Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Reentering the Age of Conan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/the-digital-continuum-reentering-the-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/the-digital-continuum-reentering-the-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/the-digital-continuum-reentering-the-age-of-conan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


When I decided to come back and check out Final Fantasy XI, I'm fairly certain that I was in the small minority of people returning in that moment. With Funcom offering previous subscribers a chance to take a second look at Age of Conan, I somehow doubt I'll be in a minority this time around.

So here we are, coming back to the digital realm of Hyboria just past a year since everyone first ventured into its lush and deadly landscapes. What will I find? What will I think? These are just a few of the many questions that go through my mind as I boot up the game for the first time in a while.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Reentering the Age of Conan

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Reentering the Age of Conan originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccimmerianfeaturedfuncomthe-digital-continuumtortagevistawindows-7windows-vistaMon, 13 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Never wonder about Lord of the Rings server status again]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/never-wonder-about-lord-of-the-rings-server-status-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/never-wonder-about-lord-of-the-rings-server-status-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/never-wonder-about-lord-of-the-rings-server-status-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Play Lord of the Rings Online? Yes? Good. Now, are you running Windows Vista? If you said yes again, then do we have a gadget for you.

Galdorad over at the LotRO forums has found a pretty nice gadget for the Vista sidebar that checks in on the status of LotRO servers. He's made a few tweaks to the gadget to add some more functionality, but it's still a handy little gadget that can keep you apprised of the game's state.

With it, you don't have to log into the patcher or leave it running, if you want to keep your system resources down. If you're interested, you can jump on the gadget download over at the forum post, which also shows you how to add the LotRO patcher news feed into your Vista RSS reader.

And yes, we know you're going to complain about Vista in the comments. We're psychic, you know.

[Via 2 High Road]

MassivelyNever wonder about Lord of the Rings server status again originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2-high-roadgadgetlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-patcherpatcherrss-feedserver-statusvistavista-gadgetvista-rsswindows-vistaWed, 11 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday the 13th too cursed for Matrix Online update 66]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/friday-the-13th-too-cursed-for-matrix-online-update-66/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/friday-the-13th-too-cursed-for-matrix-online-update-66/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/friday-the-13th-too-cursed-for-matrix-online-update-66/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


We reported earlier in the week that The Matrix Online update 66 was due to hit servers yesterday, however community relations representative Virrago has informed the MxO players that the update will be pushed back to next week.

The patch notes on this update are still in the dark, and no one is quite sure what will be included with this update past the fixes for Windows Vista and the removal of storyline progression. It looks like the MxO team will be releasing the notes the day of the patch, keeping everything a surprise until the last moment.

Also up in the air is Ben "Rarebit" Chamberlain's leaving date, as his original intent was to leave after update 66 was pushed to the live servers. It would appear that he's staying with the team until the update is pushed, but that is unclear as of this posting. In any case, we wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors and thank him for all of his hard work putting together the innovative story of The Matrix Online.

MassivelyFriday the 13th too cursed for Matrix Online update 66 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-chamberlainmxopatchpatch-notesrarebitsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-matrix-onlineupdate-66windows-vistaFri, 13 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Before and after images of Age of Conan's DirectX 10 support]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/before-and-after-images-of-age-of-conans-directx-10-support/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/before-and-after-images-of-age-of-conans-directx-10-support/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/before-and-after-images-of-age-of-conans-directx-10-support/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Let's say you play Age of Conan, your computer runs on Windows Vista, and you have a fairly new video card (GeForce 8-series and better or the ATI equivalent). Honestly, we're not sure there are really that many of you that touch all those bases, but for those who are: congratulations! You can play games in DirectX 10 mode! Too bad there aren't really that many games that support DirectX 10!

Thankfully, Age of Conan will soon be one of the elite few. It looks like the difference in visual quality will be significant. We make that observation based on a handful of before-and-after screenshots hosted at Ten Ton Hammer. Give them a look to find out what you're in for if you're one of the folks who have the hardware and software to experience it, or what you're missing out on if you're not.

MassivelyBefore and after images of Age of Conan's DirectX 10 support originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocdirectxdirectx-10funcomgc-2008graphicsleipzigscreenshotsvistawindows-vistaSat, 23 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online minimum system specs revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/warhammer-online-minimum-system-specs-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/warhammer-online-minimum-system-specs-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/warhammer-online-minimum-system-specs-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Do you like graphics wot be shiny? If so, then you're in luck! Mythic Entertainment has just released the minimum system requirements for running Warhammer Online when it (supposedly) releases sometime this September. They don't look to be very high, although the minimum two gigabytes of RAM for Windows Vista users isn't very surprising. All of the newer games on Vista seem to be asking for that, so if you're running that operating system we hope you've got the RAM already. If you don't have sufficient robot algae memory (that's what RAM stands for, right?), at least buying some more of the stuff shouldn't break your bank or anything.

The only thing left is the recommended requirements, which probably aren't going to be too shocking. We're expecting to see a 256MB videocard or better recommendation and probably a mid-level dual-core CPU. You can check out the entire list after the break, if you're so inclined.

Continue reading Warhammer Online minimum system specs revealed

MassivelyWarhammer Online minimum system specs revealed originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsminimum-system-requirementsmythic-entertainmentsystem-requirementsvistawarwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewindowswindows-vistaWed, 30 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to put Massively on your Windows Vista Sidebar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/how-to-put-massively-on-your-windows-vista-sidebar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/how-to-put-massively-on-your-windows-vista-sidebar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/how-to-put-massively-on-your-windows-vista-sidebar/#commentsFiled under: ,

In an ongoing series of articles we'll show you how to put Massively on your own blog, guild website, personal website, or even on your computer's desktop. For a complete list of the software that's covered, check out our guide's index. Note that the images in the guide are for illustration only and you can replace all references to WoW Insider with Massively.

About Windows Vista

Love it or hate it, eventually you'll probably end up using it. One of the neat features of Vista is the Sidebar, which is a place where you can put widgets that do different things, like tell the time, show what your EVE Online character is training, or tell you what the weather is like outside.

How to add Massively to your Windows Vista's Sidebar.



1. Right click on your Sidebar and choose "Add Gadgets..."



2. This will open up the gadgets window. Double click the "Feed Headlines" gadget.
3. Close the gadgets window.



4. You'll now see the new gadget added at the top of your sidebar.



5. Open up Microsoft Internet Explorer and go to http://massively.joystiq.com/rss.xml
6. Click the "Subscribe to this feed" link.



7. A window will open up. The default settings will be fine. Click the "Subscribe" button.
8. Position your mouse over the feed gadget on your side bar and click the little wrench icon. It'll appear towards the upper right hand side of the gadget.



9. A window like the one above will slide out of the gadget, asking you what feed you want to display.
10. Choose to display "Massively", and set the number of headlines to whatever you want.
11. Click the "Ok" button.



12. You're done! Left click on a feed headline to read the Massively article.

If you want the Massively feed for a particular game, you'll find the rss feed url next to the name of the game in the side bar of our site

MassivelyHow to put Massively on your Windows Vista Sidebar originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogfeedmassively-on-your-blogrss-feedwindows-vistawindows-vista-sidebarWed, 02 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PotBS lag fix for Vista computers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/potbs-lag-fix-for-vista-computers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/potbs-lag-fix-for-vista-computers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/potbs-lag-fix-for-vista-computers/#commentsFiled under: ,


So if you've been trying to pillage or blast some pirates out of the water in Pirates of the Burning Sea lately, but find yourself lagging in and out of reasonable levels, fear not as there seems to be salvation. It appears that plenty of players in PotBS have been experiencing similar troubles, which means a solution was inevitable. We're sure there was a small -- but vocal -- group of players sending death threats of some variety to the live team.

Thusly, Flying Lab Software has taken notice and offered a fix of sorts. Well all right it's actually a work-around, which means players are going to have to do some tweaking on their own. At least there's a step-by-step guide on how to do everything, but it's definitely not a permanent fix to the problem. Hopefully we'll see a patch come down the line soon that will address the issue.

MassivelyPotBS lag fix for Vista computers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fixflying-labhot-fixpotbswindows-vistaMon, 25 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine announces fourth pair of DX10 screenshot contest winners]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/turbine-announces-fourth-pair-of-dx10-screenshot-contest-winners/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/turbine-announces-fourth-pair-of-dx10-screenshot-contest-winners/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/turbine-announces-fourth-pair-of-dx10-screenshot-contest-winners/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Week four of Turbine's screenshot contest for The Lord of the Rings Online has come and gone, and the fourth pair of winners has been selected.

This time the winners are players Morreion and Brisbanoch. Their entries have been posted on the official LotRO forums. Morreion's screenshot is pictured here. It shows off the dynamic tree shadow effects you can enable if you're playing with a DirectX 10-ready video card in Windows Vista.

Turbine's been hosting this contest to celebrate LotRO's place as the first MMO to fully support DX10 features. It's not too late to send in an entry yourself if you've got the high-end hardware needed to support DX10 -- and if you run Windows Vista. That's a big if at this point.

MassivelyTurbine announces fourth pair of DX10 screenshot contest winners originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>directxdirectx-10dx10graphicslord-of-the-rings-onlinescreenshot-contestscreenshotsshadowsturbinevistaweek-4windows-vistaThu, 13 Dec 2007 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[HeroStats: enhanced with Issue 11 flavor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/herostats-enhanced-with-issue-11-flavor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/herostats-enhanced-with-issue-11-flavor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/herostats-enhanced-with-issue-11-flavor/#commentsFiled under: ,

Since 2005, the HeroStats Team has produced HeroStats, the premier power-tracking application used across Paragon City and the Rogue Isles. Even though the developers have thought of nearly everything, as it's an Open Source application, feel free to make additions to the software. If you are good at coding and testing, however, one thing the team is looking for is a developer who can assist with solidifying the application under Windows Vista. Of course, like all works in progress, there are a few minor issues that are constantly being tweaked, whether due to internal concerns or game client changes. For example, as of 29 October, HeroStats now tracks the power sets introduced in Issue 11. And don't forget, HeroStats works with both the City Information Terminal -- one of the top-rated badge tracking sites on the net -- and the City Game Tracker.

MassivelyHeroStats: enhanced with Issue 11 flavor originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>City-Game-TrackerCity-Information-TerminalCity-of-HeroesCity-of-VillainsCoHCoVCoXHeroStatsHeroStats-TeamParagon-CityPower-SetsRogue-IslesVistaWindows-VistaSun, 25 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine selects the first DirectX 10 screenshot contest winners]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/turbine-selects-the-first-directx-10-screenshot-contest-winners/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/turbine-selects-the-first-directx-10-screenshot-contest-winners/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/turbine-selects-the-first-directx-10-screenshot-contest-winners/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last week we reported that the LotRO crew at Turbine would be having a screenshot contest to promote how awesome they are for making LotRO the first MMO to support DirectX 10. Each Monday, the best shots from the previous week's submissions would be featured at the official website.

Well, the first Monday (plus two days) has arrived, and two winners have been selected, which is a surprise since the original announcement said there would be three winners each week. They're both very good screenshots that feature very pretty water effects; one of them -- which we think is a view of the lake in Evendim -- appears above.

You can look at the other one in the official forum post. The contest will continue until December 17th, so if you have a GPU that supports DX10 and if you're running Windows Vista, send in a submission!

MassivelyTurbine selects the first DirectX 10 screenshot contest winners originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestsdirectxdirectx-10dx10lord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroscreenshotsturbinevistawindows-vistaWed, 21 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCI benefit auction and dance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/nci-benefit-auction-and-dance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/nci-benefit-auction-and-dance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/nci-benefit-auction-and-dance/#commentsFiled under: , ,

New Citizens Incorporated (NCI), the largest resident-run, not-for-profit support organizations for new Second Life users is holding benefit auction and dance to raise funds to continue its teaching and support mission.

Featured sponsors are Microsoft (via CSharp Writer, Microsoft evangelist), who are donating brand new copies of Windows Vista Ultimate and Office Standard 2007; Simone Stern, who is donating her entire Fall 2007 dress lineup (150 dresses, worth approximately L$82,500) - and who will be co-hosting the event with NCI founder Brace Coral.

Continue reading NCI benefit auction and dance

MassivelyNCI benefit auction and dance originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blazebrace-coralcsharp-writermicrosoftmicrosoft-officencinci-caledonnew-citizens-incorporatednova-civis-caledonsimone-sterntete-a-piedwest-trade-importswindows-vistaxessoriesFri, 09 Nov 2007 01:30:00 EST