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[Behind the Mask: The real state of the game]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/02/02/behind-the-mask-the-real-state-of-the-game/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/02/behind-the-mask-the-real-state-of-the-game/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/02/behind-the-mask-the-real-state-of-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Although Champions Online's most recent State of the Game has been out for a while, I sort of avoided talking about it in previous editions of Behind the Mask. The main reason was because I really wanted to cover the new powersets. However, that doesn't mean I don't have any comments on it.

If you look at the history of the State of the Game and Ask Cryptic entries, they fluctuate quite a bit between good information and annoying PR. The January SOTG was full of annoying PR, and it bothered me greatly. It felt dishonest. I saw a lot of hype on little things that no one wanted and very little on what people really wanted.

This week, I'm going to talk about the real state of the game: where CO is and where it needs to go. I'll also talk about some of the future stuff that Robobo mentioned in the SOTG. Is it good or bad? We'll see!

Continue reading Behind the Mask: The real state of the game

MassivelyBehind the Mask: The real state of the game originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Archetypesbehind-the-maskchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosfeaturedopinionperfect-world-entertainmentpwesotgState-of-the-gameThu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: Throwing stones at their glass houses]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/26/behind-the-mask-throwing-stones-at-their-glass-houses/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/26/behind-the-mask-throwing-stones-at-their-glass-houses/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/26/behind-the-mask-throwing-stones-at-their-glass-houses/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This week on Behind the Mask, we're going to take an in-depth look at Champions Online's new Earth powerset. It took me quite a while to review Wind, and Earth is relatively new. Why the time disparity?

The real answer is that I looked at Wind long before last week, but I didn't really find anything fun or exciting at a first look. Earth is a lot different. Earth has a lot of potential for combining powers between the set; it can Stagger enemies and then exploit that Stagger for damage or bonus effects. Because a lot of the Earth tricks eat your Stagger stacks, you have to choose between keeping Stagger on your targets for the debuff or eating it for the bonus power effects. On top of that, it has the first viable Brick archetype heal, making the Mountain the second reliable Archetype tank. Earth is a lot of fun.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Throwing stones at their glass houses

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Throwing stones at their glass houses originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>by-your-powers-combinedchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosearthearth-powersearth-powersetf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhealingperfect-world-entertainmentpwesupporttankingThu, 26 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: Scarlet Weather Rhapsody]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/19/behind-the-mask-scarlet-weather-rhapsody/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/19/behind-the-mask-scarlet-weather-rhapsody/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/19/behind-the-mask-scarlet-weather-rhapsody/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Champions Online released two powersets recently, and I finally got time to sit down and crunch numbers on the new Wind powers. Wind has been live for a few weeks now, and the Squall archetype uses its powers to push enemies around the battlefield and rock the damage charts.

Wind has been one of the most frequently requested powersets since Heavy Weapons hit the game, and I was excited to play around with the set. Does the Wind powerset meet the expectations players had for it? This week on Behind the Mask, I set out to find the answer to that question.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Scarlet Weather Rhapsody

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Scarlet Weather Rhapsody originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-maskchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosfeaturedlightning-and-windlightning-boltperfect-world-entertainmentpwestormstormbringersuper-heroweather-controlwindwind-and-waterwind-poweredThu, 19 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: The dangers of roleplaying as an outlet]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/12/behind-the-mask-the-dangers-of-roleplaying-as-an-outlet/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/12/behind-the-mask-the-dangers-of-roleplaying-as-an-outlet/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/12/behind-the-mask-the-dangers-of-roleplaying-as-an-outlet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Recently, I've run into some troubling developments while roleplaying in Champions Online. I've encountered quite a few "troll characters" who seem designed soley to irritate and annoy other people. The characters in question are often played by otherwise-good roleplayers, which makes me wonder: Why would someone do this?

This is as much a topic for Storyboard as it is for Behind the Mask, but because it is very common among Champions Online roleplayers, I feel it deserves extra consideration. This article isn't going to finger-point at bad roleplayers and say why they're wrong. Rather, the point of this column is to inform good roleplayers about elements of RP that can quickly ruin people's fun.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: The dangers of roleplaying as an outlet

MassivelyBehind the Mask: The dangers of roleplaying as an outlet originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-maskchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdisruptive-roleplayingfeaturedhow-to-win-friends-and-influence-peopleinfluencing-peopleperfect-world-entertainmentpweroleplayingrpsocial-skillstroll-roleplayingwinning-friendsThu, 12 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: Angels and Devils]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/05/behind-the-mask-angels-and-devils/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/05/behind-the-mask-angels-and-devils/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/05/behind-the-mask-angels-and-devils/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Last week on Behind the Mask, we talked about the basic dimensional structure of the Champions universe and its parallels with the Kabballah. This week, we take you a bit deeper into the mythos of Champions Online. We'll take a look at the Astral Plane, or Yetzirah, and the key places that exist there. I'll be focusing heavily on the Quaternion -- a series of four planar zones within the Lower Astral Plane that embody most fantasy elements critical to the Champions Universe.

If you have ever wondered about demons and angels, this is a must-read. The Vibora Bay story arc paints a very unusual picture about the nature of these planes, and we'll be covering just what Heaven and Hell are in respect to that story. We'll also be covering faeries, elves, dwarves, and other popular fantasy elements. If you're planning on creating a roleplaying character who fits into a fantasy subtype, travels through dimensions, or just uses magic, this information will be critical to you!

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Angels and Devils

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Angels and Devils originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angelsbehind-the-maskchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdemonsdimensionsdragonsdwarveselvesfaeriesfeaturedheaven-or-hell-lets-rockloreperfect-world-entertainmentpweThu, 05 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: Between this world and the next]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/12/29/behind-the-mask-between-this-world-and-the-next/http://www.massively.com/2011/12/29/behind-the-mask-between-this-world-and-the-next/http://www.massively.com/2011/12/29/behind-the-mask-between-this-world-and-the-next/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

One of the exciting things about writing about Champions Online is that there is a huge amount of lore and backstory behind the game. Although Behind the Mask has a definite focus on concrete game information (that's just how I roll), the lore is always something I'm excited to cover. It offers a look into Champions that can't be experienced with just the online game.

This week we're going to look at alternate dimensions in the Champions universe. I was going to take a more indepth look at the background behind the war between Heaven and Hell, but unfortunately there is so much information that paints necessary frameworks for those story elements. It's unfortunate, but the information I have to go over this week is pretty crazy stuff.

Before you go through this, you may want to check out some of my other lore articles, including my magic lore article and my general lore primer. I do restate all the necessary stuff here, but having a broader understanding of what's going on can do nothing but help. A lot of the information here is from The Mystic World sourcebook, but there's also a fair bit of stuff cobbled together from ingame lore and some other sourcebooks. Definitely check them out if you want more information on these subjects.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Between this world and the next

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Between this world and the next originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now that The Old Republic has hit the shelves, it seems like everyone has something to say about it. Cryptic seems to acknowledge it in its own unusual way: by lampshading it.

Enter the Unleashed, Champions Online's newest free archetype. No, you're not misreading me here; the Unleashed is not a gold archetype. If you make an account right now, you can play the Unleashed from the moment you enter the character select screen, without spending a dime. Since it's the ninth free archetype, you'd think that he'd be a stable, bread-and-butter class. However, the Unleashed is nothing but. His wackiness approaches the Impulse, but where the Impulse is kind of ineffectual, the Unleashed is deadly efficient.

Interested in a sword-wielding knight who slings force blasts? Hit the jump and we'll see what Cryptic's take on a Jedi can do.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: The Force Unleashed

MassivelyBehind the Mask: The Force Unleashed originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archetypebehind-the-maskbrawlerchampionschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosfeaturedforce-unleashedjedilightsaberlightsabersmelee-dpsperfect-world-entertainmentpwesithstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicthe-old-republicThu, 22 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: A way to improve microtransaction consumables]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/12/15/behind-the-mask-a-way-to-improve-microtransaction-consumables/http://www.massively.com/2011/12/15/behind-the-mask-a-way-to-improve-microtransaction-consumables/http://www.massively.com/2011/12/15/behind-the-mask-a-way-to-improve-microtransaction-consumables/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A couple of weeks ago, I lamented the existence of grab bags in Champions Online and how they could be made more worthwhile. Although I made quite a few suggestions on what could be changed, the main concern was that the consumables placed in the grab bags were simply not worth anything.

Improving the value of C-Store consumables won't appease the vocal minority whose sense of entitlement tells them that they deserve the ultra-rare grab bag items. These people only see the grab bags as chances for costume unlocks, so making the consumables worth the 80 CP ($1 US) won't matter to them. For the general public, though, making the consumables worth the gamble makes the grab bag items much more desirable.

This week on Behind the Mask, we'll look at the C-Store consumables and weigh in on whether they're worth the money. If they're not, we'll look at what could be done to fix it!

Continue reading Behind the Mask: A way to improve microtransaction consumables

MassivelyBehind the Mask: A way to improve microtransaction consumables originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-maskboost-enhancerc-storechampions-onlinecoconsumablescrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhealth-potionsmana-potionsMicrotransactionsperfect-world-entertainmentpweThu, 15 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: What does unbalanced even mean?]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/12/08/behind-the-mask-what-does-unbalanced-even-mean/http://www.massively.com/2011/12/08/behind-the-mask-what-does-unbalanced-even-mean/http://www.massively.com/2011/12/08/behind-the-mask-what-does-unbalanced-even-mean/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One of the major criticisms of Champions Online is a lack of game balance. People claim that the phrase "your own hero, your own story" doesn't cover the fact that your hero might be a gimp compared to someone else's. Although archetypes have their own balance issues (even among themselves), this complaint most commonly leveled at the freeform game where there are millions of possible characters.

However, I think that most armchair game theorists have a terrible understanding of what "balance" even means. Decades of competitive gaming (yeah, I'm that old) have given me a comprehensive understanding of what the term means, and I think it's worth looking at how CO stacks up.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: What does unbalanced even mean?

MassivelyBehind the Mask: What does unbalanced even mean? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanceBehind-the-Maskchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-balanceimbalanceopoverpoweredperfect-world-entertainmentpvp-balancepwestreet-fighter-2-came-out-a-long-time-agosuper-herounbalancedThu, 08 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: Are grab bags a scam?]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/12/01/behind-the-mask-are-grab-bags-a-scam/http://www.massively.com/2011/12/01/behind-the-mask-are-grab-bags-a-scam/http://www.massively.com/2011/12/01/behind-the-mask-are-grab-bags-a-scam/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Everyone's heard of the "gift box" phenomenon. It's a common theme in F2P MMOs to release an item that doesn't have guaranteed contents and instead has a random selection from a pool of items. Sometimes there are rare bonus items inside; other times there are things the buyer didn't really want. Champions Online has taken its second foray into this territory with the Service and Cursed Grab Bags, a pair of C-Store items that grant a chance at a variety of tradable goodies.

Gift box items sell to a variety of people. Some find the idea of chance more fun, and others absolutely must have the rare items and will spend lots of money trying to get them. Are the grab bags a scam, though? After the jump, we'll look at just why that is and hopefully give you enough information to come to your own conclusion.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Are grab bags a scam?

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Are grab bags a scam? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-maskc-storecash-shopchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgift-boxgift-boxesgrab-bagluck-of-the-drawperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerandom-number-generatorscamThu, 01 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: Charging to maximum]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/11/24/behind-the-mask-charging-to-maximum/http://www.massively.com/2011/11/24/behind-the-mask-charging-to-maximum/http://www.massively.com/2011/11/24/behind-the-mask-charging-to-maximum/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Once upon a time before the Champions Online beta, I was introduced to the idea of charged attacks. The concept seemed pretty cool; you had your basic attack, and charging the attack would do something neat and special. Unfortunately, CO kind of fell short on my expectations. Energy is used for all attacks, rather than just special or charged attacks, and it builds much too quickly. The choice to charge an attack is not as much of a tactical decision and mostly hinges on how much health the enemy has left.

This week on Behind the Mask, we're going to cover charge powers. Although some of this may seem obvious or simple, there is a lot of nuance to be understood. I won't treat you guys like noobs or idiots when it comes to these mechanics; we're going to look at the in-depth reasons why charging powers isn't the best idea in CO.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Charging to maximum

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Charging to maximum originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-maskchampions-onlinecharged-attackschargingcharging-powerscocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosee-han-timingfeaturedimma-chargin-ma-lazerperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpower-chargingpwetiming-attacksThu, 24 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: Comparing the archetype bruisers]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/11/17/behind-the-mask-comparing-the-archetype-bruisers/http://www.massively.com/2011/11/17/behind-the-mask-comparing-the-archetype-bruisers/http://www.massively.com/2011/11/17/behind-the-mask-comparing-the-archetype-bruisers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A lot of people seem to get the wrong idea about Champions Online's Gold archetypes. For the most part, the Gold archetypes are simply different options to play with. As I mentioned previously, the Master is kind of an exception, since it's the only dedicated archetype tank. However, this does not mean that the Master is the beat-all-end-all or that Gold archetypes are outright superior to Silver ones. For the most part, the Silver archetypes are better at their focused roles than the comparable Gold archetypes.

This week, we're going to look at the damage-soaking tanky archetypes and compare them. I'll also give a quick comparison between these bruisers and a comparable freeform hero. There's quite a few to cover, so let's get to it!

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Comparing the archetype bruisers

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Comparing the archetype bruisers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archetypearchetypesbehemothbehind-the-maskchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosfeaturedfighterglaciermastermelee-archetypenot-a-tank-article-this-timeperfect-worldpwesavagespecialistThu, 17 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: How tanking got easier]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/11/10/behind-the-mask-how-tanking-got-easier/http://www.massively.com/2011/11/10/behind-the-mask-how-tanking-got-easier/http://www.massively.com/2011/11/10/behind-the-mask-how-tanking-got-easier/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I've mused for a long time about the problems with tanking in Champions Online, since it's my preferred PvE role. Gold members can build freeform characters with everything one would need for a tank, leaving only skill as a requirement. On the other hand, Silver members have been left out in the cold. It's unfortunate, but there has simply been no decent archetype tank.

This all changed with the launch of the Master, a martial arts-themed melee fighter with everything needed to compete in the toughest lairs. Although he isn't a perfect tanking package, he is completely functional and does his job well. He's the Mind of tanking archetypes: He soaks damage, he owns face, and he isn't reliant on a healer for sustainability. I think I'm in love.

Although he is not a free archetype, unlocking the Master is a one-time purchase. If you're into the tank playstyle but you're not into a subscription, this archetype is for you.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: How tanking got easier

MassivelyBehind the Mask: How tanking got easier originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playkung-fukung-fu-mastermartial-artistmartial-artsmasterperfect-world-entertainmentpweshurikens-and-lightningtanktank-archetypetankingtanksThu, 10 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: How freeforms work]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/11/03/behind-the-mask-how-freeforms-work/http://www.massively.com/2011/11/03/behind-the-mask-how-freeforms-work/http://www.massively.com/2011/11/03/behind-the-mask-how-freeforms-work/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This week on Behind the Mask, we'll be looking at freeform characters and how they work. This is more of a primer for players who are interested in the Gold subscription and would like to know more about how freeform characters differ from archetypes. I'm also spotlighting it to show just how archetypes are built poorly and some ways they could be improved.

Freeform characters differ dramatically from archetypes. However, they follow a concrete set of rules on how they must be built. A hero can't just select Gigabolt, Ego Storm, or other high-level powers right from the start; there's a list of power restrictions that must be selected first. The power restrictions basically correlate to level restrictions, although there are some ways around that too.

While this may be familiar to Gold players, it will serve as a primer for those who are not experts at maneuvering around the power selection process.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: How freeforms work

MassivelyBehind the Mask: How freeforms work originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Champions Online screenshot
Last week's Behind the Mask covered Champions Online's super team support solo monster, the Mind, but I thought it would be prudent to cover the other ways a player can support a team. Some of this will tread existing ground, as I've already talked about the Mind and Grimoire archetypes in previous editions, and both have one of the four team support options.

I'll be covering the Mind's passive in more detail, taking a brief look again at the Grimoire's passive as well as covering the other two options, Seraphim and Medical Nanites. While we don't have a Celestial archetype just yet, it is only a matter of time before Cryptic adds one, so this will give a bit of a preview for what a Celestial healer plays like.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: The choice of team support

MassivelyBehind the Mask: The choice of team support originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aura-passivebehind-the-maskchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdefensef2pfeaturedfree-to-playhealerhealershealingperfect-world-entertainmentpweteam-supportThu, 27 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: Mind over matter]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/10/20/behind-the-mask-mind-over-matter/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/20/behind-the-mask-mind-over-matter/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/20/behind-the-mask-mind-over-matter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Champions Online
I have been hounded a bit lately for more coverage on the free aspects of Champions Online and the options available to free players. Fortunately, even before I wrote last week's article on the penultimate freeform tank, I was planning to cover the Mind archetype next.

The Mind is the Silver answer to a dedicated support character, and it is perhaps by accident that she is also the most interesting and powerful archetype in the game. She combines team support, healing, survivability, DPS, and self-sustainability into one neat package that is literally unrivaled by any other archetype, free or otherwise.

Unlike other archetypes, the Mind is too complex to be summarized by one article. She's an exceptionally varied creature with many options. Because the essential advantages in her build are pretty loose, she can get all of her key powers with a minimum of sacrifice. Hit the jump and I'll show you how playing the Mind is more like playing a freeform character and less like playing an archetype.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Mind over matter

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Mind over matter originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archetypebehind-the-maskchampions-onlineclassclass-discussioncocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-archetypefree-players-dont-have-it-that-badfree-to-playhealerhealer-archetypementalistmindperfect-world-entertainmentpsionicpsionic-healerpwesilver-archetypeThu, 20 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: Practical indestructibility]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/10/13/behind-the-mask-practical-indestructibility/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/13/behind-the-mask-practical-indestructibility/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/13/behind-the-mask-practical-indestructibility/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Champions Online screenshot
It's not very commonplace to showcase a single build on Behind the Mask. In fact, aside from the Archetypes, I've never directly addressed any of the millions of build options in Champions Online. However, one build in particular has garnered a lot of attention lately. It's infamous for its incredible survivability, and many people consider it the benchmark of all builds. The main permutation of the build is Invul/dodge, but the core idea is using layered defenses to ramp up survivability to ridiculous levels.

This week, we'll cover what Invul/dodge is, how it works, and some popular variants. We'll also discuss its limitations and counters. While Invul/dodge is probably the most situationally durable build in the game, it has its weaknesses. Some players might delude you into thinking that Invul/dodge is good at everything, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Practical indestructibility

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Practical indestructibility originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdodgef2pfeaturedflavor-of-the-monthfotmfotm-doesnt-mean-imbafree-to-playidfinvulnerabilitylayered-defensesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwetanktankingThu, 13 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: The separation of newbie and expert]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/10/06/behind-the-mask-the-separation-of-newbie-and-expert/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/06/behind-the-mask-the-separation-of-newbie-and-expert/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/06/behind-the-mask-the-separation-of-newbie-and-expert/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Champions Online screenshot
Last week on Behind the Mask, we got into a little discussion about why Champions Online's Elite difficulty needs to be buffed (and possibly also the very hard difficulty as well). This led to a discussion of whom Elite would be tailored for. I'm sure this is a big issue over at Cryptic right now. If Elite is increased in difficulty, whom should it be designed to suit?

I was asked this burning question a few times, and I've made my opinion clear: that Elite should be for the top tier, the tip of the iceberg of player ability. Don't take that to mean Gold players only. There is a sharp divide between an expert Silver player and a poor Gold player. In fact, the poor Gold player is likely to be worse than a bad Silver player. How good is good enough? This week, we'll find out.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: The separation of newbie and expert

MassivelyBehind the Mask: The separation of newbie and expert originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcasual-playerchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdifficulty-leveldifficulty-slidereliteelite-difficultyelitistfeaturednoobnoviceperfect-world-entertainmentpvewe-love-casualsThu, 06 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: Elite doesn't mean casual]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/09/29/behind-the-mask-elite-doesnt-mean-casual/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/29/behind-the-mask-elite-doesnt-mean-casual/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/29/behind-the-mask-elite-doesnt-mean-casual/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Back in the early days of Champions Online, there was no difficulty slider. We got stuck playing the same stuff regardless of player or character ability, and often that meant high-skill players and their nigh-invincible god characters smashed through insignificant minions like freight trains. When Serpent Lantern launched, Cryptic added in difficulty settings, beginning at the base normal difficulty and ending at very hard. Later on, the devs added an Elite difficulty, touted to be even tougher than VH.

Since then, high-powered heroes have had a way to challenge themselves... sort of. When Serpent Lantern first launched, doing it on VH was reasonably challenging due to the many annoyances (mostly pulson guns) placed in it by the dev team. When players rightfully complained that the pulson guns ripped through well-statted tanks, the devs nerfed the guns and the difficulty became mostly a joke. Normal difficulty is still mostly synonymous with "cakewalk," while Elite is more like "sorta dangerous, maybe."

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Elite doesn't mean casual

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Elite doesn't mean casual originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-maskchallengechampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdifficulty-leveldifficulty-slidereliteelite-difficultyf2pfeaturedfree-to-playperfect-world-entertainmentpulson-guns-suckedpweThu, 29 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: Science, technology and fantasy]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/09/22/behind-the-mask-science-technology-and-fantasy/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/22/behind-the-mask-science-technology-and-fantasy/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/22/behind-the-mask-science-technology-and-fantasy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Champions Online screenshot
Last week's Behind the Mask generated quite a bit of controversy over fantasy and the suspension of disbelief. This week, I'm going to follow up. We'll cover how the Champions Online universe deals with fantasy in its lore and why realism is important.

We'll also cover how fantasy elements can use realism to expand -- rather than subtract -- your options for roleplaying. Last week, we only covered weapons technology, but there's a lot more to any fictional setting than just weapons. Everything from communications and transportation to food production is important to discuss, and while we can't touch on everything, we can look at the hows and whys of the superhero genre.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Science, technology and fantasy

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Science, technology and fantasy originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-maskchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosf2pfantasy-sci-fifeaturedfree-to-playits-magic-and-i-dont-got-to-splainloreroleplayingsciencescience-fantasyscience-fictionsuper-heroThu, 22 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST