Massively http://www.massively.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.massively.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://www.massively.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[GamesCampus announces Legend of Edda beta and 9Dragons European publishing acquisition]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/gamescampus-announces-legend-of-edda-beta-and-9dragons-european/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/gamescampus-announces-legend-of-edda-beta-and-9dragons-european/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/gamescampus-announces-legend-of-edda-beta-and-9dragons-european/#comments Free-to-play publisher GamesCampus has had a busy week, first with its announcement of the closed beta test for the forthcoming Legend of Edda MMORPG, and most recently with its acquisition of 9Dragons for the European market.

Legend of Edda, loosely based on the Greek mythology surrounding Olympus and the Titans, boasts a dynamic storyline that centers around factional conflict as well as PvP and RvR combat. GamesCampus describes Legend of Edda as a title with "hardcore PvP, endless customization, an art style all its own, and much more." The initial closed beta phase will run from September 30th through October 11th.

Speaking of PvP, 9Dragons, recently orphaned by the demise of its publisher Acclaim, has been targeted by GamesCampus for a European release. The kung fu fighting MMORPG, set during the Ming dynasty and featuring clan-based PvP as well as extensive PvE options, will be published in Germany and France beginning in November. News of the European launch comes shortly after GamersFirst announced its intention to publish 9Dragons in America.

Be sure to check out the Legend of Edda teaser trailer after the jump.

Continue reading GamesCampus announces Legend of Edda beta and 9Dragons European publishing acquisition

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GamesCampus announces Legend of Edda beta and 9Dragons European publishing acquisition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 9dragonsacclaimbetaclosed-betaeuropean-publisherf2pfree-to-playgamescampuslegend-of-eddaonnet-europepvepvp Jef Reahard Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Weekly episodes (finally) begin with a bang]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/captains-log-weekly-episodes-finally-begin-with-a-bang/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/captains-log-weekly-episodes-finally-begin-with-a-bang/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/captains-log-weekly-episodes-finally-begin-with-a-bang/#comments Well, well, well. If it isn't our new friend, Mr. Weekly Episode. You sure took your sweet time getting here. What happened, you get stuck in traffic on the intergalactic turnpike or something? This is why you don't warp anywhere near Bajor during rush hour.

It's true: Cryptic Studios has released the first of Star Trek Online's long-awaited weekly episodes. The shiny new mission, titled Cold Call, introduces new races, new faces and new places. It's new! Read on, intrepid explorers, as Captain's Log plays through our first weekly episode, and we learn whether it was worth the wait.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Weekly episodes (finally) begin with a bang

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Captain's Log: Weekly episodes (finally) begin with a bang originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> crypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdaniel-stahlfeaturedst-onlineStar-Trekstar-trek-deep-space-nineStar-Trek-MMOstar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-season-twostosto-ambassador-surahsto-breensto-cold-callsto-cold-comfortsto-deferasto-deferisto-dominionsto-featured-episodessto-orellius-sectorsto-out-in-the-coldsto-preserverssto-season-2sto-season-2-patchsto-season-twosto-weekliessto-weeklysto-weekly-episodestrek-online Ryan Greene Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Trailer for Scars of Abyssea surfaces for Final Fantasy XI]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/trailer-for-scars-of-abyssea-surfaces-for-final-fantasy-xi/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/trailer-for-scars-of-abyssea-surfaces-for-final-fantasy-xi/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/trailer-for-scars-of-abyssea-surfaces-for-final-fantasy-xi/#comments While there's quite a stir around the new open beta for Final Fantasy XIV, there are some very big additions coming to Final Fantasy XI as well. Scars of Abyssea is due to be released with the September version update, and lest players forget about it, Square-Enix has updated the teaser site. Not only does it include previews of the new Empyrean armor sets and a new trailer for the mini-expansion, it also offers us a predicted launch date for the update of September 8th.

Although the chest pieces are not shown and it's a bit early to be sure, it does appear that most of the Empyrean Armor sets are the new Artifact pieces (an upgrade from the previous Relic Armor). Combined with the coming upgrades to Trial of the Magians, this armor set may become the norm for quite some time. Players can take a look at all of the coming attractions on the official teaser site, and the Final Fantasy XI update should be available early next week.

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Trailer for Scars of Abyssea surfaces for Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> add-onartifact-armorempyrean-armorffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivmini-expansionpatchpatchesprojected-launchseptember-version-updatesquaresquare-enixteaserteaser-sitetrial-of-the-magians Eliot Lefebvre Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[One Shots: From the clouds]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/one-shots-from-the-clouds/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/one-shots-from-the-clouds/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/one-shots-from-the-clouds/#comments Ever wondered what it might look like if you could get high above some of the various parts of your favorite MMO? Well, if you're today's rather resourceful contributor, Stone, you might well find a way! Not content to simply run around in Guild Wars and enjoy the various locales, he found a way to get today's eye-catching overview that he calls "Canthan boat." Stone writes in to explain it a bit further: "Because most people only redo the Shing Jea tutorial to get a little more of the map uncovered for the Canthan Cartographer title, they tend to miss the beautiful scenery in the area. Even on my fifth time through the tutorial, I still find little niceties that the ArenaNet team put in."

Have you found a new perspective on an area you may have seen many, many times? If so, why not share it with us! We love to see what our readers are doing, and One Shots can always use more screenshot love. Just email your images in to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. You never know -- yours could be the next one we post here on Massively!

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

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One Shots: From the clouds originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> arenanetguild-warsgwncsoftone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsstone Krystalle Voecks Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Quick, come follow us on Digg before our wagon tips over!]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/quick-come-follow-us-on-digg-before-our-wagon-tips-over/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/quick-come-follow-us-on-digg-before-our-wagon-tips-over/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/quick-come-follow-us-on-digg-before-our-wagon-tips-over/#comments
You know what the best way to avoid dying of dysentery is? It's following your friendly, neighborhood MMO site on Digg! Following us on Digg grants you a 99.8% chance of not dying from dysentery when trekking through the dangerous landscape that is the virtual Oregon Trail.

Following us also affords you other amazing benefits, like getting all of our best headlines sent straight to you! You can vote on the content we post, so be sure to vote up the stories on our site that you love! Plus, if all of that wasn't neat enough, the things you Digg about MMOs can be shared with us, and we might even cover it! All of this helps us learn what content you lovely readers want to see on the site, and it gives you another say in how we do things here at Massively.

So what do you have to do to get all of these benefits and a free set of buffalo meat? All you have to do is visit our Digg page and follow us! That's it! Don't have a Digg account? Well you can get yourself one in no time flat.

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Quick, come follow us on Digg before our wagon tips over! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> diggdigg-has-died-of-cholerafollow-massivelyfollow-us-on-diggnew-diggoregon-trailsocial-mediasocial-networkingthe-new-digg Seraphina Brennan Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: I can finally stop playing Mortal Online now]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/anti-aliased-i-can-finally-stop-playing-mortal-online-now/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/anti-aliased-i-can-finally-stop-playing-mortal-online-now/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/anti-aliased-i-can-finally-stop-playing-mortal-online-now/#comments
A long time ago, well before Mortal Online launched, I was really looking forward to playing the game. The first-person only perspective made me drool, the Unreal Engine 3 powered graphics engine looked top-notch, the endless amount of customization of weaponry made me giddy, and the sprawling open world made me bow in awe. This was a game that sat at the top of my "WANT NAO" list, and I'm not even a person who's really huge into PvP. I just wanted an Elder Scrolls/Ultima Online inspired sandbox.

Upon finally playing the game, however, all I found was a nightmare of errors, glitches, and missing systems. Mats Persson, one of the developers of Star Vault, was right: this game does lack polish, user friendliness, and many systems that could turn this sandbox into a true sandbox. Instead, all I found was a buggy, glitchy, never-ending, pointless deathmatch in an MMO world. Keep reading, and I'll be more than happy to explain every aspect of my time with Mortal Online.

If you're interested in commenting on this article, then you have to trek all the way to page 3 this week. Just a heads up!

Gallery: Mortal Online Screenshots

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: I can finally stop playing Mortal Online now

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Anti-Aliased: I can finally stop playing Mortal Online now originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alphaanti-aliasedbetabugsdelayed-launchglitcheshardcorelow-concurrencymortal-onlineold-school-designopinionpvprecommendationsandboxsera-really-isnt-a-carebear-but-you-wont-listen-to-her-about-thastar-vaultultima-onlineunfinishedunfinished-game Seraphina Brennan Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Free Love for the holiday weekend]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/free-love-for-the-holiday-weekend/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/free-love-for-the-holiday-weekend/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/free-love-for-the-holiday-weekend/#comments Those who lament that nothing innovative and interesting is being done in the field of MMOs are probably unfamiliar with LOVE, a project seeking to redefine pretty much any core assumptions about the genre. Players build and create, levels are based upon relationships with other players, and the entire world is a surrealistic masterpiece of a landscape. Oh, and the entire project is the work of one man, Eskil Steenberg. It's the sort of thing that would be well worth checking out, and during the holiday weekend, you can do precisely that.

From 6 PM GMT on Friday until noon on Monday, LOVE will be having its first free weekend, giving players curious about the actual mechanics of the game a chance to log in and take a close look at how the game works. That runs the majority of the Labor Day weekend, a fine time to log in and get some serious construction going. Keep an eye on the official site or on GamingLove for more information on registration.

[Thanks to bartillo for the tip!]

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Free Love for the holiday weekend originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cooperationeskil-steenbergexperimental-gamesfree-trialfree-weekendindependent-gamesindy-gameslabor-daylabor-day-weekendloveone-man-mmo-studioplayer-cooperationquel-solaartrial Eliot Lefebvre Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Hero up! Hands-on with Marvel Super Hero Squad Online]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/hero-up-hands-on-with-marvel-super-hero-squad-online/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/hero-up-hands-on-with-marvel-super-hero-squad-online/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/hero-up-hands-on-with-marvel-super-hero-squad-online/#comments
Back in May, I scored Massively's first real look at Super Hero Squad Online, the Marvel-flavored, kid-friendly MMO from Gazillion Entertainment and The Amazing Society. I was smitten with the game at the time, and so when Gazillion offered me the opportunity to take a peek at the newest build earlier this week, I jumped at the chance. Who can resist some hands-on time with such an adorable toy! (Answer to rhetorical question: no one, which is why you should go sign up for beta right now.) Plus, if I learned anything the last time, it was that I have a duty to relentlessly inquire about Squirrel Girl. Am I right?

Gazillion PR Manager Keith Mutzman and The Amazing Society's Director of Games Jay Minn wasted no time bringing me up to speed on the progress of the game as the team heads to PAX this weekend, so I'll pay that forward -- join me after the break and we'll dig in and hero up!

Continue reading Hero up! Hands-on with Marvel Super Hero Squad Online

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Hero up! Hands-on with Marvel Super Hero Squad Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> accessibilityaction-combatamazing-societyAUTOnomybrowser-basedcash-shopcombatcyclopsf2pfamilyfantastic-fourfeaturedfishbowlfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentgiant-manhands-onHeadquartershero-upHQhuman-torchjay-minnjean-greykeith-mutzmankidsMarvelmarvel-super-hero-squadmicrotransactionMicrotransactionsMinigameMinigamesshsosilver-surferspider-mansquirrel-girlsuper-herosuper-hero-squadsuper-hero-squad-onlinesuperherosuperheroesthe-amazing-societythorunity-enginevillainvillewasp Brianna Royce Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Icarus offers Fallen Earth Companion app full-featured trial]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/icarus-offers-fallen-earth-companion-app-full-featured-trial/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/icarus-offers-fallen-earth-companion-app-full-featured-trial/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/icarus-offers-fallen-earth-companion-app-full-featured-trial/#comments
Fallen Earth's rubble-strewn wasteland may be a junkyard full of rusty old tech and rotting civilization, but the forthcoming mobile phone app update is the epitome of new and shiny. The team at Icarus is offering a full-featured trial of the extended app to all current users, meaning you can check out the full auction house functionality, the ability to craft an item from scratch, and the in-game mail attachment services for free.

The trial period runs from September 3rd to September 13th, and naturally requires that you have the original Fallen Earth companion app installed on your iPhone, Droid, or Blackberry. You can grab it from iTunes, the Android App Store, or Blackberry App World, and get a sneak peak of the new and improved version prior to its official release in a few weeks.

You can also view complete details via the press release on the official website.

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Icarus offers Fallen Earth Companion app full-featured trial originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> auction-houseblackberrycompanion-appcraftingdroidfallen-earthfallen-earth-companion-appicarusicarus-studiosin-game-mailiphoneworld-maps Jef Reahard Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV open beta kicks off [Updated]]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/final-fantasy-xiv-open-beta-kicks-off/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/final-fantasy-xiv-open-beta-kicks-off/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/final-fantasy-xiv-open-beta-kicks-off/#comments Players anticipating Final Fantasy XIV got to play an exciting new game starting last night, which is currently being dubbed "hoping that the server connection doesn't reset while applying for open beta." The servers have been wheezing under the load of people trying to log in, but luckily, some players have managed to get in and obtain crucial information. FFXIVCore has put together a compilation of the more interesting tidbits, including the now-known server names and the notes for the latest and greatest patch.

While the closed beta servers were named for the bosses of the Final Fantasy series, the open beta servers (and the assumed launch servers) are named for famous cities from the games. This beta also had changed the previously homogenized stats of the races to differentiate racial choices -- but with the differences only being a few points in any direction, there's no huge impediment to playing any class as any race. Take a look at the full patch notes for a rundown of changes if you were in the prior beta, and keep trying if you find your registration attempts getting disconnected. Apparently there's no shortage of eager Final Fantasy XIV fans.

Update: Square-Enix has posted an official message on the account page advising players that the servers are heavily congested, and that if you're having any technical troubles to please wait and try back later. Codes are currently being limited in an effort to fight server congestion. The full statement is after the break.

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIV open beta kicks off [Updated]

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Final Fantasy XIV open beta kicks off [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> betabeta-startffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivopen-betaopen-beta-registrationracesracial-statsserver-loadssquaresquare-enixstarting-stats Eliot Lefebvre Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Battle of the Immortals launches an expansion teaser]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/battle-of-the-immortals-launches-an-expansion-teaser/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/battle-of-the-immortals-launches-an-expansion-teaser/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/battle-of-the-immortals-launches-an-expansion-teaser/#comments There's something to be said for verisimilitude. Despite the fact that we've all accepted limitations in just how much a game can model at any given time, it's nice to be able to break things when you unleash whatever horrible ultimate spell your character of choice is packing. Battle of the Immortals recognizes this, and that's why one of the big features in their new teaser trailer is the addition of destructible environments to the game.

While the game's first major expansion update is ramping up for release, this trailer is for an addition not slated for arrival until spring of 2011. It's a bit of a wait, but the trailer already looks detailed and interesting, promising several graphical and environmental upgrades for the game. Take a look past the cut for the full trailer, and keep your eyes peeled for more news on the updates for Battle of the Immortals, as they seem to be coming fast and furious.

Continue reading Battle of the Immortals launches an expansion teaser

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Battle of the Immortals launches an expansion teaser originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> animationanimation-updatesbattle-of-the-immortalsboidestructible-environmentsenvironmental-damageexpansionf2pfree-to-playmajor-updatesmovieperfect-world-entertainmentpweteaserteaser-trailertrailervideo Eliot Lefebvre Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[MAG offers extra character slots, on the cheap]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/mag-offers-extra-character-slots-on-the-cheap/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/mag-offers-extra-character-slots-on-the-cheap/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/mag-offers-extra-character-slots-on-the-cheap/#comments If you're an altoholic playing Zipper Interactive's MAG MMOFPS, chances are you're probably a fan of the recently announced extra character slot promotion. The new service debuted yesterday, and allows players to create two new in-game avatars. For $.99 (US), you can purchase one of the two slots and take it for a 30-day trial run.

After your free month is up, you can opt to subscribe the new characters or keep them for a rainy day, locked up tight in cold storage, where they'll retain any gear and advancements you may have acquired. Check out all the details on the official MAG blog.

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MAG offers extra character slots, on the cheap originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> character-slotsextra-character-slotsmagmassive-action-gameofficial-mag-blogplaystation-3playstation3ps3zipperZipper-Interactive Jef Reahard Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What content will you never do again?]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/the-daily-grind-what-content-will-you-never-do-again/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/the-daily-grind-what-content-will-you-never-do-again/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/02/the-daily-grind-what-content-will-you-never-do-again/#comments For me, it's Dungeons and Dragons Online's The Pit, a horribly convoluted 3-D maze of traps, ramps and switchback objectives. My one and only experience running this dungeon lasted well over two hours and several deaths. It was one of those runs that you grit your teeth and hang on thinking that it's got to end some time soon... right? When I finally stepped out into the sunlight, I turned around, /spit on the doorway, and promised myself, "Never again!"

So what content are you determined never to do again in your MMO? Perhaps, like my story, it was an agonizing dungeon crawl. Maybe you can't fathom doing a particular reputation grind one more time. Or you could be at the point where the entire leveling process is anathema to your soul. We all have our breaking points, after all.

Today, please share with the rest of the class what content you'll never do again if you have your say -- and why you won't do it.

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The Daily Grind: What content will you never do again? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ddodungeondungeons-and-dragons-onlinenever-againopinionrep-grindreputation-grindtdgthe-daily-grindthe-pit Justin Olivetti Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Details on event zones in Jumpgate Evolution]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/details-on-event-zones-in-jumpgate-evolution/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/details-on-event-zones-in-jumpgate-evolution/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/details-on-event-zones-in-jumpgate-evolution/#comments There's something about the massive span of space that lends itself to large-scale PvP, and Jumpgate Evolution is certainly heading down the road to having big and meaningful faction battles. This is the core of the game's Event Sectors, hotspots of activity between both players and NPCs in which everyone takes part in a truly epic struggle. In a recent diary on MMORPG.com, Joe Grubb explains the design philosophy behind the sectors and how they're shaping up as the game continues in development.

Grubb explains that one of the first goals the team had with these sectors was that they had to feel meaningful in context -- rather than just featuring good gameplay, it had to make sense why the battle was taking place from a lore standpoint. He goes on to explain how the team began testing and then revising the way content was set up to improve the feel of immersion and realism in each given sector. Take a look at the full diary for a preview of what promises to be one of the most interesting features in Jumpgate Evolution -- and really, who doesn't like epic space battles?

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Details on event zones in Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> developmentdevelopment-diariesevent-sectorsimmersionjoe-grubbjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlarge-scale-pvpnetdevilpvpscience-fictionspacespace-battles Eliot Lefebvre Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[More RvR pack details in the newest Warhammer Online producer's letter]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/more-rvr-pack-details-in-the-newest-warhammer-online-producers/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/more-rvr-pack-details-in-the-newest-warhammer-online-producers/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/more-rvr-pack-details-in-the-newest-warhammer-online-producers/#comments The beginning of a new month is upon us, and that means we're due for another producer's letter for Warhammer Online. This letter is coming on the heels of the major announcement of the RvR pack, so it was inevitable that the letter would have a veritable buffet of information for players, and it doesn't disappoint. As the letter explains, the addition of the RvR packs is the capstone on the design work that's been done over the past several months, focusing on the battles of RvR and trimming away the extraneous elements.

Naturally, there's more information on the role of the Skaven, who will be playable by either realm rather than simply being an NPC faction. There's also more talk about the increase in the RR cap, with the goal being a closer approximation of Dark Age of Camelot's similar system. Carrie Gouskos also re-emphasizes that the game isn't going free-to-play at the moment and the team has no plans to change that. Warhammer Online fans should be very happy about the newest letter -- it promises many good things for the game in the near future.

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More RvR pack details in the newest Warhammer Online producer's letter originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bioware-mythiccarrie-gouskosdaocdark-age-of-camelotea-gamesea-mythicea-warhammerea-warhammer-onlineelectronic-artsexpansionexpansionsmythicmythic-eamythic-entertainmentproducer-letterrvrrvr-packskavenwarwar-eawarhammerwarhammer-eawarhammer-onlinewarhammer-online-ea Eliot Lefebvre Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI gets a new director]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/final-fantasy-xi-gets-a-new-director/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/final-fantasy-xi-gets-a-new-director/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/final-fantasy-xi-gets-a-new-director/#comments With Final Fantasy XIV launching later this month and a major version update coming in the very near future, Final Fantasy XI is facing some very interesting times. So it's probably fitting that the game has acquired a new director, Akihiko Matsui, the former battle director for the game. Matsui has posted a short letter to the community, talking both about his experience with the game and his continued commitment to the development of Vana'diel.

While Square-Enix has clearly allocated a great many resources to the development of Final Fantasy XIV, there's no sign that support for the older game is stopping. As a 10-year veteran of the project, Matsui recognizes the challenges facing the continued operation and states that he hopes to keep the game up and running for many years to come. Coupled with the encouragement to play both games at once, this announcement should come as welcome news to all players of Final Fantasy XI, both past and present.

[Thanks to FusionX for the tip!]

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Final Fantasy XI gets a new director originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> akihiko-matsuichange-of-leadershipcommunity-letterdirectorffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivmanagement-newsnew-directornewsseptember-version-updatesquaresquare-enix Eliot Lefebvre Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Getting down to earth with Stonefield in Rift: Planes of Telara]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/getting-down-to-earth-with-stonefield-in-rift-planes-of-telara/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/getting-down-to-earth-with-stonefield-in-rift-planes-of-telara/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/getting-down-to-earth-with-stonefield-in-rift-planes-of-telara/#comments 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

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Getting 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.

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]]> ancient-creatureselementalsethflythrough-trailerloremovienew-previewpreviewriftrift-planes-of-telarastonefieldstonefield-previewtitanstriontrion-worldsundeadvideozonezone-previewzones Eliot Lefebvre Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[ArenaNet plans "PAX to the MAX"]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/arenanet-plans-pax-to-the-max/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/arenanet-plans-pax-to-the-max/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/arenanet-plans-pax-to-the-max/#comments
PAX Prime is nearly upon us -- attendees (and Massively staffers) from all over are packing their suitcases and confirming hotel reservations, and a large part of them have Guild Wars 2 at the top of their must-see list.

The newest entry on the ArenaNet blog is what those fans have been waiting for: the PAX schedule. The list shows three busy days for ANet staffers, and plenty to do for those attending. A book signing, panel, and party at the Hard Rock Cafe combine with a series of demos and prize giveaways to fill the schedule. An important note here is that both the panel and the party require passes which can be acquired at the ArenaNet booth or through quiz show giveaways. Check out the entire list and we'll see you at PAX!

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ArenaNet plans "PAX to the MAX" originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> anetarenanetarenanet-blogguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftpaxpax-2010pax-primepax-prime-2010 Rubi Bayer Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: World of Tanks closed beta screenshots]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/massively-exclusive-world-of-tanks-closed-beta-screenshots/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/massively-exclusive-world-of-tanks-closed-beta-screenshots/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/massively-exclusive-world-of-tanks-closed-beta-screenshots/#comments Massively has teamed up with the fine folk over at Wargaming.net to bring you a dose of exclusive screenshot goodness from the ongoing World of Tanks closed beta test. The upcoming massively multiplayer action title puts players in the cockpit of over 150 World War II-era armored vehicles from the United States, Germany, and the Soviet Union, all of them modeled with an eye towards historical accuracy.

The screenshots, released today to coincide with the start of Phase Two of closed beta, feature the bombed-out buildings of Erlenberg as well as the relatively peaceful farmland and homesteads around Pagorki.

Learn more about World of Tanks at the official website, be sure to sign up for the beta, and don't forget to view the new screens in our gallery below.

Gallery: New World of Tanks screenshots

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Massively Exclusive: World of Tanks closed beta screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> betaclosed-betaclosed-beta-phase-2erlenbergexclusive-screenshotsgallerypagorkiscreenshotswargamingwargaming.networld-of-tanks Jef Reahard Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Free for All: Island of misfit games]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/free-for-all-island-of-misfit-games/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/free-for-all-island-of-misfit-games/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/free-for-all-island-of-misfit-games/#comments Call me naive, or perhaps call me stupid. To be honest, I am not sure which one applies to me more. Perhaps I am a glutton for punishment, or at least I am very forgiving. Either way, I have a lot of fun exploring the edges of MMORPG gaming. I live to dig through websites, searching for a title I haven't heard of. Often I am a little more than surprised when I find a brilliant world tucked into one of the many gaming forums I visit, and I think "Why didn't you email me? Didn't you know I was looking for you?"

I try to act as the filter that these tiny games couldn't afford. It's hard to get a well-written press release out of a team whose community budget consists of hardly enough to eat out for the weekend. Don't worry, I tell them, let me come to you. Someday, if I have anything to do with it, that tiny game will have enough players to pay for more patches and updates.

See, I like misfit games. I like to give them a chance.

Continue reading Free for All: Island of misfit games

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Free for All: Island of misfit games originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> beau-hindmanBlizzardcash-shopf2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-to-playftpmisfit-gamesmisfit-toysopinionWorld-of-Warcraftwowwurm-online Beau Hindman Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[One Shots: A great place to visit]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/one-shots-a-great-place-to-visit/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/one-shots-a-great-place-to-visit/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/one-shots-a-great-place-to-visit/#comments When the work or school week has you in its monotonous grip, you can always turn to the fantasy lands of Lord of the Rings Online to cheer you up. There are tons of beautiful locales to wander around in, perfect for escaping all the day-to-day mundanity of the real world. Today we thought we'd share a lovely, relaxing locale we haven't seen as yet, which was sent in to us by Massively reader HexDSL, who plays on the EU servers. He writes in to tell us more about it: "This is a shot I took of my character 'Lairdan Hex' looking out over Lothlorien. When combined with the trees moving in the DirectX 10 breeze and the shadows flickering, it really is more tranquil and immersive than this screen shot can possibly show."

Want to show off your favorite MMO? It's easy! Just email your screenshot to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a quick description. We'll post it out here and give you the credit.

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

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One Shots: A great place to visit originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> hexdsllord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsturbineturbine-entertainment Krystalle Voecks Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 113]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/massively-speaking-episode-113/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/massively-speaking-episode-113/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/massively-speaking-episode-113/#comments Massively Speaking Episode 113 is back with Shawn and Rubi as they're joined by Ben Lavery of Maverick Media. Ben details more about his time at Gamescom, including impressions of each interview we see in the two videos his crew shot for Massively. We also discuss some news and more info on our PAX and Dragon*Con meet-ups this weekend!

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to shawn@massively.com. Maybe we'll read your letter on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 113

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Massively Speaking Episode 113 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ben-laverygamescom-2010humormassively-speakingmaverick-mediaopinionpodcastingpodcasts Shawn Schuster Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST Massively Massively Speaking Episode 113 Massively.com Staff 55:20 podcasts <![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Because you demanded answers]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/a-mild-mannered-reporter-because-you-demanded-answers/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/a-mild-mannered-reporter-because-you-demanded-answers/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/a-mild-mannered-reporter-because-you-demanded-answers/#comments It's been another month, and you all know that means it's time for more questions and answers regarding City of Heroes. It's pleasing that I've been getting an ever-greater number of questions, but that also means that more and more I have to just pick a few of them to answer. So, if your question was not among those chosen, fear not; we'll get to it in due time. For now, let's move on past the preamble and into the meat of the column.

Superfan asked: "Will hazard zones ever become co-op?"

I'm going to do the unthinkable and attempt to predict the future here. Yes, hazard zones will become a place where both heroes and villains (and rogues and vigilantes, really) may group together, with nary a care for the alignment of their brothers in supernatural armor. City of Heroes will grow to embrace all of its players inside of these horrifying lands of insane spawns and maddening geographic layouts. While it might sound like I'm treading into ridiculous sarcasm, I'm really not.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Because you demanded answers

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A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Because you demanded answers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> archetypescity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainscohcontentcovcoxepic-archetypesexpansionsfeaturedgoing-roguegrhazard-zoneshazardsncsoftnew-contentnew-gameplaynew-storiesopinionparagonparagon-studios Eliot Lefebvre Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Ministry of War announces Vox Populi contest]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/ministry-of-war-announces-vox-populi-contest/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/ministry-of-war-announces-vox-populi-contest/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/ministry-of-war-announces-vox-populi-contest/#comments If you're ever wanted to put words in the mouth of an MMO NPC (and who hasn't), now's your chance. Snail Games USA has announced the Vox Populi contest for its free-to-play MMORTS known as Ministry of War. The title, currently in closed beta, is a browser-based MMO that allows players to conquer territory as one of four ancient civilizations (China, Egypt, Persia, or Rome).

To get in on the contest, and play puppet-master to your very own MMO NPC, head to the beta forums for the complete contest rules and requirements. Entering the Vox Populi competition also makes you eligible for a beta key, and you could be one of five finalists to compete for the coveted grand prize of having your quote spoken by an in-game villager.

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Ministry of War announces Vox Populi contest originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> betabrowser-basedclosed-betacontestf2pfree-to-playministry-of-warmmortsnpc-quotesnail-gamessnail-games-usastrategyvox-populivox-populi-contest Jef Reahard Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Earthrise reveals complex crafting screenshot]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/earthrise-reveals-complex-crafting-screenshot/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/earthrise-reveals-complex-crafting-screenshot/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/earthrise-reveals-complex-crafting-screenshot/#comments While the information flow from the Earthrise beta is a bit slower than we'd like, the team at Masthead is occasionally letting tidbits slip out into the wilds of the internet. In addition to last month's interview with studio head Atanas Atanasov and lead writer Momchil Dilov, Masthead has posted a beta screenshot showing off the sci-fi MMORPG's robust crafting interface.

As ever, details are sketchy, but a thorough look at the shot reveals what seems to be a fairly complicated crafting system, with information on three separate processes (disassembling, recycling, and manufacturing) and a fourth, engineering, barely viewable at the bottom left of the main window. The screenshot also shows four variants of the item being crafted, in this case a Fasetech Rifle Chassis.

While we don't yet have many details as to how the system works, we can say that the shot whets our appetite for the kind of in-depth crafting system that seems to have deserted the MMO scene in recent years, and we'll be keeping a close eye on the Earthrise beta.

Gallery: Earthrise gallery

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Earthrise reveals complex crafting screenshot originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> craftingdisassemblyearthriseengineeringfasetech-riflegallerymanufacturingmastheadmasthead-studiosplayer-economyrecyclingsci-fiscreenshot Jef Reahard Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[FFXIV open beta officially starts tomorrow]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/ffxiv-open-beta-officially-starts-tomorrow/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/ffxiv-open-beta-officially-starts-tomorrow/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/ffxiv-open-beta-officially-starts-tomorrow/#comments Hold off on the wrist-slitting, Final Fantasy XIV fans, as Square-Enix's forthcoming MMORPG will indeed be going into open beta this week. In a short press release, Square has announced that the final phase of beta will begin tomorrow, September 2nd, at 02:00 GMT.

While the release contains no word as to the nature of the critical bugs that caused the postponement on Monday, Square does confirm that the issues have been dealt with. You can find out more details on the open beta, as well as pick up the required registration code, at the official open beta test application website.

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FFXIV open beta officially starts tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> betabeta-delaybreakingbreaking-newscritical-bugsfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivopen-betasquareSquare-Enix Jef Reahard Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:30:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Vindictus teases build-a-golem mechanic]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/vindictus-teases-build-a-golem-mechanic/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/vindictus-teases-build-a-golem-mechanic/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/vindictus-teases-build-a-golem-mechanic/#comments
Nexon's free-to-play fantasy epic Vindictus continues to turn heads both in the industry and in fan circles. This time, the culprit is a newly released video showcasing the ability to summon and control a golem while playing as the Evie character. Once you've learned the correct skill, you can make use of a summoning gem to create the construct, and the golem's spirit will use nearby environment objects to define its physical form.

You heard right: the golem will take on a unique appearance each time it is summoned, though there are restrictions on how often the creature may be called. Currently, Evie can only carry one summoning stone per dungeon instance, and the stone can only be used once, which of course means one golem per dungeon.

Check out the video after the cut.

Continue reading Vindictus teases build-a-golem mechanic

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Vindictus teases build-a-golem mechanic originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> controllable-golemenvironmental-golemevief2pfree-to-playgolemgolem-videonexonnexon-americavideovindictus Jef Reahard Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you keep old account information?]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/the-daily-grind-do-you-keep-old-account-information/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/the-daily-grind-do-you-keep-old-account-information/ http://www.massively.com/2010/09/01/the-daily-grind-do-you-keep-old-account-information/#comments Odds are good that you've played a fair number of MMOs over the years. Every single one comes with a code telling you that it's very important you hold on to that code, that you need to keep a log of all your account information so that nothing gets lost. And if you ever lose it, you know that's an excellent reminder, since if you'd paid attention then you wouldn't be sifting through your desk now desperately searching for the notebook paper where you'd written your password.

Most players are fairly good about holding on to the important information for games that they're currently playing, but we can all get sloppier about former games. Have you ever wound up losing important information for your older games that forced you to buy a new copy or made resubscribing harder than it could have been? Or do you make sure to hold on to all of your information in a safe place, so that you can sign back up for any game at a moment's notice?

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The Daily Grind: Do you keep old account information? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> accountaccount-informationaccount-registrationcd-keygame-registrationopinionproduct-keyregistrationresubscriberesubscribingreturning-playerstdgthe-daily-grind Eliot Lefebvre Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[New Making of Eorzea video sits down with Final Fantasy XIV's composer Uematsu]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/new-making-of-eorzea-video-sits-down-with-final-fantasy-xivs-co/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/new-making-of-eorzea-video-sits-down-with-final-fantasy-xivs-co/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/new-making-of-eorzea-video-sits-down-with-final-fantasy-xivs-co/#comments For many people, Nobuo Uematsu's name is inextricably linked to the Final Fantasy series. And with good cause -- he's one of the people most closely associated with the feel of the series, with several of his compositions having become ubiquitous even within games he didn't score. Having been the sole composer for Final Fantasy XIV, the newest Making of Eorzea video sits down with Uematsu and discusses the experience of composing the full score for the game.

While Uematsu estimates it's been about ten years since he was in charge of a full score for a game, there's little argument to be had about his suitability for the job. He discusses both the scope of the project and his experiences in composing such memorable tracks as the theme song -- which, in his own words, was sung by Susan Calloway at his own insistence. See more about the music of Final Fantasy XIV in the video, embedded after the cut.

Continue reading New Making of Eorzea video sits down with Final Fantasy XIV's composer Uematsu

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New Making of Eorzea video sits down with Final Fantasy XIV's composer Uematsu originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> composingcompositiondocumentaryffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivmaking-ofmaking-of-eorzeamusicnobuo-uematsuscoresoundtracksquaresquare-enixsusan-callowaytheme-songvideo-documentary Eliot Lefebvre Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[It's clobberin' time: Whomp other Super Hero Squad players at PAX]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/its-clobberin-time-whomp-other-super-hero-squad-players-at-pa/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/its-clobberin-time-whomp-other-super-hero-squad-players-at-pa/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/its-clobberin-time-whomp-other-super-hero-squad-players-at-pa/#comments We've got two quick questions for you: Are you a Marvel fan, and are you going to PAX this weekend? If you leaped up from your chair screaming, "YES! YES! A THOUSAND TIMES YES!" then cut back on your caffeine intake and get thee to Gazillion's booth (#3433) in the exhibition hall for a special treat. Not only will the company be showing off Super Hero Squad Online, but it'll be hosting a special PvP tournament for awesome prizes.

At the tournament, players will get their hands on the collectible card battle system, where they can build their own customized decks and strike out at lesser heroes who stand in their way. In SHSO, these cards can be earned through quests and mini-games, or purchased via microtransactions. Gazillion has three Alienware prize packages for the winners of the tournament, including keyboards, headsets and a monitor.

This unique PvP system could be an effort to recall the joy of collecting toys and cards. Visitors to Gazillion's booth will also be able to play other aspects of the Marvel MMO, sign up for the beta, and shake hands with the developers.

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It's clobberin' time: Whomp other Super Hero Squad players at PAX originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alienwareccgcoffee-nowCollectible-Card-Gamegazilliongazillion-entertainmentits-clobberin-timemarvelmarvel-mmopaxpax-2010pax-prime-2010pvpshsosuper-hero-squadsuper-hero-squad-onlinetournament Justin Olivetti Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Age of Conan director's letter details new content]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/age-of-conan-directors-letter-details-new-content/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/age-of-conan-directors-letter-details-new-content/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/age-of-conan-directors-letter-details-new-content/#comments Funcom executive producer Craig "Silirrion" Morrison has returned with his monthly development update, and the August edition features a fair number of juicy tidbits regarding new Age of Conan content coming this Fall. In addition to the Dreamworld game engine update, fans of Funcom's Hyboria can look forward to a new 12-on-12 PvP minigame, new PvE zones, additional raid content, and social/guild content.

The new PvE zones will open up in Khitai's Pai Kang, and will take the form of two new districts in the imperial capital city. Raid content will include additional Tier 4 instances with three new encounters, as well as further additions that Morrison says may or may not make it into the Fall update package. Finally, new guild city NPCs will allow members to host social events including treasure hunts, demon hunts, and storytelling competitions. Players will also be able to sign up for horse racing, and top tier guilds will gain access to an exclusive area on the rooftops of Old Tarantia.

Morrison's letter steers clear of more concrete details (as well as specific dates), but stick with Massively as we'll be bringing you all the latest Age of Conan news as Funcom starts rolling out new content.

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Age of Conan director's letter details new content originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> age-of-conanaoccraig-morrisondemon-huntfuncomguild-city-npchorse-racingletter-from-the-game-directornew-contentpai-kangpvepvpraidssilirriontier-4treasure-hunt Jef Reahard Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[DragonCon 2010: MMO track listing]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/dragoncon-2010-mmo-track-listing/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/dragoncon-2010-mmo-track-listing/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/dragoncon-2010-mmo-track-listing/#comments It's time once again for our yearly invasion of Dragon*Con in Atlanta, Georgia! While, yes, we will have several members of our team covering everything going on at PAX, Dragon*Con offers us a chance to get involved with the community and give back some of the love we get during the year. (Oh yes, and some of the snark too.) Of course, it doesn't hurt that Dragon*Con is also an enormous 4-day long party for just about everything any geek would ever be interested in!

If you've been wondering what's going on this year with the MMO track, which we'll be back to help with for our fourth year straight, then join us after the break for this year's panel listing! Also, for those friends who haven't picked it up (or anyone curious), the online pocket guide to the overall con is available for download.

Continue reading DragonCon 2010: MMO track listing

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DragonCon 2010: MMO track listing originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> dcdc-2010dragon-condragoncondragoncon-2010mmommo-trackmmorpgtrack-listing Krystalle Voecks Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[TERA's Patrick Wyatt talks lag, security, and an M-rating]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/teras-patrick-wyatt-talks-lag-security-and-an-m-rating/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/teras-patrick-wyatt-talks-lag-security-and-an-m-rating/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/teras-patrick-wyatt-talks-lag-security-and-an-m-rating/#comments
TERA is shaping up to be a huge hit with international audiences, and nowhere is this more evident than in En Masse Entertainment's willingness to reach out to fan communities outside the U.S. The latest example comes courtesy of TERAHispano, as they recently sat down with En Masse COO Patrick Wyatt for a round of questions regarding everything from microtransactions, to account security, to lag.

Wyatt has lots to say in the lengthy interview, and among the more interesting nuggets is the fact that En Masse expects TERA to ship with an M-rating. He also touches on performance issues, pointing to the Focus Group Tests as evidence that lag won't be an issue for the game's action combat system. "When we built the first Western servers for TERA, we selected a QA datacenter just a few miles from our offices in Seattle, which meant that European players who joined our Focus Group Tests were playing on servers over 5000 miles away. Based on the forum posts, polls, and informal surveys from those events, we didn't see lag problems," Wyatt says.

Finally, he reiterates that TERA will not be a microtransaction-based title, and also discusses GameGuard and alternatives to the intrusive anti-cheat software.

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TERA's Patrick Wyatt talks lag, security, and an M-rating originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> en-masseen-masse-entertainmentfocus-group-testgameguardinterviewlaglatencym-ratingpatrick-wyattserversteratera-onlineterahispano Jef Reahard Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Proper PAX preparation prevents poor PAX performance]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/hyperspace-beacon-proper-pax-preparation-prevents-poor-pax-perf/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/hyperspace-beacon-proper-pax-preparation-prevents-poor-pax-perf/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/hyperspace-beacon-proper-pax-preparation-prevents-poor-pax-perf/#comments
Welcome once again to your guide through everything Star Wars: The Old Republic, which is soon to be released by EA-BioWare. Larry Everett presents the Hyperspace Beacon.

Deborah Shin, the Marketing Manager for Star Wars: The Old Republic told TOROcast at E3 that PAX was going to be the game's biggest event of the year. When I heard that announcement about a month and a half ago, I decided that I would have to make it to this event. Prior to that I was willing to let others do the reporting while I snagged some stories at home. I want Massively to be your source of SWTOR news, so how could I not go to the biggest SWTOR bash of the year?

This week's agenda is quite simple in scope, but a bit more complicated in execution. I hope to give you a very brief overview of what we know of our favorite game going into PAX, followed by a few directions I could go with information gathering. Ultimately, I want the fan's opinion. What information do you want to see come out of this fan-tastic exposition? Follow me after the jump, where I break down the possibilities.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Proper PAX preparation prevents poor PAX performance

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Hyperspace Beacon: Proper PAX preparation prevents poor PAX performance originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alexander-freedBioWareclassesdeb-shindeborah-shinE3eaelectronic-artsend-gameendgamefeaturedLucasArtspax-2010pax-prime-2010Playable-Racesplayable-speciesracesSDCCspace-combatspeciesStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstarting-areastarting-questsstarting-zoneswtorthe-old-republictorTOROcastWar-zones Larry Everett Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[One Shots: A little light music]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/one-shots-a-little-light-music/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/one-shots-a-little-light-music/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/one-shots-a-little-light-music/#comments
While our friend and fellow blogger, Petter Mårtensson, undoubtedly plays tons of MMOs, we love it when he sends in screenshots from his travels in Star Wars Galaxies. With a creative community and tons to do, you can never quite tell what's going to happen when you turn around. Take, for example, this entertainer, who decided to set up shop in an interesting location. We'll let Petter tell you more about it: "Usually you find entertainers in the cantinas, but this guy had decided to set up a show at the Mos Eisley starport instead -- giving a warm welcome to all who came to visit that particular hive of scum and villainy."

Calling all MMO players: we need your screenshots for One Shots! If you'd like to take part, just snap an interesting screenshot from your favorite game and email it to us here at oneshots@massively.com. Be sure to include your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. (Guild, server, or anything else of that nature is welcome too.) Yours could be the next one we feature here on Massively!

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

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One Shots: A little light music originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> one-shotspetter-martenssonscreenshotscreenshotssoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswg Krystalle Voecks Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Party down with the new City of Heroes Party Pack]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/party-down-with-the-new-city-of-heroes-party-pack-embargoed-unt/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/party-down-with-the-new-city-of-heroes-party-pack-embargoed-unt/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/party-down-with-the-new-city-of-heroes-party-pack-embargoed-unt/#comments It's time to get down and party in City of Heroes. No, not just partying up to clear some of the remarkably difficult content available in Praetoria, although that's also a fine idea. The team at Paragon Studios has just announced the Party Pack, a collection of several emotes designed to enhance your game experience. No new costume parts, no new powers -- just a solid collection of fun emotes to break out in any situation.

Sound ridiculous? Maybe a little, but who can deny the enjoyment of breaking out some new dance moves in the middle of a party, or even kicking a soccer ball in Atlas Park? It's not for everyone, but the breadth of emotes available should be sure to impress several players, and it's only $7.99 for the pack. Take a look at the gallery, and there's a trailer past the cut showing the new emotes in action -- a fun addition for any dedicated City of Heroes player.

[Update: This is just for the announcement of the Party Pack,. It will go live on September 14th.]

Gallery: City of Heroes Party Pack emotes

/em giftopen/em airguitar/em discodance/em popdance/em basketball

Continue reading Party down with the new City of Heroes Party Pack

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Party down with the new City of Heroes Party Pack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxemotesgalleriesmicrotransactionsncsoftnew-emotesparagonparagon-studiosparty-packsuper-boostertrailers Eliot Lefebvre Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[Aion: Assault on Balaurea zone trailer -- Gelkmaros]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/aion-assault-on-balaurea-zone-trailer-gelkmaros/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/aion-assault-on-balaurea-zone-trailer-gelkmaros/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/aion-assault-on-balaurea-zone-trailer-gelkmaros/#comments
Last week, NCsoft gave us a peek at one of the new zones in Aion's upcoming Assault on Balaurea expansion; today, we tour the Asmodian occupied land -- Gelkmaros. With fissures ripped in the very land itself and areas devastated by ancient battles (including the ancient city of Maravas), the Asmodians will find their stronghold treacherous, but not without surprising new allies.

Stranded in Balaurea since before the Cataclysm, the Reian tribe knew nothing of the war between the Asmodians and the Elyos until recently. These Daevas who stand watch over Subterranea, home of the evil Dragonbound, enter into a tentative alliance with their lost brothers and sisters from Asmodae.

As hostile as the land and creatures may be, the Asmodians must be ever vigilant to defend both the Vorgaltem Citadel and Crimson Temple against the assaults of the Balaur and Elyos forces, lest they lose the ability to travel with in their enemy's stronghold.

Once again, Massively asked Chris Hager, Producer of Aion, NCsoft West, a few questions about this new area.

Fly past the cut and through a video tour of Gelkmaros, then check out Chris' answers.

Continue reading Aion: Assault on Balaurea zone trailer -- Gelkmaros

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Aion: Assault on Balaurea zone trailer -- Gelkmaros originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aionaion-gameassault-on-balaureabalaurbalaureachris-hagerfeaturedflightGelkmarosinterviewnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionncsoft-westpvpsiegesiegessiegingvideovideo-tour MJ Guthrie Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[World of Tanks preparing for round two of closed beta]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/world-of-tanks-preparing-for-round-two-of-closed-beta/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/world-of-tanks-preparing-for-round-two-of-closed-beta/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/world-of-tanks-preparing-for-round-two-of-closed-beta/#comments Round one of closed beta is officially over, and the developers of World of Tanks are taking a couple of days to catch their breath. This phase of testing lasted seven weeks, and according to Wargaming.net, over 4,000 players were participating concurrently at peak times. Those players kept busy, participating in more than 500,000 battles, firing more than 150 million shots, and destroying more than 15 million vehicles.

It seems that Wargaming.net has some restocking to do, and producer Nick Katselapov says that phase two will be even better: "We had a number of features held in reserve during the first phase of the closed beta and we'll be more than happy to introduce some of them as soon as the servers go live again."

If you want to see those features firsthand, beta signups are being accepted for the next round of testing, which begins September 1st.

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World of Tanks preparing for round two of closed beta originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> betaclosed-betaf2pfree-to-playftpnick-katselapovwargaming.networld-of-tankswot Rubi Bayer Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the SysOp's Sinister Stratagem]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-sysops-sinister-stratagem/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-sysops-sinister-stratagem/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-sysops-sinister-stratagem/#comments When you think of MMORPGs, I wouldn't blame you if your mind stayed rooted firmly in the past decade or so, perhaps taking a brief vacation to 1997 before returning to today's 3-D polygonal glory. But it's not like people just woke up in the late 90's, looked at each other, and said, "Hmm. Online multiplayer RPGs. Let's make it happen!"

On the contrary, history had been building up to that moment for quite some time. Tabletop RPGs and computer MUDs (multi-user dungeons) were both important ancestors of modern MMOs, just as was a mostly forgotten piece of software lore: the bulletin board system, also known as the BBS.

In layman's terms, BBSes were like pocket internets -- host computers that allowed anyone to dial up and use special programs remotely. While BBSes weren't (initially) tied together like the world wide web, they featured a lot of the elements that would make the WWW so popular, such as email, forums, and, yes, online games.

Today's special one-shot Game Archaeologist will take a brief look at the history of the BBS, as well as a couple of its games that could be considered "MORPGs" (like the renowned website, the "Massively" part would be a while in coming). Dial up, gentle readers, and make your hissing modem noises!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the SysOp's Sinister Stratagem

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The Game Archaeologist and the SysOp's Sinister Stratagem originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> baudbbsbulletin-boardbulletin-board-systemcbbsccpdoor-gameseveeve-onlnefeaturedgreat-blizzard-of-1978in-game-moduleslegend-of-the-red-dragonlordmacguyvermodemmudmudsmulti-user-dungeonof-teeth-and-clawsrandom-eventsrandy-suessseth-able-robinsonstar-trekSTDssysopsysopssystems-operatorsthe-escapistthe-game-archaeologisttrade-warstrade-wars-2002ward-christensenxmodemyou-are-pwned-by-a-grue Justin Olivetti Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST Massively <![CDATA[FFXIV open beta postponed until further notice]]> http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/ffxiv-open-beta-postponed-until-further-notice/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/ffxiv-open-beta-postponed-until-further-notice/ http://www.massively.com/2010/08/31/ffxiv-open-beta-postponed-until-further-notice/#comments Most Final Fantasy XIV fans were looking forward to the game's open beta tomorrow, but unfortunately they're going to have to wait a bit longer.

FFXIV's open beta application site went down for a period of time early this morning, and when it came back up, it included an announcement regarding open beta. A "confirmation of critical bugs" is all we've heard so far, but whatever the problem is, it's serious enough to warrant postponing the open beta testing.

There's not a new date yet, but the announcement says that "a new schedule will be released at a later date." No word on what this means for the September 30th launch date, if anything.

[Thanks Justin!]

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FFXIV open beta postponed until further notice originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> betabreakingffxivffxiv-betaFinal-Fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivopen-betaopen-beta-delayedSquare-Enix Rubi Bayer Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:15:00 EST Massively