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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[Leaderboard: Permadeath vs. no permadeath]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/leaderboard-permadeath-vs-no-permadeath/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/leaderboard-permadeath-vs-no-permadeath/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/leaderboard-permadeath-vs-no-permadeath/#commentsFiled under: Polls, Game mechanics, Opinion, Miscellaneous, Leaderboard

Permadeath

Permadeath is one of those game mechanics that seems destined to forever be nibbling away at the fringe of the MMO genre than invited to the cool kids' table. Many players find themselves aghast at the notion of losing all their hard-earned progress with one untimely demise, and it seems like game developers agree with them: Very few MMOs have any sort of permadeath option.

However, this most-severest-of-severe death penalties does persist. Some players elect to form guilds and meta-groups to pursue a permadeath lifestyle in their games. A few upcoming titles, such as Salem and Wizardry Online, have permadeath as a core mechanic. Even the recently released Diablo III has a "hardcore" permadeath mode for the brave at heart.

The question we put before you today is yet another nibble that may never be noticed by the mainstream, but it's important to consider: Is permadeath worth including in MMO design, even as an optional mechanic or server, or should this brand of death penalty kick the bucket once and for all? Vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Permadeath vs. no permadeath

Leaderboard: Permadeath vs. no permadeath originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattle-royalbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopd3ddodiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playgothic-fantasyhistoricalleaderboardmultiplayernew-englandone-on-oneone-vs-oneonline-multiplayeropinionparadoxparadox-interactivepermadeathpermanent-deathpollpollsroguelikerpgsalemsandboxturbineturbine-entertainmentversusvotevotesvotingvswizardry-onlineMon, 21 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Cruisin' with the gang in City of Heroes]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/choose-my-adventure-cruisin-with-the-gang/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/choose-my-adventure-cruisin-with-the-gang/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/choose-my-adventure-cruisin-with-the-gang/#commentsFiled under: Super-hero, Galleries, Polls, City of Heroes, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, Choose My Adventure

Choose My Adventure City of Heroes

You've experienced it, right? That magic moment on any trip of significant length when you've been living and breathing the locale long enough that the place starts to feel more familiar and you settle in, that time when you feel less like a tourist and more like a local. After the last few weeks traveling with you all, I have hit that moment in City of Heroes. While I still may not be able to tell one inspiration from another by sight, I can find my way around the 'hood and know the skyline when zipping about -- well, at least in Atlas Park. Oh, and I found a Mexican restaurant! It's almost like a second home now.

It was upon reaching this comfort zone that City of Heroes got better for me; this past week has been more fun than the previous ones during this Choose My Adventure road trip. (And yes, I'd even call the torture of the expansive character creation fun. Exhausting, but fun!) What transpired this week? Buckle up and step on the gas to see.

Gallery: CMA: City of Heroes

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Cruisin' with the gang in City of Heroes

Choose My Adventure: Cruisin' with the gang in City of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuringchoose-my-adventureChoose-my-adventure-city-of-heroeschoose-my-adventure-cohchoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscmacohcovcoxf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomgalleriesgallerygroupshands-onmissionsncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospollpollsreaders-choiceroad-tripscreenshotssupergroupssuperherosuperheroesvotevotingWed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: EverQuest II's housing vs. Aion's housing]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/14/leaderboard-everquest-iis-housing-vs-aions-housing/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/14/leaderboard-everquest-iis-housing-vs-aions-housing/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/14/leaderboard-everquest-iis-housing-vs-aions-housing/#commentsFiled under: Polls, Aion, EverQuest II, Game mechanics, Opinion, Humor, Miscellaneous, Leaderboard

Leaderboard

Everyone loves player housing, right? Oh, quiet you in the back. Look into my eye: Everyone loves player housing. It is the number one most requested, demanded, and mandatory feature of every MMO. In terms of priority, "having monsters to kill in the game" is lower than giving us sweet pads to decorate. This is the way the virtual world should be and always has been.

Well, now that I've dipped into the well of delusion, it's time to emerge with my hair sopping wet and my mind open to the possibility of a player housing revival. With the advent of Aion's 3.0 update, players in this now-free-to-play game can move into a suburban dreamhouse and spend countless hours figuring out the exact decor to match the subtle majesty of the bathroom's toilet.

But is it enough to challenge the de facto leader of player housing, EverQuest II? Mountains of novels have been written on this game's housing system, novels that were then used to construct a giant book fort in the middle of the grand ballroom. Because that's just how flexible that system can be.

So pitted against each other in an interior design contest, which game would emerge triumphant? Cast your vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: EverQuest II's housing vs. Aion's housing

Leaderboard: EverQuest II's housing vs. Aion's housing originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionascensionbattle-royaldecoreq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playhousinginterior-decorationinterior-designleaderboardncsoftone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionplayer-housingpollpollssoesonysony-online-entertainmenttoilettruly-freeversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Patrolling the park]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/choose-my-adventure-patrolling-the-park/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/choose-my-adventure-patrolling-the-park/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/choose-my-adventure-patrolling-the-park/#commentsFiled under: Super-hero, Polls, City of Heroes, Opinion, Free-to-play, Choose My Adventure

Choose My Adventure City of Heroes

Yes, Virginia, there is a game after character creation.

With such extensive customization available, it is quite likely that I would have spent the duration of Choose My Adventure without ever actually logging in to play City of Heroes. For all of the hours I spent in character creation with all the options (enough to completely blow a fuse in your mind), it was easy to lose sight of the fact that there was actually a game to go play once I finally made my character. Now I see the real appeal of the VIP pass with all of those character slots; it has even me thinking wistfully of all the alts that could be.

Luckily I have you folks directing me, forcing me past the costume creator and into my role as defender of truth and justice. If it hadn't been for you, I would have never embarked on my journey of flight and fricasseed evil doers in Atlas Park. Or participated in an impromptu street band performance. Yup, it is all your fault! And I'm looking forward to what we do next as we continue our City of Heroes adventures together.

But first, let's take a look at what mayhem I caused... er, put an end to this past week.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Patrolling the park

Choose My Adventure: Patrolling the park originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlas-Parkchoose-my-adventurecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscmacohcovcoxf2pfeaturedfirst-impressionsflightflyingfree-to-playfreedomhands-onncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospollpollspowersquestsreaders-choiceroad-tripsuperherosuperheroesvotevotingWed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Gaming on desktops vs. laptops]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/07/leaderboard-gaming-on-desktops-vs-laptops/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/07/leaderboard-gaming-on-desktops-vs-laptops/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/07/leaderboard-gaming-on-desktops-vs-laptops/#commentsFiled under: Polls, Culture, Opinion, Miscellaneous, Leaderboard

Gaming platforms

I have both a desktop and laptop computer that I use regularly. My desktop is my mainstay; a gaming fortress with loads of power and storage space with a 22" screen. My laptop is the best portable gaming machine that $650 could buy, which was surprisingly quite a lot. While it doesn't have the muscle of my desktop, it will run most everything just fine -- and let me do so while I'm reclining on the couch, in bed, or in line at the DMV (their wifi is awesome).

It strikes me that there's no gold standard when it comes to gaming platforms for MMOs. Excluding mobile and console devices for the moment, I'm vastly curious how many of you prefer to game on a desktop or a laptop. Do you enjoy the extra bang for the buck that desktop machines give you, or is your trusty laptop with its size and portability all the technology you'll ever need?

Let's hash it out on the Leaderboard today: Is it better to go with a gaming desktop or laptop? Vote after the jump and then back up your opinion in the comments!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Gaming on desktops vs. laptops

Leaderboard: Gaming on desktops vs. laptops originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royaldesktopdmvgaming-desktopgaming-laptopgaming-platformlaptopleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionplatformpollpollsversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 07 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Taking a right at Paragon City]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/02/choose-my-adventure-taking-a-right-at-paragon-city/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/02/choose-my-adventure-taking-a-right-at-paragon-city/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/02/choose-my-adventure-taking-a-right-at-paragon-city/#commentsFiled under: Super-hero, Polls, City of Heroes, Opinion, Free-to-play, Humor, Choose My Adventure

Choose My Adventure City of Heroes Road Trip

It was the flying Scrapper on Virtue with a mask!

The masses have spoken. For this leg of our Choose My Adventure journey, we will be parking ourselves in Paragon City, fighting the forces of evil, destruction, and movement keys! I must concede that Bree certainly knew her City of Heroes community -- ya'll voted just how she said you would. But Bree, you didn't predict the mask, now did ya?! Ha!

It recently came to my attention that I could have easily queried you on the spandex issue, but come on -- what superhero doesn't have to shimmy into that painted-on suit? We want the full experience, right? Right. So let's get to it. All we have left to do to get this show off the road and into some action is whip up a character.

But this is me we are talking about here! Thankfully, I am marching into this process armed with your decisions! I mean, how bad can it be? We have three days between close of the last vote and a new set of new ones, so it isn't like there isn't time. Here goes...

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Taking a right at Paragon City

Choose My Adventure: Taking a right at Paragon City originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-creationchoose-my-adventureChoose-my-adventure-city-of-heroeschoose-my-adventure-cohchoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscmacohcostumescovcoxf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomhands-onhumorncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospersonalizationpollpollsreaders-choiceroad-tripsuperherosuperheroesvotevotingWed, 02 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Two factions vs. three factions]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/30/leaderboard-two-factions-vs-three-factions/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/30/leaderboard-two-factions-vs-three-factions/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/30/leaderboard-two-factions-vs-three-factions/#commentsFiled under: Polls, Culture, Opinion, Miscellaneous, Leaderboard

Leaderboard

Two vs. three: It should be a cut-and-dry affair. After all, three is always better than two? Maybe... but maybe not. When it comes to factions in MMOs, the line seems to be split between two and three, and I think a good case can be made for both.

Two factions is the majority approach for MMOs that have them, and it's easy to understand why. We can comprehend an "us vs. them" mentality in almost every walk of life. If you're not with us, you're against us -- that sort of thing. Two factions draws a line in the sand and requires little explanation for people to understand that one side is naturally better than the other.

Three factions, on the other hand, is a godsend for PvP in particular. By having a third faction, it's much less likely that one side can dominate the battlefield eternally, as the other two sides can team up to put an end to that nonsense. Three factions also offers more variety and arguably stronger factional identities.

So what say you? Two or three? Cast your vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Two factions vs. three factions

Leaderboard: Two factions vs. three factions originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalfactionfactionsleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollspvprealmrealmsrvrsidesidesthree-factionsthree-sidestwo-factionstwo-sidesus-vs-themversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 30 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Aion your way]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/30/wings-over-atreia-aion-your-way/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/30/wings-over-atreia-aion-your-way/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/30/wings-over-atreia-aion-your-way/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Polls, Aion, Opinion, Free-to-play, Wings Over Atreia

Wings Over Atreia

Though a recent catchphrase for Aion's conversion to the Truly Free model, having it "your way" (^(R)[TM]^BLT) predates NCsoft's usage. Burger joints and assassins for hire alike touted this business motto long before the game. So there is no real infringement if I borrow this philosophy and mold it to my own purposes. And mold it I will, like Playdoh on a hot summer's day.

Some of you may have noticed that I have been livestreaming on a weekly basis to help expand on the Aion experience. (If you haven't, it's never to late to watch!) The thing is, if we just follow my own personal playstyle, you might be stuck watching me rearrange furniture in my little condo for hours on end since I usually play however the mood strikes me at that moment. That's where you come in.

It's time to vicariously experience Aion your way! This week's Wings Over Atreia is all about getting to the heart of what you want. Then I can incorporate the things that you find interesting into the livestreams and even the weekly articles. How shall we accomplish this? Well, although it seems some of you have been able to resist the lure of the spiffy tag at the end of every column that asks for reader suggestions, how many of you can resist... *dramatic music* The Poll? So quick and simple, just a few clicks...

If you ever wanted to tell me where to go, now is your chance.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Aion your way

Wings Over Atreia: Aion your way originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aioncmaf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onlivestreamLiveStreamingncsoftopinionpollpollsreaders-choicevotevotingwings-over-atreiaMon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Next stop, City of Heroes]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/25/choose-my-adventure-next-stop-city-of-heroes/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/25/choose-my-adventure-next-stop-city-of-heroes/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/25/choose-my-adventure-next-stop-city-of-heroes/#commentsFiled under: Super-hero, Polls, City of Heroes, Free-to-play, Massively Meta, Hands-on, Choose My Adventure

Choose My Adventure

I hope your vote wasn't born from a desire to see me in tights!

Although road trips can be just as fun when you just jump in the car and take off with no predetermined destination, at some point you have to end up somewhere. And it looks like we now know our destination. While I was safely strapped in my seat and watching the scenery, you readers have taken the City of Heroes exit. So it looks like a cape and superpowers will be on order for the next few weeks in Choose my Adventure. (Unless you nix the cape, of course.)

Surprisingly, this time around I actually managed to sit back and enjoy the ride without checking the poll results every 20 minutes of every day; I managed to restrain myself to just once a day! Maybe it was because I've let you have the keys before and knew that I really would enjoy the experience no matter where you took me. After all, you didn't get us in a wreck last time, did you? And Justin survived (relatively) unscathed, so what was there to worry about?

Perhaps on another trip we will be able to explore other exotic destinations, such as Anarchy Online, Star Trek Online, Asheron's Call, or even World of Tanks. I'll admit that I wistfully entertained images of visiting each of these destinations while I was glancing periodically at the polls, but for now, our course is set, and we will be arriving shortly. The first order of business before jumping into City of Heroes is a shot pitstop to develop our character. Be sure to get your vote in before Saturday, April 28th, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. EDT!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Next stop, City of Heroes

Choose My Adventure: Next stop, City of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choiceschoose-my-adventureChoose-my-adventure-city-of-heroeschoose-my-adventure-cohchoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscmacohcovcoxcustomizationf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomhands-onncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospollpollspower-poolspower-setsreaders-choiceserversuperherosuperheroesvotevotingWed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Age of Conan's score vs. Guild Wars' score]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/23/leaderboard-age-of-conans-score-vs-guild-wars-score/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/23/leaderboard-age-of-conans-score-vs-guild-wars-score/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/23/leaderboard-age-of-conans-score-vs-guild-wars-score/#commentsFiled under: Polls, Age of Conan, Guild Wars, Opinion, Miscellaneous, Leaderboard

Leaderboard

Believe it or not, there are actually loads of incredible MMO soundtracks. Oh, I know we all bellyache about the repetitive music and how we turn it off and just listen to speed metal or Justin Bieber while we grind boars, but the scores are often wonderful when removed from infinite looping.

Today we're going to pit two of the greatest MMO soundtracks against each other as they vie for your approval. In the first corner is Age of Conan's score, which was composed by Knut Avenstroup Haugen. It's not only award-winning and famous outside of MMO circles but hauntingly beautiful to listen to as well. In the other corner is Mr. Jeremy Soule's epic Guild Wars soundtrack (we'll lump all four of them together for this poll), which many claim to be just as memorable as the game's visuals.

It's the cream of the audio crop presented for your judgment: Age of Conan's score vs. Guild Wars' score. Give each one a listen and then let us know which you'll vote for after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Age of Conan's score vs. Guild Wars' score

Leaderboard: Age of Conan's score vs. Guild Wars' score originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanetaocaoc-unchainedarenanetbattle-royalconanf2pfantasyfree-to-playfuncomguild-warsgwhyboriajeremy-souleKnut-Avenstroup-Haugenleaderboardncsoftone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsunchainedversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Ultimate road trip edition]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/18/choose-my-adventure-ultimate-road-trip-edition/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/18/choose-my-adventure-ultimate-road-trip-edition/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/18/choose-my-adventure-ultimate-road-trip-edition/#commentsFiled under: Polls, Hands-on, Choose My Adventure, Miscellaneous

Choose My Adventure

Let's go for another spin!

Just like Mikey of Life cereal fame, I ventured into the realm of Choose My Adventure once before, and I liked it! Grand adventures, camaraderie with readers, exploring the unknown... what more could I ask for? More time, obviously!

It ended all too soon. I was totally revved up and ready to jump right back in, but unfortunately neither pleading nor bribery worked to continue my stint as your plucky puppet (and locking the other staff members in a dark closet didn't pan out either -- they escaped), so I had to park it and wait my turn. It took much too long, but finally my time has come again. *happy dance*

Now the boss may have handed me the keys, but you will be the ones driving. The top is down, and I've got snacks and shades; all that is left to begin our adventure for the next six weeks is to pick which direction to head and floor it. Although a lot of good places have already been visited, there are plenty more to choose from. In the mood for fantasy? Capes? Nebulas? Heavy artillery? Cast your votes by Sunday, April 22nd, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. EDT for your chance to steer me to the world of your choice. Our possible destinations (in no particular order) are...

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Ultimate road trip edition

Choose My Adventure: Ultimate road trip edition originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acaeriaaeria-gamesage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedasherons-callchampionschampions-onlinechampschoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriecity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocmacocohconanconsoleconsolescovcoxcrypticcryptic-studiosdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeden-eternalf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomfuncomhands-onhistoricalhyboriancsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaystation-3playstation3pollpollsps3pvppwereaders-choicesandboxsci-fisoesony-online-entertainmentstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosuperherosuperheroestanktanksturbineturbine-entertainmentunchainedvotevotingwarwargaming.networld-of-tankswotWed, 18 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Hobbits vs. Gnomes]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/16/leaderboard-hobbits-vs-gnomes/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/16/leaderboard-hobbits-vs-gnomes/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/16/leaderboard-hobbits-vs-gnomes/#commentsFiled under: Polls, Opinion, Races, Miscellaneous, Leaderboard

Leaderboard

We shorties have been looked down upon our entire lives, so it's not without some sympathy that I champion the cause of the shorter races in MMOs. Happily, there are a lot of them, and they have their ardent supporters, with the added bonus of seemingly irritating the "Tallies" around them.

Yet out of all of the diminutive races in online games, two seem to stand out as the kingpins of the Shortie Empire. The first is Hobbits, the classic heroes of Tolkien's novels as well as Lord of the Rings Online. With their genial attitude, disregard for shoes, and fondness for multiple breakfasts, they've endeared themselves to millions and influenced the development of the RPG genre. The second is Gnomes, the tenacious inventors of the underworld who seem to pop up in every MMO that isn't afraid of a steampunk fringe.

So if a Hobbit and a Gnome fell into a pit together and there was only one breakfast to be had, which would go hungry and which would be satisfied? In other words, which race rules more than the other? Vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Hobbits vs. Gnomes

Leaderboard: Hobbits vs. Gnomes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalf2pfantasyfree-to-playgnomegnomeshobbithobbitsleaderboardlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollssecond-breakfastturbineturbine-entertainmentversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 16 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Hotbar combat vs. action combat]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/09/leaderboard-hotbar-combat-vs-action-combat/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/09/leaderboard-hotbar-combat-vs-action-combat/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/09/leaderboard-hotbar-combat-vs-action-combat/#commentsFiled under: Polls, Game mechanics, Opinion, Miscellaneous, Leaderboard

I've noticed that whenever a studio is developing an MMO that features action combat (i.e., faster-paced combat that's more dependent on positioning, reflexes, and mouse usage), it acts as though it's developing the savior of the genre -- even though action combat is nothing new (just ask Dungeons and Dragons Online or Age of Conan). Instead of seeing it as a revolution that will bring us out of the supposed dark ages, I look at it as a different style of play that some prefer while others shun.

Both have their pros and cons. Hotbar combat allows for quick access to a wide variety of skills, levels the playing field for those of us old fogeys who aren't so tight in the reflex department, and focuses more on strategic thinking. However, it's typically slower and not as visceral as many non-MMO video games tend to be. Action combat, on the other hand, is certainly more in-line with its non-MMO contemporaries, with exciting pitched battles at the expense of time to think and a more limited selection of input.

So for today's Leaderboard, we're going to tackle the grand ol' staple of MMOs, hotbar combat, vs. the action combat upstarts. Will reflexes or brains win the day? Cast your vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Hotbar combat vs. action combat

Leaderboard: Hotbar combat vs. action combat originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-unchainedbattle-royalconanddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playfuncomhyborialeaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsturbineturbine-entertainmentunchainedversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 09 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Ultima Online vs. EverQuest vs. Asheron's Call]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/02/leaderboard-ultima-online-vs-everquest-vs-asherons-call/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/02/leaderboard-ultima-online-vs-everquest-vs-asherons-call/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/02/leaderboard-ultima-online-vs-everquest-vs-asherons-call/#commentsFiled under: Polls, Asheron's Call, EverQuest, Culture, Opinion, Ultima Online, Miscellaneous, Leaderboard

Back at the turn of the century, you didn't have the equivalent of cable's infinite choices when it came to MMOs. No, you pretty much had the standard Big Three of network programming: Ultima Online, EverQuest, and Asheron's Call. With the subscription model firmly in place, most players had to choose their loyalty and choose it well.

For today's Leaderboard, we're going to pretend that no other MMOs exist other than those three and see how the 2012 crowd divides up between them. Would you fly your banner for Ultima Online and its enormous sandboxy world? Would you cast your lots with EverQuest, the once great and powerful king of the genre? Or would you throw in with Asheron's Call and its monthly stories?

Call it a popularity contest, a trip down memory lane, or an all-out brawl between MMO senior citizens. It's a three-way title fight on this week's Leaderboard, and only one game will live to see next week!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Ultima Online vs. EverQuest vs. Asheron's Call

Leaderboard: Ultima Online vs. EverQuest vs. Asheron's Call originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callbattle-royalclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playleaderboardlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollssandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmentturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuoversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week three]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/28/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-three/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/28/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-three/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/28/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-three/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Polls, Dark Age of Camelot, Opinion, Hands-on, Humor, Choose My Adventure

DAoC

Frustrating and boring: These are two words that don't bode well for any MMO, and yet that's exactly what my Dark Age of Camelot experience this past week was.

Now, granted there's always an adjustment period with new MMOs, and I like to think of myself as a fairly patient person. I know that sometimes it might be a matter of minutes or understanding to flip "frustration" into "joy" and "boring" into "addictive," which is why it's good to stick games out until you're sure that the issue isn't with you playing the game wrong or being ignorant of what makes it work.

That said, if I wasn't covering DAoC for this column but was just trying it out for myself, I certainly would not have subscribed after finishing the 14-day trial. New player journey or no, I found more aggravation than fun this past week and kept wondering to myself, "When does it start to get good? Where's all that great stuff players are telling me about? And as a Troll, how much lotion do I need to get my skin feeling silky soft?"

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week three

Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week three originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotchoose-my-adventureclassic-mmocmadaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialfantasyfeaturedhands-onmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choicervrvotevotingwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineWed, 28 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Spider vs. pig]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/26/leaderboard-spider-vs-pig/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/26/leaderboard-spider-vs-pig/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/26/leaderboard-spider-vs-pig/#commentsFiled under: Polls, Culture, Opinion, Humor, Miscellaneous, Leaderboard

Spider-Pig

If you search the loftiest heights of fantasy, the dank dungeons of horror, the far-out locales of sci-fi, or the war-torn post-apocalyptic highways, chances are you'll stumble upon two creatures that are near-universal in MMOs. Whether you be swinging a sword or firing off compressed photonic bursts, chances are sooner or later you'll face off against a giant spider. And, later on, a giant pig.

Pigs and spiders, spiders and pigs: MMO devs do love both equally. They're convenient fodder for heroes to use as training on their way up to slaying dragons, as nobody likes spiders and everyone likes ham and bacon. And while they almost never stand a chance against the never-ending player onslaught, what would happen if spider fought pig in-game? Who would emerge triumphant and who would slink back to its trough/web in shame?

Take some time to weigh the pros and cons of each contestant, and let us know which you think would win in a one-on-one scuffle! (And for those of you out there itching to make a spider-pig reference in the comments, I'm preempting you. Booyah.)

Continue reading Leaderboard: Spider vs. pig

Leaderboard: Spider vs. pig originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baconbattle-royalboarboarsleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpigpigspollpollsspiderspider-pigspiderpigspidersversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 26 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week two]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/21/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-two/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/21/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-two/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/21/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-two/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Polls, Dark Age of Camelot, Hands-on, Humor, First Impressions, Choose My Adventure

DAoC

Some of you probably know that I first got into the blogging scene with my Warhammer Online blog Waaagh! Back then in early 2008, I was a veritable Mythic and PvP newbie, and I spent a good portion of the lead-up to the game's release reading up on Dark Age of Camelot. I figured that, after all, WAR would be built on the foundation of DAoC. In a way, it both was and wasn't.

The one thing I never did was actually play DAoC. Older MMOs can be quite intimidating; they have deep-rooted communities and tomes of updates and history, and they were more rough around the edges. Rough in their cores, too, if we're being honest. So the intimidation factor kept me away until this past week, when Massively readers sent me on a quest to Camelot for the first time in my life.

Last week readers voted on the character I was to roll. An impressive 82% of you said to check out the realm vs. realm ruleset and roll a a Midgard (43.2%) beastly (40.8%) hybrid (43.3%) character. After reading some of the recommendations in the comments, I ended up making a female Troll Skald on a traditional server. She may be lumpy and bulky, but I took a shine to her right away.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week two

Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week two originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcamelotchoose-my-adventureclassic-mmocmadaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialeqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onmidgardmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choiceron-swansonrvrskaldsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttrollvotevotingwarwarcraftwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 21 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Terrazas talks EverQuest F2P launch and anniversary celebration]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/16/terrazas-talks-everquest-f2p-launch-and-anniversary-celebration/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/16/terrazas-talks-everquest-f2p-launch-and-anniversary-celebration/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/16/terrazas-talks-everquest-f2p-launch-and-anniversary-celebration/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Galleries, Polls, Video, EverQuest, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, Interviews, MMO industry, Patches, Previews, News items, Free-to-play

everquest

March is definitely roaring in like a lion for EverQuest. It's launching its new free-to-play program, and it's also celebrating its 13th anniversary with a big bash in game. With all of the changes, players are sure to have more than a few questions about the free-to-play transition and the state of the game today. We recently sat down with SOE Producer Thom Terrazas at a roundtable to answer those questions, so read on for details on the new free-to-play plan as well as the Hero's Journey, revamped maps, birthday celebrations, and the announcement of a brand-new server!

Gallery: EverQuest Free-to-play and 13th anniversary

Continue reading Terrazas talks EverQuest F2P launch and anniversary celebration

Terrazas talks EverQuest F2P launch and anniversary celebration originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq-revamped-mapseq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-13th-birthdayeverquest-2everquest-anniversaryeverquest-free-to-playeverquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryheros-journeyinterviewinterviewspreviewpreviewsscreenshotscreenshotssoesonysony-online-entertainmentthom-terrazastrailertrailersvideovideosvox-serverFri, 16 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: DUST 514 vs. PlanetSide 2]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/12/leaderboard-dust-514-vs-planetside-2/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/12/leaderboard-dust-514-vs-planetside-2/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/12/leaderboard-dust-514-vs-planetside-2/#commentsFiled under: Polls, Culture, Opinion, MMOFPS, DUST 514, Miscellaneous, PlanetSide 2, Leaderboard

Leaderboard

One gets the sense that gamers can't wait for the future to get here so we can all join roving packs of pulse rifle-toting goons fighting each other for a living, like the world's most awesome paintball match. To tide us over, several studios are working hard at fulfilling our fantasies in virtual space with MMOFPS PvP titles such as DUST 514 and PlanetSide 2.

We recently got a closer look at both of these games at GDC, and it's safe to say that not only do they each come from experienced pedigree -- CCP and SOE -- but they're both highly anticipated by trigger-finger monitor mercenaries.

But we all know the sacred rule of MMOs, which is that there can only ever be one. There can only be one victor and one success -- and all the rest are doomed to languish in whatever the virtual equivalent of a compost heap is. So tell us true right now: Which will be more successful, DUST 514 or PlanetSide 2? Register your vote so that you'll be able to come back, months from now, and use this as proof that you knew better than all of the other fools out there!

Continue reading Leaderboard: DUST 514 vs. PlanetSide 2

Leaderboard: DUST 514 vs. PlanetSide 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsgdcgdc-2012leaderboardmmo-shootermmofpsone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionplanetsideplanetside-2playstationplaystation-3pollpollsps2ps3sci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 12 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Insert cartridge]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/07/choose-my-adventure-insert-cartridge/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/07/choose-my-adventure-insert-cartridge/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/07/choose-my-adventure-insert-cartridge/#commentsFiled under: Polls, Hands-on, Choose My Adventure, Miscellaneous

Choose My Adventure

Sooner or later, it had to happen. After years of resisting peer pressure from my fellow Massively writers, disapproving looks from old ladies on the bus, and two strongly worded op-ed columns in The New Yorker, I've finally capitulated to join the ranks of the few... the loud... the CMAers.

It's a scary thought, putting the fate of my gaming time into your hands, but so be it. Life is about getting out of your comfort zones, then realizing why those zones were so comfortable in the first place and racing right back to them. But before I reclaim my own destiny, I must navigate this dark valley of capricious voters.

I guess it's tradition to kick off a new series by giving y'all the chance to pick my new game of choice, and so until Sunday, you can attempt to dictate to me which title you'd like to see in the spotlight for the next couple of months. I thought long and hard about what games I was OK with trying and ended up with a list that fell into one of three categories: the old-school, the modern F2P wave, and the promising Asian imports. Read on to see the possible paths for my future, and choose wisely -- I'm counting on you!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Insert cartridge

Choose My Adventure: Insert cartridge originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atari-2600choose-my-adventurecmafeaturedhands-onopinionpollpollsreaders-choicevotevotingWed, 07 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST