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[Dawn of Fantasy shows off the Online Kingdoms mode]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/dawn-of-fantasy-shows-off-the-online-kingdoms-mode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/dawn-of-fantasy-shows-off-the-online-kingdoms-mode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/dawn-of-fantasy-shows-off-the-online-kingdoms-mode/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

War is not super-pretty even in a fantasy world.
If you've followed stories on Dawn of Fantasy, you know that the game offers an MMORTS mode in addition to its offline modes. What you may not know is exactly how the MMO side of gameplay works out in practice, and that's the sort of thing that's really important to know before you dive into a game. The team at Reverie World Studios has helpfully put together a video diary detailing the Online Kingdoms mode, showing off how players can experience the game in a persistent online world.

The focus of the game, naturally, is on creating and running one's own city; it takes some time to turn your plot of land into a functional city, and in the midst of all that you still have troops to recruit, train, and improve. It's a mixture of quest-based gameplay and more traditional RTS mechanics, but you don't need to take our word for it. Jump past the break to watch the full video and see if it looks like the right mix of both tastes for you.

[Source: Reverie World Studios press release]

Continue reading Dawn of Fantasy shows off the Online Kingdoms mode

MassivelyDawn of Fantasy shows off the Online Kingdoms mode originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505505-gamesdawn-of-fantasymechanicsmmortsmode-walkthroughonline-playonline-strategyreverie-worldreverie-world-studiosrtsvideovideo-documentaryvideoswalkthroughTue, 10 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest: Veil of Alaris walkthrough video highlights the Pillars of Alra]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/everquest-veil-of-alaris-walkthrough-video-highlights-the-pilla/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/everquest-veil-of-alaris-walkthrough-video-highlights-the-pilla/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/everquest-veil-of-alaris-walkthrough-video-highlights-the-pilla/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- EverQuest: Veil of Alaris
EverQuest: Veil of Alaris is only about a week from release, and SOE is keeping the hype train a-goin' with a new zone walkthrough video. This time around, the focus is on a zone known as the Pillars of Alra, where each of the eponymous pillars of the zone is dedicated to a different school of magic. To get a look at the new zone and hear what the designers of the Pillar of Alra have to say about the area, head on past the cut and check out the video.

Continue reading EverQuest: Veil of Alaris walkthrough video highlights the Pillars of Alra

MassivelyEverQuest: Veil of Alaris walkthrough video highlights the Pillars of Alra originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeverquestexpansionexpansionspillars-of-alrasoesony-online-entertainmentveil-of-alarisvideovideoswalkthroughzone-previewzone-walkthroughMon, 07 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2011: SWTOR video guides us through the Eternity Vault]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/pax-2011-swtor-video-guides-us-through-the-eternity-vault/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/pax-2011-swtor-video-guides-us-through-the-eternity-vault/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/pax-2011-swtor-video-guides-us-through-the-eternity-vault/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

PAX 2011: SWOTR Infernal One
Who lies at the bottom of the Eternity Vault? Thanks to the commentary in the latest Star Wars: The Old Republic developer walkthrough, we now know that an ancient Rakata warlord named the Infernal One is held captive in this ancient prison. Director of Production and part-time superhero Dallas Dickinson explains that it took an army to take down this being the last time he arose, yet for some reason a group of eight can do it now. Yes, our characters are really that awesome in TOR.

In the video, Dickinson guides us through the first two encounters: battles against two massive defense turrets and a rocket-launching gigantic droid. The turret encounter employs intense raid mechanics, like dual-tanking and crowd control, whereas the giant droid requires stay-out-of-the-green-stuff maneuvers and line-of-sight avoidance techniques. Beyond those two encounters, the Operation is a mystery. However, we catch glimpses of a couple of giant monsters and the final boss using the Force to toss giant columns around the room!

After the break, check out the 10-minute video walkthrough and let us know what you think in the comments. And of course, you know SWTOR is at PAX, where we have just barely started our coverage of the event. Stay tuned here as we will feature more impressions and interviews in the not-too distant future.

Massively's on the ground in Seattle during the weekend of August 26-28, bringing you all the best news from PAX Prime 2011. Whether you're dying to know more about SWTOR, Guild Wars 2, City of Heroes, or any MMO in between, you can bet we'll have it covered!

Continue reading PAX 2011: SWTOR video guides us through the Eternity Vault

MassivelyPAX 2011: SWTOR video guides us through the Eternity Vault originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredallas-dickinsondev-diarydeveloper-diaryEAElectronic-Artseternity-vaultLucasArtsPAXpax-2011pax-primepax-prime-2011raidraid-mechanicsStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-infernal-onethe-old-republictortrailervideowalkthroughFri, 26 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rusty Hearts' closed beta swings into phase 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/rusty-hearts-closed-beta-swings-into-phase-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/rusty-hearts-closed-beta-swings-into-phase-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/rusty-hearts-closed-beta-swings-into-phase-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rusty Hearts
It's an exciting time for the hyper-kinetic Rusty Hearts, as the title is not only moving into its second closed beta phase today but ramping up for a blockbuster appearance at this week's PAX.

Perfect World is upping the ante for potential testers, offering a free costume item for those who log into the game in the first 12 hours. This costume piece will persist through open beta, so there's no worry it's going away anytime soon.

Rusty Hearts' closed beta phase 2 is also increasing the amount of content available in the game, including a complete town restructure, a fine-tuning of the PvP system, the ability to compare yourself to other players, a side quest system, a revamp of the skill tree, advanced crafting, and unique cosmetic looks for crafted weapons.

If you don't have the pleasure of attending PAX, the Rusty Hearts dev team has a present for you anyway: the full PAX walkthrough video that will be on display at the convention. You can check it out after the jump!

Continue reading Rusty Hearts' closed beta swings into phase 2

MassivelyRusty Hearts' closed beta swings into phase 2 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betaclosed-beta-phase-2costumecostume-itempaxpax-2011pax-primepax-prime-2011perfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpromotionpwerevamprusty-heartsside-quest-systemskill-treevideo-walkthroughwalkthroughThu, 25 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Into the depths of Toto-Rak]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/the-mog-log-into-the-depths-of-toto-rak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/the-mog-log-into-the-depths-of-toto-rak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/the-mog-log-into-the-depths-of-toto-rak/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Aw, jeez. Not only do I have an extant interesting question posed to me by a reader, I had another interesting question posed to me over the course of the last week. They're both questions that deserve a lengthy answer, with the full complexity and subtlety of a column devoted to them.

But I'm not going to be talking about either of them this week.

See, I had the good fortune to run through the Thousand Maws of Toto-Rak while it's still pretty much new content. And there's some confusing stuff going on in there, some awesome moments, and more to the point no hard written information in a central space to refer back to. So I figured this would be as good a time as any to put together my notes about Final Fantasy XIV's lower-level raid for public viewing, so that other players can hopefully assemble a more definitive guide over time. And besides, who wouldn't want to talk about a dungeon that sees you exploring the Empire's chthonian machinations?

Continue reading The Mog Log: Into the depths of Toto-Rak

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Into the depths of Toto-Rak originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columncontentdungeondungeon-mechanicsdungeon-walkthroughfeaturedffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.18final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgroup-contentnew-contentopinionraidsquaresquare-enixthe-mog-logwalkthroughSat, 30 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR walks us through the Flashpoint 'Esseles']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/swtor-walks-us-through-the-flashpoint-esseles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/swtor-walks-us-through-the-flashpoint-esseles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/swtor-walks-us-through-the-flashpoint-esseles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BioWare and LucasArts have said since the first announcement of Star Wars: The Old Republic that choices will matter. No one witnessed that more than visitors to the BioWare booth at San Diego Comic-Con. These fans had to choose between saving the engineering crew or saving the bridge crew in the Flashpoint called The Esseles.

In this fast-paced instance, you and your party are trapped aboard the Republic cruiser called the Esseles. Like Darth Vader asking for the ambassador on board the Corellian Corvette at the beginning of A New Hope, the commander of an Imperial Star Destroyer in this Flashpoint is also seeking a Republic ambassador. The difference here is the Imperial forces haven't boarded yet. It is your job to hold them off.

After the break, catch the full 13-and-a-half-minute walkthrough narrated by Director of Production Dallas Dickinson, sans epic beard unfortunately.

Continue reading SWTOR walks us through the Flashpoint 'Esseles'

MassivelySWTOR walks us through the Flashpoint 'Esseles' originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarechoicesdallas-dickinsondungeonEAElectronic-ArtsesselesflashpointinstanceLucasArtsrepublicsan-diego-comic-consan-diego-comic-con-2011sdccsdcc-2011Star-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorwalkthroughFri, 29 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prime: Battle for Dominus shows off new gameplay videos]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/prime-battle-for-dominus-shows-off-new-gameplay-videos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/prime-battle-for-dominus-shows-off-new-gameplay-videos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/16/prime-battle-for-dominus-shows-off-new-gameplay-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Fresh from yesterday's Pitchblack Games dev chat, we have some new gameplay videos from the studio's upcoming sci-fi MMO Prime: Battle for Dominus. The two five-minute-long videos feature pure, delicious gameplay to tease fans as they await the release of the PvP-oriented title.

The first video walks players through Prime's character creation and gives a sneak peek at what can be expected from character customization. The second of the two videos focuses on actual gameplay as the devs take a new character out into the world of Prime. Any Prime fan should definitely take a look at the full videos past the cut, though we can't say it'll make the wait any easier -- we just ended up wanting even more.

Continue reading Prime: Battle for Dominus shows off new gameplay videos

MassivelyPrime: Battle for Dominus shows off new gameplay videos originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-factionscharacter-creationfactionsgameplayinterfacepitchblackpitchblack-gamesprimeprime-battle-for-dominuspvpuivideovideoswalkthroughSat, 16 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Secret World dev walkthrough delves into the Savage Coast]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/new-secret-world-dev-walkthrough-delves-into-the-savage-coast/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/new-secret-world-dev-walkthrough-delves-into-the-savage-coast/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/new-secret-world-dev-walkthrough-delves-into-the-savage-coast/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

All right now, all you occultists, paranormal investigators, and conspiracy theorists, it's your turn to squeal with delight. Funcom has treated the world to a spankin'-new dev walkthrough of The Secret World's Savage Coast instance. You may remember we got our first look at the Savage Coast at the beginning of the month. Now, we get to go in for a first-hand look at just what makes this coast so savage.

The walkthrough -- which is so expansive it has to be presented in three parts -- begins with our dev tour-guides Martin Bruusgaard (Lead Designer) and Joel Bylos (Lead Content Designer) jumping into the dungeon linked to the Solomon Island zone, which they note is the first that players will encounter as they play through The Secret World. After a short preview of the quest-receiving experience (which includes voice acting that's rather good, especially for a game still in development), it descends into a rollercoaster ride into the mouth of madness.

The developers take on the Draugh (undead Norse warriors out for vengeance) and their masters throughout the course of the dungeon, which culminates in a scene straight out of Lovecraft's best. We'd hate to spoil the whole thing for you (and it's so long we really don't have the space!), but believe us, it's well worth the watch for any TSW fan. So head on past the cut for the full walkthrough videos!

Continue reading New Secret World dev walkthrough delves into the Savage Coast

MassivelyNew Secret World dev walkthrough delves into the Savage Coast originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cthulhu-fhtagndev-tourdev-walkthroughdraughdungeonfuncominstancejoel-byloslovecraftlovecraftianmartin-bruusgaardsavage-coastsweet-merciful-god-what-is-thatthe-savage-coastthe-secret-worldtswvideovideoswalkthroughFri, 08 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How dependent are you on internet guides?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/the-daily-grind-how-dependent-are-you-on-internet-guides/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/the-daily-grind-how-dependent-are-you-on-internet-guides/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/the-daily-grind-how-dependent-are-you-on-internet-guides/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Allow me to indulge in my old-timey voice. Back in the day, we didn't have no dang internets to hold our hands through every twist and turn of them videotronic games. No, we got through by the pluck in our spines, the sheer focus of 10-hour gaming sessions, and the frantic calls to our friends begging for help to pass a level. OK, even by those early days, we were pretty weak when it came to tough spots in games, but still -- it was nothing compared to what we see today.

Times have changed, but our desire to bypass difficult sections of games has not. If we can't cheat our way past it, we'll gladly leap to any aid that presents itself, whether it's a strategy guide, a walkthrough, or an elaborate database devoted to cataloguing every step of every quest in our MMOs.

Today is an honesty check for you: How dependent are you on spoilers to get through quests when you get stuck? Do you try to puzzle things out for yourself, or is your first instinct to tab out and look up the solution? For bonus discussion, does this mean that it's impossible for devs to really surprise us anymore?

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: How dependent are you on internet guides? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>databaseguidesopinionspoilersstrategy-guidestrategy-guidestdgthe-daily-guidevideotronicwalkthroughFri, 17 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion Worlds takes players on a tour of RIFT's upcoming Hammerknell raid]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/trion-worlds-takes-players-on-a-tour-of-rifts-upcoming-hammerkn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/trion-worlds-takes-players-on-a-tour-of-rifts-upcoming-hammerkn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/trion-worlds-takes-players-on-a-tour-of-rifts-upcoming-hammerkn/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ia! Ia! Akylios f'htagn! You may have (read: should have, and if you haven't go do so now) seen our hands-on impressions article covering the new raid coming with RIFT's patch 1.3, Waves of Madness. The instance takes place inside of the abandoned Dwarven city of Hammerknell, where Akylios -- the Dragon of the plane of water and the object of worship of the Abyssal Cult -- has long been imprisoned. The cult has now breached the ancient stronghold and is in the process of awakening its aquatic master.

In a new walkthrough video from Trion Worlds, VP of Development Russ Brown gives RIFT players a sneak-peek at the world event that will accompany the opening of Hammerknell's long-sealed doors. Once the doors have been opened, we're treated to a tour of the halls of the city itself, where the ghosts of fallen Dwarves and Abyssal cultists alike stand to prevent Telara's heroes from interrupting Akylios' awakening. The video shows off four of the raid's bosses, including Akylios himself, so those of you wanting to avoid spoilers can consider yourselves warned. Russ also takes some time to stop and admire the hauntingly lovely architecture and lighting of the deserted city, which is truly stunning. Any RIFT players who don't mind a few minor spoilers and who want to get a look at the upcoming content can click on past the cut for the full video.

Continue reading Trion Worlds takes players on a tour of RIFT's upcoming Hammerknell raid

MassivelyTrion Worlds takes players on a tour of RIFT's upcoming Hammerknell raid originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.310-man-raid10-person-raid25-man-raid25-person-raidabyssal-cultakyliosdev-walkthroughhammerknelllovecraftianpatch-1.3raidriftrift-planes-of-telararuss-browntriontrion-worldsvideovideoswalkthroughwaves-of-madnessSat, 11 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Guide to Aion's Esoterrace instance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/massively-exclusive-guide-to-aions-esoterrace-instance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/massively-exclusive-guide-to-aions-esoterrace-instance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/massively-exclusive-guide-to-aions-esoterrace-instance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively's exclusive Aion info is back for another encore, and today we've got an in-depth walkthrough of the new Esoterrace instance for your viewing pleasure. Esoterrace is a level 50 dungeon coming to the live servers with next week's 2.5 update, and we've teamed with NCsoft to bring you the instance's first complete guide.

The dungeon is designed for full groups and is accessed via a rift inside the factional fortresses of Gelkmaros and Inggison. Players will only be able to enter Esoterrace if their faction controls one or more of the Balaurean forts, so get out there and take the fight to the Asmos (or Elyos) when the patch drops next Wednesday.

Esoterrace is a large zone featuring windstream transportation, a number of challenging mob types, and a final boss, Kexkra, who can be fought in either normal- or hard-mode. The zone also features a number of easter eggs and hidden treasure chests, so head past the cut to start your preparations.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Guide to Aion's Esoterrace instance

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Guide to Aion's Esoterrace instance originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5aionaion-2.5atreiadungeon-guidesdungeonsesoterraceesoterrace-guideesoterrace-instanceesoterrace-walkthroughexclusivefantasygame-guidesguideguideskexkrancsoftwalkthroughwindstreamszone-guideszonesWed, 18 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Your guide to the Refuge of the Apostate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/the-anvil-of-crom-a-guide-to-the-refuge-of-the-apostate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/the-anvil-of-crom-a-guide-to-the-refuge-of-the-apostate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/the-anvil-of-crom-a-guide-to-the-refuge-of-the-apostate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Wow, I've completely forgotten how to play my Demo. Due to recent adventures in Bear Shaman land, my level 80 Age of Conan characters have been collecting quite a bit of dust. I haven't really missed them yet, either, as the Shaman is a heck of a lot more enjoyable than I expected. That said, he's only 35, and therefore he's out of the running when it comes to showing me through the new Refuge of the Apostate dungeon content that Funcom released a few days back.

Join me after the cut as I get reacquainted with spamming shockstrike and running around with various succubi pets and a severe outbreak of particle effects. I might even be persuaded to offer up a proper guide for the new dungeon (and some review commentary) as well.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Your guide to the Refuge of the Apostate

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Your guide to the Refuge of the Apostate originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conananvil-of-cromanvil-of-crom-guidesaoccorpse-walkerdemodemonologistdungeon-guidefeaturedfuncomgame-guideguideguideskara-korumlevel-80-dungeonopinionpverefuge-corpse-walkerrefuge-of-the-apostaterefuge-of-the-apostate-guidescarlet-circlesolosolo-contentsolo-dungeonthe-anvil-of-cromtian-baitsaichinwalkthroughSun, 17 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: TERA Smuggler's Hideout video details party dynamics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-tera-smugglers-hideout-video-details-party-dynamics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-tera-smugglers-hideout-video-details-party-dynamics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/gdc-2011-tera-smugglers-hideout-video-details-party-dynamics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

GDC 2011 has come and gone, but the next week promises to bring a ton of additional coverage from the recently concluded show. GameTrailers has weighed in with its new video recap of En Masse Entertainment's TERA presentation, which took the form of a demo party running through the Smuggler's Hideout dungeon.

You may remember Smuggler's Hideout from our own GDC coverage last week, and now you can feast your eyes on the visuals as well as a few of the party dynamics that TERA brings to the table. The gameplay is narrated by associate producer Stefan Ramirez, and he highlights the different class roles, paying particular attention to the Priest character he's controlling.

TERA's action combat features a bit of a learning curve if you're used to traditional MMORPG healer classes. You can't tab target your group mates and spam heal buttons, and you'll need to move around quite a bit in order to maximize your AoEs and avoid taking damage. Check out all the details after the break.

Continue reading GDC 2011: TERA Smuggler's Hideout video details party dynamics

MassivelyGDC 2011: TERA Smuggler's Hideout video details party dynamics originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-combaten-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygame-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2011smugglers-hideoutstefan-ramirezteratera-onlinetrailersvideowalkthroughMon, 07 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: A quick and dirty guide to Area 51]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/alter-ego-a-quick-and-dirty-guide-to-area-51/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/alter-ego-a-quick-and-dirty-guide-to-area-51/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/alter-ego-a-quick-and-dirty-guide-to-area-51/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When it comes to taking your first steps in DC Universe Online, the sheer amount of different types of missions and objectives can be a bit daunting. "What is this Alert thing sitting in my quest log?" you might say. "What does it do? It is PvP? PvE? What's the point of doing an Alert?" Well, to help demystify some of DC Universe Online's content for you, I wanted to offer up a basic overview to the very first in-game Alert: Area 51. However, knowing that some of you have already run this instance, I also wanted to make it useful for those who may have popped in but not spent a great deal of time in the zone. That's why this post not only contains a first-timer's overview of this Alert but also gives more advanced players a handy guide to all the Investigations, Player Briefings and Collections -- as well as a couple of other things I found in the Area 51 zone that might have been missed otherwise.

Ready to dig in and help beat Brainiac back from trying to take over? Curious about what kind of extra goodies can be gained? Join me after the break as I take some of the mystery out of the notorious Area 51!

Continue reading Alter-Ego: A quick and dirty guide to Area 51

MassivelyAlter-Ego: A quick and dirty guide to Area 51 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alertarea-51bluebrainiaccadmuscadmus-research-findingscollectioncollectionsdc-universe-onlinedcuoglobal-briefingglobal-investigationsgreengroup-contentguideinstanceinvestigationinvestigationsinvestivationlevel-10normalplayer-briefingplayer-briefssoesony-online-entertainmentwalkthroughwelcome-to-groom-lakeyellowSat, 12 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV covers the basics of healing and fighting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/final-fantasy-xiv-covers-the-basics-of-healing-and-fighting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/final-fantasy-xiv-covers-the-basics-of-healing-and-fighting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/final-fantasy-xiv-covers-the-basics-of-healing-and-fighting/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The toothy fellow heading the page might seem rather unfriendly, or he might just seem in need of a good joke or two. But rest assured that if you see him in Final Fantasy XIV, any jokes you tell will feature him consuming your flesh as a punchline. The newest dispatch covering game basics has just gone live on the official player site, this time discussing combat, engaging targets, and the difference between active and passive modes.

Along with a discussion of just what advantages active mode offers when you're not in combat (slower TP decay), the dispatch also includes a small visual guide to some of the game's aggressive inhabitants. Some of them wouldn't be immediately recognizable as aggressive at first glance, making it useful to any players who haven't ventured too far from their starting city of choice. If you're still unclear about some of the basics of Final Fantasy XIV, take a look at the guide... and if you're quite clear on all of them, you can simply cross your fingers that tonight's maintenance might include a patch going live.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV covers the basics of healing and fighting originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Assault on Balaurea has been a part of Aion for nearly two months now. Are you getting bored yet? If you feel like you've done all of the new content so much that it's a snooze, get ready for a new challenge.

Beshmundir Temple is going into hard mode. Aion developers have been hard at work on this for a long time, and they've prepared a huge guide for the PowerWiki. You'll find advice, walkthroughs, details on the named bosses, and much more.

The guide will be released next week, but Massively got an exclusive look at it ahead of time. We've formatted it all up into a handy overview for you, so follow along after the jump for a look at what Beshmundir Temple hard mode has to offer!

Continue reading Exclusive: Aion's Beshmundir Temple goes hard mode

MassivelyExclusive: Aion's Beshmundir Temple goes hard mode originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-the-tower-of-eternitybeshmundir-templeboss-fightsboss-skillsdesign-docdesign-documentdeveloper-tourdeveloper-walkthroughdungeondungeonsexclusiveexclusivesfeaturedguideguideshard-modehardmodemapmapsmechanicsncsoftpveskillsstormwingstrategywalkthroughFri, 05 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[En Masse shows off PAX TERA demo video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/en-masse-shows-off-pax-tera-demo-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/en-masse-shows-off-pax-tera-demo-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/en-masse-shows-off-pax-tera-demo-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


En Masse Entertainment has taken the wraps off a lengthy video edit of their PAX Prime 2010 TERA press demonstration. If you missed the game convention, as well as our coverage of the cultist refuge, you can sample scenes from the demo that have been cut together and made available on YouTube. The video, featuring a look at several boss fights as well as the interior and exterior of the cultist's refuge, runs right at six minutes in length and is underscored by some cheeky narration courtesy of producers Sam Kim and Stefan Ramirez.

"TERA is deep, it doesn't just have a story, it is a story. Progression isn't just about levels, items, or skills but about moving the story forward and finding out more about the world and your role in it as a player," Kim notes.

In addition to the usual footage of TERA's combat, there are also some interesting shots of the environments and what looks to be harvesting mechanics in the form of butterfly gathering.

MassivelyEn Masse shows off PAX TERA demo video originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boss-fightsbutterfly-gatheringcultist-refugedemoen-masseen-masse-entertainmentharvestinglook-no-skimpy-armorpax-2010pax-prime-2010sam-kimstefan-ramirezteratera-onlinevideowalkthroughWed, 22 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Extensive TERA E3 demo video unveiled]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/extensive-tera-e3-demo-video-unveiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/extensive-tera-e3-demo-video-unveiled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/extensive-tera-e3-demo-video-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If you're a fan of TERA but weren't able to make it to E3 2010, you can still check out portions of the lengthy press demonstration video that En Masse Entertainment showcased a couple of weeks ago in Los Angeles. Gametrailers has an edited version of the video, narrated by producers Sam Kim and Stefan Ramirez, which takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of TERA's action combat as five of the game's eight classes are shown battling through a scenario to take down the evil Captain Marduck.

"Keep in mind that this isn't a trailer, it is a cut down version of our demo and it is built entirely from footage captured from one of our sessions. We're going to boil this down to a five minute recap that gives you a taste of the experience," Ramirez notes.

The video highlights the berserker, warrior, slayer, sorcerer, and priest classes. Check it out after the jump, or at Gametrailers.

Continue reading Extensive TERA E3 demo video unveiled

MassivelyExtensive TERA E3 demo video unveiled originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2010en-masseen-masse-entertainmentgameplay-demosam-kimstefan-ramirezteratera-onlinevideowalkthroughThu, 01 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Glean info in this video walkthrough of Champions Online's tutorial]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/glean-info-in-this-video-walkthrough-of-champions-onlines-tutor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/glean-info-in-this-video-walkthrough-of-champions-onlines-tutor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/glean-info-in-this-video-walkthrough-of-champions-onlines-tutor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you've been wondering what the starting area for Champions Online was like in moving pictures, you'll be happy to know that a two-part video has surfaced online for your viewing pleasure. The video is new gameplay footage blended a little bit with older trailers. Overall, if you're looking to see what the game actually looks like while being played, this video is a decent place to start.

The guy giving the tutorial demo is also kind enough to explain various aspects of the game, although we suspect many of you are already aware of what he's talking about. Still, it's a nice way to be introduced to Champions Online and definitely a good video to show a friend who knows nothing about the game. You can find both part one and two embedded after the break.

Continue reading Glean info in this video walkthrough of Champions Online's tutorial

MassivelyGlean info in this video walkthrough of Champions Online's tutorial originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribetachampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiostutorialvideowalkthroughMon, 17 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan video walks players through new Tarantia Commons zone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/age-of-conan-video-walks-players-through-new-tarantia-commons-zo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/age-of-conan-video-walks-players-through-new-tarantia-commons-zo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/age-of-conan-video-walks-players-through-new-tarantia-commons-zo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

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

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

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

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

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

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Free Realms, it's a game that defies pretty much every preconception people have about what an MMO usually is to them, and the newest video walkthrough on Gametrailers only makes that more apparent. Let's make a checklist:

  • Impressive visuals that scale on older computers? Check.
  • Small downloadable client, with streaming content tech ala Guild Wars? Check.
  • PC and PS3 versions? Check.
  • Tons of customization features for avatars? Check.
  • Pets? Check.
  • Customization for pets? Check.
  • Diablo-style combat, with lots of classes? Check.
  • Plethora of non-combat mini-games, crafting and exploring? Check.
  • Free-to-play, with optional microtransactions and/or family-friendly subscription plans? Check.
  • Business model that supports long-tail new content delivery? Check.
As you can see, there's a whole lot about Free Realms that should make it an incredibly successful venture for Sony Online Entertainment. The fact that they're taking their time and making sure the game delivers on what it promises is a commodity that we wish more companies would afford their games. Check out the second half of the walkthrough beyond the cut.

Continue reading Free Realms continues to impress in CES 2009 video walkthrough

MassivelyFree Realms continues to impress in CES 2009 video walkthrough originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingdiablofree-realmsminigamespetssoesony-online-entertainmentvideowalkthroughTue, 13 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms video walkthrough shows off unique casual play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/free-realms-video-walkthrough-shows-off-unique-casual-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/free-realms-video-walkthrough-shows-off-unique-casual-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/free-realms-video-walkthrough-shows-off-unique-casual-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


People are getting excited about Sony Online Entertainment's (SOE) upcoming Free Realms. Some think it's going to be 'the next big thing' while others remain skeptical that Free Realms will appeal to gamer demographics outside of parents and young children. It's way too soon to judge how well Free Realms will catch on, but the video previews being released of late show off what looks to be a very polished game experience.

The latest Free Realms footage comes from Eurogamer, who've gotten their hands on 10 minutes of walkthrough video. The walkthrough shows how you can change classes at will, either because you simply feel like it or to better suit the task you're trying to complete. The video shows the system of leveling up wearables, and how combat isn't needed to level at all; there are always other options available to suit different ages and playstyles. If you've been looking for a different kind of casual MMO, you may want to have a look at Eurogamer's walkthrough of Free Realms.

MassivelyFree Realms video walkthrough shows off unique casual play originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenclasseseurogamerfantasyfreefree-realmsfree-to-playkidslevelingnew-titlesreal-lifesoesonysony-online-entertainmentvideovideoswalkthroughFri, 22 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Walking through The Agency's trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/e308-walking-through-the-agencys-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/e308-walking-through-the-agencys-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/e308-walking-through-the-agencys-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


While at E3 2008, we had a great deal of time to talk to Matt Wilson, Executive Director of Development for SOE Seattle, the studio in charge of making the new MMOFPS title, The Agency. While we were sadly unable to procure the video they were showing at E3, we did manage to get oodles of pictures to help illustrate just what we were seeing. Join us now as we take you through Matt WIlson's walkthrough on this great upcoming title!

Matt Wilson: Back in the old days (which was like three years ago) we thought "hey, let's make an MMO that breaks the mold of MMOs." We had worked back in Microsoft on Asheron's Call and a variety of other games that were more geared towards the fantasy MMO space. So, we really wanted to break away from that. Our goal at the very beginning was also to attack the console as a primary platform. However, to really crack the console open, you have to design for the console. You can't just take a PC MMO and cram it onto the console.

Thus, we came up with an idea called The Agency. The whole inspiration for The Agency came from the spy and espionage genre. In all the places I've been, even internationally, everybody knows who James Bond is. It has that kind of broad appeal. It's easy for me to say "hey, what's your favorite Bond moment"; "what's a great villain that you can remember"; or "who was a femme fatale you liked?" All manner of things will come from off the top of your head when I ask those questions. So we figured if we put those elements in the game, players would be able to recognize the world right off the bat.

Continue reading E308: Walking through The Agency's trailer

MassivelyE308: Walking through The Agency's trailer originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308matt-wilsonsoethe-agencywalkthroughSun, 27 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gametrailers' video developer walkthrough for The Agency]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/gametrailers-video-developer-walkthrough-for-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/gametrailers-video-developer-walkthrough-for-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/gametrailers-video-developer-walkthrough-for-the-agency/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Whether you have or haven't heard about The Agency, chances are that you don't know too much about the actual game yet -- like most of us here at Massively. Over the past few days screenshots and videos from CES have been making their way out into the wild, but aside from that there has been little other information.

Well no more! Gametrailers has posted up a three-part video developer walkthrough (also from CES, imagine that!) of some pre-alpha gameplay footage for everyone interested to devour in a crazed frenzy. The entire gameplay footage you'll see on the screen behind the mysterious glasses-wearing-developer was captured using FRAPS. So they've went and captured actual server-time play on separate clients in Seattle and San Diego, which is promisingly honest of them in a game were lag is such a huge factor.

One thing we get to see is the character selection screen, although there is no creation screen to show. Most likely the creation process hasn't been finished (or maybe even started) yet, but promises are made towards having lots of visual options to pick for your persona. Our only concern is that he mentions we'll have to unlock said hairs, clothings, etc before we can use them, which usually means more grinding.

There's a lot to see in the three videos beyond the character screen (including some Q*bert gameplay footage?) but one aspect that really stood out to us was the whole concept of "Agent Moments" where you get to do some crazy action movie stunt. These Agent Moments are said to be either passive experiences or something more akin to God of War with timed button presses. We just hope they don't overuse the button presses too much, as they can turn from cool to annoying quick.

[via Warcry Network]

MassivelyGametrailers' video developer walkthrough for The Agency originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesfrapsplaystation-3ps3Q*bertsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencywalkthroughWed, 09 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Sarnak starter quest guide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/massively-sarnak-starter-quest-guide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/massively-sarnak-starter-quest-guide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/massively-sarnak-starter-quest-guide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Let's face it. At some point after EverQuest II receives its Rise of Kunark expansion, you'll be making a Sarnak. Sure, you may not stick with it, or even take it very far at all, but you'll want to at least see what they're like and check out their newbie area. With that in mind, we present to you this sneak peek at beginning life as a Sarnak, including a detailed walk-through of the quests, and the characters and monsters found in this first snippet of Kunark. Whether you want to use the guide to blast through the early quests, or simply check out some screenshots in our quest-guide gallery, click on through for more.

Gallery: EverQuest II: Sarnak starter guide Gallery

Chrykori Village riseCitizen Niba'OuzCiv-Parser Di'XinCollectableCollectable NPCs

Continue reading Massively Sarnak starter quest guide

MassivelyMassively Sarnak starter quest guide originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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