Massively

Wizardry Online prepping for 'major code update'

Jef Reahard — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, News Items, Free-to-Play, Wizardry Online

SOE's Wizardry Online website has updated with a post outlining an upcoming "major code update." The patch will bring the western client "one step closer to all the advanced features of the Japanese version of Wizardry Online," the company says.

Advanced forging and the game's socketing system take up most of the space in this particular blog entry, but there's also a mention of new skills for each class as well as a skill reset NPC.

Wizardry Online prepping for 'major code update' originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 May 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wizardry Online compensates players for performance issues

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Free-to-Play, Promotions, Wizardry Online

For those put out by Wizardry Online's performance issues as of late, SOE has posted assurance that the worst is behind everyone: "Our engineers have been working tirelessly to address the issues and we're confident that you will have a better experience now."

The studio is offering compensation for the inconvenience starting with a 300 Station Cash credit to players who logged into Wizardry Online before today. SOE is also handing out free seven-day Dimento Medals in the game. Finally, players who subscribed before March will see a seven-day membership credit added to their accounts.

Wizardry Online compensates players for performance issues originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wizardry Online launch-day roundup

MJ Guthrie — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Launches, MMO Industry, New Titles, PvP, News Items, Wizardry Online

If you've been waiting to get your fill of fantasy in the no-holds-barred setting of Wizardry Online (and then waited some more when the launch was pushed back), your patience is about to be rewarded. The time is finally at hand; the hardcore game sporting permadeath and friendly fire launches today.

Curious about what lies ahead in the wilds of Wizardy Online? Get a glimpse of dungeons and death along with a taste of the adventures that await you through our hands-on experiences, gallery, videos, and news bytes after the break.

Continue reading Wizardry Online launch-day roundup

Wizardry Online launch-day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SOE webcast to celebrate Wizardry Online's launch

Shawn Schuster — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events (Real-World), Wizardry Online

Wizardry Online has conjured more than a few different opinions from our staff during its beta, and we're happy to say that the game is finally launching tomorrow! To help celebrate the launch, SOE is hosting a special webcast on Thursday, January 31 at 7:00 p.m. EST on its Twitch.tv channel.

Host and Senior Global Brand Manager Omeed Dariani will be joined by Senior Producer Todd Carson and Associate Producer Rod Haza to discuss the game's features and what we can expect in the future of the game.

SOE webcast to celebrate Wizardry Online's launch originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wizardry Online adds high-level dungeon for launch

Justin Olivetti — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, Free-to-Play, Dungeons, Wizardry Online

While we remain on standby for Wizardry Online's delayed launch, the team at SOE has used the time to shoehorn in an additional feature for release: the Underground Dragoon Ruins. The Dragoon Ruins is a high-level dungeon full of nasty creatures and even nastier traps.

We've got a video featuring combat and exploration of the ruins after the break. It's got a warrior beating up ghosts, giant rock monsters, and -- most insidiously of all -- little glowy lights. A little glowy light once killed that warrior's whole village, and she's sworn revenge over it. That's all you need know.

Continue reading Wizardry Online adds high-level dungeon for launch

Wizardry Online adds high-level dungeon for launch originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wizardry Online launch delayed until Jan 30th

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Launches, Free-to-Play, Wizardry Online

If you had plans to skip work tomorrow to play on Wizardry Online's launch day, you should probably go ahead and earn a paycheck instead. SOE announced that it's moving the release date for the hardcore MMO from January 16th to January 30th.

The delay of two weeks was a necessary step, according to the company: "As we head into final preparations for launching the game, we have decided to move the launch date in order to allow us extra time to ensure we're delivering the most epic gameplay experience possible to our players."

Community Manager Piestro elaborated on the delay later in the announcement thread. "The transition from beta to live requires integrating with a good number of other systems. We are also planning to launch on Steam which complicates matters and requires other sorts of implementation work. Specifics aren't necessarily meaningful to those who aren't familiar with our internal systems, or particularly valuable. That being said, we aren't wasting this time and are definitely looking to see what else we can accomplish. More news later this week I'm suspecting."

Wizardry Online launch delayed until Jan 30th originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Stream Team: End of the world edition, December 17 - 23, 2012

MJ Guthrie — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Polls, Massively Meta, Livestream, Miscellaneous, The Stream Team

It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine! Why? Because we've got The Stream Team to keep us company in the final week! So even if the world ends on December 21st, there are plenty of wacky Massively antics to keep us entertained. What's on the schedule this time around? Plenty -- see for yourself.

But wait, if the world is ending, why bother extending the schedule past the fateful date of destruction? Well, it just looked too unbalanced when chopped in half! And besides, if the world ends with a zombie apocalypse, who's to say that we won't enjoy some shows even when we become zombies? Speaking of endings, what is your prediction for the final finale?

Continue reading The Stream Team: End of the world edition, December 17 - 23, 2012

The Stream Team: End of the world edition, December 17 - 23, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wizardry Online launching January 16th

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Launches, Free-to-Play, Wizardry Online

Don't have enough vitamin hardcore in your diet? Then make a new year resolution to try out Wizardry Online. SOE announced that the permadeath-happy fantasy title will release on January 16th.

Wizardry Online is the latest in the long-running Wizardry series and features many mechanics not typically seen in modern MMOs, such as the aforementioned permadeath and friendly fire. Massively previewed the title at SOE Live and more recently got to take it for a more extensive test drive.

SOE will be talking about Wizardry Online's release date and other launch details in its webcast at 7:00 p.m. EST this evening. You can catch the webcast on Twitch.tv.

[Source: SOE press release]

Wizardry Online launching January 16th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Stream Team: Get your festival on edition, December 10 - 16, 2012

MJ Guthrie — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Polls, Massively Meta, Livestream, Miscellaneous, The Stream Team

The lull is over, and now the hustle and bustle of the winter holiday season begins! Regardless of which holiday you celebrate, mid-December is a time to prepare for and enjoy the festivities. For some folks, that means lots of cooking, lots of eating, and lots of family and friends. And for many of us, we add game time in our favorite MMOs on top of all that. We are even masterful at combining any variation of all of the above! That's where Massively TV comes in handy.

Join your friends (and possibly family?) on The Stream Team in-game and in chat as you watch and even participate in various adventures across the MMO spectrum. Sandboxes and themeparks, PvP and PvE -- they are all represented. And we have a new streamer joining the ranks! So take a look at what games catch your fancy this week, welcome our new guinea pig... er streamer, and then tell us what your favorite in-game holiday festivals are.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Get your festival on edition, December 10 - 16, 2012

The Stream Team: Get your festival on edition, December 10 - 16, 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wizardry Online adding tons of info to official wikia

MJ Guthrie — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Wizardry Online

If you've had questions about some of the nuts and bolts of the upcoming free-to-play fantasy game Wizardry Online, the incoming update to the official wikia might just give you some answers. From controls and settings to shops and dungeons, this update will offer more information on a variety of game mechanics and features.

Did you know that you can pick up the body of a fallen player to be deposited at the Quopaty Temple once you travel back to town and pay a fee to increase the odds of revival once there? Or that you'll need entry permits to enter dungeons? Or that shopkeepers will identify items for adventurers? You will when you read through the details of this substantial wikia update! You can also learn more about Wizardry Online by checking out Massively's hands-on experience.

[Source: Sony Online Entertainment press release]

Wizardry Online adding tons of info to official wikia originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wizardry Online explains permadeath specifics

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Game Mechanics, Free-to-Play, Wizardry Online

Our knowledge of SOE's upcoming Wizardry Online is growing by leaps and bounds. A little later today, the official wiki will be rolling out a huge info update that will include specifics on many of the game's systems, including the ever-so-popular permadeath and PvP.

Some of the interesting tidbits that we've learned include the fact that resting in inns is essential to leveling you up, enemies can and will attack specific parts of your body, the game has a pretty traditional skill tree, and you'll be unable to move if you exceed your carrying weight capacity.

Permadeath can happen only if your character meets several criteria: You've reached soul rank two or higher and you've failed two revive attempts in a row. Likewise, the game's free-for-all PvP might not be as harsh at it initially sounds. If you're killed in PvP, you have a much greater chance of being revived, and player killers (PKers) will become criminals who can have bounties placed on their heads.

If you're curious about Wizardry Online, why not read our hands-on with the title?

Wizardry Online explains permadeath specifics originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yup, you're dead: Hands-on with Wizardry Online

Mike Foster — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, New Titles, Previews, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Dungeons, Wizardry Online

Wizardry Online, an upcoming fantasy-based MMO from Sony Online Entertainment, is a "hardcore" MMO. I know this because the word "hardcore" shows up on the game's official beta sign-up page no fewer than three times (once in all caps). The website promises that thanks to Wizardry Online's "insane difficulty," my "greatest challenge" will be found somewhere in its universe. Perhaps in one of those "complex mazes" packed with "unrelenting mobs."

Now, I'm not one to back down from a challenge. In fact, I love a good fight, especially if it can potentially end in my suffering an embarrassing and expensive defeat. So I hopped into the brutal world of Wizardry Online to tempt fate and see just what this game was all about.

As it turns out, it's about dungeons, permadeath, and missed opportunities to make either worthwhile.

Gallery: Wizardry Online

Continue reading Yup, you're dead: Hands-on with Wizardry Online

Yup, you're dead: Hands-on with Wizardry Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wizardry Online revealing class and chat info this evening

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Classes, Free-to-Play, Dev Diaries, Wizardry Online

If you have more questions about Wizardry Online than have been answered to date, hopefully you'll start to fill in those gaps come this evening. The devs are preparing to release a post on the official Wizardry Online Wiki that will shed some light on the various classes as well as the in-game chat system.

The classes set to be revealed are the melee Fighters, healer Priests, hard-hitting Thieves, and ranged Mages. The studio is giving each class a difficulty and survivability rating, as well as the alignment and requirements to roll one.

It looks as though Wizardry Online will handle its game population through automatic world instances called channels. New channels will be created when the number of players demand it, and players can choose a specific channel, a type of channel, or the first available channel upon logging in.

Keep an eye on the wiki for the dev blog to go live at 6:00 p.m. EST tonight.

[Source: SOE press release]

Wizardry Online revealing class and chat info this evening originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wizardry Online is the subject of next SOE webcast

Shawn Schuster — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Interviews, MMO Industry, New Titles, Livestream, Wizardry Online

Wizardry Online is a peculiar beast. One one hand, you have the familiar IP of Wizardry to bring in any and all old school fans, and on the other hand, you have that infamous feature known as permadeath. SOE is looking to take the Wizardry franchise and make it into a seriously hardcore MMO next year with beta now in full swing.

But we're sure you have questions about the game, aside from those answered in our own recent in-depth coverage. Luckily for you, SOE will be hosting a live webcast with Senior Community Manager Eric "Piestro" Cleaver interviewing Senior Producer Todd Carson and Senior Global Brand Manager Omeed Dariani. It all goes down this Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 7 p.m. EDT on SOE's Twitch.tv channel.

Wizardry Online is the subject of next SOE webcast originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SOE Live 2012: Getting to know Wizardry Online

Karen Bryan — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Classes, Events (Real-World), Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, Previews, PvP, PvE, Races, Events (Massively's Coverage), Dungeons, Wizardry Online

There's probably no better way to sum up Wizardry Online than with the phrase, "Be careful what you wish for." If you've been yearning for a game with permadeath, you have reason to celebrate. At this year's SOE Live, the Wizardry Online team showed off the game, and it's every bit as hardcore as promised. If you're looking for an old-school challenge, you'll want to check out the highlights below.

Continue reading SOE Live 2012: Getting to know Wizardry Online

SOE Live 2012: Getting to know Wizardry Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SOE alters ProSiebenSat.1 deal to include EQ, Vanguard, and Wizardry Online

Justin Olivetti — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, MMO Industry, Vanguard, Free-to-Play, Legal

After months of insisting that the deal with ProSiebenSat.1 was locked in, SOE announced that it is expanding the library of titles that the European operator will take over and run for the region.

In addition to the MMOs and other titles included with this past February's announcement, ProSiebenSat.1 looks to take over EverQuest, Vanguard, and Wizardry Online as well. All in all, it gives ProSiebenSat.1 the exclusive license to operate these titles in 40 European nations.

SOE President John Smedley said that this is nothing but good news for European gamers: "ProSiebenSat.1 is the ideal partner for us to reach an even broader audience in Europe. We are confident that the combination of the media power provided by ProSiebenSat.1 and our expertise in developing high-quality online games will appeal to players in a new and captivating way, creating the perfect prerequisite for achieving great success with our games in Europe."

SOE alters ProSiebenSat.1 deal to include EQ, Vanguard, and Wizardry Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Game Archaeologist: Maze War

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Video, MMOFPS, The Game Archaeologist, Miscellaneous

It's hard to know how far back to go when chronicling the history of early MMOs and their ancestors. After all, the Game Archaeologist has looked at several titles (Air Warrior, Habitat, Neverwinter Nights) that do not fit the modern definition of an MMO yet were bound in blood to the genre nonetheless.

So if today's game seems to be somewhat tenuously related to our favorite hobby, I beg your forgiveness in advance, but I do feel it's pertinent to our exploration of this wonderful genre. The game in question is Maze War, and it holds a general's uniform's worth of medals depicting firsts in the infant genre of video games. Most importantly for us, Maze War was the first graphical video game to be networked and allow players to interact and fight each other. You can see why that may tie in to our current situation.

While the game itself certainly never attained the complexity of modern shooters or RPGs, its innovation and pioneering certainly make it worthy of examination. So let's dust it off and get to it!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Maze War

The Game Archaeologist: Maze War originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E3 2012: Wizardry Online unleashes a bevy of screenshots

Matt Daniel — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, PvP, News Items, Events (Massively's Coverage)

Sony Online Entertainment brought a big surprise to this year's E3 by announcing that it will publish Gamepot's upcoming super-hardcore MMO, Wizardry Online. Now that the event is in full-swing, SOE has released a slew of new screenshots from the title to show off the game's scenery and combat.

For those of you not in the loop, Wizardry Online is an online continuation of Sir-Tech's renowned retro Wizardry series of RPGs. But Wizardry Online isn't your average DIKU-style title; the developers make no bones about the game's hardcore nature, which is a result of features such as permadeath, player-killing, and friendly-fire. Further details are scant at the moment, but Massively will be chatting with SOE later this week at the Expo, so stay tuned for more information on this punishing new title. In the meantime, enjoy the gallery below and check out all the new screens.

[Source: Sony Online Entertainment press release]

Gallery: Wizardry Online

Massively's on the ground in Los Angeles during the week of June 4-7, bringing you all the best news from E3 2012. We're covering everything from PlanetSide 2 and SWTOR and ArcheAge to RIFT's and LotRO's upcoming expansions, so stay tuned!

E3 2012: Wizardry Online unleashes a bevy of screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SOE takes Wizardry Online under its wing

Justin Olivetti — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, MMO Industry, Events (Massively's Coverage)

Sony Online Entertainment published its full line-up for E3, and it contained one whopper of a surprise. According to the press release, SOE is now publishing Wizardry Online, the hardcore MMO that we first saw a year ago at the expo.

The reveal of Wizardry Online is one of two new titles that SOE's bringing to E3 (the other being Bullet Run). Attendees will be able to get hands-on time with the demo on the show floor.

Wizardry Online is being developed by Gamepot and is a continuation of the classic RPG series Wizardry. The MMO is notable for its decidedly tough-as-nails approach, featuring permadeath, non-instanced dungeons, player killing, and friendly fire.

[Source: SOE press release]

SOE takes Wizardry Online under its wing originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Perfect Ten: The upcoming long-shots

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, World of Darkness, Fallout Online, Perfect Ten, Miscellaneous, Transformers Universe, Otherland, MechWarrior Online

In coming up with a follow-up list to my previous Upcoming MMO Contenders list, I found myself almost paralyzed by more choices than I could shake a wireless mouse at. Pointing at the sure bets is one thing, but narrowing down a field of dozens and dozens of interesting -- yet more far-flung -- prospects is far more difficult. It's one thing to have a good idea; it's another to say whether or not this game will actually make it to launch, and if it does, that it'll pull the idea off well.

That said, I've lost some hair and two pounds sweating out this list, and I feel sleeker for it. Today's Perfect Ten is all about the long-shots, the titles that may not have the huge budget, big name studios, or anything solid to show for it, but could still become contenders in their own right if everything is played just right.

Deep breath -- let's give it a go!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The upcoming long-shots

The Perfect Ten: The upcoming long-shots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wizardry Online launches open beta in Japan while eyeing the west

Justin Olivetti — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, MMO Industry, PvP, Free-to-Play

Gamepot's hardcore do-or-die Wizardry Online took a big step in its development last week as the title went into open beta in Japan. Over 100,000 players stormed the castle gates to get a peek at this permadeath MMO, and Gamepot had to add several additional servers during the first day to handle the influx of adventurers.

Gamepot's Shuhei Ueda says that seducing Japanese players is just the first step in the company's plans: "For Gamepot, it is truly amazing to see so many enthusiastic fans of the Wizardry franchise participate in the open beta testing, and now live service, of Wizardry Online. Bringing this innovative and legendary series to a new platform has been a rewarding process and we're looking forward to continuing our world-wide rollout to fans around the globe."

Work continues on an English version of Wizardry Online, which Gamepot hopes will make it across the Pacific sometime in 2012. The studio is also seeking out a publisher for North American and European markets. While you wait, you can read up on our first look at Wizardry Online from this past summer's E3.

Gallery: Wizardry Online

[Source: Gamepot press release]

Wizardry Online launches open beta in Japan while eyeing the west originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E3 2011: First look at Wizardry Online

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Trailers, Video, Free-to-Play, Events (Massively's Coverage)

"One of the aims of Wizardry Online is to create a true experience of exploration like in classic MMOs," Headlock Games' representative said as he began this E3 presentation. "And to that end, you won't find a linear path funneling you through the dungeons, and your minimap won't show the exact location of your next objective."

This set the tone for the company's first reveal of this up-and-coming MMO. Wizardry is a long-running RPG franchise that dates back to 1981, although this will be the series' first steps into online multiplayer. And while the series enjoyed modest success in North America, it's been a phenomenon in Japan, where it's seen numerous spinoffs and sequels.

Wizardry's always been known for its open-world exploration and party-based combat, and it seems as though the MMO will continue this legacy as well as retain the hardcore approach that the devs feel has been lost to most modern games. "As this skeleton can attest, life is not so easy in Wizardry Online," the rep said with a smile.

Hit the jump to read more about this first look at the game as well as get a peek at the game's first screenshots and trailer!

Continue reading E3 2011: First look at Wizardry Online

E3 2011: First look at Wizardry Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wizard101 launches!

Michael Zenke — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Launches, New Titles, Free-to-Play, Kids, Wizard101

After a summer-long beta period the graphically beautiful Wizard101 is now live! This kid-oriented free-to-play title is now available for any interested parties, and KingsIsle has announced a number of interesting tidbits to go along with the game's launch. While the title is technically free to play, the company is offering a substantial package of benefits for a $9.95/month fee. In fact, it might be better to think of the 'free to play' component of the game as more of a trial than anything else. Large parts of the game world are unavailable for non-subscribers, and the ability to chat with other players is disabled for free players. More details on the game's business model are available in a post from Tipa at West Karana.

Interested subscribers can actually get a steal of a deal if they want to pay a bit upfront; KingsIsle is offering a year-long subscription for just $60, allowing you a full year of the cards-and-kids magic title. For full details on the game, be sure to check out our previous features on the title:

Our hands-on with the game when the title was announced!
An interview with the creators!
Plenty of video footage all about the creation of the game.

Read on below the cut for the full press release, and enjoy the world of Ravenwood Academy!

Gallery: Wizard101

Gallery: Wizard101 mini-games

Continue reading Wizard101 launches!

Wizard101 launches! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LotRO quest inspired by Apple II text adventures

Samuel Axon — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 15:24:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Forums, Game Mechanics, PvE

It seems that most gamers these days haven't played any of the old Apple II computer games, much less the particularly ancient text-based adventure ones. Most people now see them as arcane and even intimidating. Those black & white fossils bear no relation to something as modern as say, The Lord of the Rings Online, right?

Wrong! Gaming's old-timers will be tickled to hear that a quest in Tal Bruinen was inspired by a gameplay mechanic from an Apple II text adventure game. A Turbine employee revealed this behind-the-scenes tidbit in a thread about the quest on the official LotRO forums.

The Apple II was the first widely successful personal computer. It had a large library of games, many of which are cornerstones of computer gaming history. You can play a lot of those games in your web browser at virtualapple.org, one of the best online emulators. It has many of the all-time classic RPGs like Ultima, Might and Magic, and Wizardry as well.

LotRO quest inspired by Apple II text adventures originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Nov 2007 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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