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[Captain's Log: STO's Caitian Carriers and Klingon Kitties]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/captain-s-log-sto-s-caitian-carriers-and-klingon-kitties/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/captain-s-log-sto-s-caitian-carriers-and-klingon-kitties/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/21/captain-s-log-sto-s-caitian-carriers-and-klingon-kitties/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

STO
Lately I've beginning to wonder whether the wait for Star Trek Online's Season Six has been as interminable for other players as it seems to have been for me. Although the past several weeks have been busy in the real-life side of things, those distractions really haven't been all that good at harboring my frustration about the wait for the new stuff as I would have liked.

Season Six is being readied for a move to STO's test server, Tribble, in the next couple of weeks, according to the most recent Ask Cryptic as answered by the game's Executive Producer, Dan Stahl. The new patch will contain fleet starbases and a new fleet advancement system but not much else in the way of story-based content.

That's not unexpected, however, as not one of the previous Season releases really ever contained story-based content; they've merely been game-technology pushes, and I understand that Season Six will be no different.

However a couple of things have come out to the game in the past few weeks that have ruffled some hard-core Trek-fan feathers: Caitian Carriers and Ferasans.

Continue reading Captain's Log: STO's Caitian Carriers and Klingon Kitties

MassivelyCaptain's Log: STO's Caitian Carriers and Klingon Kitties originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caitiancanoncanonitecaptains-logCBScbs-studioscrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedferasanfree-to-playian-richardsloreopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweracessci-fishipsstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 21 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls Online Ebonheart Pact faction profiled]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-online-ebonheart-pact-faction-profiled/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-online-ebonheart-pact-faction-profiled/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/18/the-elder-scrolls-online-ebonheart-pact-faction-profiled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls Online: the Ebonheart Pact
The flashlight of knowledge has already been directed at two of The Elder Scroll Online's three main political factions, and now the third is getting a little time in the light. We've already told you about the Daggerfall Covenant and the Aldmeri Dominion, and today Game Informer is closing out ouroboros with the third faction, the Ebonheart Pact.

The alliance that makes up the Ebonheart Pact was first forged after an Akaviri invasion, when the Nords and Dunmer banded together and then cut the Argonians in on the friendliness in order to find safety in numbers. While the Aldmeri Dominion is bent on conquering and ruling, the Ebonheart Pact is really just an attempt to stay alive in a world of invasions and power struggles.

The Dunmer, also called Dark Elves, call the familiar lands of Morrowind home. Skyrim, which a few folks may have heard of thanks to a rather underground game that came out last year, is home to the militant and cold-resistant Nords. The reptilian Argonians, or Saxhleel as they like to call themselves, come from the Black Marsh, also known (by way of total coincidence, I'm sure) as Argonia. They share the area with the Hist, a race of sentient trees, and all matter of poisonous and malicious critters and plants.

If you need help keeping all the names straight (the Nords are also referred to as children of the sky, by the way, although apparently that's an informal title), be sure to read the full profile.

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online Ebonheart Pact faction profiled originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argonianbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftchildren-of-the-skydaggerfalldark-elvesdunmerebonheart-pactelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinefactionmorrowindnordoblivionplease-dont-suckpvpsandboxsaxhleelskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosFri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls Online factions profiled]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/the-elder-scrolls-online-factions-profiled/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/the-elder-scrolls-online-factions-profiled/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/16/the-elder-scrolls-online-factions-profiled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls Online - Daggerfell Covenant
Three alliances control the political scene in The Elder Scrolls Online's Tamriel, and Game Informer is taking a closer look at all of them, starting with the Daggerfall Covenant and the Aldmeri Dominion.

The Daggerfell Covenant is made up of the Orcs (also called Orsimer), Bretons, and Redguards -- although the latter two are coming out of something of a love-hate relationship, with a history of as much internal conflict as external. Apparently time does heal all wounds, though, because the three races have worked out a democratic system of mutual love and respect. The Orcs and Bretons call the beautiful land of High Rock home, while the Redguard are based in Hammerfell.

The Aldmeri Dominion is a more hostile power composed of the Altmer, the Bosmer, and Khajiit and intent on total domination. Also known as Wood Elves, the Bosmer call Valenwood home (surprise: It's a heavily wooded area) and enjoy tramping through forests, living in harmony with nature, and building cities in migratory trees. The Altmer, or High Elves, can be found in the little-known Summerset Isles. The Khajiit, who missed out on the alternative name lottery, live in Elsweyr, whose climate is ideal for the cultivation of Moon Sugar.

Got all that? Study up, there'll be a test. Feel free to read the full profiles, and keep an eye out for Ebonheart Pact information on Friday.

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online factions profiled originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aldmeri-dominionbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfalldaggerfell-covenantelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinegame-informerhigh-rockmorrowindoblivionplease-dont-suckpvpsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosWed, 16 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online adds a new flavor of cat people]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/star-trek-online-adds-a-new-flavor-of-cat-people/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/star-trek-online-adds-a-new-flavor-of-cat-people/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/15/star-trek-online-adds-a-new-flavor-of-cat-people/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yo dawg, I heard you like cats, so I put some cats next to your cats so you can fight cats with your cats.
Do you like cats? Hopefully you do, as Star Trek Online has just seen the felinoid Ferasan added to the C-Store. But wait, didn't the game already add Caitians? Yes, but the Caitians are a Federation race, while the Ferasan are exclusive to the KDF, thereby allowing you to play as a kitty on whichever faction you choose. The Ferasan are related to the Caitians but apparently are not quite the same species (presumably akin to the Romulans and Vulcans).

The Ferasan possess only one specific trait, Predatory Instincts, which increases jump height, melee damage, exploit damage, stealth, and perception. Unlocking the race costs 480 Cryptic Points and also unlocks new customization options for Caitian characters on the Federation side. On the other hand, if you just want to have one on the bridge, you can place a requisition for a Ferasan bridge officer for 400 Cryptic Points. So if you've felt that there's a distinct lack of feline members in the KDF, you've now got an option to rectify that situation.

MassivelyStar Trek Online adds a new flavor of cat people originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bridge-officersc-storecaitiancatscrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfelinoid-racesferasanfree-to-playkittiesmicrotransactionsnew-itemsnew-racesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoTue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Frogster talks TERA Elin censorship]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/14/frogster-talks-tera-elin-censorship/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/14/frogster-talks-tera-elin-censorship/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/14/frogster-talks-tera-elin-censorship/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

TERA - Elin
If you're still fuming over the decision to censor TERA's Elin race for the western market, or if you're simply an interested bystander, Eurogamer has posted a new interview that's worth reading.

The site sat down with Frogster's Lucile Le Merle, who addressed the ongoing censorship controversy that manifested itself in the removal of Elin panties and the addition of both longer tights and belly-covering outfits for the characters on both the US and European TERA game servers. Le Merle says that Frogster had no say in the game's PEGI 12 rating, noting that such things are determined not by Frogster but by PEGI. "We only send a specific version of the client to PEGI, which rates it and sends it back to us with the final decision. Then we can contest it, if we deem it's not the right rating."

Le Merle also touches on the cultural divide between East and West (and between anime fans and the uninitiated), concluding that ultimately Frogster and En Masse had to make changes. "In Asia their mindset is completely different. To them it is not a problem. It is not related to pedophilia. It's just part of the culture to have small, little girls that run around smiling. People just find it normal," Le Merle explained.

MassivelyFrogster talks TERA Elin censorship originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioselinelin-censorshipen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyfrogsterlucile-le-merleteratera-censorshiptera-elintera-pedobearMon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Zeroing in on my favorite free-to-play mains]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/free-for-all-zeroing-in-on-my-favorite-free-to-play-mains/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/free-for-all-zeroing-in-on-my-favorite-free-to-play-mains/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/free-for-all-zeroing-in-on-my-favorite-free-to-play-mains/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

My Vanguard main
I felt a little nostalgic this week. Heck, at my age, I feel nostalgic every time I smell chimney smoke or hear Christmas music. I suspect it will only grow more common with age. MMOs have been such a huge part of my life for well over a decade now that I feel nostalgic about many of the things that happened during that time, and for many of the characters I have grown -- and lost.

I'm not overly sentimental about it, but it is interesting how we feel about the pixelated versions of ourselves, the ones we control while sitting at a keyboard or while touching a tablet. I don't want to downplay how important gaming can be for many of us, either. Once, years ago, I met a fellow player in a social game called There. She was a wonderful person who had over time lost the ability to walk. She loved the freedom that the avatar gave her. Needless to say, she was very connected to her character.

I made a short list of some of my favorite characters from the years. As I think about it, this list says a lot about me as a gamer and about the types of games I love.

Continue reading Free for All: Zeroing in on my favorite free-to-play mains

MassivelyFree for All: Zeroing in on my favorite free-to-play mains originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbeau-turkeyChangyouf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumglitchjagexmilmoopinionrunescapeRyzomSOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmentspellbornthe-chronicles-of-spellborntheretiny-speckVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropezentiaWed, 09 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Holocron Files -- Miraluka]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/08/hyperspace-beacon-holocron-files-miraluka/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/08/hyperspace-beacon-holocron-files-miraluka/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/08/hyperspace-beacon-holocron-files-miraluka/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: Holocron Files -- Miraluka
As I mentioned in my Why I Play Star Wars: The Old Republic piece, Dark Forces and Jedi Knight were two of the Star Wars video games I enjoyed most. Obviously, this was before Knights of the Old Republic. In Jedi Knight, the main antagonist was Jerec. Although it's never mentioned where Jerec comes from or even what species he was, his most distinguishing feature is the cover over his eyes. At the time, players thought it was a type of cybernetic implant similar to that worn by Geordi LaForge in Star Trek: The Next Generation. It wasn't until the Tales of the Jedi comic book series that we learned that Jerec and others are a part of the Force-seeing humanoid species known as the Miraluka.

If you choose to play a Jedi Knight or a Jedi Consular (or if you have 1.5 million credits to unlock it through the Legacy system), you can play as a Miraluka. I have been fascinated by this species since Jerec of Jedi Knight and Shoaneb Culu in the Tales of the Jedi after that. So this week, let's talk about this captivating species, its culture, its connection to the Force, and what its role is during the time of The Old Republic.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Holocron Files -- Miraluka

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Holocron Files -- Miraluka originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alpheridiesbiowareclassic-mmocultureeaelectronic-artsfeaturedgalaxiesholocron-fileshyperspace-beaconjedi-consularJedi-KnightJerecKatarrlucasartsmiralukaopinionroleplayroleplayingsandboxsci-fiShoaneb-Culusoesony-online-entertainmentspeciesstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgswgoswtorthe-old-republictorVisas-MarrTue, 08 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Realms Online introduces the Lamai]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/realms-online-introduces-the-lamai/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/realms-online-introduces-the-lamai/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/realms-online-introduces-the-lamai/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

They make their home in a valley. It's almost uncanny.
Adding a new race to a factional PvP game is always a dicey proposition with regard to faction balance, but Realms Online is taking a measured approach with its newest race. The diminutive Lamai have just been added, and they aren't beholden to any single faction -- they can join any realm and play as any class. That flexibility is meant to reflect their nature as an ancient race that left the planet ages ago.

Of course, there's also the problem that if you're enticed by the new race, you'll have to start all over from the first level. As a promotion to help players interested in playing a Lamai, GameSamba is offering a sale on experience boosts in the game's shop. It's 25% off of level 30 scrolls, and 10 XP boosters for the price of eight. Not a bad deal if you want to level a new character, whether it's a lamai or something else.

[Source: GameSamba press release]

MassivelyRealms Online introduces the Lamai originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfactionsfree-to-playgamesambanew-racespromotionspvpraceracesrealms-onlinesalesThu, 26 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA ramps up for launch with a video, an offer, and an address]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/tera-ramps-up-for-launch-with-a-video-an-offer-and-an-address/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/tera-ramps-up-for-launch-with-a-video-an-offer-and-an-address/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/26/tera-ramps-up-for-launch-with-a-video-an-offer-and-an-address/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The discerning human likes putting another human on the front of his armor.
TERA's launch is just around the corner, and if you're not excited yet, En Masse Entertainment is going to throw as much new stuff at you as possible to get you psyched up. That starts with a developer journal by Senior Producer Brian Knox, who talks about the road to launch and the growth of the studio. As you'd expect of a producer bringing a game to market, he's quite excited to see what players will do with the game once it's live.

Not interested? Perhaps you'll be more interested to know that the studio has extended the inaugural subscription rate deal; have an active subscription to the game by May 31st and you'll wind up with long-term discounts on the subscription price. Or perhaps you'd rather kick back and watch the final installment of the race videos, this one highlighting the familiar human race. It's a variety of updates to keep your energy up for the launch next Tuesday, assuming it wasn't up already.

Continue reading TERA ramps up for launch with a video, an offer, and an address

MassivelyTERA ramps up for launch with a video, an offer, and an address originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasylaunchlaunchespre-launchpreviewpricepricingraceracessubscriptionteratrailertrailersupcoming-launchvideovideosThu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Dreaming of green knights]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/24/flameseeker-chronicles-dreaming-of-green-knights/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/24/flameseeker-chronicles-dreaming-of-green-knights/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/24/flameseeker-chronicles-dreaming-of-green-knights/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
April's had some exciting moments, has it not? The month is going to end on a high note for many Guild Wars 2 fans. Even if you're not one of the many many people who'll be in the upcoming beta weekend event, the lack of a non-disclosure agreement for participants of this round means that anyone can stream, post, and chat about her experience. That means a new level of transparency and insight, hopefully, so that's cool.

You know what won't be available in the beta? The Sylvari and the Asura, once again. ArenaNet's included Lion's Arch in this newest beta build, but that's about all that's new. I've gone on record as saying that I'm perfectly content to wait 'til launch for the Asura and Sylvari so that they're all pristine and new and ready to be explored, but I've got to say that that contentedness gets a little more strained each time we hear or see new stuff about the Sylvari. That's been true for months upon months, but it just keeps getting better.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Dreaming of green knights

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Dreaming of green knights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetfantasyfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2ncsoftopinionsylvarisylvari roxorzSylvariRoxorzTue, 24 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: , , , ,

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

MassivelyLeaderboard: 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[TERA's High Elves strut their stuff in a high-octane video]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/13/teras-high-elves-strut-their-stuff-in-a-high-octane-video/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/13/teras-high-elves-strut-their-stuff-in-a-high-octane-video/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/13/teras-high-elves-strut-their-stuff-in-a-high-octane-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

TERA
"We believe. We remember." Those are the watchwords of the High Elves of TERA, and they're not just talking about rock 'n roll, mind you. As TERA's launch approaches, En Masse is making a strong bid for the legitimacy of this race by releasing its High Elf spotlight video. It's two minutes of flips, ridiculously big weapons, and strong magic flaunted in the face of enemies everywhere.

Once a conquering nation that operated under the name of the Children of Karas, the High Elves suffered a humiliating downfall and subsequently re-emerged as a force for good. While their aid to the good people of the world is welcome, they're not quite trusted as of yet.

High Elves receive four unique racials: They can teleport to their home city, refill their mana, regenerate mana upon resurrection, and gather alchemy resources quickly.

Check out the video after the jump and let us know if you'll be rolling a High Elf upon launch!

Continue reading TERA's High Elves strut their stuff in a high-octane video

MassivelyTERA's High Elves strut their stuff in a high-octane video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioschildren-of-karaselfelvesen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyhigh-elfhigh-elvesrace-spotlightrace-videoracialsteravideoFri, 13 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Holocron Files -- Chiss]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/10/hyperspace-beacon-holocron-files-chiss/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/10/hyperspace-beacon-holocron-files-chiss/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/10/hyperspace-beacon-holocron-files-chiss/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: Holocron Files -- Chiss
For some players, deciding which species to play in Star Wars: The Old Republic comes down to which skin tone is the coolest. Wasn't it said when the species were first announced that the choices were human with blue skin, human with green skin, bald human, human with head tails, and human with horns? Although hyperbolic, the sentiment contains an element of truth, especially when judged by aesthetics alone. Then again, no one complains in fantasy games when you have a choice between human, short human, and human with pointy ears. Elves and dwarves are viewed through the lens of pre-existing culture and folk-lore.

The Holocron Files are designed to lay the cultural foundation for some of SWTOR's species. From the horned Zabrak to the red-skinned Sith Pureblood, each Star Wars species has a rich history and backstory. Thankfully, BioWare kept that in mind when considering which species you could play.

In honor of my newest character, it's only fitting that we discuss the Chiss this week.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Holocron Files -- Chiss

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Holocron Files -- Chiss originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascendancybiowareblue-skinchisscultureeaelectronic-artsEmpirefactionfeaturedholocron-fileshyperspace-beaconImperial-Agentlorelucasartsopinionracessci-fispeciesstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republicthrawntorTue, 10 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part two]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/02/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-two/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/02/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-two/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/02/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Today Captain's Log continues with part two of my interview with Al Rivera, Star Trek Online's Lead Designer at Cryptic Studios.

Last week I received a bit of feedback regarding the state of Rivera's desk. I withheld taking pictures of the interior of the office space for fear of inadvertently capturing information that I wasn't free to share. Happily, though, Rivera himself decided to tweet a few photos of the ships and Trek paraphernalia that graced our visit to his office. Yes, it also included a picture of what I had described in my last column as a "funky purple monster." Apparently my comic book naiveté has kept me from recognizing what Rivera informed me is The Maxx.

Sorry, but it will always be that funky purple monster to me.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part two

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part two originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al-riveracaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 02 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spirit Tales introduces the Lunar Fox and Maned Dragon tribes]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/29/spirit-tales-introduces-the-lunar-fox-and-maned-dragon-tribes/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/29/spirit-tales-introduces-the-lunar-fox-and-maned-dragon-tribes/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/29/spirit-tales-introduces-the-lunar-fox-and-maned-dragon-tribes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Aww, who's a kyoot wittle sorcerer? Yus you are!
If you are allergic to stupefyingly adorable things, you may want to look away now. If you're not, you may be interested in KoramGame's upcoming free-to-play title Spirit Tales. Fans of fluffy wittle animal-people with eyes the size of some small galaxies will find themselves right at home with the two newly announced tribes, the Lunar Fox tribe and the Maned Dragon tribe.

Each tribe has its own unique classes available to it; the Maned Dragon tribe sticks to tradition with the mainstays of Warrior (which plays the role of defender) and Archer (which supplies ranged DPS), while the Lunar Fox tribe bring some magic and cunning (and lots of DPS) to the table with the Sorcerer and Assassin classes. The full details on each tribe and its respective classes can be found over at the official Spirit Tales forums.

MassivelySpirit Tales introduces the Lunar Fox and Maned Dragon tribes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animearcherassassinclassclassesf2pfree-to-playits-so-fluffy-im-gonna-diekoramgamekoramgame-ltdlunar-foxmaned-dragonraceracessorcererspirit-talestribetribeswarriorThu, 29 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Life in the legions]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/27/flameseeker-chronicles-life-in-the-legions/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/27/flameseeker-chronicles-life-in-the-legions/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/27/flameseeker-chronicles-life-in-the-legions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/flameseeker-chronicles-life-in-the-legions/
Last week, Leif Chapelle, a content designer, took some time to update the ArenaNet blog with a bit of a behind-the-scenes look at personal story in Guild Wars 2. He sketched out the structure of how players' biography choices affect their storyline: "To experience every potential storyline being told from level one to 10, you'd need to play the game 30 times (five races times three initial storylines times two internal branches in each storyline)... We have 80 levels of progression for your character, and every 10 levels or so, you'll begin a new chapter in your story."

To someone who has rolled a seemingly endless string of alts in virtually every game I've played and is extraordinarily trigger-happy when it comes to remaking characters, this shows a great deal of promise. I'm sure it's quite an angstilicious idea for people who want to savor ALL THE STORY, but I hope that such types might admit (however grudgingly) that too much story is a better option than too little.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Life in the legions

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Life in the legions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetash-legionblood-legioncharrfantasyfeaturedflame-legionflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-betaguild-wars-2-previewguild-wars-nightfallgwgw1gw2iron-legionleif-chappellemike-zMike-Zadorojnyncsoftopinionpersonal-storyTue, 27 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking down Guild Wars 2's character creator]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/26/breaking-down-guild-wars-2s-character-creator/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/26/breaking-down-guild-wars-2s-character-creator/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/26/breaking-down-guild-wars-2s-character-creator/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

GW2
The second Guild Wars 2 press beta weekend has come and gone, and Massively was there every step of the way. Stay tuned throughout the day today for even more guides, impressions, videos, and Q&As to get you ready for the highly anticipated sequel to Guild Wars.

In just the few minutes that it takes to traverse the 10 screens of Guild Wars 2's character creation process, I'm left with one overriding thought: This game looks ridiculously good. Ludicrously so, even. And I didn't even enter the game world yet!

I always love a good, in-depth character creation system, as there's a joy in spending a good amount of time making exactly the sort of character you want to play. Unfortunately, most MMOs have stripped this process down to the bare basics, which is why I'm pleased to announce that it's actually a mini-journey in and of itself in Guild Wars 2.

The point of this process isn't just to make a character but help you grow attached to this person and get to know him or her through it. What are this character's motivations? What branch of his or her profession is the most appealing? How did you become a hero? What obstacles do you have to overcome?

Instead of playing the game itself, I took some time over this beta testing weekend to dissect every step of the character creation system and bring my findings back to those of you who want to start building your character in your mind.

Continue reading Breaking down Guild Wars 2's character creator

MassivelyBreaking down Guild Wars 2's character creator originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbackstorycharactercharacter-creationcharacter-creatorcharacter-customizationcharacterscharrclassclassescustomizationfantasyfeaturedguideguidesguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-betaguild-wars-2-guideguild-wars-2-previewgw2hands-onhumanncsoftnornpreviewraceracesstoryMon, 26 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Aztec pandas make no sense edition]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/22/the-mmo-report-aztec-pandas-make-no-sense-edition/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/22/the-mmo-report-aztec-pandas-make-no-sense-edition/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/22/the-mmo-report-aztec-pandas-make-no-sense-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The MMO Report
Morgan Webb dethrones Casey this week on The MMO Report, having made the journey to Anaheim to interview Blizzard's reps about World of Warcraft's upcoming Mists of Pandaria expansion. J. Allen Brack and Tom Chilton focus on the philosophy of this expansion and its shift from previous expansions' ominous tone to a more playful theme of adventure, exploration, and oh yeah, the war between the Alliance and the Horde.

The pair also highlight changes to underdeveloped zones, pet battles, repurposed classic dungeons, phased farms (actual farms!), and solutions to the faction grind problem. Most interestingly, they tell Morgan that Pandaren came first... and the Asian motif followed. After all, they joke, it just wouldn't have made sense to put Pandaren in Aztec ruins.

Get your panda on in the full video behind the break!

Continue reading The MMO Report: Aztec pandas make no sense edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Aztec pandas make no sense edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanaheimblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcasey-schreinerfantasyhumorinterviewinterviewsj-allen-brackmists-of-pandariammo-reportmorgan-webbnewsopinionpandarenpandariaroundupthe-mmo-reporttom-chiltonvideovideoswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 22 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Free-to-play MMO versions of your favorite Nintendo games]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/14/free-for-all-free-to-play-mmo-versions-of-your-favorite-nintend/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/14/free-for-all-free-to-play-mmo-versions-of-your-favorite-nintend/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/14/free-for-all-free-to-play-mmo-versions-of-your-favorite-nintend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Nintendo banner
I have to be honest -- I wasn't the biggest Nintendo fan. I grew up right as the whole thing was really smashing and keeping kids glued to their TVs, but I generally went outside and played more than stayed inside and played games. (Odd, huh?) Still, I had my fun with certain titles. Contra rocked my boat, along with Kid Icarus and a bit of Mario Brothers. My friends, on the other hand, were full members of the Nintendo nation. They subcribed to the magazine, played the same games for hours and hours, and generally acted as though the fate of the real world hung in the balance as they attacked that last boss monster.

Stylistically, the games have left a mark on the genre. Many of those same titles still sell as well, some of them reaching so many variations that I lost track a long, long time ago. I thought it might be fun to list off some free-to-play MMOs that remind me of those old classics. See what you think, and leave any suggestions in the comments section!

Continue reading Free for All: Free-to-play MMO versions of your favorite Nintendo games

MassivelyFree for All: Free-to-play MMO versions of your favorite Nintendo games originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandrift-cityf2pfantasy-onlinefeaturedfree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playFreejackfusionfalljunebud-abmario-brosmario-brothersMario-KartmilmonintendoplatformerPlatformingrealm-of-the-mad-godside-scrollerSOESony-Online-Entertainmentspiral-knightsthe-legend-of-zeldathree-ringszeldaWed, 14 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week one]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/14/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-one/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/14/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-one/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/14/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DAoC
Hol. Ee. Crap.

Seriously, folks, I don't know how it usually goes down in CMAtown, but I've never experienced a week of my life when I was literally watching strangers decide my destiny -- and go neck-and-neck in the process. After thousands and thousands of votes, it all came down to a difference of... three. Really.

Three MMO communities caught wind of last week's poll regarding the game I'd be playing and writing up over the next several weeks. Dark Age of Camelot players fought valiantly against Anarchy Online fans for the privilege of this column's focus, often times trading spots for first and second place. The City of Heroes community got into the game late and racked up several hundred votes in an attempt to secure the win, but ultimately it came down to a last-minute brawl in which DAoC garnered three measly votes more than AO, which means I'll be heading off to Camelot starting next week.

With the insane voting over a game at an end, today begins the real fun: You get to roll my character for me. Join me as I lay out just how this is going to work with DAoC's crazy setup.

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

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week one originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 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-artsfantasyfeaturedhands-onmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choicervrvotevotingWed, 14 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST