to answer some questions about the games you like or don't like. We know that many of you are into the latest and greatest, while others are into the classics, and still others don't even play MMOs at all. This fascinates us, and we want to know more about your preferences. The survey is optional, it's completely anonymous, and it will help us evaluate what types of MMO and gaming topics most interest our readers.

To participate, head over to our survey page and answer the questions listed. We appreciate your help in making Massively the best MMO website for its readers!

To the survey!

MassivelyHow do you like your MMOs? Let us know! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>how-do-you-mmomassively-metaopinionpollpollssurveyvotevotingwe-want-your-opinionTue, 21 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Leveling vs. endgame]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/leaderboard-leveling-vs-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/leaderboard-leveling-vs-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/leaderboard-leveling-vs-endgame/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Leaderboard
It's the eternal debate that's occupied our attention on so many episodes of Massively Speaking that we had to bring it to you, the impartial judges and juries of the MMO world. What is better and more enjoyable: the leveling journey or the endgame activities?

In my opinion, it's all about the journey up through the levels. You're constantly traveling through new regions and vistas, watching your character increase in power and abilities. It's almost like a movie, in which the young inexperienced hero heads out for a life-changing quest.

But others claim that the endgame is where the true MMO experience lies. It's here that your character finally has a full range of his/her/its abilities and is able to tackle the toughest challenges and most epic confrontations in the game.

So let's see how this pans out in the public arena. Which aspect of MMOs gets your motor running? Which is where the true spirit of gaming rests? Vote, and live a life free of regrets!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Leveling vs. endgame

MassivelyLeaderboard: Leveling vs. endgame originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>end-gameendgamefeaturedleaderboardlevelingleveling-journeyleveling-processmassively-speakingopinionpollpollingpollsquigleyvotevotervotingMon, 20 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Quest rhythm]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/choose-my-adventure-quest-rhythm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/choose-my-adventure-quest-rhythm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/choose-my-adventure-quest-rhythm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Not pictured: Corlede being tied up by Zorai cavalry and insisting that they call her Dances with Bodoc.
Questing is an essential part of MMOs. You can say that players should be the ones crafting stories in games, not the developers, but quests provide you with structure and guidance. Even if you can create all sorts of stories on your own, it helps to know what the world is supposed to be like and how to set your own objectives. Not to mention the fact that having some sort of pointer is massively useful when you start playing.

So it makes sense to take a good look at the questing in Ryzom, even though the game definitely veers toward the "sandbox" side of the fence. Plus, questing won the poll last week, so even if I thought quests were categorical garbage, that would still be my destination. I can't run you through all of the quests that I've done in the game, but one in particular lent itself to a narrative, albeit in a somewhat disjointed form.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Quest rhythm

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Quest rhythm originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anecdoteschoose-my-adventurecmacolumndesignfeaturedhands-onhumoropinionpollpollsquestquestingquestsreaders-choiceryzomvotevotingwinch-gate-propertyWed, 15 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online jazzes up website, opens CSM application process]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/eve-online-jazzes-up-website-opens-csm-application-process/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/eve-online-jazzes-up-website-opens-csm-application-process/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/eve-online-jazzes-up-website-opens-csm-application-process/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EVE Online
If EVE Online's website were a teenage girl in a movie -- and we're not for a moment suggesting that it's not -- today is the day she'd go through one of those peppy makeover montages and ultimately reveal the beauty that was there all along (just in hiding -- stupid glasses). The new design is up for the world to see, sporting a sleek sexiness along with an interesting ticker relating the latest and greatest from the game. CCP is hoping that the redesign will come off as more "user friendly" for newbies.

In other EVE news, CCP will begin accepting applications tonight for the Council of Stellar Management (CSM). The process is quite involved: Players will apply until the 22nd, after which nominations will be pulled from the list and then community voting will commence. If you're interested in becoming a major voice of the community by advising CCP in EVE's development, then you'd do well to check out the list of candidacy qualifications and get your app in on time!

[Thanks to Xilmar for the tip!]

MassivelyEVE Online jazzes up website, opens CSM application process originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>candidacyccpccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmeveeve-onlinemakeover-montagenominationsredesignvotingwebsitewebsite-redesignTue, 07 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Mining vs. woodcutting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/leaderboard-mining-vs-woodcutting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/leaderboard-mining-vs-woodcutting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/leaderboard-mining-vs-woodcutting/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Leaderboard
Oh, don't you scoff at today's topic. I can hear you, harrumphing with seeming impatience at what you consider to be activities beneath your stature. Perhaps the idea of putting in an honest day's hard work in an MMO is abhorrent to you -- after all, that's why you have servants, right? But there are those of us who know the value of soil, stone, and wood.

So today we turn our gaze away from manslaughter and onto gathering natural resources. In most MMOs, two harvesting professions come almost standard with any title: mining and woodcutting (or, if you're feeling Monty Pythonish, lumberjacking). Which is more noble and more worthwhile to pursue?

Mining has the appeal of precious metals and the near-universal utility of these resources in a wide range of crafting recipes, but one must not underestimate how essential wood is. After all, can you imagine swords without hilts, ships without hulls, or campfires that had to resort to burning dung every night in lieu of a better fuel source? Inconceivable!

Get your hands dirty today and vote on the better career path for the burly outdoorsman or woman!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Mining vs. woodcutting

MassivelyLeaderboard: Mining vs. woodcutting originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingfeaturedforestingharvestingim-a-lumberjack-and-thats-okleaderboardlumberjacklumberjackingminingmonty-pythonopinionpollvotevotersvotingwoodcuttingMon, 06 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Atys refugee blues]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/choose-my-adventure-atys-refugee-blues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/choose-my-adventure-atys-refugee-blues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/choose-my-adventure-atys-refugee-blues/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Being able to animate your character during creation is a nice touch.
Last week's polls were enough for me to get started in the world of Ryzom over the weekend, so I took my first steps back into the game that I haven't played for quite some time. I still remembered how some of it worked, thankfully, but there were a lot of elements that I'd almost completely forgotten. And while I'm still knee-deep in the starter area, I've played enough to at least get some starter impressions.

But let's make this a full narrative, yes? When we left off, the group verdict was that I would be starting out as a Zorai with the Magic starter package based off of a female Shakespearean tragic character. And thus, with only a little extra effort, Corlede was born into the world of Ryzom. The character creator offers a variety of features, allowing you to select your character's build in fine detail but offering a strange lack of certain other options. There are also some odd constraints on character types -- you find yourself always locked within a certain general band of height, for instance, so there are no really tall Trykers.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Atys refugee blues

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Atys refugee blues originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmacolumncolumnsculturedirectionfeaturedgame-mechanicshands-onlevelingopinionoverviewpollpollsreaders-choiceryzomstartingstarting-areathe-saga-of-ryzomvotevotingwinch-gatewinch-gate-productions-limitedWed, 01 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Battle of the Bards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/leaderboard-battle-of-the-bards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/leaderboard-battle-of-the-bards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/leaderboard-battle-of-the-bards/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Leaderboard: World of Warcraft
I have to say, I'm just always fascinated by Bards (and Bard-type classes) in MMOs. They seem so odd juxtaposed with steely warriors and mystic wizards that half the time I think they're a running joke that somewhere along the line people started taking seriously. I mean, pulling out a guitar in the middle of a gang gunfight in Chicago is a good way to ruin a perfectly good musical instrument, but in fantasy worlds this sort of thing happens and nobody even blinks. In some places, a fully decked-out hair metal band can wreck havoc on any raid boss.

Bards appeal to the contrarian in us, with the attitude of "it's OK to be a jack of all trades, as long as you're rocking a sweet axe." In some MMOs their music is used to conjure up buffs, while in others their notes cause aural damage on the level of Ke$ha to monsters. Have family members who keep telling you to turn that racket down? Bards in games are constantly told to crank it up -- and play multiple songs simultaneously, if at all possible. Plus, Bards are not unknown to the ways of the sword, which always amuses group leaders who now have a squishy character charging into combat shouting, "Stab! Stabby stab!"

Today is a first, as we're giving you more than one choice for Leaderboard voting. Please don't pass out. It's a Battle of the Bards, with most of the major MMOs reporting in for duty! Which Bard tops them all? Cast your vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Battle of the Bards

MassivelyLeaderboard: Battle of the Bards originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bardbardsbattle-of-the-bardsentertainerfeaturedguitarkeshaleaderboardluteminstrelmusicmusic-attackopinionpollskaldtroubadourvotevotesvotingMon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: So long, Lineage II]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/choose-my-adventure-so-long-lineage-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/choose-my-adventure-so-long-lineage-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/choose-my-adventure-so-long-lineage-ii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Screenshot Lineage 2
I'm here at the end of the line. Six weeks and 48 levels brings me to the close of my time on Choose My Adventure with Lineage II. It became a little grindy toward the end, but that's due to my inability to find a group, something that's important in order to experience some of the content. When I began this little adventure, I knew nothing of Lineage II. I'm walking away a regular player who's looking forward to trying out the numerous PvP options. I wanted to finish this ride with a bang, and I was lucky enough to be ending after a siege weekend.

Lineage II has some rather involved sieges and other PvP content that should please many players at mid- to high-level. I was a litle confused at first, but I was able to use the broadcast crystal to watch some siege gameplay. This final farewell covers a lot of PvP in the game, so buckle up!

Gallery: CMA: Lineage 2

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: So long, Lineage II

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: So long, Lineage II originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmaf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgalleriesgallerygoddess-of-destructionhands-onjeremy-strattonlineage-2lineage-iincsoftncsoft-westopinionpath-to-awakeningpollpollsreaders-choicescreenshotscreenshotsvotevotingWed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: How Lineage II feels to a Western newcomer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/choose-my-adventure-how-lineage-ii-feels-to-a-western-newcomer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/choose-my-adventure-how-lineage-ii-feels-to-a-western-newcomer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/choose-my-adventure-how-lineage-ii-feels-to-a-western-newcomer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Lineage 2 screenshot
We're down to the wire for Lineage II's Choose My Adventure, with one more week to go. My Abyss Walker quickly rushed to the 40s, at which point leveling has slowed down considerably. I've talked about pets, explored (only a fraction of) the countryside, and touched on crafting and other features. What else could we possibly talk about?

I haven't really shared a lot of my experiences with my character class or how the class-transfers and skills affect my overall enjoyment of Lineage II. My third class-transfer is set in stone thanks to your poll choices and the game mechanics; now that I'm an Abyss Walker, I'm locked-in to become a Ghost Hunter, which makes sense. Ghost Hunter is melee, like my Abyss Walker. I can't really jump ship at this point and go ranged. So let's look a little more at my character, what the future could hold for him in terms of more class-transfers, and my opinions on non-situational combat and how that makes the game feel to me.

Gallery: CMA: Lineage 2

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: How Lineage II feels to a Western newcomer

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: How Lineage II feels to a Western newcomer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmaf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgalleriesgallerygoddess-of-destructionhands-onjeremy-strattonlineagelineage-2lineage-iincsoftncsoft-westopinionpath-to-awakeningpollpollsreaders-choicescreenshotscreenshotsvotevotingWed, 04 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: 2011 vs. 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/leaderboard-2011-vs-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/leaderboard-2011-vs-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/leaderboard-2011-vs-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Leaderboard
The past vs. the future. The Year of the Rabbit vs. the Year of the Dragon. In short, 2011 vs. 2012 -- which will ultimately prove to be the better year for MMOs?

Oh sure, you might say it's unfair to compare a known quantity with an unknown one, but since when has that stopped MMO players from prognosticating the definitive outcome of everything within a 0.0001% margin of error?

2011 was light on major releases, but the ones it did have were certainly significant. Plus, it was a year of major change in the industry as free-to-play spread its tendrils everywhere, studios took risks on new ideas, and if you could get past the loud whining in one corner you'd see millions upon millions of happy gamers flocking to these games daily.

Then again, 2012 could be the real deal, the contender for which we've all been waiting. It could see several big AAA releases even as the industry tries to branch out from the established ruts of the past. It's a year full of potential, promise, and play, and it's out there waiting for you.

Ultimately, which do you think will go down in history as the better year? Vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: 2011 vs. 2012

MassivelyLeaderboard: 2011 vs. 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112012f2pfeaturedfree-to-playleaderboardopinionpollpollingprognisticatingsoesony-online-entertainmentsurveyvotevotingyear-in-advanceyear-in-reviewyear-of-the-dragonyear-of-the-rabbitMon, 02 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Post-Christmas update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/choose-my-adventure-post-christmas-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/choose-my-adventure-post-christmas-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/choose-my-adventure-post-christmas-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A turkey and ham coma, family soiree, and the biggest calendar holiday of the year have left my Lineage II escapades a wee bit smaller this week, but not without some fun happenings. Speaking of holidays, I hope everyone had a terrific one!

Random events, miraculously revived dead pets, more amazing scenery, and lots of killing are on deck in today's Choose My Adventure. It turns out that I am terrible at raising my pet wolf and even got into an accidental scuffle with another player that left her pet dead and me even deader. I returned to the Path to Awakening because that's what you voted for last week. I've also neared the end of the uber-fast leveling cycle via quests and am turning to grinding for the majority of my experience gain. The fun-level has yet to dip for me; there's higher level gameplay I'm really hoping to dip my dagger into, and I'm curious to see what level I can reach by the end of this trip. As always, check out the extensive gallery and livestreams, and tune in to MV Guide to see when my next livestream will be.

Gallery: CMA: Lineage 2

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Post-Christmas update

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Post-Christmas update originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurechristmascmacraftingf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgalleriesgallerygoddess-of-destructionhands-onjeremy-strattonl2lineagelineage-2lineage-iincsoftncsoft-westopinionpath-to-awakeningpollpollsreaders-choicescreenshotscreenshotsvotevotingWed, 28 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Exploration week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/choose-my-adventure-exploration-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/choose-my-adventure-exploration-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/choose-my-adventure-exploration-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Lineage 2 screenshot
From desert wastelands and salty shorelines to plateaus and ocean floors, I've been busy traveling in Aden, and I've seen but a glimpse of the entire continent. Last week, you voted for me to stray from the Path to Awakening and explore the world in Lineage II, and I've been having a blast doing just that.

I discovered a monster racetrack, ran into raid bosses in the middle of nowhere, discovered a vast undersea temple, and so much more. I've also added 47 more screenshots to the gallery, uploaded a walkabout video, and have another livestream this week. We still aren't done yet. There are more chances for you to decide my fate in this week's Choose My Adventure.

Gallery: CMA: Lineage 2

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Exploration week

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Exploration week originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmaf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgalleriesgallerygoddess-of-destructionhands-onjeremy-strattonl2lineagelineage-2lineage-iincsoftncsoft-westopinionpath-to-awakeningpollpollsreaders-choicescreenshotscreenshotsvideovideosvotevotingWed, 21 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST