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[Wizard101 invites players into the mythical realm of Avalon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/wizard101-invites-players-into-the-mythical-realm-of-avalon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/wizard101-invites-players-into-the-mythical-realm-of-avalon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/wizard101-invites-players-into-the-mythical-realm-of-avalon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Wiz101 Avalon
Wizard101 players have been all over, from the lush jungles of Zafaria to the pyramids of Krokotopia, but as of today there's a whole new land for them to explore: the mystical land of Avalon. Avalon, as the name implies, is a land based in Arthurian legend, and it also happens to be the former home of Ravenwood's headmaster, Merle Ambrose.

But all is not well in the usually idyllic Avalon. The nefarious Umbra Queen Morganthe and her minions are causing trouble, and it's up to the players to find and recover the legendary blade of King Artorius, the Sword of Kings, and put a stop to Morganthe's mayhem. Players who are level 70 or above and who have completed the quest Through Glass, Darkly can find their way to Avalon by speaking to Merle Ambrose, who will send them on a quest to the new zone. For the full details on the new update, magick your way on over to the Wizard101 official site.

MassivelyWizard101 invites players into the mythical realm of Avalon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Of course, it's not really all that lost any longer when you get right down to it...
Iris Online players are in for a treat today because it's patch day. And not just the small sort of patch with a bunch of bugfixes, either -- this is the big kind, the kind that opens up new areas and expands the level cap. In fact, it's exactly that kind, as today's update opens four new zones and the Lost Temple of Atlantis for player exploration. The temple is meant as the most challenging dungeon in the game and contains a variety of treasures for players braving its depths.

Beyond the temple, the new zones give players new chances to strike back and liberate the land from the Sahar, complete with new quests to enjoy. Those new quests will also help as players head for the new level cap of 75, but if that alone isn't enough, the development team is doubling all EXP and SXP rates until April 29th. Players can also earn special treasure boxes for a limited time, a little extra boost for enjoying the game's new content.

[Source: gPotato press release]

Gallery: Iris Online Screenshots

MassivelyIris Online opens the Lost Temple of Atlantis originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeonsf2pfantasyfree-to-playgala-netgalleriesgallerygpotatogypsyirisiris-onlinelevel-caplevelslost-temple-of-atlantisnew-dungeonsnew-questsnew-zonespatchpatchesquestsscreenshotscreenshotstarotupdateszonesThu, 26 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Check and mate: A look at Otherland's EightSquared simulation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/check-and-mate-a-look-at-otherlands-eightsquared-simulation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/check-and-mate-a-look-at-otherlands-eightsquared-simulation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/check-and-mate-a-look-at-otherlands-eightsquared-simulation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Knight from B1 to -- aw, s**t.
Fans of Tad Williams' deliciously cyberpunk book series Otherland are almost certainly waiting with bated breath for gamigo and RealU's upcoming MMO adaptation of the universe. In hopes of making the wait just a tad easier, gamigo has released a new developer diary video focusing on the EightSquared universe of Otherland.

EightSquared, as you may have surmised from the name, is a simulation in which an entire medieval countryside has sprung forth from a gargantuan chess board on which the Red and White armies are locked in an eternal war/game. But something has gone wrong with the simulation: The armies are no longer following the rules of warfare (i.e., rules of chess), and it's up to players to find out where the problem lies before things get too far out of hand and cause the destruction of the simulation itself. The full dev diary also provides a look at the game's Lifecycle AI, which breathes life into the world by providing NPCs who follow their own day-to-day schedules.

So what are you waiting for? Log in to the Net and go take a look for yourself.

[Source: gamigo press release]

Continue reading Check and mate: A look at Otherland's EightSquared simulation

MassivelyCheck and mate: A look at Otherland's EightSquared simulation originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EverQuest II - would love some Skyshrine assets SOE, kthxbai
Ready for an EverQuest II info dump related to next month's Skyshrine update? Sony Online Entertainment has just released a new behind-the-scenes video featuring senior artist Tad Ehrlich, and he's got plenty to share about the new Skyshrine courtyard zone.

The update continues the game's Destiny of Velious storyline, and prospective players can get a sneak peek at "the glorious ancient dragon city" in the clip we've got for you after the cut. Ehrlich shows off several of the zone's huge districts, and it's a good thing his avatar is moving at the dev equivalent of ludicrous speed because the new area is enormous.

EQII's Game Update 63, featuring the city of Skyshrine, will be yours for the adventuring on April 17th.

[Source: SOE press release]

Continue reading New EverQuest II video shows off the city of Skyshrine

MassivelyNew EverQuest II video shows off the city of Skyshrine originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragonseq-2eq-iieq2eq2-skyshrineeqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-update-63skyshrinesoesonysony-online-entertainmenttad-ehrlichvideozonesMon, 26 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Issue 22 is all juiced out]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/a-mild-mannered-reporter-issue-22-is-all-juiced-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/a-mild-mannered-reporter-issue-22-is-all-juiced-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/a-mild-mannered-reporter-issue-22-is-all-juiced-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
On Christmas, Ms. Lady and I received a power juicer.

This wasn't a bad present by any stretch of the imagination, but it was a present that left us momentarily baffled. We hadn't asked for a power juicer, we didn't feel a great need for a power juicer, and we weren't even sure exactly what to do with a power juicer. (Make juice, obviously, but beyond that?) It was a great present but one that struck us as so far out of left field that we really weren't quite sure how to use it at first, much less what it would offer us.

Issue 22 of City of Heroes strikes me in much the same way. It's not that the update is bad or unwanted or unnecessary; it's that the entire thing is essentially aimed in a direction away from my own playstyle. I imagine a lot of free players are going to run into the same issue because even though it's being touted as the game's newest free update, there's precious little in there that's actually changed on the free side.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Issue 22 is all juiced out

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Issue 22 is all juiced out originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reportercity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-freedomcity-of-villainscohcolumncolumnscovcoxdesignf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomincarnateincarnate-systemissue-22ncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospatchespowerspowersetsupdateszonesWed, 25 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar's Bartle-inspired paths offer players unique and shared content [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/wildstars-bartle-inspired-paths-offer-players-unique-and-shared/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/wildstars-bartle-inspired-paths-offer-players-unique-and-shared/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/wildstars-bartle-inspired-paths-offer-players-unique-and-shared/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

WildStar
Jeremy Gaffney recently opened up on the connection between WildStar's Paths and Richard Bartle's famous breakdown of playstyles. While Gaffney admits that WildStar drew inspiration from Bartle's categories, the team has tuned the four paths -- Explorer, Soldier, Achiever and Builder -- to fit the devs' vision for the game.

No matter which path you pick, Gaffney promises that there will be something meaningful for you to be doing at all times. The important part is that the game has a deliberate balance between path-specific activities and universal ones: "What we do is we take 70% of the world, and that's a mix of all the styles, and then about 30%, depending on the zone, swaps over and that's about you and about your path. So, as an Explorer you have your normal mix of stuff, but then an extra chunk on top of it that's all about exploring."

People from different paths have many ways, reasons, and incentive to interact as they progress through the zones. Gaffney says that WildStar will "pile on the layers" to keep players involved and active. He also assured fans that all paths will have plenty to do in the endgame so that the journey doesn't come to a crashing halt.

[Update: Carbine also released another WildStar Wednesday this afternoon; it features some community discussion all about events in MMOs.]

MassivelyWildStar's Bartle-inspired paths offer players unique and shared content [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achieverbartle-testbartle-test-of-gamer-psychologybuildercarbinecarbine-studiosexplorerJeremy-Gaffneyncsoftpathsrichard-bartlesoldierwildstarzonesWed, 16 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Defining the MMO shooter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/the-firing-line-defining-the-mmo-shooter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/the-firing-line-defining-the-mmo-shooter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/the-firing-line-defining-the-mmo-shooter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line header - various spiffy shooter avatars
Hello shooter fans, and welcome back to Massively's Firing Line. Last week's inaugural column hit the ground running with a visit to Hi-Rez Studios and a preview of the company's new Tribes: Ascend title. This week I'd like to pull back a little bit and lay the groundwork for some of the things we'll be talking about over time.

When I talk about MMO shooters with friends and colleagues, one of the first things mentioned is the definition of the term. Everyone knows what a shooter is (or at least what he thinks it is), and everyone knows what an MMO is (although thanks to MOBAs and the social networking explosion, the definition of the latter grows murkier by the day).

Can we all agree on the definition of an MMO shooter, though? Probably not, and to be honest, that's perfectly OK.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Defining the MMO shooter

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Defining the MMO shooter originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10v10agency-territorydefining-mmo-shootersdefining-mmosdefinitiondefinitionsdust-514featuredfirefallfiring-lineglobal-agendamagmassive-action-gamemmo-shootermmo-shooter-definitionmmofpsmmotpsopinionpersistenceplanetside-2shooterthe-firing-linetribestribes-ascendwhat-is-an-mmo-shooterzonesFri, 11 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: The beard is gone edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/the-mmo-report-the-beard-is-gone-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/the-mmo-report-the-beard-is-gone-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/the-mmo-report-the-beard-is-gone-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The MMO Report - RIFT's Adam Gershowitz
An unashamedly beardless Casey Schreiner* bookends a special (albeit late) edition of The MMO Report this week, and it's all about RIFT's colossal 1.6 update. The Report features RIFT Producer Adam Gershowitz, who declares that RIFT is now well-known for being "the MMO that updates the most" while discussing November's impending From the Embers patch, RIFT's sixth major update and its largest to date. Gershowitz explains that the update inserts a massive new zone-playground for endgamers, the Ember Isle, complete with the new Rise of the Phoenix raid instance, the Caduceus Rise dungeon, the instant adventure "looking for quests" tool, and RIFT's first recurring holiday event, Fae Yule.

(*Casey's de-bearding was, he claims, "for the greater good," and by the greater good, he means in the service of a swanky Petyr Baelish Halloween costume. How cool is that?)

Hit the jump for the special edition MMO Report!

Continue reading The MMO Report: The beard is gone edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: The beard is gone edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-gershowitzcaduceus-risecasey-schreinerdungeonsember-islefae-yulefrom-the-embersholiday-eventsinstant-adventuresinterviewinterviewslfqlooking-for-questmmo-reportnewsraidsriftrift-planes-of-telararise-of-the-phoenixspecial-editionthe-mmo-reporttriontrion-worldsvideozonesFri, 04 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE reveals EverQuest Resplendent Temple video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/soe-reveals-everquest-resplendent-temple-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/soe-reveals-everquest-resplendent-temple-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/soe-reveals-everquest-resplendent-temple-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EverQuest - Resplendent Temple
It's time for another EverQuest Veil of Alaris sneak peek video, this time featuring the Resplendent Temple. The structure is, well, sort of resplendent, and Sony Online Entertainment developers Julie Burness and Rob Cuenca narrate a two-minute trek through the new zone surrounding the majestic centerpiece.

The content will be available with EQ's latest expansion, and Cuenca says that the zone pushes the limits of what's possible with EQ's technology. There are plenty of mobs to be found in, around, and under the temple, including a race of pig-people that live off the refuse generated by the temple above (yes, really, and eww). Check out the clip after the cut and head to the official EQ website to learn more about the expansion.

Continue reading SOE reveals EverQuest Resplendent Temple video

MassivelySOE reveals EverQuest Resplendent Temple video originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pandas!
The big day-one BlizzCon announcement is that Mists of Pandaria is going to be the next World of Warcraft expansion, and we've got some new details on what players can expect from the new content. For starters, Blizzard is once again reworking the talent system, as the studio feels that the current system hasn't aged well and has been plagued with cookie-cutter builds. Instead, each class will have a single talent tree, and every 15 levels players will choose one of three available talents. Talent builds can be changed as easily as glyphs, meaning it's possible to customize your talents mid-instance in order to tune for a specific fight. Outdoor raid bosses are making a return, and Blizzard is aiming to allow players to choose their own paths through the content rather than forcing them onto a set path.

For more details, head on past the cut!

Continue reading Blizzard discusses Mists of Pandaria details

MassivelyBlizzard discusses Mists of Pandaria details originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentblizzconblizzcon-2011dungeonsinstancesmists-of-pandariamonkmonk-classpandarentalent-systemtalentsworld-of-warcraftwowzonesFri, 21 Oct 2011 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Getting the most out of your F2P account]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/the-road-to-mordor-getting-the-most-out-of-your-f2p-account/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/the-road-to-mordor-getting-the-most-out-of-your-f2p-account/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/the-road-to-mordor-getting-the-most-out-of-your-f2p-account/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Road to Mordor
We're going to step waaay back from Rise of Isengard today (screenshots notwithstanding) to address a question that I've seen pop up time and again. The question comes from players on the free-to-play side of the game who are wondering "What do I need to do or buy to get the most out of my LotRO gaming experience?"

In my opinion, the lovely aspect of Lord of the Rings Online's hybrid model is that you, the player, have a wide range of choices when it comes to how you want to fund your gameplay. If you decide not to go the subscription/VIP route, it can get a little confusing, especially in light of just how much there is in the LotRO store. Do you need to buy anything at all? What are the essentials? How should you go about earning some free Turbine Points to finance these purchases?

Unlike many other recent MMO F2P conversions, LotRO's offers you more flexibility than "just suffer with F2P restrictions or subscribe," which should give you hope that you can tailor the game to your exact needs. In today's Road to Mordor, I'm going to put myself in the shoes of a F2P player and tell you exactly what I'd do to get the most out of my account.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Getting the most out of your F2P account

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Getting the most out of your F2P account originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-la-carteboxed-copycharacter-slotsdeedsdiscountf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhybrid-modelin-game-storelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-storemines-of-moriamithril-editionpremiumquest-packsrise-of-isengardshadows-of-angmarstoretraitsturbineTurbine-EntertainmentvipvirtueszonesSat, 15 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Allods Online: Undaunted goes live with gifts for all]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/allods-online-undaunted-goes-live-with-gifts-for-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/allods-online-undaunted-goes-live-with-gifts-for-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/allods-online-undaunted-goes-live-with-gifts-for-all/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Allods Online
You know how older siblings always complain that their younger brothers and sisters get all the leeway and extra love? Sometimes MMO vets feel like that about beginners to their game: "Back in my day, we never had it so easy! We had to log in using a 2400-baud modem and pay to play by the second!"

Well, Allods Online is certainly lavishing affection on the beginner experience in its October update, Undaunted, although high-level players have quite a bit to enjoy as well. Undaunted is removing the fatigue system and lowering enemy health, which should expedite the leveling process. There's also a new level 5 zone for Imperial players and an additional class for each faction: the Elven Psionicist and Xadaganian Mage.

Experienced adventurers can try their hands at the Mausoleum of Sparks, a "survival mode" dungeon that seeks to pick off players one by one until only the toughest remain, or the new high-level zone, Kingdom of Elements. Allods Online's arena system now boasts a matchmaking feature that allows players to jump into PvP bouts anytime from anywhere.

To celebrate Undaunted's release, gPotato is handing out boxes of Gem Shards (US) and Boutique Coins (EU) that are worth anywhere between $1 and $100 worth of in-game currency. New players will have to wait until level 20 to receive their prize boxes, however.

You can watch the trailer for Undaunted after the jump!

[Source: gPotato press release]

Continue reading Allods Online: Undaunted goes live with gifts for all

MassivelyAllods Online: Undaunted goes live with gifts for all originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You can fill it with huts, with giants, with goblins, with anything you want - it's still another cave.
The problem with fantasy settings is that the imagery is pretty well played out. You know there will be an area with a lot of trees, probably a desert, probably a set of rolling plains, and of course there will be caves. And the odds are good that at least one of those environments won't make you feel like you're off on an epic adventure; it will make you feel as if you're traipsing through the same environments you've traipsed through hundred of times. Until you just log off, that is.

Maybe it's another promise of brown or gray caves winding about interminably. Maybe it's the thought of another forest, or another plain, or another rocky mountainous area. Or perhaps it's the more surreal and fanciful environments that make you roll your eyes and want to just stop playing. Which environments tend to drain your interest in the game? No matter how interesting any other part of the zone might be, what sort of regions just make you feel burnt out and bored?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Which environments tend to drain your interest? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areasculturedesignenvironmentsfeaturedgraphicsopinionregionstdgthe-daily-grindvisual-themesvisualszonezonesSun, 09 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul's Dragon Forest zone showcased in 35-minute video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/blade-and-souls-dragon-forest-zone-showcased-in-35-minute-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/blade-and-souls-dragon-forest-zone-showcased-in-35-minute-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/blade-and-souls-dragon-forest-zone-showcased-in-35-minute-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul - Dragon Forest
More Blade & Soul closed beta info is making its way around the web, and the latest bit of interesting comes courtesy of a lengthy zone preview video posted by the folks at Blade & Soul Dojo.

The whopping 35-minute clip takes viewers on a journey through the game's Dragon Forest zone from the recent Korean closed beta phases. The zone provides content through level 20 and features a remarkably diverse set of environments despite the fact that its name conjures images of your typical fantasy wood.

There is quite a bit of forest footage, of course, but there are also long stretches of pristine beach set off by towering cliffs, not to mention quaint fishing villages, spectacular waterfalls, and an archetypal dojo complete with dragon-adorned columns and various acolytes. The video is blessedly free of the modern rock soundtracks that typically accompany fan-made uploads; instead, it features snippets of Blade & Soul's original orchestral soundtrack. Feast your eyes (and ears) after the cut.

Continue reading Blade & Soul's Dragon Forest zone showcased in 35-minute video

MassivelyBlade & Soul's Dragon Forest zone showcased in 35-minute video originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So they've designed Mohenjo-daro.
The development of EverQuest has been a steady constant amidst seas of change, with the development team hard at work on the Veil of Alaris expansion. This 18th update for the venerable game will usher in a variety of updates and improvements -- and, of course, new zones. Erillion, the City of Bronze, is one such region and quite fittingly is the latest zone to have a video overview for players to inspect before the expansion's launch.

Narrated by Alan VanCouvering and Bob Painter, the video describes both the original concept of Erillion and the challenges faced in designing such an orderly environment. It had to look as mechanical and orderly as possible, after all, but it also had to look organic rather than just being the same building pasted in dozens of times. Click on past the break to watch the video if you'd like to see the city before you can venture there in person.

[Source: Official press release]

Continue reading Preview EverQuest's upcoming City of Bronze

MassivelyPreview EverQuest's upcoming City of Bronze originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-vancouveringareasbob-paintercitiesdesigneqeq1everquesteverquest-1soesony-online-entertainmentveil-of-alarisvideovideo-previewvideosvoazonesTue, 20 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What zone creeps you out?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/the-daily-grind-what-zone-creeps-you-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/the-daily-grind-what-zone-creeps-you-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/the-daily-grind-what-zone-creeps-you-out/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mor Dhona is far creepier than it has any right to be.
In the early levels of pretty much every MMO, the setting is idyllic. Sure, there are rats that could devour a housecat in abundance, but the environment feels fairly sedate. Once you get into the higher levels, however, you start walking through regions that are less welcoming. Some of them just feel unreal and alien (Final Fantasy XI's Promyvion regions), while others are real environments pushed far beyond the breaking point (World of Warcraft's Shadowmoon Valley). Whatever the cause, though, there are definitely spaces in the game where you really don't want to own a house.

Every person's tolerance of creepy is going to be different, and for some people the opening of RIFT in the midst of a bleak and hopeless future is going to be creepy enough. But we're not going to tell you what the creepiest possible region of a game world is; you're going to tell us. So what in-game zone makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck, and why?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What zone creeps you out? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creepygame-areashorrormapopinionregionsscarytdgthe-daily-grinduncomfortable-areaszonesSat, 17 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Hero Squad Online teasing Villainville]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/super-hero-squad-online-teasing-villainville/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/super-hero-squad-online-teasing-villainville/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/super-hero-squad-online-teasing-villainville/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Detroit. It's Detroit.
Super Hero Squad Online is sold on the strength of its characters, and up until now, it's been firmly on the heroic side of the equation. But Marvel Comics isn't limited to heroes like Spider-Man, Captain America, and Wolverine -- it's just as defined by villains like the Green Goblin, the Red Skull, and Sabretooth. So while we might not yet have much in the way of information, it's a good thing to see that the game has an incoming addition in the form of Villainville.

As of yet, the designers haven't released any information beyond the name of the locale -- whether it will be a new area for heroes to fight against their nemeses or a chance for players to take on the role of said nemeses is yet to be seen. Even so, if you appreciate the game's more kid-friendly approach to the Marvel universe, there's reason to be excited at the prospect of some home ground for the villains as well.

MassivelySuper Hero Squad Online teasing Villainville originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areasf2pfree-to-playgame-areasgame-zonesgazilliongazillion-entertainmentmarvelmarvel-comicsmarvel-super-hero-squadnewsshsosuper-hero-squad-onlinevillainvillezonesTue, 23 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Lucent Heart's Scaena zones and bosses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/exclusive-lucent-hearts-scaena-zones-and-bosses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/exclusive-lucent-hearts-scaena-zones-and-bosses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/exclusive-lucent-hearts-scaena-zones-and-bosses/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Lucent Heart screenshot
If you were looking for something a little more "traditional fantasy" after Lucent Heart's music-and-dance routine video last week, then today's dev diary will suit your tastes. In it, the folks at Gamania have delivered to us an exclusive preview of the upcoming Scaena update's zones and bosses. The world of Acadia is being enhanced with the Witch's Cliff on the continent of Cropolis; the level 65-69 Heart of Fire in the lands of Fostyre; the crafting hub Minotsize, City of Industry; and the continents of Edea and Aislan. The dev diary also highlights two of the opponents that players can expect to encounter: the formidable God's Advocate in Mount Destiny and the scorpion-riding Medea in the Witch's Cliff.

Hit the break for the full scoop, and check out screenshots of some of the bosses and zones in the gallery below.

Gallery: Lucent Heart Core Gallery

Continue reading Exclusive: Lucent Heart's Scaena zones and bosses

MassivelyExclusive: Lucent Heart's Scaena zones and bosses originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bossbossesf2pfree-to-playgalleriesgallerygamanialhlucent-heartnewspatchpatchesscaenascreenshotscreenshotsupdateupdateszonezonesThu, 18 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes previews First Ward]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/city-of-heroes-previews-first-ward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/city-of-heroes-previews-first-ward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/city-of-heroes-previews-first-ward/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

It's important for City of Heroes players to remember that Issue 21 isn't just bringing City of Heroes Freedom -- it's also bringing several pieces of new content, including the foreboding First Ward. The official site has just put up a preview of the new region, the site of Emperor Cole's first attempt at making his perfect society... and the site of his greatest failure in that goal. Because First Ward was the start of Praetoria, one that ended in destruction and death despite everything.

Protected by a prototype system of sonic fencing which would later be used around Praetoria proper, First Ward was able to repulse the Devouring Earth for quite some time. But Hamidon had a secret plan to burst up from within the city, leading to widespread death and destruction across the landscape. The city remains as a place where the veil between dead and living has been weakened to near the breaking point while the Devouring Earth stalk the streets, and while something may be blossoming within the city, it's certainly not Cole's dream. City of Heroes players can check out the official site for the full details on what has happened to the city.

MassivelyCity of Heroes previews First Ward originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-heroes-freedomcity-of-villainscohcoh-issue-21covcoxdevouring-earthissue-21lorenew-areasparagonparagon-studiospatchespraetoriapreviewszone-previewszonesTue, 12 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What game has your favorite instanced PvP?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/the-daily-grind-what-game-has-your-favorite-instanced-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/the-daily-grind-what-game-has-your-favorite-instanced-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/the-daily-grind-what-game-has-your-favorite-instanced-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In some ways, it's much easier to design an open PvP environment than an instanced battlefield. All one needs for the former is a world wherein anyone can attack anyone else, but creating an instanced map requires a set of objectives for players to fight over, an interesting layout to create diverse battles, and a balance so that every side within the instanced map will have a fair chance out of the gate. It's similar to creating a solid map for a first-person shooter, but with far more variables at play and much wider ranges of abilities for all participants.

Despite the obstacles, the instanced PvP map has become one of the most common features of games with any sort of PvP system. So which games offer the best instanced PvP experience? Is it Warhammer Online's diverse and varied Scenario maps? RIFT's balanced Warfronts with specialized PvP-only character builds? What game makes instanced PvP feel the most vibrant and interesting in play?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What game has your favorite instanced PvP? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area-balanceareascombatinstanced-pvpinstancesmapsopinionpvptdgthe-daily-grindzonesSun, 03 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which zones are you happy to see destroyed?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/the-daily-grind-which-zones-are-you-happy-to-see-destroyed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/the-daily-grind-which-zones-are-you-happy-to-see-destroyed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/the-daily-grind-which-zones-are-you-happy-to-see-destroyed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When City of Heroes announced that the game's new starting experience will include the wholesale destruction of Galaxy City, there were some players who were sad. There were many more who were happy at the thought of Galaxy City being smashed into rubble and twisted metal, and there were even a few volunteers to help wreck it before the update hits. There are zones that we like in any game, yes, but there are also zones that seemingly nobody enjoys.

Fortunately, the nature of MMOs ensures that the zone you hate today could be getting an extensive makeover via demolition tomorrow. So what zones do you think deserve a big dose of a cosmic wrecking ball? Are they zones that have already been destroyed, such as World of Warcraft's long-loathed Darkshore, or zones you just can't wait to see destroyed (such as Galaxy City)? Or are there even zones that show no sign of going anywhere that you'd just like to see wrecked?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Which zones are you happy to see destroyed? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destructionhumoropinionremovaltdgthe-daily-grindupdate-changeszone-changeszonesFri, 01 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you like more exploration options?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/the-daily-grind-would-you-like-more-exploration-options/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/the-daily-grind-would-you-like-more-exploration-options/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/the-daily-grind-would-you-like-more-exploration-options/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Let's not mince words -- when you hear about a new location in any MMOs, you know it's being added so you can go in and kill its inhabitants. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, especially seeing as every new level brings MMO characters new ways to dice, filet, and otherwise demolish said inhabitants. But as many players have noted, it would be nice if there were occasionally other options, such as the puzzles and traps that Dungeons and Dragons Online places in some of its adventures.

So would you like to see more exploration options in MMOs? Would you enjoy the chance to have a new location where you had to puzzle your way past traps and not draw your sword (or gun or electrical magic or whatever)? How about exploring a landscape without certain knowledge about what was on the other side? Or do you feel that's a thing of the past and so long as answers and guides are freely available online that exploration can't quite be replicated?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Would you like more exploration options? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areasexplorationexploringgame-mechanicsopinionpuzzlestdgthe-daily-grindtrapsviolencezonesMon, 13 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hellgate shows off its new Duel Areas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/hellgate-shows-off-its-new-duel-areas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/hellgate-shows-off-its-new-duel-areas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/hellgate-shows-off-its-new-duel-areas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

No matter how bad the environmental conditions might be in Hellgate, that's no reason to eschew one of the time-honored traditions of MMOs everywhere: PvP. But the game's relaunch won't just be including the original PvP elements, and one of the newer additions has just been highlighted -- the Duel Areas. This new addition allows players to face off against one another on specially designed maps, complete with dynamic elements on each map to keep battles unique.

With four different maps to choose from and a number of pre-fight variables, the Duel Areas are limited at the moment by the fact that only deathmatch games are available within. Killing opponents will reward players with PvP experience, leading to valuable rewards for future PvP matches. Check out the video previews for two of the new arenas just after the break, something that should be enough to get Hellgate players excited as the game moves toward release.

Continue reading Hellgate shows off its new Duel Areas

MassivelyHellgate shows off its new Duel Areas originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areasduel-areashanbitsofthellgatehellgate-globalhellgate-londonnewspreviewpvpregionst3-funt3funvideovideoszonesFri, 10 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: A look at Runes of Magic's upcoming Redhill Mountains]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/e3-2011-a-look-at-runes-of-magics-upcoming-redhill-mountains/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/e3-2011-a-look-at-runes-of-magics-upcoming-redhill-mountains/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/e3-2011-a-look-at-runes-of-magics-upcoming-redhill-mountains/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Runes of Magic is on the floor at E3, and the team behind the game is showing off the goods for the upcoming Lands of Despair expansion. GDC saw a preview of the earliest zone for the new chapter, but E3 is focusing on the new Redhill Mountain zones, spanning from level 65 to 68. Players will be tossed into the center of a war between the Fireboot Dwarves and the rhino-like Kaylo race. And at the center of everything sits the dungeon of Sardo Castle, a font of undead and villainy.

The centerpiece of the Redhill Mountains is the Battlefield of Steel, where the Dwarves and Kaylo take part in an ongoing war of aggression that's stretched out for 10 long years. Players will be tasked with investigating both sides of the issue and uncovering the sinister motives behind the conflict, with the true villain waiting at the heart of the Sardo Castle instance. Runes of Magic fans should take a look at the special preview gallery below, showing off the zone and instance in elaborate detail.

Massively's on the ground in Los Angeles during the week of June 6-9, bringing you all the best news from E3 2011. Whether you're dying to know more about Star Wars: The Old Republic, RIFT, or any MMO in between, you can bet we'll have it covered!


Gallery: E3 2011: Runes of Magic Redhill Mountains

MassivelyE3 2011: A look at Runes of Magic's upcoming Redhill Mountains originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2011frogsterfrogster-interactivegalleryinstanceslands-of-despairpreviewromrom-chapter-4rom-lands-of-despairrunes-of-magiczone-previewzonesTue, 07 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Five zones that deserve a revamp]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/the-tattered-notebook-five-zones-that-deserve-a-revamp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/the-tattered-notebook-five-zones-that-deserve-a-revamp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/the-tattered-notebook-five-zones-that-deserve-a-revamp/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Recently, EverQuest II developer Kyle "Kander" Vallee tweeted his followers asking for input on the following question: "What #EQII zone would you love to see revamped into new heroic content?"

That's a tough but really fun question. Over the years, EverQuest II has added so many overland and instanced zones that there's no shortage of choices. A quick glance at the dungeon list at EQ2i shows well over 100 major heroic instances and open dungeons for groups. If you add in the list of minor instances, like the Splitpaw adventure pack instances or the Fallen Dynasty trials, it's easily over 120. In fact, there are so many group zones that it's nearly impossible to level up and see them all (I vote for a new in-game dungeon listing for the next UI revamp!).

I've played through a good chunk of these zones and put together a list of the top five dungeons that deserve a makeover. Read on for the full list!

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Five zones that deserve a revamp

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Five zones that deserve a revamp originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packeq2eq2xeqiiEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedfallen-dynastyfallen-dynasty-trialsfeaturedforsaken-cityisle-of-refugekael-drakkelkanderkyle-valleenew-tunariarevampssoeSony-Online-Entertainmentsplitpawtattered-notebookveliouszonezone-revampzonesMon, 30 May 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angels Online welcomes us to the Primordial Paradise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/angels-online-welcomes-us-to-the-primordial-paradise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/angels-online-welcomes-us-to-the-primordial-paradise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/angels-online-welcomes-us-to-the-primordial-paradise/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yes, it did hurt when we fell from heaven. Why do you ask? Ohh. You're trying to hit on us!

We have more details concerning Angels Online's Primordial Paradise expansion, which is already available in the game. The world's key-uuuutest MMO is adding several new areas to the game, an ancient skill system, and tougher challenges for experienced veterans. Honestly, we dare you to go into a biker bar and declare yourself an "Angels Online veteran." We'll even buy your drinks.

The new areas in this expansion include the bone-littered Lost Cove, the hidden paradise of Boulder Village, the rough-and-tumble Hoca Village, the training grounds of Rex Point, the resource-laden Raven Riverpoint, the appropriately named Hunter's Ridge, and the cutthroat vista of the Shilly Desert. It's in this latter area that cherubs can test their mettle in the Dino Arena.

If the cross appeal of angels and dinosaurs is enough for you, then head over to Angels Online to check it out!

MassivelyAngels Online welcomes us to the Primordial Paradise originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angels-onlinebiker-barboulder-villagedino-arenaf2pfree-to-playhoca-villagehunters-ridgeiggigg.comlost-coveprimordial-paradiseraven-riverpointrex-pointshilly-desertzonesThu, 26 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you like to be under the sea?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/the-daily-grind-would-you-like-to-be-under-the-sea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/the-daily-grind-would-you-like-to-be-under-the-sea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/the-daily-grind-would-you-like-to-be-under-the-sea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The ocean is one of the only alien environments left on our slowly turning planet, and even though it's all around us, it remains a frontier. Which makes it odd that with the number of MMOs focused on creating new worlds, there's virtually nothing that takes a dive beneath the waters. Champions Online and World of Warcraft both have extended areas in which players explore beneath the waves, but as a setting the ocean remains largely underutilized. And it could very well be a ripe ground for ideas, settings ranging from steampunk to science fiction beneath unfamiliar waters.

Of course, the obvious reason is that human beings are generally not very good at exploring the ocean depths, due to our lack of gills and inability to withstand crushing water pressure. But it's still worth asking -- would you play an MMO set largely or completely underwater? Would you enjoy the change of atmosphere and environment that comes with such a radical shift in setting? Or do you think it's an idea that sounds neat but would ultimately be far more trouble than it's worth?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Would you like to be under the sea? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 May 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designoceanoctopusopinionseatdgthe-daily-grindwaterzonesThu, 26 May 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Guide to Aion's Esoterrace instance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/massively-exclusive-guide-to-aions-esoterrace-instance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/massively-exclusive-guide-to-aions-esoterrace-instance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/massively-exclusive-guide-to-aions-esoterrace-instance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5aionaion-2.5atreiadungeon-guidesdungeonsesoterraceesoterrace-guideesoterrace-instanceesoterrace-walkthroughexclusivefantasygame-guidesguideguideskexkrancsoftwalkthroughwindstreamszone-guideszonesWed, 18 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New zones and artifacts in latest Perpetuum devblog]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/new-zones-and-artifacts-in-latest-perpetuum-devblog/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/new-zones-and-artifacts-in-latest-perpetuum-devblog/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/new-zones-and-artifacts-in-latest-perpetuum-devblog/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Perpetuum has been stomping its way along after its fairly recent launch, doing its level best to prove that everything really is better with giant robots. While the development team has been a bit quiet the past few weeks, the newest devblog entry explains some of the reasons behind the silence. A lot of the team's focus has been on adding new zones to the game for players to explore, with six new zones in development -- three of them remaining safe and three allowing for the unrepentant robot warfare that drives the core game.

The game's artifact scanning minigame is also nearing completion, and while the blog entry states outright that the mechanics will be fairly similar, it sounds like a good way to pass some time while there's nothing for your robot to shoot at. There's also official support for an emulation platform on Linux and OSX, which makes the game available to a wider range of potential players. Perpetuum players should take a look at the full entry for all the details.

[Thanks to Roy Ary for the tip!]

MassivelyNew zones and artifacts in latest Perpetuum devblog originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>additional-zonesavatar-creationsdevblogdeveloper-blogfuture-patchesfuture-updatesgiant-robotslinuxnew-zonesosxperpetuumrobotssandboxzonesFri, 04 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest devs talk progression server on new Live Cast]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/everquest-devs-talk-progression-server-on-new-live-cast/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/everquest-devs-talk-progression-server-on-new-live-cast/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/everquest-devs-talk-progression-server-on-new-live-cast/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ladies and gentleman, start your time machines! Today marks the launch of EverQuest's Fippy Darkpaw progression server, and SOE has a trio of new Live Cast videos with the dev team available for viewing on its YouTube channel. The discussion is hosted by Eric "Piestro" Cleaver and features lead designer Adam Bell, designer Ed Hardin, and lead programmer Steve Klug.

Topics covered include the hows and whys of a progression server, the world and zone revamps, and the XP curve (which the team says will be slowed down quite a bit relative to the live game). "There are no 'hell levels,' but it will still be slower than it is on a normal server," Hardin says.

The team also talks about how certain races and classes, and even the game's tutorial, won't be available from launch, as they're locked to certain expansions and will only become available as the progression server ages. Speaking of progressing, the devs have implemented a brand new voting system with a dedicated in-game UI in order to afford players the opportunity to choose when the server should move to the next expansion. As far as who gets to vote, Bell says that "you'll need to be on the progression server and at least level 30 in order to vote to unlock the next expansion, and we may raise that level as the expansion unlocks continue."

Head past the cut to view the entire Live Cast in three parts.

Continue reading EverQuest devs talk progression server on new Live Cast

MassivelyEverQuest devs talk progression server on new Live Cast originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-belled-hardineqeverquestexperiencefantasyfippyfippy-darkpawgrindlive-castlivecastprogressionprogression-serversoeSony-Online-Entertainmentsteve-klugxpzone-revampszonesTue, 15 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT looks at Scarwood Reach]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/rift-looks-at-scarwood-reach/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/rift-looks-at-scarwood-reach/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/rift-looks-at-scarwood-reach/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Whether or not you're looking forward to RIFT, it's hard to deny that the game makes great use of setting. The latest region revealed, Scarwood Reach, is haunting and evocative in both backstory and current events. Once an enchanted forest covered in the majestic granitewood trees, the woods have been logged to their demise, with only scattered pockets of trees remaining as a testament to what once was. But the servants of Greenscale seek to undo the damage in the only way possible -- by opening a portal to the Plane of Life that might swallow Telara whole.

Aside from the abandoned shrines and local creatures harmed by the mad rush for wood and the abandonment of old traditions, the explosion of unfiltered Life at the heart of what was once forest is equally toxic. Even apart from the rifts that occasionally blossom, the forest is beset by creatures unseen in this land, coupled with crawling roots that bring searing and unwelcome new life to the barren landscape. Take a look at the gallery for a quartet of preview images, a fine preparation for the maddening environment that RIFT's damaged forest remnants are poised to deliver.

Gallery: RIFT: Core Gallery

MassivelyRIFT looks at Scarwood Reach originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryenvironmentforestgalleryin-game-regionslogginglorenewsplane-of-liferegionsriftrift-planes-of-telarariftsscarwood-reachtreestriontrion-worldswoodzonesMon, 10 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take an exclusive look at Chinatown in DC Universe Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/take-an-exclusive-look-at-chinatown-in-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/take-an-exclusive-look-at-chinatown-in-dc-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/take-an-exclusive-look-at-chinatown-in-dc-universe-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's no doubt a bit disheartening for DC Universe Online fans to know that they'll have to wait until next year for the game rather than just until November. Still, that doesn't mean that the information has stopped coming about the game -- if anything, there's been more coming out of Sony Online Entertainment after the delay was announced. We've recently been granted an exclusive flyover of the Chinatown district of Metropolis, giving players as well as the vaguely curious a chance to see one of the game's zones in action.

Not only does the video show off the visuals of the area, but it also demonstrates a bit of combat in the district's vistas, with what appear to be player-created characters fighting off some thugs in the Asian-inspired region. Take a look on past the cut for a closer look at one of the game zones, and keep your eyes peeled for more information about DC Universe Online as we approach the revised launch date for the game.

Continue reading Take an exclusive look at Chinatown in DC Universe Online

MassivelyTake an exclusive look at Chinatown in DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I've been spending so much time in Khitai's Northern Grasslands lately that I'm starting to dream of wolves, 50-foot-tall golems, and crotchety warmonk bosses that mop the floors of their monastery with the remains of my asphyxiated assassin. As such, I figure it's time for a little change of pace, as well as a change of scenery. Ah hell, since I'm an incurable altoholic, let's go ahead and throw a change of character in there as well. Goodbye squishy 'sin, I'll miss you (not).

Anyway, several alts are in the works, but rather than focus on the hows and whys of a new class (more on that in the coming weeks), we'll chew the scenery in this week's Anvil of Crom.

Join me after the cut for a look at the majestic Gateway to Khitai, the latest stop on our tour of Hyboria's many and varied questing zones.

Gallery: Age of Conan - Gateway to Khitai

Kurosawa extra?Yeah I died, but cool armor!Kill the guard, free the slave.Looking westward across the zoneNear the Great Wall

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Gateway to adventure

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Gateway to adventure originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conananvil-of-cromaocaoc-zone-impressionsfeaturedfuncomgalleryhyborian-traveloguekhitaiopinionpvequestingrise-of-the-godslayerscreenshotscreenshotsthe-anvil-of-cromzone-impressionszonesSun, 26 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Getting down to earth with Stonefield in Rift: Planes of Telara]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/getting-down-to-earth-with-stonefield-in-rift-planes-of-telara/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/getting-down-to-earth-with-stonefield-in-rift-planes-of-telara/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/getting-down-to-earth-with-stonefield-in-rift-planes-of-telara/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The team at Trion Worlds has been stepping up its game of late with Rift: Planes of Telara, showing off more and more of the gameplay and zones. The preview of the Fire Rift was appropriately dynamic, but with the most recent preview at Rift Nexus, the game shows off a more grounded region in Stonefield. An early zone for the Defiant faction, the area features battles against both titans and undead for low-level characters on their way through the leveling process.

The ancient Eth were responsible for bringing the titans to the land, using them as guards for the precious mines of the area... until the titans raised an army and engaged in a brutal war against their would-be masters. Now the titans are imprisoned within the earth, but their influence still spreads throughout the zone. It's quite possible they're behind the undead that are slowly spreading from Granite Falls, something players will have to investigate for themselves. The description alone doesn't do the zone justice, however, so click past the break for an embedded flythrough of the region. Rift: Planes of Telara doesn't yet have a solid release date, but it's shaping up nicely, especially if it continues to build upon such a solid foundation.

Continue reading Getting down to earth with Stonefield in Rift: Planes of Telara

MassivelyGetting down to earth with Stonefield in Rift: Planes of Telara originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient-creatureselementalsethflythrough-trailerloremovienew-previewpreviewriftrift-planes-of-telarastonefieldstonefield-previewtitanstriontrion-worldsundeadvideozonezone-previewzonesWed, 01 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Journey through the Grasslands]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/15/the-anvil-of-crom-journey-through-the-grasslands/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/15/the-anvil-of-crom-journey-through-the-grasslands/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/15/the-anvil-of-crom-journey-through-the-grasslands/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The assassin moved forward, slowly, the soles of his padded boots gliding soundlessly over the dense packing of leaves and mulch that formed the forest floor. His eyes darted this way and that, scarred hands never far from the ivory-inlaid hilts of the blades hanging loosely at his waist. Quickening his pace, he ducked and dodged around the endless stalks of greenish bamboo that reached for the canopy high above.

Thin sunbeams bathed portions of the glade in an otherworldly light. They also cast parts of the dense bamboo thicket into semi-darkness, and it was from one of these dim pockets that the bear emerged. A towering, snarling monstrosity, it leered at the assassin, then charged. Stalks of bamboo snapped and splintered in its path as the assassin whirled and fled. The ground shook as the beast gained; he felt its breath on his neck as he emerged from the forest into blinding sunlight. A rock wall loomed ahead of him and he leaped for it, his feet finding purchase on the tiny ledges as he scrambled up the sheer side of the cliff. Panting, he finally reached the summit and turned to watch the stalks of bamboo swaying far below him like a sea of grass that parted as the beast rumbled back into the undergrowth.

Sneak past the cut for more.

Gallery: Age of Conan - Khitai Northern Grasslands

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Journey through the Grasslands

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Journey through the Grasslands originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hi-Rez Studios brings us word of the latest round of Sandstorm changes coming today to Global Agenda. The sci-fi MMOFPS is rolling out Sandstorm Version 1.36 to the live servers, and with it a plethora of improvements to the Agency-vs-Agency (AvA) system. Seasons will now last for two weeks, and each major geographic region (North America, Europe, etc.) will feature one open zone from Monday through Thursday. Another zone will open up on Saturday and Sunday, and each will be open for six hours per day.

In addition to the timing tweaks, AvA rewards have been adjusted, token daily limits have been raised, and consumables have been removed from PvP. Be sure to view the full list of changes via the patch notes on the official Global Agenda website.

MassivelyGlobal Agenda's latest Sandstorm patch hits today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agency-vs-agencyavaglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-global-agendahi-rez-studiospvpsandstormsandstorm-patchseasonstimerszonesThu, 12 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes releases flyover for Imperial City and Neutropolis]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/city-of-heroes-releases-flyover-for-imperial-city-and-neutropoli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/city-of-heroes-releases-flyover-for-imperial-city-and-neutropoli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/city-of-heroes-releases-flyover-for-imperial-city-and-neutropoli/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We've got a treat for City of Heroes players today, one that should provide more than a few smiles -- a video flyover of two more zones from Going Rogue. Where the first video previewed the core of the capital and the (ideally invisible) underground, this one focuses on the Imperial City and Neutropolis. The former is the region where the vast majority of Praetorian citizens live and work every day, while the latter highlights the almost-otherworldly (pun intended) technology under development.

While cityscapes are nothing new for the game's environs, the Imperial City is a cut above anything that's previously been featured. The billboards stand out, the architecture is unique, and at times the game almost looks like something other than City of Heroes entirely. With less than a week until Going Rogue's release, it won't be long before players get to experience these environments for themselves -- but until then, you can take a look at the video past the cut.

Continue reading City of Heroes releases flyover for Imperial City and Neutropolis

MassivelyCity of Heroes releases flyover for Imperial City and Neutropolis originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If the various videos released by the team at Paragon Studios have made anything clear, it's the difference between hearing about City of Heroes and seeing the game in action. That's what makes the most recent teaser trailer so interesting. We've been told about Nova Praetoria and the Underground, and we've seen static shots of the cityscape -- but seeing it in motion is a whole different thing. It turns a concept into a living, breathing city.

The video, released today via the game's Facebook page, is embedded after the cut and is well worth a watch for any fan of the game. Showcasing several of the most prominent buildings, it serves as an excellent primer for players before Going Rogue goes live in just a couple weeks. It also helps demonstrate some of the effects that the art team has been touting for some time, highlighting in real time how Praetoria has been designed for Ultra Mode. Take a look past the cut, and keep your eyes peeled for more on the upcoming City of Heroes expansion as we approach launch.

Continue reading Video guide to Nova Praetoria and the Underground for City of Heroes

MassivelyVideo guide to Nova Praetoria and the Underground for City of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As we alluded to in our small preview last week, Nova Praetoria is one of the most elite neighborhoods in the alternate Earth setting of Going Rogue. The City of Heroes team has long been known for giving every region a detailed backstory, and the new areas of Praetoria are no exception. Official information on Nova Praetoria and the Underground has just been released on the official site, giving players a chance to take a peek behind the visuals to see how day-to-day life functions in the world's most prestigious city -- and its underbelly.

The seat of humanity's self-proclaimed savior, Nova Praetoria is elevated from the rest of the world both figuratively and physically, built on an artificial island upon an artificially flooded river. Unfortunately, between the Resistance and the disenfranchised Destroyers -- former soldiers who want to tear down Cole for purely anarchistic reasons -- even the seat of power is increasingly less stable. Meanwhile, the Undergound below is a war between Cole's loyalists using the tunnels for their original purpose of surreptitious transport, the Resistance setting up headquarters to strike at Cole's base of power, and the ravenous Ghouls patrolling the tunnels for unknown reasons. The lore on both areas is top-notch, and it should help make City of Heroes players even more invested in the coming expansion.

Gallery: City of Heroes preview of Nova Praetoria and the Underground

MassivelyThe lore behind districts in City of Heroes: Going Rogue originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainscohcovcoxdistrictsexpansionsgalleriesgallerygoing-roguegrlorencsoftneighborhoodsnova-praetoriaparagonparagon-studiospraetoriapreviewsthe-undergroundzonesFri, 23 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Illuminating answers about the upcoming patch for Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/illuminating-answers-about-the-upcoming-patch-for-champions-onli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/illuminating-answers-about-the-upcoming-patch-for-champions-onli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/illuminating-answers-about-the-upcoming-patch-for-champions-onli/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The first adventure pack for Champions Online is due out this month, although we don't know quite when just yet. But there are a lot of things coming along with the new pack, such as the promised return of Blood Moon and the addition of a difficulty slider. If you're curious about what all of this means from a gameplay perspective, you're coming to it at the right time, as the most recent Ask Cryptic has just been released, covering most of what players might be wondering about.

The difficulty slider will be responsible for improved drops, but costume pieces are likely to remain just as frequent (or infrequent) as they currently are. Players who have watched the development of Star Trek Online might be saddened to know that the resistance bonuses and such coming with the Accolade system in that game will not be copied for Champions Online's Perks system. But there's also the prospect of expanding smaller regions into full-sized explorable zones, and some details on the next few adventure packs heading down the pipeline. It should be good news for the game's players, and it certainly helps keep the interest stoked for the coming release of Serpent Lantern.

MassivelyIlluminating answers about the upcoming patch for Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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