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[The Road to Mordor: Soundtrack bonanza!]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/07/08/the-road-to-mordor-soundtrack-bonanza/http://www.massively.com/2011/07/08/the-road-to-mordor-soundtrack-bonanza/http://www.massively.com/2011/07/08/the-road-to-mordor-soundtrack-bonanza/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

One of the probably-not-very-interesting things about me is that I'm somewhat of a video game soundtrack aficionado. Ever since MP3s became all the rage, I've been collecting my favorite tunes from console and computer games, often replacing the in-game score with my own personal soundtrack.

MMO soundtracks, as a whole, are hit or miss with me. While there are many incredible pieces out there, a bulk of what you find is low-key atmospheric stuff that isn't meant to be on anyone's Top 40 playlist. Lord of the Rings Online has its up and downs as a soundtrack, but overall it really does evoke the spirit of Middle-earth. It's hard to imagine playing the game, especially the early levels, without hearing these tracks.

I've collected both the soundtracks to Shadows of Angmar and Mines of Moria and have been saving them for a special occasion. Today is that special occasion. These were composed by Chance Thomas (who's scored many Lord of the Rings-related games) and Stephen DiGregorio. Ranging from bombastic to sinister to folksy, this score covers the gamut of themes and emotions related to the journey of the Ring. It's cool to listen to it independently of the game, as you can appreciate the score for what it is -- and see how the pieces evoke memories of your times in LotRO.

Instead of individually reviewing all 40 or so tracks, I'm simply going to pick my 10 most favorite to share with you!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Soundtrack bonanza!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Soundtrack bonanza! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chance-thomasdrums-in-the-deepelvesfeaturedhobitslord-of-the-rings-onlinelothlorienlotromines-of-moriamoriamusicostrivendellscoreshadows-of-angmarshiresoundtracksoundtracksstephen-digregoriothe-hobbitthe-road-to-mordorthorinthorin-oakenshieldtom-bombadiltop-10tracksFri, 08 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A hands-on with the Razer Anansi]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/05/12/a-hands-on-with-the-razer-anansi/http://www.massively.com/2011/05/12/a-hands-on-with-the-razer-anansi/http://www.massively.com/2011/05/12/a-hands-on-with-the-razer-anansi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When I first heard about the Razer Anansi, I was beyond excited. Razer had, after all, made the supremely excellent Naga specifically for MMOs, and the Naga is as close to a perfect peripheral as has ever been made. (The original wasn't wireless, which is a big deal for some people, but it doesn't bother me -- and there's a wireless version out now anyway.) I was pretty much certain that the same team working on a keyboard would produce the ultimate one-two punch for online gaming accessories.

Sadly, the Anansi isn't the Naga. And therein lies its biggest fault -- you can't help but compare the two products, and the keyboard comes up short. It isn't a bad keyboard, but it lacks what made the Naga so excellent, and for the several things that it gets right it also manages to get a couple of things wrong. Without a doubt, it's going to serve better than the stock keyboard that comes with a new computer, but it's far from a must-have addition to your hardware.

Continue reading A hands-on with the Razer Anansi

MassivelyA hands-on with the Razer Anansi originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anansifeaturedhardware-evaluationhardware-reviewkeybindingkeyboardnagaopinionperipheralrazerrazer-anansirazer-nagareviewThu, 12 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: Terminal Woods]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/02/25/wasteland-diaries-terminal-woods/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/25/wasteland-diaries-terminal-woods/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/25/wasteland-diaries-terminal-woods/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

To say that the Fallen Earth 1.8 patch is going to have some massive changes coming along with it might be a bit of an understatement. It's going to come fully equipped with major skills, abilities and mutations re-writes. Much will be changed. So much so, in fact, that I don't think anyone's quite sure what to expect, the devs included. The game will still be recognizable, but the flow of combat will be different. After more than a year of adjusting to the gradual changes that have been made to the game mechanics, I had settled into my comfort zone only to be ousted by significant changes.

It still remains to be seen whether Fallen Earth's new changes will be good or bad. Of course, "good" and "bad" are subjective terms, and one person's good might be another's bad. The great thing about major changes like these is this: We get to test them out before they go live. This latest round of testing on the PTS comes complete with new content, including an entirely new area called Terminal Woods, which looks to be about the same size as Deadfall. So it's not quite a sector, but it's pretty big. The devs have put a bit of this area up on the test server for us to "test." Test it I did... if by testing you mean "exploring and shooting at stuff." After the cut, I'll discuss some of the new stuff I found while I was "testing." Consider that a spoiler alert.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: Terminal Woods

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: Terminal Woods originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfefeaturedicarusicarus-studiospatchpatch-1.8previewptsscavenger-bossessector-4terminal-woodsupgradesFri, 25 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Rating Eriador]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/02/25/the-road-to-mordor-rating-eriador/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/25/the-road-to-mordor-rating-eriador/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/25/the-road-to-mordor-rating-eriador/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lately I've been playing world traveler with my level 43 Lore-master as he's bouncing all over Middle-earth in what used to be the high-level zones of the game: Trollshaws, Angmar, Forochel, Misty Mountains, and Eregion. Once again, I'm struck by just how cohesive this place feels -- it's not a collection of Sonic the Hedgehog-themed areas (Green Zone 1, Lava Zone 4, etc.) but a world that connects together in a tangible, real way. Even though it's fiction.

Until November 2008, Eriador was the only place in Middle-earth that we could explore, and although some criticized Lord of the Rings Online for not shipping with, well, every locale in J.R.R. Tolkien's imaginarium open for business, it was a smart decision. The devs could take this section of the world and focus on building depth and detail instead of spreading it thin, like butter scraped over too much bread. As a result, Eriador remains a wonderful starting point -- not to mention the bulk of any current player's journey -- and many of us have grown attached to these familiar sights and sounds as a result.

Today I'd like to take a brief overview of all of Eriador's zones (we'll leave Rhovanion for another day) and rate them from best to worst in terms of zone design, questing, and that slippery cool-factor that's hard to define. Where would I suggest a summer vacation home and where would be an ideal spot for a penal colony? Hit the jump and let's run it down.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Rating Eriador

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Rating Eriador originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angmarbreebree-landcrazy-cat-ladydwarfelfenedwaithered-luineregioneriadorettenmoorsevendimeverswimfeaturedforochelhobbitjrr-tolkienlone-landslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromanmiddle-earthmisty-mountainsmountsnorth-downsplayer-vs-monster-playerpvmpRhovanionshiresonicsonic-the-hedgehogthe-shiretoofertrollshawsturbinetwofervolume-1weathertopFri, 25 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Priston Tale 2]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/11/07/rise-and-shiny-recap-priston-tale-2/http://www.massively.com/2010/11/07/rise-and-shiny-recap-priston-tale-2/http://www.massively.com/2010/11/07/rise-and-shiny-recap-priston-tale-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In continuing with the theme from the last few weeks, I examined another "grinder" -- this time, Priston Tale 2. I have to admit to being a little overwhelmed with the grind at this point. I cannot fathom how a player can grind after gear, levels or whatever the item is, for months, if not years, of his life. Normally, the free-to-play games I am looking at or enjoying while "off the clock" are not such a grind. Yes, there is some element of that to almost every single game I have ever played, but my favorite games give me a choice or a way to avoid the grind.

It should be noted that even in the worst example of a grindy game there is the possibility of social interaction. Social interactions, in their many forms, are possible any time you have multiple players and a way to communicate. This is no small accomplishment, but it is often ignored as a very basic, important gaming possibility.

Still, we're here to talk about what Priston Tale 2 might offer that is different than any number of good-looking free-to-play grinders. So, let's get to it.

Gallery: Priston Tale 2

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Priston Tale 2

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Priston Tale 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancash-shopf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpgalleriesgamerkraftLiveStreamLiveStreamingVideopriston-talepriston-tale-2rise-and-shinySun, 07 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Pocket Legends]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/10/17/rise-and-shiny-recap-pocket-legends/http://www.massively.com/2010/10/17/rise-and-shiny-recap-pocket-legends/http://www.massively.com/2010/10/17/rise-and-shiny-recap-pocket-legends/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Over the last two weeks, I have been taking a look at Pocket Legends, a fully functioning MMO made for the mobile player. I did not publish a Rise and Shiny last week (I was busy writing up my GDCO coverage) but that is a good thing -- I had no real time to play the game anyway. I've jumped in and out, played through a few dungeons and scoured the cash shop. After hearing Cinco Barnes from Spacetime Studios -- the developer of Pocket Legends -- I really saw how well the company's design choices were working in practice.

What I found is a game that works and is stable. While that isn't the most glamorous description, you would be hard-pressed to find a game that has succeeded without either of those traits. The key here is that it runs while in the palm of your hand (or lap, in the case of the iPad). But let me take you through a bit more of the game before I pass judgment.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Pocket Legends

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Pocket Legends originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp storeAppStorebeau-hindmancash-shopf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumftpipadiphoneMicrotransactionsmobilemobile-gamingpocket-legendsrise-and-shinyspacetime-studiosvelvet-rope-modelSun, 17 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A year in the life of Aion]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/09/24/a-year-in-the-life-of-aion/http://www.massively.com/2010/09/24/a-year-in-the-life-of-aion/http://www.massively.com/2010/09/24/a-year-in-the-life-of-aion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Grab yourself a glass of mela juice and join me in an anniversary toast! September 22nd marked one year to the day that Aion was released into the hands of hungry Daevas-to-be in the Western market. And what a day that was! Heralded by NCsoft as its biggest launch to date, Aion saw a record number of players attempt to dive into the world of Atreia and prepare to spread their wings.

Aion has come a long way since that first day, when two-plus hour queues thwarted many a prospective Daeva from experiencing the rich new world. While some of us admittedly didn't survive the initial nightmare queues at launch (cough, cough), we nonetheless found reasons to return after a couple days, a couple months, or even longer. The introduction of two free updates in the past year -- 1.9 and Assault on Balaurea -- have addressed and ironed out some of the kinks that plagued the game and frustrated players. Adjustments to leveling, population, PvP, monetary rewards, and new content, along with a sprinkling of some fun elements, have enriched an already beautiful world and improved gameplay. If you have been away for a while, come on back and join the party. There is cake!

As Daevas scatter petals about, meander past the cut and onto memory lane where we look at how Aion has evolved over the course of the past year.

Continue reading A year in the life of Aion

MassivelyA year in the life of Aion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.91.9-patchaionaion-gameanniversaryAnniversaryEditionassault-on-balaureabalaureadaevaexpansionExpansionsfeaturedfluffishalgenlevelingleveling-curvenc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionpetspoetaRetrospectivereviewWings-Over-AtreiaFri, 24 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine Online]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/09/05/rise-and-shiny-recap-shin-megami-tensei-imagine-online/http://www.massively.com/2010/09/05/rise-and-shiny-recap-shin-megami-tensei-imagine-online/http://www.massively.com/2010/09/05/rise-and-shiny-recap-shin-megami-tensei-imagine-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine Online (longest. name. ever.) is perfect for Rise and Shiny: it is unusual, makes some people uncomfortable, free-to-play, and more "indie" than "AAA." I've played it off and on since its release but never found the time or desire to really push into it. After all, the combat in the game takes patience and knowledge, something that requires, well, patience and knowledge. Over the last week I decided to dive right in, changing my normal procedure of blindly downloading, playing, and socializing. I broke my habit of ignoring the wiki and the information from the playerbase, and I have decided to actually immerse myself into a week-long college course on whatever game it is I am playing at the time.

The effort paid off big. The combat became more enjoyable, and the game made more sense. I met some very nice community members, and even found myself wanting to go through an epic hour-and-a-half dungeon experience. The game is not without its frustrating moments, of course. Starting out can feel like a pretty overwhelming experience. While there is a great beginning tutorial to help players understand the complicated combat system, many areas of the game require information that is so hidden that you must simply look it up in a wiki.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine Online

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancash-shopcustomizationf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpimagine-onlineMicrotransactionsrise-and-shinyShin-Megami-Tenseishin-megami-tensei-imagineuncharted-waters-onlineUWOSun, 05 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Global Agenda]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/08/29/rise-and-shiny-recap-global-agenda/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/29/rise-and-shiny-recap-global-agenda/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/29/rise-and-shiny-recap-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

PvP is a funny thing. Essentially, it is a glorified game of tag. There are variations on the theme, of course: freeze tag, Marco Polo, or Hide-and-Seek. Most of us have had the pleasure of spending a summer evening playing it with our friends. I know that when we played it, we added the dimension of The Woods (as they were known) and all that hiding in those woods on a dark summer evening implies. It was intense, I remember. Once, I hid under a pile of leaves for 40 minutes, scared out of my mind, while my buddy tried to find me.

Good PvP can be like that, but bad PvP can ruin your evening. Bad PvP, like a rainstorm during a campout, usually ends with one or more participants taking the event way too seriously. But when you spend a few hours in good PvP, running around shooting at strangers, throwing mines at each other and getting shot down by automated turrets, your heart will race and you will realize that you have had a smile on your face most of the time.

Global Agenda has that effect on me, like a good game of tag.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Global Agenda

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandarkfallfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmofpsmortal-onlinepvepve-to-pvppvprise-and-shinysci-fiscience-fictionshootersniperstealthSun, 29 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Alganon]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/08/22/rise-and-shiny-recap-alganon/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/22/rise-and-shiny-recap-alganon/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/22/rise-and-shiny-recap-alganon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We have all heard of the controversy surrounding Alganon. Essentially, it breaks down into a few basic points: it is a "WoW clone," and it is being run by Derek Smart, a say-it-like-you-mean-it development bad-boy. Many claim he looks for negative attention and enjoys arguing with players. To be blunt, I don't care what people think about Derek Smart. I have said it before: I actually believe that he reacts to negative attention the way other developers wish they could. I don't keep track of his battles, though; I keep track of what he has done in gaming. All I know is that before he was with Alganon, I did not enjoy the game. After he became involved, the game got better.

Concerning the "WoW-clone" issue: If I had a gold piece for every time I've heard that, I could afford that incredible level 50 mount! (*snort*) If I took a moment to break down all games that have similarities to WoW, this article would be much, much longer than it needs to be. WoW was successful, and the industry takes cues from success. WoW took its own cues from other games before that. Still, does Alganon take more from WoW than, say, Lord of the Rings Online?

Read on, and let's discuss it.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Alganon

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Alganon originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alganonbeau-hindmanderek-smartf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumftpglobal-agendalord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroquest-onlinerise-and-shinyRyzomvelvet-ropeWorld-of-Warcraftwowwow-cloneSun, 22 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: A Tale in the Desert V]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/08/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-a-tale-in-the-desert-v/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-a-tale-in-the-desert-v/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-a-tale-in-the-desert-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

A Tale in the Desert V is a non-combat crafting paradise. That might sound a little strange, but the developers encourage players to work together to accomplish bigger and better things, making them feel as though they are part of a community. I have tried the game at different times over the years but never really became more than a visitor. I was glad to be given the opportunity to check it out, but even after a week I still feel like I have barely scratched the surface. I have emerged from the tutorial a smarter citizen, but I know that around the corner, greater challenges wait.

The game is not without its flaws, however, although many of the issues might fade as systems and controls become more apparent. Still, I found myself a little frustrated when the game asked me to sit and literally watch grass grow. I did it, though, and found an odd game, filled with mysteries. In a good way, of course.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: A Tale in the Desert V

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: A Tale in the Desert V originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-deserta-tale-in-the-desert-5ATITDatitd-5beau-hindmancommunityCommunity-gamescraftingcrafting-systemegenesisegyptegyptianfeaturedpyramidsrise-and-shinySun, 15 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Zentia]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/08/08/rise-and-shiny-recap-zentia/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/08/rise-and-shiny-recap-zentia/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/08/rise-and-shiny-recap-zentia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Each week Rise and Shiny asks you to download and try a different free-to-play, indie or unusual game, chosen by me, Beau Hindman. Some of the games will be far out of your gaming comfort zone, and some will pleasantly surprise you. We will meet each Tuesday and Friday night at 9 p.m. EDT (8 p.m. CDT), followed by this column the Sunday after. I welcome any suggestions for games, either in the comments or at beau@massively.com or Twitter me @Beau_Hindman.

It's hard for a game to strike a perfect balance of fun and challenge. In fact, I'd say it's the result of otherworldly forces as much as it is the hard work of the developer. Many of the greatest games I have ever played are a conglomerate of many factors that were beyond the control of the artists, writers and producers who first crafted the world. Sometimes, the crew must simply hope that its ship floats, and that it happens to set her to sail just as the weather is perfect.

Then a game like ChangYou's Zentia comes along, a game that has all the wonderful qualities I am looking for -- as the result of some very smart, specific design choices made by some very creative people. Sure, I discovered the game on accident (I wasn't actively looking for a game the day Zentia fell into my lap), but the game has obviously been crafted with precision and care.

If you'd like to read up on some of the details of the game, you can check out our E3 coverage here, or read an article of mine here. Also, you can get your closed beta key here. Otherwise, see me after the break, and be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section!

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Zentia

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Zentia originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancash-shopcasualChangyoucustomizationearth-eternalEQ2EverQuest-2f2pfeaturedfree-realmsfree-to-playftphands-onLiveStreammabinogirise-and-shinyVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesvideoWorld-of-Warcraftzentiazentia-mmoSun, 08 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Dream of Mirror Online]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/08/01/rise-and-shiny-recap-dream-of-mirror-online/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/01/rise-and-shiny-recap-dream-of-mirror-online/http://www.massively.com/2010/08/01/rise-and-shiny-recap-dream-of-mirror-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


Each week Rise and Shiny asks you to download and try a different free-to-play, indie or unusual game, chosen by me, Beau Hindman. Some of the games will be far out of your gaming comfort zone, and some will pleasantly surprise you. We will meet each Tuesday and Friday night at 9 p.m. EDT (8 p.m. CDT), followed by this column the Sunday after. I welcome any suggestions for games, either in the comments or at beau@massively.com or Twitter me @Beau_Hindman.

At some point in his life, every man has to attempt to grow a beard. I am not talking about a finely chisled goatee, or one of those odd looking Robin Hood-type deals. I am talking about a full beard, a substantial mound of hair rooted in our face -- an escape-attempt by the very testosterone that makes us a man in the first place. I knew I had a chance this time when, after suggesting to my wife what I would attempt, she only shrugged. Normally she pulls on any scruff that pops out of my chin and says, "You look homeless. Shave."

As you grow this beard, there will be times when you will be very conscious of it.
  • When you first step out of the shower
  • When you are eating and food falls into it
  • When you are playing MMORPGs
Some MMOs are better suited to a beard: EVE Online, for example. EverQuest II will feel all right. World of Warcraft? Only while PvPing. If you're like me, though, and spend most of your time within balloon-bright cartoon-fests like Dream of Mirror Online, then you might be surprised at how it feels while playing bearded .

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Dream of Mirror Online

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Dream of Mirror Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesbeau-hindmancasualdomodream-of-mirror-onlineeve-onlineEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playftphands-onrise-and-shinyWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 01 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Might and Magic Heroes Kingdoms]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/07/29/first-impressions-might-and-magic-heroes-kingdoms/http://www.massively.com/2010/07/29/first-impressions-might-and-magic-heroes-kingdoms/http://www.massively.com/2010/07/29/first-impressions-might-and-magic-heroes-kingdoms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Browser-based games have come a long way. A few years ago, I would have never predicted that they would be as popular and varied as they are now. I wouldn't have believed that the quality would rise, while still being contained in the 2-D walls of your favorite browser. But, here we are, discussing Might and Magic Heroes Kingdoms, another browser-based game that has raised that level of quality once again. It's a subtle difference, but the improvements should still be noted and enjoyed.

First of all, I want to say that I am generally horrible at any type of PvP. I rarely think of conquest and would rather trade with my fellow players than attempt to murder them. Call me old-fashioned! So, when I signed up for a game that promised that type of epic conquest (and diplomacy as well, lest we forget) I was a little more than worried that the following First Impressions would consist only of the words "I SUCK."

What I found, after giving in and joining the very first alliance that offered membership, was a game that is heavy on the chin-scratching and light on difficulty. And it's fun, too.

Continue reading First Impressions: Might and Magic Heroes Kingdoms

MassivelyFirst Impressions: Might and Magic Heroes Kingdoms originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Each week Rise and Shiny asks you to download and try a different free-to-play, indie or unusual game, chosen by me, Beau Hindman. Some of the games will be far out of your gaming comfort zone, and some will pleasantly surprise you. We will meet each Tuesday and Friday night at 9 p.m. EDT (8 p.m. CDT), followed by this column the Sunday after. I welcome any suggestions for games, either in the comments or at beau@massively.com.

Istaria: Chronicles of the Gifted is not a new game, by any means. You probably remember it being called Horizons. I have tried this game probably several times over the last few years. Despite having a decent enough time with each attempt, I never had as much fun as I have during this last week of playing. Let this advice stick: give a game several chances, if you can. Don't let a developer's financial woes dissuade you from giving it a go again. Most of the time you can try it again without spending a dime.

I'm glad I returned to Istaria. Everything seemed to click for me, more than it did before. It could be that I never took the time to really get to know the quests or the abilities my character gained, and it could be that I played mostly solo during that time. Over this last week I adventured with an elf and a few dragons, and found a world, game, and community that was pretty darn inviting.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Istaria

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Istaria originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On July 27th, Guild Wars lore nerds the world over will be rejoicing. Why? Because that's when the first book in the Guild Wars trilogy of novels will be released. Ghosts of Ascalon is the book that we've been waiting years for, as it was first announced at PAX08. It will just begin to explain a bit more about that 250-year gap between the storyline of the original Guild Wars and that of the upcoming Guild Wars 2.

We were fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of Ghosts of Ascalon last week, which I tore through at record speed -- not because of this embargo deadline today, but because it was just that good. Follow along after the jump to read my impressions of the first book in a series that will introduce us to the lore of Guild Wars 2.

Continue reading Guild Wars Ghosts of Ascalon: Impressions from a lore nerd

MassivelyGuild Wars Ghosts of Ascalon: Impressions from a lore nerd originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Each week Rise and Shiny asks you to download and try a different free-to-play game, chosen by me, Beau Hindman. Some of the games will be far out of your gaming comfort zone, and some will pleasantly surprise you. We will meet each Tuesday and Friday night at 8 PM Central time, followed by this column the Sunday after. I welcome any suggestions for games, either in the comments or at beau@massively.com.

There seems to be some confusion as to what the point of this column is. Just to clarify, my job with this column is to act like an actual newbie, to find small or unusual games, and to report on my findings after one week of play. While this might seem a bit harsh, I am very upfront about my intentions and think that the experience that a new player would have within a week of play is not only valid, but one of the most important times for a player. Unfortunately, this means that sometimes I will play a game in ways it was never intended, or I will review a game without knowing what might come further down the road. I generally stay away from the game's website and only gather information from the offerings in-world.

This means that, when I do find amazing games, they have done a darn fine job. This can also mean that, as in the case of Sacred Seasons 2, I stumble across a game that is very much in development.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Sacred Seasons 2

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Sacred Seasons 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpGrindrise-and-shinysacred-seasonssacred-seasons-2soonTurn-basedSun, 04 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Waging WAR: The Nagaryth Chronicles, part two]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/07/03/waging-war-the-nagaryth-chronicles-part-two/http://www.massively.com/2010/07/03/waging-war-the-nagaryth-chronicles-part-two/http://www.massively.com/2010/07/03/waging-war-the-nagaryth-chronicles-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Waging WAR continues this week with the second installment of the Nagaryth Chronicles -- an in-depth look at the Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning's shadow warrior. We'll talk about how the career performs through tier two, identify key abilities, and open the floor to discussion about how we might begin to remedy some of the most basic issues with the career. So nock another arrow and let's get started.

First things first. I want to quickly respond to a few of the reader comments left on last week's column.

@MiloMenderBender: After you pointed out my target selection could be wrong, I started paying attention to my damage vs. the varying enemy careers. Your suggestion to pay closer attention to damage-per-kill rather than overall made perfect sense, and I'm now making more careful and efficient targeting decisions -- with satisfying results.
@Kyelthis: Your keybinding suggestions were excellent and definitely worth trying out.
@ShadowWAR: After reading your comment, it took only a moment to pay closer attention and confirm that the stances are not on the global cooldown (GCD) and skirmish stance does indeed return 1:1 ballistics to strength from items only.
@ the rest: Thank you for your contributions, and, although I'm hesitant to have this series turn into a conversation about mirrors, issues with the game in general or concerns with other careers, I want you to know that I read all of your comments and appreciate your feedback.

Moving on, let's continue with my impressions and issues with the shadow warrior through tier two after the break.

Continue reading Waging WAR: The Nagaryth Chronicles, part two

MassivelyWaging WAR: The Nagaryth Chronicles, part two originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiesaction-pointsapEAea-mythicfeaturedmythicMythic-Entertainmentshadow-warriorshadow-warrior-stancesshadow-warriorswaging-warWarhammerwarhammer-eaWarhammer-OnlineWarhammer-Online-Age-of-Reckoningwarhammer-online-eaSat, 03 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Hello Kitty Online]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/06/19/rise-and-shiny-recap-hello-kitty-online/http://www.massively.com/2010/06/19/rise-and-shiny-recap-hello-kitty-online/http://www.massively.com/2010/06/19/rise-and-shiny-recap-hello-kitty-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Each week Rise and Shiny asks you to download and try a different free-to-play game, chosen by me, Beau Hindman. Some of the games will be far out of your gaming comfort zone, and some will pleasantly surprise you. We will meet each Tuesday and Friday night at 8 PM Central time, followed by this column the Saturday after. I welcome any suggestions for games, either in the comments or at beau at massively dot com.

This week I asked my readers to man (or woman) up and download Hello Kitty Online by Sanrio Digital. I'm a firm believer in the old saying "Looks can be deceiving" and have tried to keep that in mind as I look for games. After all, what is the difference between fluffy pink and white bunnies and giant robots that throw hissy fits? In fact, if I were to ask my readers what makes up the difference between a game like Hello Kitty Online and a game like Lord of the Rings Online, they might only shrug and say "C'mon, Beau, you can see the difference."

Remember, though, that we can still pull emotions out of cartoon characters just like we can out of more realistic ones, and it has been shown that many moviegoers actually feel more connected to stylized characters over super-realistic representations. I wonder if Hello Kitty Online can inspire the same strong emotions that a hardcore raider feels?

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Hello Kitty Online

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Hello Kitty Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeria-gamescartooncartoonycasualfarmingHello-Kittyhello-kitty-onlinehousingkidskids-gamessanriosanrio-digitalsouth-parkSat, 19 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Waging WAR: Revisiting the new player experience]]>http://www.massively.com/2010/06/12/waging-war-revisiting-the-new-player-experience/http://www.massively.com/2010/06/12/waging-war-revisiting-the-new-player-experience/http://www.massively.com/2010/06/12/waging-war-revisiting-the-new-player-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Waging WAR moves a step backward this week to take a fresh look at the Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning new player experience. Greg gives us his take on what he thinks we can expect from the Endless Trial or a Re-enlistment subscription with a new character. He takes us through his experience over a few casual days of play and tells us about the leveling process, scenarios, RvR, twinking and more.

Lately, I have spent quite a bit of my time on my rank 40/70 Archmage, focusing on emblem collection and participating in the newly formatted Tier 4 city sieges. Earlier this week, as I considered topics for this weekend's column, I realized that it had been a while since I had experienced the low-level content. Conveniently enough, I was just starting to suffer a bit from healer's burn-out (thanklessly healing day after day can wear a person down), and decided I would take a break and tool around on a lowbie for some fresh kicks and giggles.

Continue reading Waging WAR: Revisiting the new player experience

MassivelyWaging WAR: Revisiting the new player experience originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archmagecommunityEAea-mythichunters-valemythicmythic-eaMythic-Entertainmentnew-player-experiencenordlandpublic-questsrvrrvr-city-siegesscenariostier-1twinktwinkingtwinkswaging-warWarhammerwarhammer-eaWarhammer-Onlinewarhammer-online-eawitch-elfSat, 12 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST