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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Rosh Online major content update adds more funtionality and gameplay]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/rosh-online-major-content-update-adds-more-funtionality-and-game/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/rosh-online-major-content-update-adds-more-funtionality-and-game/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/rosh-online-major-content-update-adds-more-funtionality-and-game/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/patches/" rel="tag">Patches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-play</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/rosh-online-major-content-update-adds-more-funtionality-and-game/"><img alt="Rosh Online screenshot" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/05/rosh-header.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/ignited-games">Ignited Games</a> has released a major content update to its free-to-play fantasy MMO <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/rosh-online"><em>Rosh Online</em></a> that not only adds more gameplay features but introduces a number of new systems and changes to enhance the player experience.<br />
<br />
Along with a mysterious new island and dungeons to explore, new armor and weapons, improved boss monsters, three craftable bear mounts, and an increased level cap (up to 75), this update offers more functionality with modifications to the UI, an inventory sort function, a craft tooltip, and an auto-walk system to get players to NPCs and quest mobs.<br />
<br />
<div class="body">
	If that doesn't sound like enough, a new dismantle system for creating unique crafting items and the ability to view players' equipped items are also being introduced. More details are available in the <a href="http://rosh.ignitedgames.com/center/news/notice_view.asp?list_seq=201">patch notes</a>.</div>
<br />
[Source: Ignited Games press release]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/rosh-online-major-content-update-adds-more-funtionality-and-game/">Rosh Online major content update adds more funtionality and gameplay</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Wed, 23 May 2012 09:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/rosh-online-major-content-update-adds-more-funtionality-and-game/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20243300/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/rosh-online-major-content-update-adds-more-funtionality-and-game/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>armor</category><category>content-update</category><category>f2p</category><category>fantasy</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>ignited</category><category>ignited-games</category><category>news</category><category>patch</category><category>rosh</category><category>rosh-online</category><category>rosh-online-the-return-of-karos</category><category>update</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[MJ Guthrie]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 09:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[DC Universe Online shows off the new Shield weapon]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dc-universe-online-shows-off-the-new-shield-weapon/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dc-universe-online-shows-off-the-new-shield-weapon/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dc-universe-online-shows-off-the-new-shield-weapon/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/super-hero/" rel="tag">Super-hero</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/patches/" rel="tag">Patches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/consoles/" rel="tag">Consoles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dc-universe-online/" rel="tag">DC Universe Online</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dc-universe-online-shows-off-the-new-shield-weapon/"><img alt="Based off of a Kirby character who was based off of another Kirby character owned by a competing company." src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/05/dcuo-shield-epl-517.jpg" /></a></div>
Shields generally aren't thought of as a weapon; they're usually seen as the exact <em>opposite</em> of a weapon. But in the superheroic milieu, all that changes. A shield is something to be used offensively, and in <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/DC-Universe-Online/">DC Universe Online</a></em>'s next major update, players will begin wielding the shield for their own superheroic (or villainous) capers. <a href="http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/05/17/exclusive-behind-the-scenes-look-at-dc-universe-onlines-next-weapon-type-the-shield/">A recent interview</a> with creative director <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Jens-Andersen/">Jens Andersen</a> discusses the intended role of the shield in combat.<br />
<br />
Andersen explains that while the new weapon comes along in a very PvP-centered update, it's not meant to be used specifically for PvP; the team just wants to have something new for players to enjoy no matter what. In play, shields are similar to a staff weapon, but unlike most other weapons, the shield can continue to build a combo after a heavy strike by moving back to light strikes. That should make the shield a very aggressive option -- perhaps odd for something that's <a href="http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/05/17/exclusive-behind-the-scenes-look-at-dc-universe-onlines-next-weapon-type-the-shield/">not generally thought of as a weapon</a>.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dc-universe-online-shows-off-the-new-shield-weapon/">DC Universe Online shows off the new Shield weapon</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dc-universe-online-shows-off-the-new-shield-weapon/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20240474/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dc-universe-online-shows-off-the-new-shield-weapon/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>combat</category><category>console</category><category>consoles</category><category>dc-universe</category><category>dc-universe-online</category><category>dcuo</category><category>dlc</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>interview</category><category>new-abilities</category><category>new-content</category><category>new-weapons</category><category>patches</category><category>playstation-3</category><category>playstation3</category><category>ps3</category><category>shield</category><category>shields</category><category>soe</category><category>sony-online-entertainment</category><category>superhero</category><category>superheroes</category><category>the-last-laugh</category><category>updates</category><category>weapon</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eliot Lefebvre]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Five top tips for your first few days of Diablo III]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/five-top-tips-for-your-first-few-days-of-diablo-iii/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/five-top-tips-for-your-first-few-days-of-diablo-iii/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/five-top-tips-for-your-first-few-days-of-diablo-iii/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/launches/" rel="tag">Launches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/guides/" rel="tag">Guides</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons/" rel="tag">Dungeons</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/diablo-iii/" rel="tag">Diablo III</a></p><div style="text-align: center">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/five-top-tips-for-your-first-few-days-of-diablo-iii/"><img alt="Diablo III title image" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/05/d3launchguide.jpg" style="border-bottom: 0px solid; border-left: 0px solid; margin: 4px; border-top: 0px solid; border-right: 0px solid" /></a></div>
<a href="http://diablo3.com/"><em>Diablo III</em></a> officially launched at midnight last night, opening the floodgates on what is possibly the most pre-ordered PC game in history. It's been almost 12 years since the previous game in the series launched, and it's still going to this day. Whether you've played previous games, have taken part in the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/diablo-iii"><em>Diablo III</em></a> beta or are taking your first steps into Sanctuary today, everyone starts with a clean slate. In this article, I give my top five tips for spending your first few days wisely in <em>Diablo III</em>.<br />
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<strong>#5 - Spend most of your time on one character</strong><br />
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It seems like a bit of a no-brainer to initially focus on one character, but in <em>Diablo III</em>'s case, there's a special reason to do it. You'll likely finish normal mode around level 20-30, and until then, you'll get a new skill almost every level. It's only when you've completed normal mode and moved on to nightmare that the challenge really starts and you will have picked out an effective set of skills. Your last active skill unlocks at level 30, and from then on <a href="http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/character-progression-charts">you'll gain a combination of two to three runes or passive skills every level</a> until you hit the level cap at 60.<br />
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Read on for four more tips you should keep in mind as you start playing <em>Diablo III</em>.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/five-top-tips-for-your-first-few-days-of-diablo-iii/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Five top tips for your first few days of Diablo III</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/five-top-tips-for-your-first-few-days-of-diablo-iii/">Five top tips for your first few days of Diablo III</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/five-top-tips-for-your-first-few-days-of-diablo-iii/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20236964/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/five-top-tips-for-your-first-few-days-of-diablo-iii/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>action-rpg</category><category>auction-house</category><category>barrels</category><category>battlenet</category><category>blacksmith</category><category>blizzard</category><category>blizzard-entertainment</category><category>chart</category><category>d3</category><category>diablo</category><category>diablo-2</category><category>diablo-3</category><category>diablo-ii</category><category>diablo-iii</category><category>fantasy</category><category>featured</category><category>gothic-fantasy</category><category>graph</category><category>guide</category><category>guides</category><category>launch-day</category><category>level</category><category>level-chart</category><category>leveling</category><category>levels</category><category>multiplayer</category><category>online-multiplayer</category><category>party</category><category>passives</category><category>physics</category><category>rpg</category><category>runes</category><category>sanctuary</category><category>skill-chart</category><category>skills</category><category>tips</category><category>top-five</category><category>top-tips</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brendan Drain]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[New DUST 514 dev blog has autocannons]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/new-dust-514-dev-blog-has-autocannons/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/new-dust-514-dev-blog-has-autocannons/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/new-dust-514-dev-blog-has-autocannons/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/consoles/" rel="tag">Consoles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/" rel="tag">MMOFPS</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dust-514/" rel="tag">DUST 514</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dev-diaries/" rel="tag">Dev Diaries</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sandbox/" rel="tag">Sandbox</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/new-dust-514-dev-blog-has-autocannons/"><img alt="DUST 514 - Minmatar autocannon ain't got time to bleed" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/02/miautocannon.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dust-514"><em>DUST 514's</em></a> tagline is "your next shot will topple empires," and if there's been a better marketing slogan for a sci-fi shooter, we'd like to hear it. <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/ccp">CCP</a> has just released a <a href="http://www.dust514.com/en/news/?article=3427">new dev blog</a> for its <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/eve-online"><em>EVE Online</em></a> sidequel; appropriately, the piece is all about new and interesting tools for frakking up your factional enemies.<br />
<br />
While a previous <em>DUST</em> <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/dust-514-dev-blog-shows-off-guns-lots-of-guns/">blog entry</a> introduced the heavy, medium, and light weapon classes, this one gets down and dirty with three variants designed for maximum destruction. First up is the Minmatar personal autocannon, followed by the Gallente plasma shotgun and the Caldari Nova knife. What about the Amarr? Sadly <em>EVE's</em> fourth player faction is nowhere to be found, but there's still plenty to read about on the official <em>DUST 514</em> website.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/new-dust-514-dev-blog-has-autocannons/">New DUST 514 dev blog has autocannons</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/new-dust-514-dev-blog-has-autocannons/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20174300/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/new-dust-514-dev-blog-has-autocannons/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>ccp</category><category>ccp-games</category><category>dev-blog</category><category>dev-diary</category><category>dust</category><category>dust-514</category><category>eve</category><category>eve-online</category><category>fps</category><category>mmo-shooter</category><category>mmofps</category><category>playstation-3</category><category>ps3</category><category>sandbox</category><category>shooter</category><category>sony</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[DUST 514 dev blog shows off guns, lots of guns]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/dust-514-dev-blog-shows-off-guns-lots-of-guns/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/dust-514-dev-blog-shows-off-guns-lots-of-guns/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/dust-514-dev-blog-shows-off-guns-lots-of-guns/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/" rel="tag">MMOFPS</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dust-514/" rel="tag">DUST 514</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sandbox/" rel="tag">Sandbox</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/dust-514-dev-blog-shows-off-guns-lots-of-guns/"><img alt="DUST 514 - Amarr Scrambler pistol" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/12/647318287735cdc90e36z.jpg" /></a></div>
First-person shooters are nothing without guns -- lots of 'em -- and <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/ccp">CCP's</a> upcoming <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dust-514"><em>DUST 514</em></a> is no exception. Today the company has released a new <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/12/08/infantry-weapons-in-dust-514/">PlayStation blog update</a> that zeroes in on a handful of infantry weapons in the far-future sci-fi opus.<br />
<br />
Said weapons are broken down into light, heavy, and sidearm classes, with one example of each detailed. Light weapons are the most common, and they fulfill multiple roles for short- and medium-range applications. They also come in four variants, each of which allows gamers to select a playstyle that features a number of trade-offs (lower fire rates for increased accuracy, etc.).<br />
<br />
Heavy weapons are more specialized, and are only available to players skilled enough to use heavy dropsuits. Sidearms are generally used as backup weapons, but they're still deadly in the right hands. Finally, today's entry continues the <em>DUST</em> tradition of showing off factional equipment variants, so head to the PlayStation blog to get a glimpse of some Amarr, Gallente, and Caldari weaponry.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/dust-514-dev-blog-shows-off-guns-lots-of-guns/">DUST 514 dev blog shows off guns, lots of guns</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/dust-514-dev-blog-shows-off-guns-lots-of-guns/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20123765/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/dust-514-dev-blog-shows-off-guns-lots-of-guns/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>amarr</category><category>caldari</category><category>ccp</category><category>ccp-games</category><category>dust</category><category>dust-514</category><category>fps</category><category>gallente</category><category>guns</category><category>heavy-weapons</category><category>light-weapons</category><category>mmo-shooter</category><category>mmofps</category><category>new-eden</category><category>sandbox</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>shooter</category><category>sidearms</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hands-on impressions of The Secret World]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/hands-on-impressions-of-the-secret-world/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/hands-on-impressions-of-the-secret-world/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/hands-on-impressions-of-the-secret-world/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/historical/" rel="tag">Historical</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/horror/" rel="tag">Horror</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/events-real-world/" rel="tag">Events, real-world</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/hands-on/" rel="tag">Hands-on</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/the-secret-world/" rel="tag">The Secret World</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/massively-hands-on/" rel="tag">Massively Hands-on</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/massively-event-coverage/" rel="tag">Massively Event Coverage</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons/" rel="tag">Dungeons</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/crafting/" rel="tag">Crafting</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/hands-on-impressions-of-the-secret-world/"><img alt="Scary monster dude in The Secret World" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/11/monsterdudtsw.jpg" /></a></div>
<em>Last month, Funcom held a special hands-on event for </em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/The-Secret-World/">The Secret World</a><em> at its Montreal, Canada offices, where we sent freelancer <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Francois-Blondin/">Fran&ccedil;ois Blondin</a> to cover all the exciting details. <span class="gD">Fran&ccedil;ois also got to play the game for several hours, giving us a fresh perspective on what </span></em><span class="gD">TSW</span><em><span class="gD"> has to offer MMO gamers. </span></em><br />
<br />
In <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Funcom/">Funcom's</a> upcoming <em>The Secret World</em>, the game's three factions -- Templars, Illuminati and Dragons -- face off, compete, and collaborate (all at the same time!) amidst the nightmarish creatures being revealed throughout the world. But choose your allegiance carefully: Your faction determines your path and special bonuses for the whole game, and faction-switching won't be an option. Join me for a hands-on look at the game's current incarnation!<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/the-secret-world-2/">The Secret World</a></strong></p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/the-secret-world-2/#4838618"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/02/tswscreen1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/the-secret-world-2/#4838625"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/02/tswscreen10_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/the-secret-world-2/#4838627"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/02/tswscreen23_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/the-secret-world-2/#4838630"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/02/tswscreen32_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/the-secret-world-2/#4838631"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2012/02/tswscreen38_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/hands-on-impressions-of-the-secret-world/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Hands-on impressions of The Secret World</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/hands-on-impressions-of-the-secret-world/">Hands-on impressions of The Secret World</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/hands-on-impressions-of-the-secret-world/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20109792/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/hands-on-impressions-of-the-secret-world/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>armor</category><category>cash-shop</category><category>chakras</category><category>collision</category><category>combat</category><category>crafting</category><category>demo</category><category>double-dipping</category><category>dragons</category><category>equipment</category><category>exclusive</category><category>factions</category><category>featured</category><category>funcom</category><category>gear</category><category>hands-on</category><category>hive</category><category>illuminati</category><category>impressions</category><category>joel-bylos</category><category>martin-bruusgaard</category><category>montreal</category><category>preview</category><category>pve</category><category>pvp</category><category>questing</category><category>quests</category><category>Ragnar-Tornquist</category><category>skill-based</category><category>skills</category><category>stats</category><category>subscription</category><category>templars</category><category>the-hive</category><category>the-secret-world</category><category>three-quests</category><category>tsw</category><category>weapons</category><category>wheel-of-skills</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[François Blondin]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Captain's Log: To spec or not to spec?]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/captains-log-to-spec-or-not-to-spec/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/captains-log-to-spec-or-not-to-spec/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/captains-log-to-spec-or-not-to-spec/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-trek-online/" rel="tag">Star Trek Online</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/captains-log/" rel="tag">Captain's Log</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/guides/" rel="tag">Guides</a></p><div style="text-align: center; ">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/captains-log-to-spec-or-not-to-spec/" target="_blank"><em><img alt="Screenshot - Star Trek Online" border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/11/cl351.jpg" vspace="4" /></em></a></div>
<em>Captain's Log, Stardate 65340.3...</em><br />
<br />
Hello, computer (and players)! Unlike an answer to Shakespeare's original question, the answer to the question in this week's title is probably a no-brainer for most of you: <em>Yes!</em> Choosing a specialization, or "speccing," in MMOs is something that stretches across most titles out there, and <a href="http://www.startrekonline.com/" target="_blank"><em>Star Trek Online</em></a> is no different. Whether you wish to resist attacks longer, do more damage, or add strength to your powers, choosing a customized spec can be rewarding and a challenge at the same time. With so many variables and places to spend your points, the possibilities are endless.<br />
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While this week's <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/captains-log/" target="_blank">Captain's Log</a> is not here to tell you what you should spec into for your particular class or ship set-up, I would like to go over the space skill point overhaul that <a href="http://www.massively.joystiq.com/category/star-trek-online" target="_blank"><em>STO</em></a> is about to go through. In the past, one of the biggest complaints from players was that they did not have a clear understanding of which skill tree affected which ability. The devs heard this feedback and have been working on a complete revamp to make these decisions simpler. Hopefully, this will allow you to have a better understanding of where and why to spend your points in a particular skill when you do have to re-spec at the <a href="http://pc.ign.com/articles/121/1211970p1.html" target="_blank">launch of F2P on January 17th, 2012</a>.<br />
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<em>Ensign, warp 10! Let's get our readers' bookmark buttons ready...</em><p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/captains-log-to-spec-or-not-to-spec/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Captain's Log: To spec or not to spec?</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/captains-log-to-spec-or-not-to-spec/">Captain's Log: To spec or not to spec?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/captains-log-to-spec-or-not-to-spec/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20101797/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/captains-log-to-spec-or-not-to-spec/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>batteries</category><category>captain-geko</category><category>captains-log</category><category>cryptic</category><category>cryptic-star-trek</category><category>cryptic-studios</category><category>efficiency</category><category>energy-weapons</category><category>engineering-systems</category><category>f2p</category><category>featured</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>guide</category><category>livestream</category><category>operation-systems</category><category>perfect-world</category><category>perfect-world-entertainment</category><category>projectile-weapons</category><category>re-spec</category><category>science-systems</category><category>shakespeare</category><category>skillpoints</category><category>spec</category><category>speccing</category><category>specialization</category><category>specs</category><category>st-online</category><category>star-trek-mmo</category><category>star-trek-online</category><category>sto</category><category>tactical-systems</category><category>targeting-systems</category><category>trek-online</category><category>tribble</category><category>twitter</category><category>twitterverse</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon Felczer]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Angels Online gets new expansion, new equipment]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/angels-online-gets-new-expansion-new-equipment/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/angels-online-gets-new-expansion-new-equipment/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/angels-online-gets-new-expansion-new-equipment/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/expansions/" rel="tag">Expansions</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-play</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/angels-online-gets-new-expansion-new-equipment/"><img alt="Angels Online - 2D anime gameplay screenshot" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/10/scrnangels-online2.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/angels-online"><em>Angels Online's</em></a> newest expansion is trading the dangerous jungles of primordial paradise for the heat of an Egyptian-style desert. <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/pharaohs-lost-treasure"><em>Pharaoh's Lost Treasure</em></a> is set in and around the city of Basil, and the expansion features new weapons and armor with "some of the best stats the game has to offer."<br />
<br />
According to a new <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/igg">IGG</a> press release, <em>Angels Online's</em> dev team spent a lot of time getting the look of the new expansion armor sets just right. For Mages, new purple robes offer both offensive and defensive bonuses. Light armor wearers will appreciate new bone designs that offer protection without restricting movement. Plate wearers aren't left out either, as they can acquire new sets that combine "rich culture, style, and durability." Head to the <em>Angels Online</em> website to learn more and to download the game.<br />
<br />
[Source: IGG press release]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/angels-online-gets-new-expansion-new-equipment/">Angels Online gets new expansion, new equipment</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/angels-online-gets-new-expansion-new-equipment/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20094461/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/angels-online-gets-new-expansion-new-equipment/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>angels-online</category><category>armor</category><category>expansion</category><category>expansions</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>gear</category><category>igg</category><category>new-gear</category><category>pharaohs-lost-treasure</category><category>press-release</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SOE reveals PlanetSide 2 Terran Republic character turnaround video]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/soe-reveals-planetside2-terran-republic-character-turnaround-vid/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/soe-reveals-planetside2-terran-republic-character-turnaround-vid/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/soe-reveals-planetside2-terran-republic-character-turnaround-vid/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/video/" rel="tag">Video</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/planetside-2/" rel="tag">PlanetSide 2</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/soe-reveals-planetside2-terran-republic-character-turnaround-vid/"><img alt="PlanetSide 2" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/10/trheavyassault.jpg" /></a></div>
One thing you can't say about <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/PlanetSide-2/">PlanetSide 2</a></em> info this month is that it's scarce. As the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/terran-republic/">Terran Republic info</a> has been the focus of this week, we get another shiny tidbit in the form of a video showcasing 360-degree views of the Terran Republic military characters.<br />
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The video shows some up-close and personal details of the characters' armor and tools, from Standard, Light Assault, and Heavy Assault variations to the ominous Mosquito. Check it out for yourself, embedded after the cut.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/soe-reveals-planetside2-terran-republic-character-turnaround-vid/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>SOE reveals PlanetSide 2 Terran Republic character turnaround video</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/soe-reveals-planetside2-terran-republic-character-turnaround-vid/">SOE reveals PlanetSide 2 Terran Republic character turnaround video</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/soe-reveals-planetside2-terran-republic-character-turnaround-vid/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20093616/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/soe-reveals-planetside2-terran-republic-character-turnaround-vid/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>360-degree-view</category><category>glimpse</category><category>heavy-assault</category><category>light-assault</category><category>mosquito</category><category>planetside-2</category><category>soe</category><category>sony-online-entertainment</category><category>terran-republic</category><category>turnaround</category><category>video</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Shawn Schuster]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Captain's Log: What's your (energy) type?]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/captains-log-whats-your-energy-type/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/captains-log-whats-your-energy-type/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/captains-log-whats-your-energy-type/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/star-trek-online/" rel="tag">Star Trek Online</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/captains-log/" rel="tag">Captain's Log</a></p><div style="text-align: center; ">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/captains-log-whats-your-energy-type/" target="_blank"><em><img alt="Star Trek Online screenshot" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/09/cl291.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 4px; margin-right: 4px; margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; " /></em></a></div>
<em>Captain's Log, Stardate 65244.9...</em><br />
<br />
Hello, computer (and players)! Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday dear meeeeeee, happy birthday to me. Sorry, I couldn't resist. Yes, today is my birthday, and the best present I could receive is being able to share this week's <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/captains-log/" target="_blank">Captain's Log</a> with you all. As we get closer and closer to the F2P re-launch of <a href="http://www.startrekonline.com/" target="_blank"><em>Star Trek Online</em></a>, I expect that there will be new captains tuning into this column each week, so to help support our new comrades in between the weeks that feature an influx of breaking news and developments, I am going to be taking some time to educate everyone on a few of the game's mechanics.<br />
<br />
When I first started playing <a href="http://www.massively.joystiq.com/category/star-trek-online" target="_blank"><em>STO</em></a>, I often found myself wondering about many of the choices available to my different characters. From armor to shields, deflectors to engines, and kits to weapons, there is an endless array of options that we can decide to play with and use. One of the most frequently asked questions I get from new players is, "What is the best energy type to use for my ship's weapons?" In the past, when I really did not know much, I would choose my type by the color it emitted. I now know that "pretty" does not equal "power." While each type has its own <a href="http://www.stowiki.org/Damage_type" target="_blank">special bonuses</a>, it's up to you to decide which to use and why. Here's to hoping I can aid in that decision.<br />
<br />
<em>Ensign, warp 10! Let's take a look at the spectrum of colors and their abilities...</em><p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/captains-log-whats-your-energy-type/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Captain's Log: What's your (energy) type?</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/captains-log-whats-your-energy-type/">Captain's Log: What's your (energy) type?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/captains-log-whats-your-energy-type/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20068156/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/captains-log-whats-your-energy-type/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>antiproton</category><category>armor</category><category>birthday</category><category>captains-log</category><category>cryptic</category><category>cryptic-star-trek</category><category>cryptic-studios</category><category>deflectors</category><category>disruptor</category><category>engines</category><category>F2P</category><category>featured</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>kits</category><category>livestream</category><category>perfect-world</category><category>perfect-world-entertainment</category><category>phaser</category><category>plasma</category><category>polaron</category><category>proc</category><category>pwe</category><category>shields</category><category>spec</category><category>st-online</category><category>star-trek-mmo</category><category>star-trek-online</category><category>sto</category><category>subsystems</category><category>tertryon</category><category>trek-online</category><category>Tribble</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon Felczer]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot gears up its newbies]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/dark-age-of-camelot-gears-up-its-newbies/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/dark-age-of-camelot-gears-up-its-newbies/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/dark-age-of-camelot-gears-up-its-newbies/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dark-age-of-camelot/" rel="tag">Dark Age of Camelot</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dev-diaries/" rel="tag">Dev Diaries</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/dark-age-of-camelot-gears-up-its-newbies/"><img alt="DAoC" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/09/daoc-1317300725.jpg" /></a></div>
As part of <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/mythic/">Mythic's</a> continued efforts to introduce a "New User Journey" experience that's friendly to <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dark-age-of-camelot"><em>Dark Age of Camelot</em></a> beginners, the studio has turned its attention to the ever-crucial subject of gear. <a href="http://darkageofcamelot.com/article/918">In a new dev diary by DJ Frazier</a>, the dev spells out the problem: "For a new player who wanders into battlegrounds, especially ones like Thidranki or Molvik, they will often find themselves losing almost every fight they encounter, simply because they are playing against people who have had a chance to outfit themselves out in the best equipment they can find for their level range."<br />
<br />
Because the team fears that this armor disparity proves to be a dealbreaker for many newbies, the devs are retuning the gear that players get during their leveling up process to be more durable and competitive on the battlefield.<br />
<br />
The two main paths of leveling -- PvE questing and RvR battlegrounds -- will both offer solid picks of gear when patch 1.110 hits. Players who risk the battlegrounds will find themselves in possession of top-notch weapons and armor, whereas those who choose to quest will find themselves "90% of the way there" with their gear. Hopefully, these changes will create an environment that's much more welcoming to newcomers to <em>DAoC</em>.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/dark-age-of-camelot-gears-up-its-newbies/">Dark Age of Camelot gears up its newbies</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/dark-age-of-camelot-gears-up-its-newbies/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20069570/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/dark-age-of-camelot-gears-up-its-newbies/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>armor</category><category>battlegrounds</category><category>beginners</category><category>daoc</category><category>dark-age-of-camelot</category><category>dev-diary</category><category>DJ-Frazier</category><category>ea-mythic</category><category>gear</category><category>mythic</category><category>new-user-journey</category><category>newbies</category><category>noobs</category><category>pve</category><category>pvp</category><category>rvr</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Scarlet Legacy prepping mammoth beta update for September 1st]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/scarlet-legacy-prepping-mammoth-beta-update-for-september-1st/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/scarlet-legacy-prepping-mammoth-beta-update-for-september-1st/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/scarlet-legacy-prepping-mammoth-beta-update-for-september-1st/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/patches/" rel="tag">Patches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-play</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/scarlet-legacy-prepping-mammoth-beta-update-for-september-1st/"><img alt="Scarlet Legacy" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/08/cloudyisland.jpg" /></a></div>
The open beta MMO <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/scarlet-legacy-open-beta-starts-august-18th-40-000-in-prize-mo/">that's not afraid to bribe players</a> to come give it a try is gearing up for one of its biggest updates yet. <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/scarlet-legacy/"><em>Scarlet Legacy</em></a> is counting down the hours until it uploads an elephant's worth of content onto the servers for testers to enjoy (and, hopefully, thoroughly vet).<br />
<br />
This September 1st content update includes, but is not limited to, an increase in level cap to 45, dozens of new skills, 12 additional stances, three more maps, 68 quests, 46 crafting recipes, 154 weapons and pieces of armor, eight pets, high-level events, and a partridge in a pear tree. Well, maybe not the partridge.<br />
<br />
It's hard to say which part of the content update is most enticing, although our money is on the three new maps with intriguing names like Hidden Evil Island and Ancient Grave. There's also a virgin dungeon that's ready to be plundered for its goodies: Soul Trapping Matrix. For story lovers, the tale of Princess Scarlet will be extended up through level 45 to match the level cap increase.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/gamescampus/">GamesCampus</a> vows to release similarly large updates "at least once a month" from here on out.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/scarlet-legacy-prepping-mammoth-beta-update-for-september-1st/">Scarlet Legacy prepping mammoth beta update for September 1st</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/scarlet-legacy-prepping-mammoth-beta-update-for-september-1st/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/20029189/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/scarlet-legacy-prepping-mammoth-beta-update-for-september-1st/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>ancient-grave</category><category>armor</category><category>beta</category><category>bribes</category><category>content-update</category><category>crafting</category><category>dungeon</category><category>events</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>hidden-evil-island</category><category>level-cap</category><category>level-cap-increase</category><category>maps</category><category>open-beta</category><category>pets</category><category>princess-scarlet</category><category>quests</category><category>recipies</category><category>scarlet-legacy</category><category>skills</category><category>soul-trapping-matrix</category><category>stances</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Class builds -- Cleric]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/wings-over-atreia-class-builds-cleric/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/wings-over-atreia-class-builds-cleric/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/wings-over-atreia-class-builds-cleric/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/aion/" rel="tag">Aion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/wings-over-atreia/" rel="tag">Wings Over Atreia</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/guides/" rel="tag">Guides</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/wings-over-atreia"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/07/woaheader-1310113605.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
Last week we discussed how <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/wings-over-atreia-passing-the-personality-test/">personality</a> influences <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/wings-over-atreia-you-are-what-you-play/">class choice</a>, so after some deep reflection, you have decided that it is time to reveal your true nature and be reborn as a cleric in <a href="http://na.aiononline.com/"><em>Aion</em></a>! Either that, or maybe you just wanted to solo some dungeons to horde all the loot. *<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/wings-over-atreia-drop-n-shop/">cha-ching</a>* Perhaps you already became one to impress that really cute voice in vent who is always looking for a healer. Whatever your reason, the life of servitude is for you. Now what?<br />
<br />
Welcome to Build-a-Cleric. While some Daevas are content to just play with what they get from drops or quests, a number actually want to outfit their characters the best they can. Even if leveling too quickly to worry about uber gear thanks to <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/wings-over-atreia-mentors-schmentors/">mentoring</a> and an <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/wings-over-atreia-easy-button/">easier</a> <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/wings-over-atreia-conquering-the-level-grind/">grind</a>, it is never a bad idea to keep an eye on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/wings-over-atreia-endgame-end-of-game/">endgame</a>. And with the plethora of manastones, armor sets, weapons, and stigmas available -- not to mention advice, both solicited and unsolicited -- it can be a daunting task to maximize your potential. So to help you wade through the possibilities, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/wings-over-atreia">Wings Over Atreia</a> will be exploring each class individually and highlighting popular and effective builds. With any luck, some advance knowledge will help you make informed decisions and avoid the catastrophes of expending all of your energies in obtaining the wrong gear for your needs. Nothing shouts <em>broke</em> like having to re-socket entire sets or enchant new ones!<br />
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Roll up your sleeves and explore various builds for <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/aion">Aion's</a> Cleric class after the cut.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/wings-over-atreia-class-builds-cleric/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Wings Over Atreia: Class builds -- Cleric</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/wings-over-atreia-class-builds-cleric/">Wings Over Atreia: Class builds -- Cleric</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/wings-over-atreia-class-builds-cleric/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19983297/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/wings-over-atreia-class-builds-cleric/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aion</category><category>aion-game</category><category>armor</category><category>armor-set</category><category>armor-set-bonuses</category><category>armor-sets</category><category>block</category><category>class-builds</category><category>cleric</category><category>featured</category><category>healer</category><category>healer-dps</category><category>healers</category><category>HP</category><category>magic-boost</category><category>Magic-Resistance</category><category>MB</category><category>MR</category><category>nc-soft</category><category>nc-soft-aion</category><category>ncsoft</category><category>ncsoft-aion</category><category>priest</category><category>weapon-set-bonuses</category><category>weapon-sets</category><category>weapons</category><category>Wings-Over-Atreia</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[MJ Guthrie]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: Weapon balance]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/wasteland-diaries-weapon-balance/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/wasteland-diaries-weapon-balance/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/wasteland-diaries-weapon-balance/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fallen-earth/" rel="tag">Fallen Earth</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/professions/" rel="tag">Professions</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/endgame/" rel="tag">Endgame</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/wasteland-diaries/" rel="tag">Wasteland Diaries</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/post-apocalyptic/" rel="tag">Post-Apocalyptic</a></p><div style="text-align: center; ">
	<a href="http://www.fallenearth.com/"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/06/febalance1-1308234553.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
Rock, scissors, paper. It's not quite that simple when referring to the three weapon classes in <a href="http://www.fallenearth.com/"><em>Fallen Earth</em></a>. You have the two ranged disciplines: rifles and pistols. And then you have melee weapons. They all have distinct advantages in combat, and they are all viable in PvP and PvE when played properly. There is a lot of debate about weapon balance on the <a href="http://forums.fallenearth.com/fallenearth/">forums</a> and in the game (gotta love global chat) about weapon balance.<br />
<br />
I come from the school of thought that believes the weapons are currently as balanced as they have ever been. Many people will disagree with me on that point. But the vast majority of people who agree that the combat is well-balanced in <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fallen-earth"><em>Fallen Earth's</em></a> current system are my contemporaries who have been PvPing since alpha, beta or launch. Many newer, less experienced players feel that certain weapon classes are overpowered or useless. I say that is not the case. Continue past the cut and I'll explain why I feel that way.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/wasteland-diaries-weapon-balance/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Wasteland Diaries: Weapon balance</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/wasteland-diaries-weapon-balance/">Wasteland Diaries: Weapon balance</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/wasteland-diaries-weapon-balance/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19968720/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/wasteland-diaries-weapon-balance/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>abilities</category><category>classes</category><category>dual-wielding</category><category>fallen-earth</category><category>fallen-earth-llc</category><category>fe</category><category>featured</category><category>gamersfirst</category><category>icarus</category><category>icarus-studios</category><category>knockdown</category><category>melee</category><category>pistol</category><category>pve</category><category>pvp</category><category>rifle</category><category>rocket-launcher</category><category>shotgun</category><category>sniper-rifle</category><category>submachingun</category><category>weapon-balance</category><category>weapon-classes</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Edward Marshall]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: Tinkering with standard classes and my Priest/Rogue]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/lost-pages-of-taborea-tinkering-with-standard-classes-and-my-pr/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/lost-pages-of-taborea-tinkering-with-standard-classes-and-my-pr/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/lost-pages-of-taborea-tinkering-with-standard-classes-and-my-pr/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/runes-of-magic/" rel="tag">Runes of Magic</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/lost-pages-of-taborea/" rel="tag">Lost Pages of Taborea</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/lost-pages-of-taborea/"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/05/massivelykawakssetdatabaseheader530.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
Aside from some ancillary problems, one of the things I love so much about <a href="http://us.runesofmagic.com/us/index.html"><em>Runes of Magic</em></a> is that it gives me ability to augment weapons and equipment via the arcane transmutor. When that is coupled with a dual-class system, players are given a lot of room to bend traditional classes to their wills.<br />
<br />
I've been running a Priest/Rogue for a while now and loving it. The selection of offensive spells, the Rogue's skills, and the weapons I can wield have me wanting to push the boundaries of typical class specifications. I'm building a hammer-wielding Priest that's specced much like I'd spec a Mage, but the class can also pump out adequate melee damage. In this week's <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/lost-pages-of-taborea/">Lost Pages of Taborea</a>, I want to give you a run-down of the gear, weapons, and stats I'm choosing. It should serve as a good guide to some unique possibilities for classes in <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/runes-of-magic/"><em>RoM</em></a>.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/lost-pages-of-taborea-tinkering-with-standard-classes-and-my-pr/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Lost Pages of Taborea: Tinkering with standard classes and my Priest/Rogue</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/lost-pages-of-taborea-tinkering-with-standard-classes-and-my-pr/">Lost Pages of Taborea: Tinkering with standard classes and my Priest/Rogue</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 30 May 2011 20:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/lost-pages-of-taborea-tinkering-with-standard-classes-and-my-pr/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19952481/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/lost-pages-of-taborea-tinkering-with-standard-classes-and-my-pr/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>arcane transmutor</category><category>ArcaneTransmutor</category><category>armor</category><category>bending-class-roles</category><category>breaking-class-rules</category><category>breaking-the-mold</category><category>class-combos</category><category>class-roles</category><category>dual-class</category><category>featured</category><category>frogster</category><category>frogster-america</category><category>frogster-interactive</category><category>fun-with-classes</category><category>gear</category><category>hybrid</category><category>hybrid-classes</category><category>jeremy-stratton</category><category>lost-pages-of-taborea</category><category>modifying</category><category>non-standard-classes</category><category>playing-with-classes</category><category>priest</category><category>priest-rogue</category><category>rogue</category><category>roles</category><category>rom</category><category>runes-of-magic</category><category>runewaker</category><category>runewaker-entertainment</category><category>upgrading</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Stratton]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2011 20:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exploring Eberron: Weapon materials 101]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/exploring-eberron-weapon-materials-101/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/exploring-eberron-weapon-materials-101/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/exploring-eberron-weapon-materials-101/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons-and-dragons-online/" rel="tag">Dungeons and Dragons Online</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/exploring-eberron/" rel="tag">Exploring Eberron</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://www.massively.joystiq.com/category/exploring-eberron"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/03/sorrowdusk-rb-331.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
Crafting is coming to <a href="http://www.ddo.com"><em>Dungeons and Dragons Online</em></a>! There's a lot of player excitement about the looming Update 9, but the introduction of a true crafting system easily eclipses a lot of it.<br />
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One of the most significant aspects of crafting in <a href="http://www.massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons-and-dragons-online"><em>DDO</em></a> is that players will be able to craft the perfect weapon rather than relying on lucky drops while playing or on the auction hall. This system will be open to even new players, and while that's great, it might get a little confusing for those who haven't had time to learn what all of the gear details mean.<br />
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For that reason, I want to take a look at some of the basics today: weapon material composition. Weapons are made of silver, adamantine, some varieties of wood, and much more. It can seem a little overwhelming to try to figure out what type of weapon you should choose and why -- and the temptation to say "oh, forget it" and just use whatever is strong.<br />
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Don't throw out that cool adamantine sword quite yet, though. Join me after the jump and let's look at what these materials mean and why you care!<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/exploring-eberron-weapon-materials-101/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Exploring Eberron: Weapon materials 101</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/exploring-eberron-weapon-materials-101/">Exploring Eberron: Weapon materials 101</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/exploring-eberron-weapon-materials-101/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19898383/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/exploring-eberron-weapon-materials-101/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>ddo</category><category>Dungeons-and-Dragons</category><category>dungeons-and-dragons-online</category><category>enemies</category><category>exploring-eberron</category><category>f2p</category><category>featured</category><category>foes</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>ftp</category><category>turbine</category><category>turbine-entertainment</category><category>weapon-materials</category><category>weapon-types</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rubi Bayer]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Destination - Apocalypse now]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/choose-my-adventure-destination-apocalypse-now/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/choose-my-adventure-destination-apocalypse-now/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/choose-my-adventure-destination-apocalypse-now/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/polls/" rel="tag">Polls</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/choose-my-adventure/" rel="tag">Choose My Adventure</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/xsyon/" rel="tag">Xsyon</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/post-apocalyptic/" rel="tag">Post-Apocalyptic</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/choose-my-adventure"><img border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/03/cma-big.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
So my bags are packed (what exactly do you pack for an apocalypse? I vote toothbrush, regardless!) and I'm setting out for the Lake Tahoe region. Yup, our itinerary is set -- <a href="http://www.xsyon.com/"><em>Xsyon</em></a> has won the hearts of the readers for this next escapade in the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/choose-my-adventure">Choose My Adventure</a> series. I find this kind of exciting, as I grew up frequenting this area out here in the real world and look forward to seeing it represented in the game.<br />
<br />
Now, I have a confession to make: I watched <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/choose-my-adventure-to-boldly-go-where-no-cma-has-gone-before-e/">the vote</a> carefully. Too carefully. OK, I was obsessed with it! I don't think I can even tell you how many times I clicked refresh in one day; it was quite addicting to watch the numbers creep up as the readers cast their votes. And since six weeks of my life was on the line, I had a vested interest in the outcome. At least, that's how I tried to rationalize my maniacal refreshing. <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/xsyon"><em>Xsyon</em></a> </em>commanded the lead straight off, but <a href="http://www.burningsea.com/page/home"><em>Pirates of the Burning Sea</em></a> had a good showing and maintained a solid second place throughout the contest. Four games kept running neck-and-neck: <em><a href="http://www.dcuniverseonline.com/">DC Universe Online</a>,</em> <em><a href="http://play-earthrise.com/">Earthrise</a>,</em> <a href="http://www.eveonline.com/"><em>EVE Online</em></a>, and <a href="http://universe.lego.com/en-us/splash/default.aspx"><em>LEGO Universe</em></a>. I admit to rooting some for the underdogs as well -- each game has special and unique features I would enjoy delving into. Think about it: Can you imagine life as a LEGO? But in the end, no one could topple the promise of a vast wasteland filled with mutants and an empty canvas for players to fill in.<br />
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So now that we have the setting, all we need is the character. Unlike many games, <em>Xsyon</em> demands that you pick things such as your crafting skills at character creation, so please forgive the number of polls attached to this week's article.<br />
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Head on past the cut to learn a bit about <em>Xsyon</em> and vote to make me build the CMA creature of your bidding!<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/choose-my-adventure-destination-apocalypse-now/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Choose My Adventure: Destination - Apocalypse now</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/choose-my-adventure-destination-apocalypse-now/">Choose My Adventure: Destination - Apocalypse now</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/choose-my-adventure-destination-apocalypse-now/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19862421/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/choose-my-adventure-destination-apocalypse-now/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>apocalypse</category><category>apocalyptic</category><category>character-creation</category><category>character-customization</category><category>characters</category><category>choose-my-adventure</category><category>choose-my-adventure-mj-guthrie</category><category>choose-my-adventure-xsyon</category><category>cma</category><category>crafting</category><category>crafting-skills</category><category>featured</category><category>jordi-grau-davis</category><category>mutant</category><category>mutants</category><category>mutate</category><category>mythical</category><category>mythical-creatures</category><category>notorious-games</category><category>poll</category><category>polls</category><category>pvp</category><category>Sandbox</category><category>sandbox-experience</category><category>sandbox-mmo</category><category>skills</category><category>starting-area</category><category>starting-location</category><category>terraforming</category><category>totems</category><category>tribes</category><category>weapons</category><category>Xsyon</category><category>xsyon-earth-2012</category><category>xsyon-prelude</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[MJ Guthrie]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Boss world tour -- Heiron]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/wings-over-atreia-boss-world-tour-heiron/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/wings-over-atreia-boss-world-tour-heiron/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/wings-over-atreia-boss-world-tour-heiron/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/aion/" rel="tag">Aion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/wings-over-atreia/" rel="tag">Wings Over Atreia</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/guides/" rel="tag">Guides</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/wings-over-atreia/"><img alt="" border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/01/woaheader-1296375142.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
Or should l say world boss tour? Not counting the bosses at the ends of instances or campaigns, these are the baddest of the baddies, the top tier of PvE opponents. Some are beyond huge and make your heart stop the first time you stumble upon them; others are just average and innocuous-looking yet can wipe the floor with you when they sneeze. As vicious and imposing as they are, they often hold the most coveted loot.<br />
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Not only is the loot sought after by just about every Daeva and his <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/12/how-much-is-that-drakie-in-the-window-aion-pets-revealed/">daggie</a>, but these behemoths only spawn randomly. In order to even have the chance to defeat them (and thereby snag the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/wings-over-atreia-going-for-the-gold/">gold</a> goodies), you must have a fair bit of luck to catch them when they are active and roaming the lands. That, and find them when they aren't being camped by others who also want those same goodies.<br />
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So where are these bosses and how can you get your wings on them (or avoid them, as the case may be)? Whether you want to sneak a peek at one of these mega-mobs without getting eaten or you want to strategize a way to defeat them and hoard some loot, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/wings-over-atreia">Wings Over Atreia</a> will introduce you to the highest-level named mobs in Atreia for your oggling or slicing-and-dicing pleasure. Today begins a series of articles highlighting the who, where, what, and even some how of <a href="http://na.aiononline.com"><em>Aion's</em></a> world bosses.<br />
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Glide on past the cut to delve into the world bosses in <a href="http://powerwiki.na.aiononline.com/aion/Heiron">Heiron</a>.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/wings-over-atreia-boss-world-tour-heiron/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Wings Over Atreia: Boss world tour -- Heiron</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/wings-over-atreia-boss-world-tour-heiron/">Wings Over Atreia: Boss world tour -- Heiron</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/wings-over-atreia-boss-world-tour-heiron/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19803294/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/wings-over-atreia-boss-world-tour-heiron/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aion</category><category>aion-game</category><category>armor</category><category>Bollvig</category><category>covet</category><category>coveted</category><category>Deputy-Hanuman</category><category>featured</category><category>Gorjira</category><category>guide</category><category>Hanuman</category><category>indratu</category><category>loot</category><category>Medeus</category><category>nc-soft</category><category>nc-soft-aion</category><category>ncsoft</category><category>ncsoft-aion</category><category>storm-circle</category><category>Takun-the-Terrible</category><category>weapons</category><category>Wings-Over-Atreia</category><category>world-bosses</category><category>WorldBosses</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[MJ Guthrie]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[GamersFirst talks APB core game changes]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/gamersfirst-talks-apb-core-game-changes/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/gamersfirst-talks-apb-core-game-changes/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/gamersfirst-talks-apb-core-game-changes/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/all-points-bulletin/" rel="tag">All Points Bulletin</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/crime/" rel="tag">Crime</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dev-diaries/" rel="tag">Dev Diaries</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apbreloaded.blogspot.com/2011/01/end-of-week-11-update-game-changes-and.html"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/01/zakscreen1.jpg" /></a></div>
Fans of <a href="http://www.gamersfirst.com/apb/"><em>All Points Bulletin</em></a> are in for a treat this week as <a href="http://www.gamersfirst.com/">GamersFirst</a> has dropped a <a href="http://apbreloaded.blogspot.com/2011/01/end-of-week-11-update-game-changes-and.html">ton of new info</a> about the game in its latest <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/all-points-bulletin"><em>APB Reloaded</em></a> blog entry. <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/zak-littwen">Zak "Qwentle" Littwin</a> (former QA Lead at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Realtime_worlds">Realtime Worlds</a> and current designer at <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/gamersfirst">GamersFirst</a>) devotes a lot of virtual ink to <em>APB's</em> closed beta tweaks, and also hints at "<em>much more extensive changes</em>" in store for the game's open beta and release clients. Littwin teases a new game mode called Turf Wars as well as <em>APB's</em> first proper expansion which will feature a new district for the city of San Paro.<br />
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First things first though; the meat of the blog entry concerns core gameplay adjustments that GamersFirst wishes to test in the closed beta. These include cheat detection (via Punkbuster as discussed <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/all-points-bulletin">last week</a>), weapon modifications, and sweeping changes to the old game's progression curve. A few of the game's vehicles have also been modified. The original version of <em>APB</em> received a fair bit of criticism related to its driving mechanics, and GamersFirst is looking to rectify this in part by "<em>giv[ing] each vehicle a lot of individual personality and specialisation and unique benefits, rather than everyone rushing straight to the Cisco/Bishada/Jericho/T25</em>."<br />
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Finally, Littwin touches on premium accounts and the challenge inherent in differentiating them from free-to-play services without unbalancing the game. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and <a href="http://apbreloaded.blogspot.com/2011/01/end-of-week-11-update-game-changes-and.html">read all about it</a> at the official <em>APB Reloaded</em> blog.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/gamersfirst-talks-apb-core-game-changes/">GamersFirst talks APB core game changes</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/gamersfirst-talks-apb-core-game-changes/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19821768/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/gamersfirst-talks-apb-core-game-changes/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>all-points-bulletin</category><category>apb</category><category>apb-reloaded</category><category>blog</category><category>core-gameplay</category><category>dev-diary</category><category>expansion</category><category>f2p</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>gameplay-changes</category><category>gamersfirst</category><category>qwentle</category><category>turf-wars</category><category>vehicles</category><category>weapon-modifications</category><category>weapons</category><category>zak-littwen</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: Choose your weapon]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/wasteland-diaries-choose-your-weapon/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/wasteland-diaries-choose-your-weapon/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/wasteland-diaries-choose-your-weapon/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fallen-earth/" rel="tag">Fallen Earth</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/" rel="tag">MMOFPS</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/wasteland-diaries/" rel="tag">Wasteland Diaries</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/post-apocalyptic/" rel="tag">Post-Apocalyptic</a></p><div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.fallenearth.com/"><img border="1" hspace="4" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/01/femelee1.jpg" /></a></div>
The new <em><a href="http://www.fallenearth.com/">Fallen Earth</a></em> combat system is sweet. I really don't have much to complain about. But there is a serious lack of balance between the weapon types (I almost said classes). I like the fact that when I shoot someone in the head with a shotgun, I see results -- not the kind you'd expect to see in an ultra-realistic tactical FPS, but very tangible results for an RPG. The focus on weapon damage (aka white damage) has made the <a href="http://www.fallenearth.com/combat">combat system</a> more intuitive and user-friendly. But it has also (despite a decent increase in everyone's health) made combat much more decisive.<br />
<br />
Making a shooter with firearms and melee weapons is a daunting balancing act. If you make the firearms too powerful, nobody will use the melee weapons. There will always be those who use the under-powered weapons, but in the competitive world of PvP, most PvPers will opt with the most powerful ones. The pendulum of balance has been swinging since <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fallen-earth">Fallen Earth</a></em> launched in September 2009, but more often than not, one weapon type has come out on top every time. In fact, one weapon is very popular and has been since launch. Oddly enough, that weapon isn't even a 180 weapon; it's a 164. That's right, you can be dual-wielding the most deadly weapons in the game at level 45. Most of you seasoned vets know what weapon I'm talking about, and after the cut I'll confirm your suspicions. If you are a new player, you should also read on.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/wasteland-diaries-choose-your-weapon/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Wasteland Diaries: Choose your weapon</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/wasteland-diaries-choose-your-weapon/">Wasteland Diaries: Choose your weapon</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/wasteland-diaries-choose-your-weapon/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19789375/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/wasteland-diaries-choose-your-weapon/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>balance</category><category>fallen-earth</category><category>fallen-earth-llc</category><category>fe</category><category>featured</category><category>icarus-studios</category><category>kinetic-hammers</category><category>melee</category><category>melee-DPS</category><category>pve</category><category>pvp</category><category>rifle</category><category>shotgun</category><category>weapon</category><category>weaponry</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Edward Marshall]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Community check-up]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/the-road-to-mordor-community-check-up/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/the-road-to-mordor-community-check-up/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/the-road-to-mordor-community-check-up/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/lord-of-the-rings-online/" rel="tag">Lord of the Rings Online</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/the-road-to-mordor/" rel="tag">The Road to Mordor</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lotro.com/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/11/rtm.jpg" alt="" /><br />
</a></div>
It's a quiet week around these here parts, what with the Thanksgiving holiday in NA and the lull before <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/the-road-to-mordor-rise-of-isengard-is-coming/">the November Update hits on the 29th</a>. As such, I thought it'd be a great time to catch up on the current state of the community, especially as we've seen so many new bloggers and sites and podcasts arrive on the scene in the past year.<br />
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I've always said that <a href="http://www.lotro.com/"><em>Lord of the Rings Online</em></a> is truly blessed with not just a stellar community but an active one as well. Some MMOs see very little in the way of fan-created sites, keeping most of the community action centered on official forums and the like. However, when it comes to <em><a href="http://www.massively.com/category/lord-of-the-rings-online">LotRO</a></em>, we have not only the <a href="http://my.lotro.com">MyLotro.com</a> blogs set up by <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/turbine/">Turbine</a>, but a cornucopia of web delights fashioned by hard-working players.<br />
<br />
So to say "Thanks!" to this wonderful community, today I want to highlight some of the best <em>LotRO </em>resource websites, blogs and podcasts that consistently go above and beyond in making our slice of the MMO landscape a delight to visit.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/the-road-to-mordor-community-check-up/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>The Road to Mordor: Community check-up</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/the-road-to-mordor-community-check-up/">The Road to Mordor: Community check-up</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/the-road-to-mordor-community-check-up/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19708479/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/the-road-to-mordor-community-check-up/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>ales-and-tales</category><category>armor</category><category>blogs</category><category>class</category><category>community</category><category>ezine</category><category>featured</category><category>fishing</category><category>gear</category><category>hobbit</category><category>immersion</category><category>lord-of-the-rings-online</category><category>lotro</category><category>lotro-wiki</category><category>map</category><category>music</category><category>music-system</category><category>mylotro</category><category>mylotro.com</category><category>podcast</category><category>Podcasts</category><category>resources</category><category>turbine</category><category>Turbine-Entertainment</category><category>warden</category><category>weapons</category><category>wiki</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Daily Grind: When have reused graphics bothered you?]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/the-daily-grind-when-have-reused-graphics-bothered-you/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/the-daily-grind-when-have-reused-graphics-bothered-you/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/the-daily-grind-when-have-reused-graphics-bothered-you/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/the-daily-grind/" rel="tag">The Daily Grind</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/humor/" rel="tag">Humor</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/addon/ex10/index.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/11/ffxi-reuse-epl-1117.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
Reusing art assets in MMOs isn't done for style but for the continued sanity of the art team. Asking for 50 different variants on a sword design alone is pushing the boundaries of what can be done; asking for 500 different variants will have modeling artists throw their keyboards through a wall. I don't complain about that, but I'm really sad to see that the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/heroes-of-abyssea-teaser-site-opens-for-final-fantasy-xi/">next latest and greatest armor</a> for <a href="http://www.playonline.com"><em>Final Fantasy XI</em></a>'s Dragoons is another reskin of the artifact armor, which looks blander and less interesting every time the artists slightly change which parts are purple and which parts are brown.<br />
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Of course, for the most part we really do accept the slight reskinning and retexturing of game models as a matter of necessity. But there's always a point at which something makes you narrow your eyes in disappointment, one set of armor or another that you wish the art team had put together as an original graphic instead of yet another reuse of an old texture. So when have re-used art assets bothered you? Was it with a certain type of enemy appearing far too often? Armor or weapons that you seemed to be using for eternity? Or just a popular piece of equipment that everyone wanted reskinned ad infinitum?<hr />
<img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="left" alt="" style="margin-right: 5px;" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/09/coffee.jpg" /><em>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 <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/the-daily-grind/">Daily Grind</a>!</em><hr /><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/the-daily-grind-when-have-reused-graphics-bothered-you/">The Daily Grind: When have reused graphics bothered you?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/the-daily-grind-when-have-reused-graphics-bothered-you/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19723118/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/the-daily-grind-when-have-reused-graphics-bothered-you/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>armor</category><category>art-assets</category><category>costume</category><category>costumes</category><category>equipment</category><category>graphics</category><category>humor</category><category>model-recycling</category><category>opinion</category><category>recycle</category><category>reskins</category><category>retexturing</category><category>reuse</category><category>tdg</category><category>the-daily-grind</category><category>visuals</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eliot Lefebvre]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bluehole Studio details new TERA itemization tweaks]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/bluehole-studio-details-new-tera-itemization-tweaks/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/bluehole-studio-details-new-tera-itemization-tweaks/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/bluehole-studio-details-new-tera-itemization-tweaks/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/tera/" rel="tag">TERA</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.terafans.com/topic/5389-translation-updates-to-teras-items/?s=5af7d86deb8f3771e34ea5d8c48ba02c"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/10/gallery244101693.jpg"  alt="" /></a></div>
It's been awhile since we've heard any newsworthy tidbits from <a href="http://www.tera-online.com"><em>TERA's</em></a> Korean testing phase, and <a href="http://www.terafans.com/topic/5389-translation-updates-to-teras-items/?s=5af7d86deb8f3771e34ea5d8c48ba02c">TERAfans</a> has come to the rescue with a new article translation detailing itemization and fusion enchantment tweaks.  Mr. Blue, community manager for <a href="http://www.bluehole.net/eng/">Bluehole Studio</a> details a plethora of loot item additions, as well as a new equipment rank system (normal, rare, or legendary).  In addition to providing players with a quick way to gauge the worth of a loot drop, the new system also adds extra stats to the more desirable pieces (one, two, and three extra stats for each successive rank).<br />
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The article also touches on fusion enchantment, crafting tweaks, and visual equipment variation.  Check out all the details, including renders and screen captures from the Korean client, at <a href="http://www.terafans.com/topic/5389-translation-updates-to-teras-items/?s=5af7d86deb8f3771e34ea5d8c48ba02c">TERAfans</a>.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/bluehole-studio-details-new-tera-itemization-tweaks/">Bluehole Studio details new TERA itemization tweaks</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.terafans.com/topic/5389-translation-updates-to-teras-items/?s=5af7d86deb8f3771e34ea5d8c48ba02c>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/bluehole-studio-details-new-tera-itemization-tweaks/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19691537/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/bluehole-studio-details-new-tera-itemization-tweaks/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>armor</category><category>BlueHole</category><category>bluehole-studio</category><category>crafting</category><category>en-masse</category><category>en-masse-entertainment</category><category>enchantment</category><category>fusion</category><category>itemization</category><category>mr-blue</category><category>tera</category><category>tera-online</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: Weapons]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/wasteland-diaries-weapons/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/wasteland-diaries-weapons/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/wasteland-diaries-weapons/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fallen-earth/" rel="tag">Fallen Earth</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pve/" rel="tag">PvE</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmofps/" rel="tag">MMOFPS</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/wasteland-diaries/" rel="tag">Wasteland Diaries</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/post-apocalyptic/" rel="tag">Post-Apocalyptic</a></p><div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.fallenearth.com/"><img border="1" hspace="4" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/06/fecaps1.jpg" /></a></div>
Those that say "violence never solves anything" have never been thrust into a post-apocalyptic future. Violence solves just about everything in <em><a href="http://www.fallenearth.com/">Fallen Earth</a></em>. And the cornerstone of violence, since man threw the first stone or hit his surly neighbor with a stick, has been weapons. Killing and incapacitating others is a lot of hard work, so leave it to mankind to devise a more efficient method. In <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fallen-earth">Fallen Earth</a>,</em> weapons range from everyday household items and tools, all the way up to military-grade engines of destruction.<br />
<br />
One of the tough decisions you will need to make in <em>Fallen Earth</em> will not be whether or not to use <a href="http://www.fallenearth.com/node/13">weapons</a>. It will be to decide which weapons you will use. Weapons in <em>Fallen Earth</em> are divided into three main categories, those being melee, pistols and rifles. While it is possible to specialize in all three types of weapons, it is ill-advised. You would be better served to specialize in one type of weapon and use any additional AP to boost other skills and mutation lines. After the cut, I will discuss the ins-and-outs of each weapon style for PvP and PvE to ease your decision-making process.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/wasteland-diaries-weapons/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Wasteland Diaries: Weapons</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/wasteland-diaries-weapons/">Wasteland Diaries: Weapons</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/wasteland-diaries-weapons/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19683129/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/wasteland-diaries-weapons/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>dps</category><category>fallen-earth</category><category>fallen-earth-llc</category><category>featured</category><category>icarus-studios</category><category>melee</category><category>pistol</category><category>rifle</category><category>rifles</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Edward Marshall]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Road to 50: A guide to filling your Guild Wars Hall of Monuments (V)]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/the-road-to-50-a-guide-to-filling-your-guild-wars-hall-of-monum/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/the-road-to-50-a-guide-to-filling-your-guild-wars-hall-of-monum/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/the-road-to-50-a-guide-to-filling-your-guild-wars-hall-of-monum/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/guild-wars/" rel="tag">Guild Wars</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/guild-wars-2/" rel="tag">Guild Wars 2</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/guides/" rel="tag">Guides</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/the-road-to-50"><img hspace="4" border="1" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/10/rtf-rb-1015.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
Day five! This is the last day in our <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/the-road-to-50">Road to 50</a> series, and we're going to look at the final segment of the Hall of Monuments: the <a href="http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/Valor">Monument to Valor</a>. This is where you'll dedicate all of your most prestigious weapons, and there has been a lot of discussion among players regarding what they think should be included.<br />
<br />
In the end, though, you have three choices: Tormented, Oppressor's, and Destroyer weapons. You need to have a total of 15 weapons displayed in any combination, but you have to have at least one of each type for full points. The process of getting them isn't as bad as you might think, particularly if you take your time. It's just a matter of knowing where to look, so follow along after the jump and we'll go through them!<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/the-road-to-50-a-guide-to-filling-your-guild-wars-hall-of-monum/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>The Road to 50: A guide to filling your Guild Wars Hall of Monuments (V)</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/the-road-to-50-a-guide-to-filling-your-guild-wars-hall-of-monum/">The Road to 50: A guide to filling your Guild Wars Hall of Monuments (V)</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/the-road-to-50-a-guide-to-filling-your-guild-wars-hall-of-monum/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19675896/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/the-road-to-50-a-guide-to-filling-your-guild-wars-hall-of-monum/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>anet</category><category>arenanet</category><category>destroyer-weapon</category><category>featured</category><category>guide</category><category>guides</category><category>guild-wars</category><category>Guild-Wars-2</category><category>gw</category><category>gw2</category><category>hall-of-monuments</category><category>hall-of-monuments-calculator</category><category>hom</category><category>monument-to-valor</category><category>ncsoft</category><category>oppressors-weapons</category><category>the-road-to-50</category><category>tormented-weapon</category><category>war-in-kryta</category><category>weapon</category><category>weapons</category><category>wik</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rubi Bayer]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exploring Eberron: Closing the community gap]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/exploring-eberron-closing-the-community-gap/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/exploring-eberron-closing-the-community-gap/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/exploring-eberron-closing-the-community-gap/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons-and-dragons-online/" rel="tag">Dungeons and Dragons Online</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/exploring-eberron/" rel="tag">Exploring Eberron</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/exploring-eberron"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/10/helpmeimlevelten-rb-1014.jpg" /></a></div>
In <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/exploring-eberron-community-and-community-division/">last week's Exploring Eberron</a>, I talked quite a bit about the community divide in <a href="http://www.ddo.com"><em>Dungeons and Dragons Online</em></a> and why it exists. <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/ddo-update-7">Update 7</a> seems to be ushering in a new era of <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/dungeons-and-dragons-online"><em>DDO</em></a>, one in which the devs turn their attention back to the veteran and high-level players. <br />
<br />
I've been around <em>DDO</em> for about a year, and Exploring Eberron is geared toward the less experienced player, so I sincerely understand and appreciate <a href="http://www.turbine.com">Turbine</a>'s effort over the past year or so to provide plenty of content for the "new kids." It's something that made complete sense -- what good are thousands of new customers if you don't have a rich, in-depth game to keep them around?<br />
<br />
However, I can understand the frustration of the veteran players who are sort of sitting around saying, "But what about us?" Will the next year solve this? Follow along after the jump while I gaze into my crystal ball.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/exploring-eberron-closing-the-community-gap/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Exploring Eberron: Closing the community gap</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/exploring-eberron-closing-the-community-gap/">Exploring Eberron: Closing the community gap</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/exploring-eberron-closing-the-community-gap/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19674291/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/exploring-eberron-closing-the-community-gap/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>armor</category><category>ddo</category><category>ddo-update-7</category><category>ddo-wiki</category><category>dungeons-and-dragons-online</category><category>exploring-eberron</category><category>f2p</category><category>featured</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>freemium</category><category>ftp</category><category>gear</category><category>turbine</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rubi Bayer]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Mira, mira, on the wall...]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/wings-over-atreia-mira-mira-on-the-wall/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/wings-over-atreia-mira-mira-on-the-wall/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/wings-over-atreia-mira-mira-on-the-wall/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/aion/" rel="tag">Aion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/wings-over-atreia/" rel="tag">Wings Over Atreia</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/wings-over-atreia"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/06/woaheader-1276368892.jpg" /></a></div>
Who is the happiest to be done with it all? If not me (I will certainly defer to those who endured 10+ attempts at the hot heart of magic craft), then I surely rank right up near the top! Yes folks, there is a Santa Cl... I mean an end to the Miragent/Fenris questline in <a href="http://na.aiononline.com/"><em>Aion</em></a>, and I have found it. To those naysayers, those unbelievers who think otherwise, I say I am living proof that Mira does not stand for mirage! <br />
<br />
I admit, I am indeed grateful to be looking back on the experience, instead of ahead to it. Between the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/wings-over-atreia-miragent-the-saga-continues/">grinding</a>, the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/wings-over-atreia-going-for-the-gold-miragent-or-bust/">spawn camping</a>, and the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/wings-over-atreia-miragents-let-there-be-pants/">curse of the RNG</a>, to say that the journey to obtain Miragent or Fenris armor is a rough road is putting it mildly. I spent a fair share of time just being grateful the questline doesn't include belts and hats; I think there would be a mass exodus if <a href="http://us.ncsoft.com/en/">NCsoft</a> introduced Miragent/Fenris jewelry. <br />
<br />
Although each leg of this race has had rough patches, I still believe it has been worth it. Make a final dash past the cut to experience the end of an era: the completion of the quest for Miragent armor.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/wings-over-atreia-mira-mira-on-the-wall/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Wings Over Atreia: Mira, mira, on the wall...</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/wings-over-atreia-mira-mira-on-the-wall/">Wings Over Atreia: Mira, mira, on the wall...</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/wings-over-atreia-mira-mira-on-the-wall/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19667579/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/wings-over-atreia-mira-mira-on-the-wall/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aion</category><category>aion-game</category><category>armor</category><category>armor-sets</category><category>assault-on-balaurea</category><category>atreia</category><category>coin-quest</category><category>Coins</category><category>featured</category><category>fenris</category><category>grind</category><category>grinding</category><category>miragent</category><category>nc-soft</category><category>nc-soft-aion</category><category>ncsoft</category><category>ncsoft-aion</category><category>quest</category><category>questing</category><category>Quests</category><category>theobomos</category><category>weapons</category><category>Wings-Over-Atreia</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[MJ Guthrie]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your preferred weapon type?]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/the-daily-grind-whats-your-preferred-weapon-type/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/the-daily-grind-whats-your-preferred-weapon-type/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/the-daily-grind-whats-your-preferred-weapon-type/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/culture/" rel="tag">Culture</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/the-daily-grind/" rel="tag">The Daily Grind</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/the-daily-grind/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/09/weapons.jpg" /></a></div>
Until the day that we can conquer our virtual enemies with hugging and snuggling, it will always be necessary to arm ourselves for battle with the gruesome tools of the trade. MMOs typically start you out on your career with rusty butter knives and wiffle bats, but before long you have the choice of thousands of types and varieties of weapons.<br />
<br />
So what's your preferred weapon to kill those 10 rats? Do you like doing your damage up close with dual daggers? Perhaps it's a hefty sword that commands respect as you lop off heads. Or do you spend your time turning living objects into pincushions with your lightning-fast bow and arrow? Maybe your tastes run to the more exotic?<br />
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Myself, I'm partial to either quarterstaffs (level softly and carry a big stick, is what I say) and any fully automatic assault rifle that I can get my hands on. I know some players who just can't stand to play any class that can't use a big honking two-handed sword. What about you?<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/the-daily-grind-whats-your-preferred-weapon-type/">The Daily Grind: What's your preferred weapon type?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/the-daily-grind-whats-your-preferred-weapon-type/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19647450/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/26/the-daily-grind-whats-your-preferred-weapon-type/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>assault-rifle</category><category>butter-knives</category><category>kill-ten-rats</category><category>opinion</category><category>quarterstaff</category><category>tdg</category><category>the-daily-grind</category><category>weapon</category><category>weaponry</category><category>weapons</category><category>wiffle-bat</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Olivetti]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 26 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tear through mobs galore in Dynasty Warriors Online]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/tear-through-mobs-galore-in-dynasty-warriors-online/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/tear-through-mobs-galore-in-dynasty-warriors-online/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/tear-through-mobs-galore-in-dynasty-warriors-online/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/galleries/" rel="tag">Galleries</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/video/" rel="tag">Video</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-play</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/dynasty-warriors-online-preview-gallery/full/#3396174"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/09/voltairetakesonthemobkv.jpg" /></a></div>
Had a frustrating day? Just in the mood to feel <em>obscenely</em> powerful? Like lots of hack-and-slash? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then we've got an MMO you'll want to keep an eye on. The newest update from <a href="http://dynastywarriors.aeriagames.com/news"><em>Dynasty Warriors Online</em></a> features a preview video chock-full of crazy fighting action. We're not just talking interesting moves, here -- we mean these weapons seem to cut through mobs like a freakin' <em>lawnmower</em>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/dynasty-warriors-online/"><em>Dynasty Warriors Online</em></a> from <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Tecmo-Koei/">Tecmo Koei</a> and <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Aeria-Games/">Aeria Games</a> offers lots of old-school weapons like nun-chucks and staves, as well as more imaginative weapons like the Beast Gauntlets. Giant swords, maces, and axes feature in the action too, if you prefer something a bit larger-than-life. Sound like your kind of <strike>stress-release</strike> game? After you've checked out the screenshots below and the video behind the break, head on over to <a href="http://dynastywarriors.aeriagames.com/news">the shiny new <em>Dynasty Warriors </em>site</a> to sign up for beta. Gratuitous slaughter awaits! <br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/dynasty-warriors-online-preview-gallery/">Dynasty Warriors Online gallery</a></strong></p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/dynasty-warriors-online-preview-gallery/#3710456"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/12/4-1293034630_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/dynasty-warriors-online-preview-gallery/#3710457"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/12/5-1293034631_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/dynasty-warriors-online-preview-gallery/#3710455"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/12/3-1293034628_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/dynasty-warriors-online-preview-gallery/#3710454"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/12/2-1293034626_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/dynasty-warriors-online-preview-gallery/#3710453"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/12/1-1293034625_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/tear-through-mobs-galore-in-dynasty-warriors-online/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Tear through mobs galore in Dynasty Warriors Online</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/tear-through-mobs-galore-in-dynasty-warriors-online/">Tear through mobs galore in Dynasty Warriors Online</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/tear-through-mobs-galore-in-dynasty-warriors-online/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19646049/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/tear-through-mobs-galore-in-dynasty-warriors-online/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aeria</category><category>aeria-games</category><category>beta</category><category>dwo</category><category>dynasty-warriors</category><category>dynasty-warriors-online</category><category>f2p</category><category>fantasy</category><category>free-to-play</category><category>galleries</category><category>gallery</category><category>historical</category><category>preview</category><category>screenshots</category><category>tecmo-koei</category><category>video</category><category>war</category><category>weaponry</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Krystalle Voecks]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Dilov &amp; Hristov on the systems of Earthrise]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/massively-exclusive-dilov-and-hristov-on-the-systems-of-earthrise/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/massively-exclusive-dilov-and-hristov-on-the-systems-of-earthrise/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/massively-exclusive-dilov-and-hristov-on-the-systems-of-earthrise/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/interviews/" rel="tag">Interviews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/massively-interviews/" rel="tag">Massively Interviews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/earthrise/" rel="tag">Earthrise</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/post-apocalyptic/" rel="tag">Post-Apocalyptic</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/earthrise/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/09/earthriseint580kv.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">With an open PvP model, a rich crafting system, and a sumptuous art style, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/masthead-studios/">Masthead Studios</a>' upcoming sci-fi post-apocalyptic game, <a href="http://www.play-earthrise.com"><em>Earthrise</em></a>, has been gaining more and more interest from our readers. From everything we've seen of the game to date, this title will offer some interesting options in terms of how one chooses to play through the world. That's why, when we were given the chance to ask some questions of <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Momchil-Dilov/">Momchil Dilov</a>, Lead Writer and <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Plamen-Hristov/">Plamen Hristov</a>, Senior Game Designer on<em> <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/earthrise/">Earthrise</a></em>, we were happy to do so. <br />
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For those not familiar with the game, you'll want to check out the interview noted yesterday, then join us behind the break as we ask about different systems such as crafting, PvP sieges, the importance of guilds, customization, character penalties, and more!</div><p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/massively-exclusive-dilov-and-hristov-on-the-systems-of-earthrise/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Massively Exclusive: Dilov &amp; Hristov on the systems of Earthrise</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/massively-exclusive-dilov-and-hristov-on-the-systems-of-earthrise/">Massively Exclusive: Dilov &amp; Hristov on the systems of Earthrise</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/massively-exclusive-dilov-and-hristov-on-the-systems-of-earthrise/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19637169/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/massively-exclusive-dilov-and-hristov-on-the-systems-of-earthrise/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>city-siege</category><category>crafting</category><category>customization</category><category>earthrise</category><category>economy</category><category>featured</category><category>guilds</category><category>interview</category><category>level-cap</category><category>massively-exclusive-interviews</category><category>masthead-studios</category><category>Momchil-Dilov</category><category>Plamen-Hristov</category><category>player-bankruptcy</category><category>pvp</category><category>resources</category><category>skillpoints</category><category>teleportation</category><category>territorial-control</category><category>weapon-types</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Krystalle Voecks]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Back to basics]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/flameseeker-chronicles-back-to-basics/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/flameseeker-chronicles-back-to-basics/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/flameseeker-chronicles-back-to-basics/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/guild-wars/" rel="tag">Guild Wars</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/flameseeker-chronicles/" rel="tag">Flameseeker Chronicles</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/flameseeker-chronicles"><img alt="" border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/08/loginscreen-rb-815.jpg" vspace="4" /></a></div>
With all the talk of <a href="http://www.guildwars2.com"><em>Guild Wars 2</em></a> these days, many players are beginning to pay attention to <a href="http://www.guildwars.com"><em>Guild Wars</em></a>, something they've not done before.<br />
<br />
And there's good reason to jump into <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/guild-wars-2">Guild Wars</a></em> right now. It serves as the backstory to <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/guild-wars-2"><em>Guild Wars 2</em></a>; the entire <em>Guild Wars</em> trilogy plus the <a href="http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/Eye_of_the_North"><em>Eye of the North</em></a> expansion can be had for a song these days; and there's no subscription fee. Players who are a little burned out on their previous games of choice are thinking that maybe there's something to this game after all, and I've been getting more than a few emails with general questions about starting this five-year-old game.<br />
<br />
So while we've been focusing pretty heavily on <em>Guild Wars 2</em> in <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/flameseeker-chronicles/">Flameseeker Chronicles</a> lately, I decided to take this week to discuss why it's never too late to start <em>Guild Wars</em> while you wait for <em>GW2</em> to arrive.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/flameseeker-chronicles-back-to-basics/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Flameseeker Chronicles: Back to basics</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/flameseeker-chronicles-back-to-basics/">Flameseeker Chronicles: Back to basics</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/flameseeker-chronicles-back-to-basics/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19593660/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/flameseeker-chronicles-back-to-basics/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>anet</category><category>arenanet</category><category>crafting</category><category>eotn</category><category>factions</category><category>featured</category><category>flameseeker-chronicles</category><category>gear</category><category>grind</category><category>guild-wars</category><category>guild-wars-101</category><category>Guild-Wars-2</category><category>guilds</category><category>gw</category><category>gw2</category><category>map-travel</category><category>massively-overpowered</category><category>ncsoft</category><category>new-player-guide</category><category>nightfall</category><category>prophecies</category><category>recruiting</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rubi Bayer]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Earthrise offers new insights into weaponry]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/earthrise-offers-new-insights-into-weaponry/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/earthrise-offers-new-insights-into-weaponry/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/earthrise-offers-new-insights-into-weaponry/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/earthrise/" rel="tag">Earthrise</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/post-apocalyptic/" rel="tag">Post-Apocalyptic</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.play-earthrise.com"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/08/earthrise-weapons-epl-810.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
Weapons are useful. Nearly any MMO player will be happy to expound on the virtues of them, and so it's no surprise that <a href="http://www.play-earthrise.com/"><em>Earthrise</em></a> will be featuring its own selection. The development team recently released <a href="http://forums.play-earthrise.com/index.php?topic=6659.0">information and a few renders</a> of the weapons that will be coming out for the post-apocalyptic game, detailing shotguns, assault rifles, and precision rifles. the forum post also details that each skill line is tied to a specific item -- meaning that shotguns don't simply encompass firing shells, but an entire suite of abilities based around using a shotgun.<br />
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Assault rifles are flexible, with both burst fire and sustained fire possible, as well as grenade launchers to give them area-of-effect attacks. Shotguns, meanwhile, specialize in close-range brutality, allowing for crowd control and quick dispatching of targets. Precision rifles take the "sniper" role, allowing players to hit single targets with extreme force over long distances. The full rundown can be found <a href="http://forums.play-earthrise.com/index.php?topic=6659.0">on the post on the official forums</a>, which should be welcome news for players eager to hear more on the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/earthrise-delayed-by-robot-assassin/">slightly-delayed</a> science fiction MMO.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/earthrise-offers-new-insights-into-weaponry/">Earthrise offers new insights into weaponry</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://forums.play-earthrise.com/index.php?topic=6659.0>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/earthrise-offers-new-insights-into-weaponry/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19588729/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/earthrise-offers-new-insights-into-weaponry/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>abilities</category><category>background</category><category>development-previews</category><category>earthrise</category><category>item-based-skills</category><category>item-skills</category><category>items</category><category>masthead</category><category>previews</category><category>renders</category><category>rifles</category><category>sandbox</category><category>shotguns</category><category>weapon-types</category><category>weaponry</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eliot Lefebvre]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lineage II readies Freya update]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/lineage-ii-readies-freya-update/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/lineage-ii-readies-freya-update/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/lineage-ii-readies-freya-update/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/video/" rel="tag">Video</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/lineage-2/" rel="tag">Lineage 2</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/patches/" rel="tag">Patches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News items</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://boards.lineage2.com/showthread.php?t=209881"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/07/l2narc.jpg" /><br />
</a></div>
<a href="http://www.ncsoft.com">NCsoft's</a> <a href="http://www.aiononline.com"><em>Aion</em></a> and <a href="http://www.cityofheroes.com"><em>City of Heroes</em></a> may get more press here in the States, but the workhorse of the Korean MMORPG maker's worldwide stable continues to be <a href="http://www.lineage2.com"><em>Lineage II</em></a>. The long-running fantasy title is gearing up for yet another substantial update, with the much-anticipated Freya patch scheduled to hit the public test server on July 29th.<br />
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<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/lineage-2"><em>Lineage II's</em></a> updates have always been rather meaty (and free of charge, provided you have an active subscription) and Freya is no different. Included in the patch is everything from new weapons, armor, and abilities to entirely new overland and dungeon areas. Small touches aren't left out either, with new social emotes -- including partner dances -- scheduled for inclusion, as well as reduced teleportation fees and an increase in available quest journal space.<br />
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The patch notes have yet to be released, but you can get a sneak peek at the projected additions on the Freya <a href="http://l2.eogamer.com/wiki/Freya_Sneak_Peek">wiki page</a>. Additionally, mark your calendar for the Freya <a href="http://www.lineage2.com/archive/2010/07/freya_pts_fun.html">reveal festivities</a> and don't forget to read the official <a href="http://www.lineage2.com/news/news.html">press release</a>. Finally, check out some of the new armors after the cut.<br />
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[Thanks Justin!]<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/lineage-ii-readies-freya-update/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Lineage II readies Freya update</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/lineage-ii-readies-freya-update/">Lineage II readies Freya update</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.lineage2.com/news/news.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/lineage-ii-readies-freya-update/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19566724/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/lineage-ii-readies-freya-update/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>armor</category><category>chronicle</category><category>freya</category><category>lineage-2</category><category>lineage-ii</category><category>movie</category><category>ncsoft</category><category>new-content</category><category>patch</category><category>pts</category><category>pts-fun-schedule</category><category>public-test-server</category><category>trailer</category><category>video</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jef Reahard]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Rent-a-gear]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/wings-over-atreia-rent-a-gear/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/wings-over-atreia-rent-a-gear/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/wings-over-atreia-rent-a-gear/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/aion/" rel="tag">Aion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/wings-over-atreia/" rel="tag">Wings Over Atreia</a></p><div style="text-align: center;">
	<em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/wings-over-atreia"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/06/woaheader-1276368892.jpg" /></a><br />
	</em></div>
<em>Wondering </em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/exploring-the-diverse-armor-of-aion/"><em>what to wear</em></a><em> when you get an invite to an extra spiffy affair -- perhaps a cruise on the Steel Rake? Are you stuck strutting around in your ragged greens and whites? What about preparing to duel to protect the honor of your legion? Are you going to show up in that pathetic mismatched outfit with that embarrassing weapon? Afraid to brave the wilds of </em><a href="http://powerwiki.na.aiononline.com/aion/Beluslan"><em>Beluslan</em></a><em> for fear of the snickers you will receive from the white-winged enemies that descend upon you as you gather once they get a gander at your gear?<br />
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Never fear, we have </em>rent-a-gear<em>! For times just such as these -- and any other battle needs -- your friendly neighborhood Shugos come through again, with an extra special offer for you, just for you! Ack-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack. </em><br />
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So might go an advertisement for one of the new features brought to <a href="http://na.aiononline.com/"><em>Aion</em></a> in the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-ncsoft-speaks-out-on-aion-1-9/">1.9 patch</a> -- the chance to deck yourself out in high-level, albeit temporary, <a href="http://powerwiki.na.aiononline.com/aion/Ask+Kinslon#hd73659">gear</a>. While jewelry is not offered, you can get weapons of every kind, shields, and full sets of armor -- definitely a plus for anyone seeking instant gearing-up satisfaction, but is it a good deal? How practical is this gear, and do players really take advantage of it?<br />
<br />
Suit up and march past the cut to explore some pros and cons, and see whether this new feature makes the grade with players.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/wings-over-atreia-rent-a-gear/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Wings Over Atreia: Rent-a-gear</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/wings-over-atreia-rent-a-gear/">Wings Over Atreia: Rent-a-gear</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/wings-over-atreia-rent-a-gear/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19541183/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/wings-over-atreia-rent-a-gear/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>1.9</category><category>1.9-patch</category><category>aion</category><category>armor</category><category>atreia</category><category>featured</category><category>gear</category><category>mist-merchanta</category><category>ncsoft</category><category>poll</category><category>polls</category><category>rent-a-gear</category><category>rental-armor</category><category>rental-gear</category><category>temporary-armor</category><category>weapons</category><category>Wings-Over-Atreia</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[MJ Guthrie]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI expands Trial of the Magians]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/final-fantasy-xi-expands-trial-of-the-magians/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/final-fantasy-xi-expands-trial-of-the-magians/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/final-fantasy-xi-expands-trial-of-the-magians/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/final-fantasy-xi/" rel="tag">Final Fantasy XI</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/patches/" rel="tag">Patches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/consoles/" rel="tag">Consoles</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Mythic_Weapon"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/05/ffxi-magian-epl-527.jpg"  alt="" /></a></div>
So you have weapons that can take a good year or two to put together, and then the game's level cap and item strength goes up. What do you do? <a href="http://www.playonline.com"><em>Final Fantasy XI</em></a> answered this question via <a href="http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Trial_of_the_Magians">Trial of the Magians</a>, allowing holders of <a href="http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Relic_Weapon">Relic</a> or <a href="http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Mythic_Weapon">Mythic</a> weapons to upgrade their weapon appropriately -- and allowing everyone else to start a new weapon they can custom-tune.  With the first level cap upgrade to the game coming in the <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/June-version-update/">June version update</a>, it should come as no surprise that the Trial of the Magians system is <a href="http://www.playonline.com/pcd/topics/ff11us/detail/5475/detail.html">getting a concurrent upgrade</a>.<br />
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The fact that there will be new options to enhance and improve weapons almost goes without saying, as it lets players push their weaponry even further than before.  There's also the promise of new trial varieties, and mention of being able to improve one's weapon skills themselves -- certainly an attractive proposition.  If you're an adventurer on the go, you can also purchase a set of newly-added Magian Spectacles to check in on your trial status and progress along the upgrade path from anywhere.  All told, the <a href="http://www.playonline.com/pcd/topics/ff11us/detail/5475/detail.html">changes promise to improve</a> on of the bigger new additions to <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/Final-Fantasy-XI/"><em>Final Fantasy XI</em></a>, whether you're swinging a Lumberjack or a Conqueror.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/final-fantasy-xi-expands-trial-of-the-magians/">Final Fantasy XI expands Trial of the Magians</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 28 May 2010 09:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.playonline.com/pcd/topics/ff11us/detail/5475/detail.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/final-fantasy-xi-expands-trial-of-the-magians/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19494094/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/final-fantasy-xi-expands-trial-of-the-magians/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>advancement</category><category>ff</category><category>ff11</category><category>ffxi</category><category>final-fantasy</category><category>final-fantasy-11</category><category>final-fantasy-xi</category><category>improvement</category><category>june-version-update</category><category>mythic-weapons</category><category>patches</category><category>relic-weapons</category><category>square</category><category>square-enix</category><category>trial-of-the-magians</category><category>upgrades</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eliot Lefebvre]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 28 May 2010 09:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A look at the big changes in Global Agenda's 1.3 patch]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/a-look-at-the-big-changes-in-global-agendas-1-3-patch/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/a-look-at-the-big-changes-in-global-agendas-1-3-patch/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/a-look-at-the-big-changes-in-global-agendas-1-3-patch/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/patches/" rel="tag">Patches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/global-agenda/" rel="tag">Global Agenda</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.globagendagame.com"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="top" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/05/ga-patch-epl-505.jpg" /></a></div>
The team over at <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Hi-Rez-Studios/">Hi-Rez Studios</a> may have bitten off just a touch more than they could chew with the 1.3 patch for <a href="http://www.globalagendagame.com"><em>Global Agenda</em></a>. It's not that the patch is bad, just that they turned out to not quite be able to push some of the originally promised features through at the same time as the main patch. Of course, considering all of the stuff that <em>is</em> in the newest patch, that almost seems less like a drawback and more like an act of mercy. The advertised open zones and 64-person PvP Warzone will be slightly delayed, which only leaves...<br />
<br />
...well, it leaves a whole lot of changes, starting with the massive overhauls to weapons and armor that bring the game closer in line with common genre conventions. The previous system has entirely been discarded, and replaced with four grades of quality for weapons and armor: Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Epic. All grades can be obtained from vendors in exchange for credits (for common weapons), Mercenary tokens (for rare and epic weapons), or Conquest tokens (for epic special weapons). The weapons also have a chance to drop during PvE missions, with the weapons getting correspondingly stronger as the mission gets more difficult.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/a-look-at-the-big-changes-in-global-agendas-1-3-patch/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>A look at the big changes in Global Agenda's 1.3 patch</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/a-look-at-the-big-changes-in-global-agendas-1-3-patch/">A look at the big changes in Global Agenda's 1.3 patch</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 07 May 2010 14:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/a-look-at-the-big-changes-in-global-agendas-1-3-patch/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19466157/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/a-look-at-the-big-changes-in-global-agendas-1-3-patch/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>alliance-vs-alliance</category><category>armor</category><category>ava</category><category>changes</category><category>conquest</category><category>crafting</category><category>drops</category><category>equipment</category><category>featured</category><category>ga</category><category>ga-patch-1.3</category><category>global-agenda</category><category>global-agenda-hi-rez</category><category>global-agenda-patch-1.3</category><category>hi-rez</category><category>hi-rez-global-agenda</category><category>hi-rez-stdioes-global-agenda</category><category>hi-rez-studios</category><category>loot</category><category>mods</category><category>persistence</category><category>stats</category><category>weapon</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eliot Lefebvre]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 07 May 2010 14:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Heroes of Three Kingdoms shows off extremely shiny weapons]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/heroes-of-three-kingdoms-shows-off-extremely-shiny-weapons/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/heroes-of-three-kingdoms-shows-off-extremely-shiny-weapons/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/heroes-of-three-kingdoms-shows-off-extremely-shiny-weapons/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/betas/" rel="tag">Betas</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/trailers/" rel="tag">Trailers</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/new-titles/" rel="tag">New titles</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News items</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/free-to-play/" rel="tag">Free-to-play</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/heroes-of-three-kingdoms/" rel="tag">Heroes of Three Kingdoms</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/03/hotkweaps580kv.jpg" alt="" /></div>
The other day we hooked you up with a bunch of <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/massivelys-heroes-of-three-kingdoms-closed-beta-key-giveaway/">closed beta keys</a> for the newly-announced <a href="http://www.perfectworld.com/"><em>Heroes of Three Kingdoms</em></a>, but players were asking us for some in-game footage to check out. Thankfully, the folks over at <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/perfect-world-entertainment/">Perfect World Entertainment</a> have decided to release a teaser trailer showing off the crazy amounts of weaponry available for players to choose in the game - and their incredibly glowy attacks!<br />
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This teaser trailer shows off most of the 18 types of weapons that will be in the game. There are more common weapons like glaives, staves and bows on up to much more exotic weaponry like war fans, ring blades, and more. So if you're curious as to what manner of things you might be able to expect in <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/Heroes-of-Three-Kingdoms/"><em>Heroes of Three Kingdoms</em></a>, then be sure to check out the early pre-beta teaser trailer, embedded behind the break.<p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/heroes-of-three-kingdoms-shows-off-extremely-shiny-weapons/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Heroes of Three Kingdoms shows off extremely shiny weapons</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/heroes-of-three-kingdoms-shows-off-extremely-shiny-weapons/">Heroes of Three Kingdoms shows off extremely shiny weapons</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/heroes-of-three-kingdoms-shows-off-extremely-shiny-weapons/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19402027/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/heroes-of-three-kingdoms-shows-off-extremely-shiny-weapons/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>beta</category><category>heroes-of-three-kingdoms</category><category>hotk</category><category>perfect-world-entertainment</category><category>perfect-world-international</category><category>pwe</category><category>trailer</category><category>video</category><category>weapons</category><category>weapons-trailer</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Krystalle Voecks]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Warhammer Online reveals tidbits about 1.3.4]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/warhammer-online-reveals-tidbits-about-1-3-4/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/warhammer-online-reveals-tidbits-about-1-3-4/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/warhammer-online-reveals-tidbits-about-1-3-4/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/fantasy/" rel="tag">Fantasy</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/patches/" rel="tag">Patches</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/previews/" rel="tag">Previews</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/pvp/" rel="tag">PvP</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/warhammer-online/" rel="tag">Warhammer Online</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.warhammeronline.com"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="top" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2010/01/war-upcoming134-epl-124.jpg" /></a></div>
After the storm of updates, changes, and news over the holidays, <a href="http://www.warhammeronline.com"><em>Warhammer Online</em></a> has been pretty quiet lately. Under the circumstances, that might be a little more unsettling for the game's players. But the silence has at long last been broken, as community manager <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/Andy-Belford/">Andy Belford</a> recently shared some information with the community about <a href="http://forums.warhammeronline.com/warhammer/board/message?board.id=dev_discussions&amp;message.id=5142#M5142">what can be expected</a> when <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/war-patch-1.3.4/">patch 1.3.4</a> arrives. And at least one of the announced features is something that should make a large number of players quite thankful -- the promise of weapons available via <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/RvR/">RvR</a> gameplay instead of PvE.<br />
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Belford stresses that the weapons will be purchased via a currency system that works with the game's scenarios, rather than any existing medallions or crests. As a connected point, he mentioned that scenarios were due for some more evaluation, with the promise of re-evaluating or removing several of the less popular options. There are also changes planned in the way that the game handles capturing cities, clearly designed to make defending captured areas more of a tactical decision for players. The patch is intended to go live on the test server by the second week of February at the absolute latest, which should be good news for all <em><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/Warhammer-Online/">Warhammer Online</a></em> fans.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/warhammer-online-reveals-tidbits-about-1-3-4/">Warhammer Online reveals tidbits about 1.3.4</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/warhammer-online-reveals-tidbits-about-1-3-4/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19329283/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/warhammer-online-reveals-tidbits-about-1-3-4/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>andy-belford</category><category>community-manager</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>mythic</category><category>mythic-entertainment</category><category>patch-preview</category><category>rvr</category><category>war</category><category>war-patch-1.3.4</category><category>warhammer</category><category>warhammer-online</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eliot Lefebvre]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What kind of weapons do you long for?]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/the-daily-grind-what-kind-of-weapons-do-you-long-for/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/the-daily-grind-what-kind-of-weapons-do-you-long-for/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/the-daily-grind-what-kind-of-weapons-do-you-long-for/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/game-mechanics/" rel="tag">Game mechanics</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/opinion/" rel="tag">Opinion</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/the-daily-grind/" rel="tag">The Daily Grind</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/academic/" rel="tag">Academic</a></p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kusarigama"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="top" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2009/12/tdg-weapons-epl-1216.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
There's not exactly <em>nothing</em> to do in many games if you don't want to hurt anyone, but outside of certain environments such as <a href="http://secondlife.com"><em>Second Life</em></a>, you're going to be spending a good amount of your time racking up an impressive string of kills. Rather than <a href="http://johntynes.com/revland2000/rl_powerkill.html">considering the in-depth moral ramifications of that</a>, it's probably better to focus on the more pertinent issues of <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ImprobableWeaponUser">what crazy items you can use to inflict said kills</a>. Whips and chains, for instance, put in a miserably small showing across the variety of games that are on the market, despite having <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ChainedByFashion">obvious advantages</a>.<br />
<br />
Today, we ask you what sort of bizarre weapon you'd like to see in your game of choice. Whether it be something practical with a solid basis such as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kusarigama">kusarigama</a> pictured above or something <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ParasolOfPain">unwieldy and unlikely to be reasonable</a>, there are probably weapons that are nowhere to be found or at least only found in a few settings that you still harbor a soft spot for. What do you want your character to tote around as an engine of destruction?<p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/the-daily-grind-what-kind-of-weapons-do-you-long-for/">The Daily Grind: What kind of weapons do you long for?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/the-daily-grind-what-kind-of-weapons-do-you-long-for/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19284486/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/the-daily-grind-what-kind-of-weapons-do-you-long-for/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>armaments</category><category>chains</category><category>hurting-things</category><category>impractical-weapons</category><category>ridiculous-weapons</category><category>second-life</category><category>tdg</category><category>the-daily-grind</category><category>weapons</category><category>whips</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eliot Lefebvre]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stargate Worlds: We're still kicking, the pics prove it]]></title><link>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/stargate-worlds-were-still-kicking-the-pics-prove-it/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/stargate-worlds-were-still-kicking-the-pics-prove-it/</guid><comments>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/stargate-worlds-were-still-kicking-the-pics-prove-it/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/sci-fi/" rel="tag">Sci-fi</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/screenshots/" rel="tag">Screenshots</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/classes/" rel="tag">Classes</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/mmo-industry/" rel="tag">MMO industry</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/stargate-worlds/" rel="tag">Stargate Worlds</a>, <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/news-items/" rel="tag">News items</a></p><a href="http://community.stargateworlds.com/news/1/1316/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="middle" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2009/11/newstargateworldsimagenovemberat580-1258399001.jpg" /></a><br />
It's been a long, difficult road for <a href="http://www.stargateworlds.com"><em>Stargate Worlds</em></a> -- a game that has been mired in financial woes for quite some time. Now and again we do get to report <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/stargate-worlds-receives-new-funding-development-to-continue/">some positive news</a> about the sci-fi MMO, but it's clear that <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/stargate-worlds-site-returns-but-funding-still-tight/#continued"><em>Stargate Worlds</em> isn't out of the woods</a> quite yet. <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/tag/cheyenne-mountain-entertainment">Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment</a> recently made an announcement to the game's fan community, thanking them for their support through tough times. <a href="http://www.cheyenneme.com/">CME</a> stated, <em>"We know you expect nothing less than the AAA content in</em> Stargate Worlds <em>our development team is working hard to give you along with some additional exciting news we will be revealing very soon! We want to thank everyone for their continued support and passion for</em> Stargate Worlds <em>and we can't wait to show you more of what we've been cooking up over here." </em><br />
<br />
As to what they've been working on, Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment released some new screenshots of the armor and weapons for the Goa'uld, Jaffa, Soldier, and Scientist classes. CME explains, <em>"Each of these armor sets will have unique traits that make them ideal for certain situations. As players become familiar with each world and the various environments they will encounter, they will discover which sets of armor best suit their play."</em> The most recent <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/category/stargate-worlds"><em>Stargate Worlds</em></a> images can be seen at the top of the <a href="http://community.stargateworlds.com/gallery/">gallery on the SGW Community Site</a>.<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/stargate-worlds-screenshot-gallery/">Stargate Worlds Screenshot Gallery</a></strong></p><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/stargate-worlds-screenshot-gallery/#2456233"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2009/11/catarmor1024-1258400834_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/stargate-worlds-screenshot-gallery/#2456234"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2009/11/goauld1024-1258400837_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/stargate-worlds-screenshot-gallery/#2456236"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2009/11/patrol1024-1258400840_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/stargate-worlds-screenshot-gallery/#2456237"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2009/11/scientist1024-1258400841_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/photos/stargate-worlds-screenshot-gallery/#2456239"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2009/11/soldier1024-1258400844_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="padding:5px;background:#ffffcc;border:1px solid #ffff99;clear:both;"><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com"><img src="http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif" alt="Massively" style="float:left;padding:0 5px 5px 0;" /></a><a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/stargate-worlds-were-still-kicking-the-pics-prove-it/">Stargate Worlds: We're still kicking, the pics prove it</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://massively.joystiq.com">Massively</a> on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.<br style="clear:both;"></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://community.stargateworlds.com/news/1/1316/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/stargate-worlds-were-still-kicking-the-pics-prove-it/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/forward/19241517/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/stargate-worlds-were-still-kicking-the-pics-prove-it/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>armor</category><category>cheyenne-mountain-entertainment</category><category>classes</category><category>cme</category><category>goauld</category><category>jaffa</category><category>mmo-industry</category><category>sci-fi</category><category>scientist</category><category>sgw</category><category>soldier</category><category>stargate</category><category>stargate-worlds</category><category>weapons</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[James Egan]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>
