Massively http://www.massively.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://www.massively.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[Alter-Ego: Spring has sprung]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/06/11/alter-ego-spring-has-sprung/http://www.massively.com/2011/06/11/alter-ego-spring-has-sprung/http://www.massively.com/2011/06/11/alter-ego-spring-has-sprung/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

It's been a heck of a week for DC Universe Online. Not only did the team show off the sweet new trailer for Update 4, cool new screenshots, and the drop of the StationPass subscription price, but we've also gotten a surprise late-week patch with Update 3 going live on Thursday rather than on Tuesday like other releases. The patch notes are incredibly long and well-detailed, offering a variety of things from new content to a heaping helping of bug fixes for existing content, powers, and more.

With the good in DC Universe Online, of course, comes the bad. Certain powers seem to be having issues, a PvP-flag bug allowing players to drop their PvP flags on PvP servers cropped up (as of this writing, this is reportedly fixed), and chat appears to once again be a cornucopia of frustrating issues. However, rather than dwell on the things that are starting to crop up (and because we're not going to have a solid picture of just what's shaken out of this patch just yet), I thought instead I'd offer an overview of the new spring-themed event for those who are curious as to just what's going on and why this one might well be the best holiday event yet.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Spring has sprung

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Spring has sprung originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectionsdc-universe-onlinedcuodcuo-spring-eventdcuo-update-3featurednew-costume-piecespatchpoison-ivyquestssoesony-online-entertainmentspring-eventswamp-thingupdate-3Sat, 11 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: What's in a name?]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/06/04/alter-ego-whats-in-a-name/http://www.massively.com/2011/06/04/alter-ego-whats-in-a-name/http://www.massively.com/2011/06/04/alter-ego-whats-in-a-name/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

(AP Photo/DC Comics, Victor Ha)
While it is incredibly tempting to go off on a tear about the major decision announced this week to reboot the entire DC Comics universe, starting 52 new comics at issue #1 and essentially retconning every hero and villain we've known to date, this week's column isn't about that. After all, this isn't a comics site, and we've already heard from the DC Universe Online developers that the continuity in the game is separate from that of the overall DC Universe. (Considering how much we heard that noted in the recent chats, we wonder whether Sony Online Entertainment didn't know this major shake-up was on the way.) As such, I suspect we will see the game's storyline remain essentially intact, at least until the point at which we finally take down Brainiac once and for all. After that, it's anyone's guess. Depending on how the reboot works, it might well shake up the game's direction if the new comics are doing well with readers.

No, instead our superpowered game is getting its own different version of a restart in the promised upcoming MegaServer merges. While before we had multiple servers, each side will now have two -- one PvP and PvE for both PC and PS3 players -- giving us a total of four. Over this mad-scientist server-mashup, the issue of collisions looms. This week, we also found out that the merges will not only affect player names but league names as well, ensuring that there is plenty of confusion and concern on the part of the playerbase.

Will MegaServers be the bane or balm of DC Universe Online's population issues? What precisely are the facts and fallacies? Whom will this affect? Join me behind the break as I take a look at the overall situation!

Continue reading Alter-Ego: What's in a name?

MassivelyAlter-Ego: What's in a name? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egocharacter-conceptscharacter-creationcharacter-namescharactersdc-comicsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedleague-namesleaguesmega-serversmegaserversname-collisionnamingopinionplayer-namesrole-playRPsoesony-online-entertainmentSat, 04 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Update 3 and more in store]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/05/28/alter-ego-update-3-and-more-in-store/http://www.massively.com/2011/05/28/alter-ego-update-3-and-more-in-store/http://www.massively.com/2011/05/28/alter-ego-update-3-and-more-in-store/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Good things are on the horizon in DC Universe Online, heroes, and villains! After having the chance to sit in on a roundtable discussion with Jens Andersen, Mark Anderson, and Lorin Jameson on Thursday, I am confident that the team in charge of the game's development is taking a good hard look at all the feedback it's been receiving from players. Aside from getting a chance to hear more about the soon-to-be-released Update 3, we were able to get a handful of answers for some burning questions that players have been asking about recently -- and some screenshots in the gallery below to give you a sneak peek!

Additionally, we managed to get a hint of things to come, as we're certain anyone who was watching Thursday night's DC Universe Online stickam chat noticed. For those who didn't make it, don't worry -- I'll be running down several interesting points from that event too since it meshes well with the roundtable discussion. All you have to do to get the super-scoop is join me behind the break!

Gallery: DC Universe Online

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Update 3 and more in store

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Update 3 and more in store originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egobatmanchris-caoclayfacedc-comicsdc-universe-onlinedcuodcuo-update-3featuredgu3jens-andersenjohn-blakelylorin-jamesonmark-andersonpenguin-robotspoison-ivyras-al-ghulsoesony-online-entertainmentswamp-thingtwo-faceupdate-3vertigovertigo comicsVertigoComicsSat, 28 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Only doom in the hall]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/05/21/alter-ego-only-doom-in-the-hall/http://www.massively.com/2011/05/21/alter-ego-only-doom-in-the-hall/http://www.massively.com/2011/05/21/alter-ego-only-doom-in-the-hall/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Just after my column went live last week, we saw the Sony Online Entertainment servers start to come back online. Those of us who consider DC Universe Online our MMO home were able to once again get our hero or villain on and meet up with friends we'd been relegated to catching up with on Facebook. (Don't get me wrong, Facebook is fine for what it is, but it can't compare with getting to bash virtual superhero or supervillain heads in alongside your league-mates!)

As I mentioned last week, the restoration also came with a nice variety of goodies. With the added outage time tacked onto the 30 days, everyone was awarded 45 days of free play time, which isn't too shabby. I'd also note that the 45 days free applies to all Sony Online Entertainment game accounts you might have -- whether or not they were active at the time of the outage. This offers DC Universe Online players who may have opted to cancel after the first month the perfect chance to log in and check out the content updates that have gone live since launch, without having to spend a dime.

The real question is this: What type of future might we see for DCUO in the aftermath of the outages, especially with so many players screaming that they were leaving? Join me behind the break as I look at our first week back on the mean streets.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Only doom in the hall

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Only doom in the hall originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-caodc-universe-onlinedcuodcuo-update-3deadmeatexecutive-producerfeaturedfuture-of-the-gamegame-directorgame-outagejohn-blakelylorin-jamesonmark-andersonmark-halashnetwork-outageopinionradar-xsoesony-online-entertainmenttony-jonestunsoupdate-3Sat, 21 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: In blackest night, no pilot's light, awaits the city frights]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/05/14/alter-ego-in-blackest-night-no-pilots-light-await-the-city-f/http://www.massively.com/2011/05/14/alter-ego-in-blackest-night-no-pilots-light-await-the-city-f/http://www.massively.com/2011/05/14/alter-ego-in-blackest-night-no-pilots-light-await-the-city-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Another week passes when those of us who want to get back to stomping around in DC Universe Online are left to our own devices. Meanwhile, Sony is continuing to work toward restoring its service as the days of the longest large-network MMO outage tick by. (We are, after all, all about the MMOs here at Massively!) Since last week's column, Sony Online Entertainment has announced that not only will subscribers be getting the free month plus a day for each day the network is down along with the Batmask, but there will be additional goodies as well.

For DC Universe Online players, that means the previously mentioned Batman and new Two-Face inspired masks (no word on whether this will be one mask per side or both masks for both sides) and 30 Marks of Distinction. Station subscribers will also get 500 Station Cash, and Lifetime subscribers get 10 additional Marks of Distinction. (For those not familiar, Marks of Distinction are what you need to get Tier 2 raiding gear.) Personally, I think the marks are a wise choice of bonus since locked out players re essentially losing the chance to run dailies and raiding, both of which involve timers. The amount is also especially wise -- it's a good portion based on outage time but isn't so huge that people can immediately jump into lots of T2 gear. The cheapest piece (back-slot) would take all 40 marks a Lifetime subscriber had.

Meanwhile, as SOE remains locked in its security and networking cocoon, we're left on our own to hunt down other DC Comics entertainment. As I'm also a player cut off from running around and then using this column to write about things I'm experiencing in the game, this week I figured I'd once again diverge from the game to the larger DC Comics universe and take a look at a few cool DC things to come.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: In blackest night, no pilot's light, awaits the city frights

MassivelyAlter-Ego: In blackest night, no pilot's light, awaits the city frights originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-citycontinuing-network-outagedc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedgamegreen-lanternmovieps-networksingle-player-gamesoesonysony-online-entertainmenttv-showwonder-womanSat, 14 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Ways to get your DC Comics fill -- free!]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/05/07/alter-ego-ways-to-get-your-dc-comics-fill-free/http://www.massively.com/2011/05/07/alter-ego-ways-to-get-your-dc-comics-fill-free/http://www.massively.com/2011/05/07/alter-ego-ways-to-get-your-dc-comics-fill-free/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As we already know, Sony's PSN servers have been offline for well over two weeks at this point, and Sony Online Entertainment's PC networks followed suit earlier this week due to the same hack. We also know that all DC Universe Online players will be receiving a month's free subscription time plus one additional day for every day the network is down in addition to a funky-looking Batman-inspired mask. The topic of the overall network breach is so big that it's crossed from gaming news to mainstream media -- the U.S. government has called Sony on the carpet about the loss of personal data, and Australia is planning to add new privacy laws due to the breach.

As a long-time SOE gamer, I understand the frustration, trust me. I am concerned about my personal data being out there, have signed up for credit monitoring, and filed fraud alerts with the three major bureaus just to be safe. Still, rather than devoting yet another post here on Massively to the security breach, I thought it would be better to instead borrow a page from Karen's great Guild Counsel posting from earlier this week so I can offer up some different DC Comics-related things to do while the game is offline. At least one of the suggestions is both free and time-sensitive, so be sure to join me after the break as soon as you can!

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Ways to get your DC Comics fill -- free!

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Ways to get your DC Comics fill -- free! originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egoamazon-video-on-demandanimated-seriescartoonscomicsdc-comicsdc-universe-onlinedcuofcbdfeaturedfreefree-comic-book-dayfree-comic-bookshululoremoviesnetflixonline-comic-bookssoesony-online-entertainmentstreamingstreaming-videoSat, 07 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Landing the perfect league]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/04/30/alter-ego-landing-the-perfect-league/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/30/alter-ego-landing-the-perfect-league/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/30/alter-ego-landing-the-perfect-league/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One of the things that people tend to like about DC Universe Online is the fact that it's an extremely solo-friendly game. If you're just out to enjoy the PvE storyline as you level up, the majority of the content can be done without your ever needing to speak to another person. However, if you're playing solo, you're really missing a lot of the best parts of the game. Even when leveling up, there are Arenas, tough bosses running around in the open world, and more that really require some extra hands in the fight. There's also the rather obvious point in playing an MMO: It's ultimately all about getting a chance to play the game with other people. If you're only interested in a single-player game, Batman: Arkham Asylum or any of a number of other cool DC Universe-based games are readily available. Better yet, they don't require a subscription fee.

The problem with remaining isolated really comes when you hit endgame. As with many MMOs, DC Universe Online's endgame changes the way the game itself is played. At level 30, the PvE content turns into group-required progression through the pursuit of tier raiding gear. Players who remain solo and want to continue a PvE path will find it difficult to progress, thereby turning a fun game into a waiting game as they queue for instances that may or may not ever pop. As a case in point, I've recently jumped to the Villain side to see how the other half lives, and I'm also looking around for an active league to join. This got me to thinking about the best places to do just that and a couple of important considerations to keep in mind. So if you're on the hunt for a new home for your DC Universe Online characters -- or are looking to find more people to join your league -- then join me after the break!

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Landing the perfect league

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Landing the perfect league originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedguildguildsleagueleaguessoesony-online-entertainmentSat, 30 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Featuring Feats]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/04/23/alter-ego-featuring-feats/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/23/alter-ego-featuring-feats/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/23/alter-ego-featuring-feats/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With its tie to the PS3 as well as the emergence of achievement systems in other MMOGs, the presence of achievements in DC Universe Online probably doesn't come as much of a surprise. With that said, unless you've taken the time to poke around in the Feat section, you may not be aware just how many there are for players to complete. You also may not be aware that completing feats doesn't just get you bragging rights; it also grants you additional skill points to improve your character. Whether you're the type that enjoys exploring the open world, prefers soloing, or gets into PvP matches and beats the snot out of other players, there's a little something for everyone in terms of things to unlock.

And if you happen to be on a realm where getting a group is a bit tricky and you simply love running around in the world of DC comics, feats give you something to pursue while you're waiting for friends to log in or for a group instance to pop. Additionally, in looking through the rather in-depth feat listings, you might be surprised to realize just how much lateral content you missed while you were following the main storyline for your side. From hunting iconic characters, roaming the world, and completing missions at high-speed onward to sillier things like breaking hundreds of barrels, there are tons of opportunities to further enrich your experience in DC Universe Online.

So if you've been looking for something new to try or simply want a way to continue improving your character after you hit level cap, then join me behind the break. I'll be taking a look at the many different feat types available in-game as well as offering some tips and tricks I've picked up from my own feat-mad achievement-chasing sessions.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Featuring Feats

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Featuring Feats originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsalter-egocheevosconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuofeatsfeaturedPlayStationPlaystation3ps3soesony-online-entertainmentSat, 23 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Looking at the state of the game]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/04/16/alter-ego-looking-at-the-state-of-the-game/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/16/alter-ego-looking-at-the-state-of-the-game/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/16/alter-ego-looking-at-the-state-of-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One of the most common questions I get every week in the comments for Alter-Ego is whether or not I think people should come play DC Universe Online. Obviously, I personally like the game, else I wouldn't still be playing and writing a column about it. I freely and openly admit my bias there. I'm a comic geek, so I've played every superhero MMO that's come out to date. While I love aspects of all of them, I currently prefer DC Universe Online for the fact that I get to run around with some of my favorite heroes and take down villains that I've known all my life.

So with my bias openly stated, I'd like to counterbalance it with this: As a veteran MMO player, I also won't put up with things I think are absolute crap for very long. Much like everyone else, I have a life to attend to outside of MMOs, I had to shell out for a copy of the game, and I pay my own subscription each month. I get just as irked when I feel as if I'm not getting value for that dollar as anyone else does. With that in mind, let's take a look at DC Universe Online from launch to current day, and I'll toss out my thoughts on picking up the game afterward.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Looking at the state of the game

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Looking at the state of the game originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egocontentdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedopinionsoesony-online-entertainmentsuperheroupdate-1update-2valueSat, 16 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: A closer look at Update 2's troublesome trio]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/04/09/alter-ego-a-closer-look-at-update-2s-troublesome-trio/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/09/alter-ego-a-closer-look-at-update-2s-troublesome-trio/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/09/alter-ego-a-closer-look-at-update-2s-troublesome-trio/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One of the best things about playing DC Universe Online, in my opinion, is the great deal of rich history there is for all the characters. There is also the fact that the iconic DC characters aren't just relegated to the shelves of your local comic book store. Even if you're not the biggest comic nerd on the face of the planet, you've undoubtedly seen at least a few of the iconic characters from the DC universe like Superman or Batman in cartoons on television or at the movies.

With Update 2 now live in DC Universe Online, three more names have joined the ever-growing list of in-game characters who have crossed from popular culture into the online world. The Penguin and Two-Face are busy scheming over the future of Gotham, while Mister Mxyzptlk has taken to the streets of Metropolis to play his strange tricks. This week, I thought it would be fun to look a little deeper into the origin stories of the troublesome trio, as the same popular culture that makes these three characters recognizable may also cause some confusion when you run up against the in-game versions -- and their current motives. I should also note, lest the continuity fiends jump on me for it, that these origins are sourced directly from the DC Universe site.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: A closer look at Update 2's troublesome trio

MassivelyAlter-Ego: A closer look at Update 2's troublesome trio originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egocomic-bookscomicscontinuitydc-universe-onlinedc-universe-online-legendsdcuodcuo-update-2featuredharvey-dentharvey-kentloreMister-Mxyzptlkmr-mxyzptlkmxyorigin-storiesoriginsoswald-cobblepotretconsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-penguintwo-faceupdate-2Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Five powers that make Ice nice]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/04/02/alter-ego-five-powers-that-make-ice-nice/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/02/alter-ego-five-powers-that-make-ice-nice/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/02/alter-ego-five-powers-that-make-ice-nice/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Last week we took a look into the Fire powerset in DC Universe Online, one of the two tanking powersets available to heroes and villains who want to spend their time at the front lines of the fight. As noted last week, the Fire powers make tanking a snap by simply soaking damage through the use of self-healing. Ice, by contrast, is all about mitigating damage through armor abilities, which help tanks shrug off smackdowns that would leave other players knocked out and drooling on themselves.

While my Ice tank is just shy of DC Universe Online's endgame at the moment, I have spent time running her in groups, reading just about anything I could put my mitts on about tanking powerset suggestions, and fiddling with my own build as I progress. I feel pretty comfortable recommending five great powers to consider for an Icy-tanking hotbar, since I've seen these oft repeated. I find them useful in my everyday play now -- even if I'm not quite up to smacking the biggest baddies around yet. So if you're curious as to what much research (and faceplanting) has unearthed as five of the best Ice tanking powers, then join me behind the break!

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Five powers that make Ice nice

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Five powers that make Ice nice originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedfrostygroupingiceice-powersetice-tankice-tankingpower-loadout-suggestionspvesoesonysony-online-entertainmenttanktank-roletankingSat, 02 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Five favorite Fire tank powers]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/03/26/alter-ego-five-favorite-fire-tank-powers/http://www.massively.com/2011/03/26/alter-ego-five-favorite-fire-tank-powers/http://www.massively.com/2011/03/26/alter-ego-five-favorite-fire-tank-powers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I'll admit it: Of all the powers I've played with in DC Universe Online thus far, the Fire and Ice powersets are undoubtedly my two personal favorites. Normally I'm not so much the tanking type, but there's something about these two trees that just satisfies the comic book nerd in me. I grew up watching my favorite heroes taking on incredible odds, being beaten down, and triumphing at the end of the day. However, as in any MMO involving endgame raiding, no man is an island. While I might enjoy standing toe-to-toe with the bad guys, if I don't have a good group behind me, there's only so much I can do before I'm spending quality time with the defeat button.

This is where I have to note that specific endgame "builds" don't appear to be quite as easy to create in DC Universe Online as they are in other games such as World of Warcraft. As DCUO is still in its infancy, there are many players who are working hard on theorycrafting statistics. This means that there simply aren't any 100%-perfect cookie-cutter builds everyone adheres to as yet. Still, there are some power choices that seem to be fairly popular for Fire tanks in this early stage, which is what we'll be taking a look at this week.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Five favorite Fire tank powers

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Five favorite Fire tank powers originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egobuildbuildsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoendgamefeaturedfirefire-tankopinionpowersetpowersetssoesony-online-entertainmentstrategytanktankingSat, 26 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: An overview of the trinity in DC Universe Online]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/03/19/alter-ego-an-overview-of-the-trinity-in-dc-universe-online/http://www.massively.com/2011/03/19/alter-ego-an-overview-of-the-trinity-in-dc-universe-online/http://www.massively.com/2011/03/19/alter-ego-an-overview-of-the-trinity-in-dc-universe-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In DC Universe Online, all of the different powersets can pump out DPS -- however, the trinity is alive and well even in this superhero game. Thankfully, due to the way the powers are designed, our ability to stack effects, and the heavy utilization of combos, grouping or raiding in DC Universe Online doesn't generally feel like you're stuck simply mashing buttons. If you get in with a regular group, you'll learn the ways you can play your powers off each other using synergy, thereby adding an entirely new level of awareness to encounters.

Unfortunately, endgame isn't just about going into an instance and unleashing everyone's max damage to tear through the place. While all characters can do damage in DC Universe Online, roles are still vitally important for group PvE and endgame content. As a preamble to a series that will look at builds for each role in the game and what they can bring to the table, I thought it would be a good idea to take this first week to look at which powersets go with the roles players use in endgame. Join me behind the break as I break it all down for those who are new to the game or perhaps are looking for a refresher.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: An overview of the trinity in DC Universe Online

MassivelyAlter-Ego: An overview of the trinity in DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egoaoebuffsclassescontrollercrowd-controldc-universe-onlinedcuodebuffsdirect-damagedpsendgamefeaturedgroupshealerhealsholy-trinityinstancespowersetspverolessoesony-online-entertainmenttanktrinitySat, 19 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: A closer look at Update 2]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/03/12/alter-ego-a-closer-look-at-update-2/http://www.massively.com/2011/03/12/alter-ego-a-closer-look-at-update-2/http://www.massively.com/2011/03/12/alter-ego-a-closer-look-at-update-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Thanks to a webcast earlier this week from Game Director Chris Cao and Art Director Mark Anderson, we now have an idea of what's to come in the March DC Universe Online patch, also known as Update 2. As anyone who plays the game can tell you, there are certainly a number of fixes and updates that need to be made: PvP exploits, UI tweaks and fixes, grouping mechanic help, raids and more. As such, I thought it would be a good time to dive into some of the things that Cao and Anderson mentioned during their video chat and take a closer look at what we can expect and at how these changes may bring some good and potential bad into the game.

So gather up your ideas and opinions on DC Universe Online's upcoming Update 2, caped crusaders, and let's get rolling!

Continue reading Alter-Ego: A closer look at Update 2

MassivelyAlter-Ego: A closer look at Update 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batcave-raid-3brainiacdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedgreen-lantern-duomarch-patchmr-mxyzptlkomacsoesony-online-entertainmentst-patricks-daythe-penguinTwo-Faceupdate-2Sat, 12 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Nine tips for PvP in DC Universe Online]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/03/05/alter-ego-nine-tips-for-pvp-in-dc-universe-online/http://www.massively.com/2011/03/05/alter-ego-nine-tips-for-pvp-in-dc-universe-online/http://www.massively.com/2011/03/05/alter-ego-nine-tips-for-pvp-in-dc-universe-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

First things first: I'm going to admit openly that I'm not even close to the world's best PvPer, as anyone who has ever faced off in PvP against me can tell you. Up until recently, I tended to be the ultra-carebear player who generally avoids PvP combat altogether (outside of EVE Online). However, by ignoring PvP in DC Universe Online, one also ignores a decent chunk of the game's content. Between the open-world Green Lantern ring wars, quests to take on heroes or villains of a certain level range, Arena matches, and Legends play, there's a lot to do -- not to mention the challenge of playing on a PvP server. Worse still, PvE players will find their quest logs become cluttered messes full of PvP-related quests that can't be dropped -- an annoying prospect at best.

So with this in mind, I've compiled a handful of general tips for those PvE fans who don't tend to mess with PvP in DC Universe Online as well as players who have only dabbled in it. Are there I-win-button tips behind the break? Not really. However, it's good solid advice that's helped me improve my skills from utterly noobtastic insta-death to holding my own. If that sounds interesting to you, then join me behind the break for the list!

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Nine tips for PvP in DC Universe Online

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Nine tips for PvP in DC Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egoarenaarenascapture-and-holdcapture-the-flagconsoledc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedguideking-of-the-hilllegendspcplayer-versus-playerpowersps3pvpskillssoesony-online-entertainmenttipstips-and-tricksSat, 05 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter Ego: Scarred for life edition]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/02/26/alter-ego-scarred-for-life-edition/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/26/alter-ego-scarred-for-life-edition/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/26/alter-ego-scarred-for-life-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Earlier this week saw the arrival of the highly anticipated February update in DC Universe Online. Like any other large patch in an MMO, this update not only added quite a bit of great new content and fixed some glaring exploits but introduced several issues that weren't there before. My personal pick for "worst new bug" since the patch? The F9 button no longer takes screenshots. First world problems, I know.

Of course, this means I'll be dedicating this week's column to looking at some aspects of our new patchy overlord. Is it all that we hoped it would be? No. I don't think even Sony Online Entertainment would be boastful enough to make that claim. Still, I do think this first major content patch to DC Universe Online is an equally major step in the right direction. However, the tying together of PC and PS3 patches means that we won't likely see another major game-fixing update until next month since whatever the devs push out has to be able to pass muster on both platforms. That said, there's more than enough to talk about this week (and next, really), so let's get to it!

Continue reading Alter Ego: Scarred for life edition

MassivelyAlter Ego: Scarred for life edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedfebruary-content-updatefixesop-edopinionoverviewpatchsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentupdatevalentines-daySat, 26 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: DCUO's console conundrum]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/02/19/alter-ego-dcuos-console-conundrum/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/19/alter-ego-dcuos-console-conundrum/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/19/alter-ego-dcuos-console-conundrum/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With the first month of DC Universe Online now in the past, the time has come for that all-important MMO decision -- is the game worth renewing? For some, the answer is no. The first major patch still has not dropped; it's meant to offer us many fixes and the new content we've been told is coming. Some players have hit the level cap and aren't interested in leveling alts or doing endgame content. Whatever each person's reason may be, the shine is wearing off for some.

Meanwhile, Hal Halpin, President of the Entertainment Consumer's Association, recently wrote a piece that presented another reason that some may not be renewing: Console gamers are feeling that Sony Online Entertainment has been less than open about the game's being locked to a single account. Many are upset about not being able to trade DC Universe Online in for another game now that their free month is up. His reasoning? "The problem, of course, is that console games are sold and the ownership conveyed, along with rights." There's only one flaw in that statement: This isn't anything new -- not even on consoles.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: DCUO's console conundrum

MassivelyAlter-Ego: DCUO's console conundrum originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-mmodc-universedc-universe-onlinedreamcastdude-wait-whatecaentertainment-consumer-associationentertainment-consumers-associationeulafeaturedhal-halpinlicenselicensesmmommorpgPlayStationplaystation-2playstation-3Playstation3ps2ps3reselling-gamessingle-usesoesony-online-entertainmentthe-ecatostrading-gamesSat, 19 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: A quick and dirty guide to Area 51]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/02/12/alter-ego-a-quick-and-dirty-guide-to-area-51/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/12/alter-ego-a-quick-and-dirty-guide-to-area-51/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/12/alter-ego-a-quick-and-dirty-guide-to-area-51/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When it comes to taking your first steps in DC Universe Online, the sheer amount of different types of missions and objectives can be a bit daunting. "What is this Alert thing sitting in my quest log?" you might say. "What does it do? It is PvP? PvE? What's the point of doing an Alert?" Well, to help demystify some of DC Universe Online's content for you, I wanted to offer up a basic overview to the very first in-game Alert: Area 51. However, knowing that some of you have already run this instance, I also wanted to make it useful for those who may have popped in but not spent a great deal of time in the zone. That's why this post not only contains a first-timer's overview of this Alert but also gives more advanced players a handy guide to all the Investigations, Player Briefings and Collections -- as well as a couple of other things I found in the Area 51 zone that might have been missed otherwise.

Ready to dig in and help beat Brainiac back from trying to take over? Curious about what kind of extra goodies can be gained? Join me after the break as I take some of the mystery out of the notorious Area 51!

Continue reading Alter-Ego: A quick and dirty guide to Area 51

MassivelyAlter-Ego: A quick and dirty guide to Area 51 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alertarea-51bluebrainiaccadmuscadmus-research-findingscollectioncollectionsdc-universe-onlinedcuoglobal-briefingglobal-investigationsgreengroup-contentguideinstanceinvestigationinvestigationsinvestivationlevel-10normalplayer-briefingplayer-briefssoesony-online-entertainmentwalkthroughwelcome-to-groom-lakeyellowSat, 12 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Using a controller with DC Universe Online on PC]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/02/05/alter-ego-using-a-controller-with-dc-universe-online-on-pc/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/05/alter-ego-using-a-controller-with-dc-universe-online-on-pc/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/05/alter-ego-using-a-controller-with-dc-universe-online-on-pc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This week I'm actually going to detour slightly from the game and instead feature one of my favorite hacks for playing DC Universe Online. Well, OK, not a hack -- more like a fun project for the nerdily inclined. Part of the reason I've decided to detour is an email I received earlier this week from Rusty, who asked: "I am very interested in trying the controller on my PC and would welcome your opinion on the best way to accomplish this. I'm leery of downloading software to make this happen. Would you mind sharing your experience?"

As such, this week I'm dedicating my column to helping my fellow PC fiends get their controller on in DC Universe Online. Depending on your personal level of hardware nerditry, your extant pieces/parts, and your budget, this can range from incredibly inexpensive on up to ridiculously awesome. Hungry for more? Join me after the break!

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Using a controller with DC Universe Online on PC

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Using a controller with DC Universe Online on PC originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egoconsoleconsolescontrollercontrollersdc-comicsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedguidehow-tokludgemedia-center-pcpcsoesony-online-entertainmentusbwindows-7windows-xpwiredwirelessxbox-360Sat, 05 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alter-Ego: Working together is hard to do]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/01/29/alter-ego-working-together-is-hard-to-do/http://www.massively.com/2011/01/29/alter-ego-working-together-is-hard-to-do/http://www.massively.com/2011/01/29/alter-ego-working-together-is-hard-to-do/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Wake me up when chat is working.
The news earlier this week that DC Universe Online is now Sony Online Entertainment's best-selling game probably won't come as much of a surprise to anyone who has actually played it. There's an enormous amount of fun to be had in running through the game, and the storylines are incredibly well thought-out. However, for all that I personally love the game, there is one thing that I and many other people I've talked to find to be incredibly lacking, and in this case, it's something so integral to the MMOG experience as to essentially make or break parts of the game.

Essentially, what point is there to an MMO in which you can't really reliably interact with the other people you're playing with? It's also rather eye-opening just how much your enjoyment of a game like this can be impacted when you can't effectively talk to other people. As such, this week I'll look at several crucial problems with the DC Universe Online chat interface, as well as things that can be done to improve the overall experience.

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Working together is hard to do

MassivelyAlter-Ego: Working together is hard to do originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alter-egochatchat-problemscontrollerdc-comicsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoissuesmmogmmorpgmmospgmumbleopinionrantskypesocial-interactionsocial-systemssoeSony-Online-Entertainmentteamspeakventrilovoice-chatvoipwhere-is-my-massively-multiplayerSat, 29 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST