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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[Vanguard update brings new loyalty rewards for subscribers]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/vanguard-update-brings-new-loyalty-rewards-for-subscribers/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/vanguard-update-brings-new-loyalty-rewards-for-subscribers/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/09/vanguard-update-brings-new-loyalty-rewards-for-subscribers/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Classes, Patches, Vanguard, Free-to-play, Promotions

Vanguard

As Vanguard straddles the line between its old subscriber-only business model and this summer's free-to-play transition, the team is still plugging away at minor updates to the game. Today's patch brings a smattering of updates and fixes as well as the May loyalty rewards for current subscribers.

Active players will get to haul away five goodies from SOE, including a brown sloop ship, unique tack and barding, and a "Kamelott Overland Onslaught Life-Sustaining Exo-Skeleton" mount. Players can also pick up free supply crates and veteran's caches (the latter are available only for level 50+ characters) every 44 hours.

The update also fixed a few small issues with quests, retweaked some skills for Rogues and Bards, and changed a couple of items to make them work properly.

SOE will continue to dish out loyalty rewards until Vanguard goes F2P.

Vanguard update brings new loyalty rewards for subscribers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bardbardsf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-updatekooleloyalty-rewardspatchpatch-notesrogueroguessandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonupdateupdate-notesvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgWed, 09 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Warped]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/29/one-shots-warped/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/29/one-shots-warped/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/29/one-shots-warped/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Galleries, Screenshots, MMO industry, Vanguard, Massively Meta, One Shots, Humor, Star Wars: The Old Republic, TERA, Miscellaneous

One Shots

Massively reader Johanis delivered today's One Shots image, which features one of TERA's pegasi in flight. He tells us,

Here is a shot of Honeynut, my TERA Archer, who was exploring during last weekend's open beta. While flying from one destination to another, she suddenly warped through one of many travel gates, and it was gorgeous. She emerged into a beautiful land just waiting to be explored.

Enjoy Johanis' entry alongside a few others past the break!

Continue reading One Shots: Warped

One Shots: Warped originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareblueholebluehole-studiosbring-back-one-shotseaelectronic-artsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfantasyfree-to-playgalleriesgallerylucasartsone-shotsreader-screenshotsreader-submissionssandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotssoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtortelonterathe-old-republictoruser-submissionsvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgSun, 29 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE games down Monday for 24-hour maintenance]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Pirates of the Burning Sea, PlanetSide, MMO industry, News items, Vanguard, Free-to-play, Free Realms, DC Universe Online, Family

We imagine that the word downtime makes Sony Online Entertainment employees cringe, convulse, and eye-twitch for hours on end after last summer's disastrous hacker-induced service outage. Happily, though, the next service interruption is planned, and we've got plenty of notice.

SOE will be performing maintenance this Monday, April 23rd, and the firm says that all of its game services will be unavailable for approximately 24 hours. The downtime starts at 3:01 a.m. EDT. Commerce transactions and account management functionality will also be affected, so you might as well cross all of your SOE-related plans off Monday's calendar.

SOE games down Monday for 24-hour maintenance originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmoconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfpsfrfree-realmsfree-to-playhistoricalkid-friendlykidskids-mmommofpspiratespirates-of-the-burning-seaplanetsideplaystation-3playstation3potbspsps1ps3sandboxsci-fisoesoe-downtimesoe-maintenancesoe-planned-maintenancesoe-service-interruptionsonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroestelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgFri, 20 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The curious case of Vanguard]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/17/the-soapbox-the-curious-case-of-vanguard/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/17/the-soapbox-the-curious-case-of-vanguard/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/17/the-soapbox-the-curious-case-of-vanguard/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Business models, Economy, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Opinion, Vanguard, Free-to-play, The Soapbox

Vanguard - magic hour duo

Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

"Yaaay!"

"FU-- yeah!"

"Finally."

"WOW! This is the best MMO news I have heard in a long time!"

These are just a few of the comments that greeted our recent announcement of Vanguard's upcoming free-to-play conversion. The reactions were overwhelmingly positive, and Sony Online Entertainment's open-world fantasy themepark was lavished with praise by a wide cross-section of Massively readers. This makes me wonder where all these folks have been since the game's launch in early 2007. It's not like Vanguard shut down and is being resurrected, you know? More importantly, I wonder whether free-to-play can actually save the game from the scrap heap of shuttered SOE MMOs.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The curious case of Vanguard

The Soapbox: The curious case of Vanguard originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad-mcquaideditorialeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playop-edopinionrantrantssoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonthe-soapboxvanguardvanguard-f2pvanguard-free-to-playvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 17 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Anarchy Online, EverQuest, PlanetSide, MMO industry, News items, Vanguard, Free-to-play, Everquest Online Adventures, The Game Archaeologist

Anarchy Online

Man oh man, why couldn't I just take a month or so off of this column without getting sucked back into it? Why must classic MMOs be so compelling and newsworthy these days?

I planned to take some time off of TGA while I went through Dark Age of Camelot in Choose My Adventure (which you're all reading, yes?), but there was so much to talk about regarding older MMOs that I couldn't sit back and stay mum. Ergo, I've dashed off this special "break" column devoted to commenting on recent news about classic games. Hopefully this will help tide you over until I get back into the full swing of things in April.

On the docket for today's discussion is Vanguard's forthcoming F2P change, EverQuest's recent conversion, Anarchy Online's stunning graphic engine video, and more!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!

The Game Archaeologist: Bio break! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseqeq-nexteq1eqoaeverquesteverquest-nexteverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgame-archaelogistmmofpsnostalgiaopinionplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-2playstation-3psps1sandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstationstation-accesstelonthe-game-archaeologistvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which MMO doesn't get the respect it deserves?]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/03/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-doesnt-get-the-respect-it-deserves/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/03/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-doesnt-get-the-respect-it-deserves/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/03/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-doesnt-get-the-respect-it-deserves/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Culture, Opinion, Vanguard, Free-to-play, The Daily Grind

Vanguard - Dread knight flying mount

So 2012 is shaping up to be a great year for MMO fans. There are a ton of new and interesting titles coming out in the next little while, and even forgotten games like Vanguard are getting some love. Now that Sony Online Entertainment is devoting dev resources to Brad McQuaid's beloved (yet strangely abandoned) 2007 themepark, it's probably time to find another MMO to take over that Rodney Dangerfield slot in our collective consciousness.

You know, the MMO that gets no respect.

It's a fantastic game, yet no one plays it. And if its devs would just pay it a little bit of attention, it would knock the socks right off the rest of the genre. So how about it, Massively morning crew? Which MMO doesn't get the respect it deserves?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

The Daily Grind: Which MMO doesn't get the respect it deserves? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindf2pfantasyfree-to-playno-respectopinionrespectrodney-dangerfieldsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttdgtelonthe-daily-grindvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 03 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE showers Vanguard loyalists with gifts]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/28/soe-showers-vanguard-loyalists-with-gifts/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/28/soe-showers-vanguard-loyalists-with-gifts/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/28/soe-showers-vanguard-loyalists-with-gifts/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Vanguard, Free-to-play, Promotions

Vanguard

While many newcomers to Telon might be checking out Vanguard for the first time when it goes free-to-play this summer, loyal subscribers wondered, "What do we get, apart from an influx of newbie chat questions?" To that, SOE replied: "GIFTS. And lots of them."

The studio announced a series of loyalty rewards for current subscribers that can be grabbed in-game by going to a Herald of Telon in a major city. The first rewards are a "Loyal" title, a Banshee pet, and a Bracelet of Lucky Charms.

Currently only players on Halgar can obtain these rewards, with Telon's inhabitants gaining access tomorrow. Each set of rewards will only be available for a limited time, with more sets to come between now and the F2P relaunch.

SOE showers Vanguard loyalists with gifts originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bansheebanshee-petf2pfantasyfree-to-playgiftgiftsloyalty-programloyalty-rewardslucky-charmsrewardssandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmentsubscriber-giftstelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesveteran-rewardsvgWed, 28 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE answers Vanguard free-to-play questions]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/27/soe-answers-vanguard-free-to-play-questions/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/27/soe-answers-vanguard-free-to-play-questions/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/27/soe-answers-vanguard-free-to-play-questions/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Business models, Interviews, Vanguard, Free-to-play, Massively Interviews

Vanguard screenshot

With the recent announcement from Sony Online Entertainment that Vanguard: Saga of Heroes will be going free-to-play sometime this summer, questions immediately began to surface. How will it effect current players? Will it be anything like the other free-to-play titles that SOE runs? Well, we were as curious as anyone else, so we fired off a few questions to SOE in the hopes of snagging some more insight into the transformation.

We received our answers from Andy Sites, Director of Development, and the ever-familiar Salim Grant, Creative Director.

It's an exciting time to be a Vanguard player, but will putting a free title on a game that has struggled in the past make any difference? Time will tell. In the meanwhile, click past the cut to check out what SOE had to say!

Continue reading SOE answers Vanguard free-to-play questions

SOE answers Vanguard free-to-play questions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy-sitesbeau-hindmancash-shopconversionf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playftpinterviewinterviewslive-gamerMicrotransactionssalim-grasalim-grantsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 27 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah!]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/27/massively-speaking-episode-194-bookah-bookah/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/27/massively-speaking-episode-194-bookah-bookah/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/27/massively-speaking-episode-194-bookah-bookah/#commentsFiled under: Podcasts, Star Trek Online, Vanguard, Guild Wars 2, Massively Meta, Humor, World of Darkness, Massively Speaking, Runes of Magic, Miscellaneous

Vanguard

Massively Speaking Episode 194 welcomes aboard resident Star Trek Online expert Terilynn Shull to talk about Tribbles and bits and why Star Trek doesn't have more "The Fly" incidents involving the transporter and local flora or fauna. Captain Archer would have been vastly improved by beaming him into a badger.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:

Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah!

Massively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbrantbrianna-royceccpccp-gamesend-of-nationseonf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivegothicguild-wars-2gw2horrorhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmmortsncsoftopinionpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespodcastpodcastingpodcastsromrtsrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsupernaturaltaboreatelontriontrion-worldsvampirevampiresvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarwhite-wolfwodworld-of-darknessTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 194Massively.com Staff01:05:44podcasts'; listPost['ItunesChannelHTML'] = 'Shawn Schuster and Rubi BayerMassively Speaking is your weekly look into the latest issues concerning MMOs. Join your hosts Shawn and Rubi, along with various members of the Massively staff and industry professionals, for insight and commentary involving all things massively, multiplayer and online<![CDATA[Vanguard going free-to-play this summer, beefs up dev team]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/21/vanguard-going-free-to-play-this-summer-beefs-up-dev-team/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/21/vanguard-going-free-to-play-this-summer-beefs-up-dev-team/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/21/vanguard-going-free-to-play-this-summer-beefs-up-dev-team/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Business models, Vanguard, Free-to-play

Vanguard

With Sony Online Entertainment's heavy free-to-play push these past couple of years, Vanguard players hoped that they would not be overlooked by their digital overlord. Breathe easier, heroes, for this summer will bring thee and thine a F2P Vanguard -- and a big push for further game development!

While specifics about the F2P conversion are hazy at the moment, SOE says that players should look to its work with previous MMO F2P adaptations (such as the recently relaunched EverQuest) for an idea how things will go down in Vanguard town.

It's not just going to be a token change for this mostly forgotten title; SOE says that it has assembled a new team of Vanguard-loving devs to generate more frequent updates, including "general improvements and new content." The game's previous update was this past December. Coming on board to shape the future of the game are Director of Development Andy Sites, Creative Director Salim Grant, and Technical Director Todd Schmidt.

The announcement concludes with a promise for team spotlights, more information on F2P, and development discussion to come in the near future.

Vanguard going free-to-play this summer, beefs up dev team originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andy-Siteseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playSalim-Grantsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonTodd-Schmidtvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgWed, 21 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Clever ideas]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/02/23/the-perfect-ten-clever-ideas/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/23/the-perfect-ten-clever-ideas/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/23/the-perfect-ten-clever-ideas/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, City of Heroes, EVE Online, Guild Wars, Game mechanics, Warhammer Online, Opinion, Star Wars Galaxies, Star Trek Online, Vanguard, Guild Wars 2, Humor, RIFT, TERA, Perfect Ten, Miscellaneous

Perfect Ten

I'm a sucker for a good, clever idea. You know the type: the ideas that make you slap yourself on the forehead and shout, "Why didn't I think of that first?" Or for the less humble of us out there, "Why, I did think of that first! But I got lost on the way to the patent office and I'm pretty sure that someone stole my dream journal to pilfer my genius notions!"

While critics point their fingers at the MMO industry and proclaim it a barren wasteland of innovation, there are quite a few awesome -- if small -- ideas that bubble up in MMO and move the genre forward. Maybe they're teeny-tiny baby steps; maybe they're giant hopscotch leaps over the six-spot with the rock in the middle. But these ideas can and have had the power to change how these games are made and played.

So this week I'm saluting 10 clever ideas, both large and diminutive, as a reward for a job well done!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Clever ideas

The Perfect Ten: Clever ideas originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aoe-lootaoe-lootingarea-of-effect-lootingcity-of-heroesclever-ideascohdiplomacydiplomacy-systemdoffdoodlingdungeon-finderduty-officer-systementertainereveeve-onlineexamplarexemplaringfeaturedglitchguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2listlistsminimapoverflow-serverperfect-10perfect-tenriftsidekicksidekick-systemsidekickingstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicstoswgswtorterathe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentome-of-knowledgevanguardwarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 23 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Vanguard fifth anniversary year-in-review]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/30/a-vanguard-fifth-anniversary-year-in-review/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/30/a-vanguard-fifth-anniversary-year-in-review/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/30/a-vanguard-fifth-anniversary-year-in-review/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, MMO industry, Patches, News items, Vanguard

Vanguard screenshot

It's that time again -- time to look back on a year of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes and see what changed and what stayed exactly the same. The game is now five years old, and the last year has been relatively exciting for the community. Vanguard is just one of those titles that seems to want to last forever. The playerbase is loyal, mature, and truly dedicated to this aging title. Will the players' efforts pay off?

We took a look back on the last year to see what the larger announcements were. There were some surprises and even updates (yes, actual updates to the game), something that is still affecting the community. While other games might publish monthly or even weekly updates, the Vanguard players are the camels of the greater MMO community and have learned to live off very little development fuel.

Bear in mind that as I type this, an update is being played through on the test server.

Continue reading A Vanguard fifth anniversary year-in-review

A Vanguard fifth anniversary year-in-review originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybeau-hindmanbirthdaycorpse-runningdeath-mechaniceqeverquestf2pfan-fairefeaturedfree-to-playftphardcorelive-gamerpatchesretrospectivesilium-grantsiliusSOESony-Online-EntertainmentupdatesvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesMon, 30 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Make a wish and blow out the candles: Vanguard celebrates five years]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/23/make-a-wish-and-blow-out-the-candles-vanguard-celebrates-five-y/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/23/make-a-wish-and-blow-out-the-candles-vanguard-celebrates-five-y/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/23/make-a-wish-and-blow-out-the-candles-vanguard-celebrates-five-y/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Contests, Events, in-game, Vanguard

Vanguard

In the midst of the cold winds of January, it's the warmth of the Winter Solstice that keeps Vanguard players alive and happy. With Vanguard's fifth anniversary here at last, SOE is blowing on the coals of this simmering MMO in the hopes of raising the flames of community interest.

First up is the Winter Solstice in-game event, which started on January 21st. Players can participate by locating the event NPC in New Targonor. On next Sunday, the 29th, the Vanguard CMs will be throwing an anniversary bash and handing out gifts on the Telon server starting at 1:00 p.m. EST.

SOE's also throwing a Facebook contest to give away one of five in-game items. Interested parties are encouraged to head over to Vanguard's Facebook page for more information on how to enter.

Massively will also be on the scene for Vanguard's fifth celebration this weekend with two special livestreams on Massively TV, so stay tuned!

Make a wish and blow out the candles: Vanguard celebrates five years originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestfacebookfifth-anniversaryin-game-eventlivestreammassively-tvsaga-of-heroessoeSony-Online-Entertainmentvanguardwinter-solsticeMon, 23 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Super-hero, Aion, Anarchy Online, City of Heroes, Darkfall, Dofus, EVE Online, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Fallen Earth, Final Fantasy XI, Flyff, Lord of the Rings Online, PlanetSide, Ryzom, Wurm Online, Opinion, Second Life, Star Trek Online, Ultima Online, Vanguard, RuneScape, Free-to-play, Virtual worlds, Mabinogi, Mortal Online, Wizard101, Runes of Magic, DC Universe Online, RIFT, Xsyon, Family, Post-Apocalyptic, Some Assembly Required, Sandbox

Some Assembly Required header

If you are perusing this column, chances are you are a fan of virtual worlds and the sandbox genre. Join the club! (Dues will be due on the third Tuesday.) The aspect that compels many aficionados to delve into a game is the ability to make an impact on the world in some small respect instead of making them into Hive Member 1593072 running a static, predetermined gauntlet. How that impact is accomplished, however, varies; there are multiple features that can facilitate it, and which ones are considered most important depends on the player.

With the loss of one of the best sandbox games just last month, some players may be feeling a void. Others still are looking/hoping for the "ultimate" sandbox that contains nearly every virtual world feature. Certainly, there are some upcoming games that make some drool-worthy promises, but what about playing something now? There are actually games out on the market that have at least one aspect of the genre, if not more.

To start off the new year, Some Assembly Required looks at some of the top features of virtual worlds and lists games that incorporate these features. While this list isn't exhaustive (considering the sheer number of games when you include all of the smaller free-to-play titles, I'd run out of column space!), it is a comprehensive enough overview to point you toward some games worth playing that perhaps you hadn't considered before.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup

Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaionaion-gameAnarchy-Onlineaocccpccp-eveccp-gameschampions-onlinecharacter-creationcharacter-customizationcity-of-heroescocohcraft-of-godscraft-of-the-godscraftingcrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkfalleden-eternaleq-1eq-2eq-ieq-iieveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineever-quest-1ever-quest-2ever-quest-iever-quest-iieverquest-1everquest-2everquest-ieverquest-iifallen-earthfeaturedfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiflyffFuncomglitchguild-housinghousingking-of-kings-3liden-labs-second-lifelinden-labslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroluna-onlinemabinogimission-architectnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionnotorious-gamesparagonparagon-cohparagon-studioesplanetsideplayer-generated-contentplayer-generated-missionsplayer-housingplayer-run-economyrunescapeRyzomsecond-lifesecond-life-linden-labsslsl-liden-labssoe-eq-1soe-eq-2soe-eq-isoe-eq-iisome-assembly-requiredsony-eq-1sony-eq-2sony-eq-isony-eq-iisquare-enixst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotrek-onlineturbineTurbine-EntertainmentUltima-OnlineUOvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvirtual-worldwar-of-the-immortalswizard-101xbox-360XsyonFri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanguard content update to feature new dungeon, golden path, and more]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/11/18/vanguard-content-update-to-feature-new-dungeon-golden-path-and/http://www.massively.com/2011/11/18/vanguard-content-update-to-feature-new-dungeon-golden-path-and/http://www.massively.com/2011/11/18/vanguard-content-update-to-feature-new-dungeon-golden-path-and/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Patches, News items, Vanguard, Dungeons

Vanguard - Kojani unicorns

Holy smokes, it's a Vanguard content update! No, really. Sony Online Entertainment has just delighted fans of its long-neglected fantasy themepark with a post on the official boards that outlines some nifty changes coming in the near future.

In addition to a new thirteen-boss dungeon called the City of Brass, the devs are also cranking out overland raid bosses, removing the game's corpse recovery mechanics, and easing the leveling experience. There's also a blurb about increased drop rates and a "golden path" via the game's riftways that will guide players to the ideal adventuring areas for their level.

There's no date on all the goodies as of yet, but the post says that SOE is "getting close" to migrating the patch to Vanguard's test server. Head to the official forums to see for yourself.

Vanguard content update to feature new dungeon, golden path, and more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-brasscontent-updatecorpse-recoverydungeonsexperience-curvefantasygolden-pathoverland-raid-bosssoeSony-Online-EntertainmenttelonvanguardwooFri, 18 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Flying high]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/09/23/one-shots-flying-high/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/23/one-shots-flying-high/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/23/one-shots-flying-high/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Vanguard, One Shots

Vanguard screenshot

Vanguard: Saga of Heroes offers its players a wide variety of mounts, including several with the ability to take flight. Massively reader Korvin took advantage of this to add to our One Shots lineup:

This is the Kojan archipelago, and the place is Jalen's crossing, not so far from Caia'l Brael, the starting place for Wood Elf and Raki races. Here you can hire a flying pegasus to get yourself to Arks of Harmony (the group of floating islands in the screenshot). Jalen's Crossing is a gigantic bridge that connects Youthgreen island with the eastern islands and was built and protected by Raki. Raki are a foxlike race whose members fled their homeland after it was destroyed by the Ulvari. The Arks of Harmony became their safe haven and a place to store important information on how to protect themselves from future threats.

We're all about looking up this week on One Shots! Show us your favorite aerial image -- whether it be taken from the ground looking up or from atop a high-flying mount or tall perch, we want to see!

Next week we're throwing the ball back to you. There's no theme and no requirement; just send us your favorite screenshots and tell us why you love them. Add your name and a little bit about the image, send it in to oneshots@massively.com, and we'll feature it in this week's One Shots!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

One Shots: Flying high originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galleriesgalleryone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssoeSony-Online-EntertainmentvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesFri, 23 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE's services disrupted by massive California blackout [Updated]]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/09/08/soes-services-disrupted-by-massive-california-blackout/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/08/soes-services-disrupted-by-massive-california-blackout/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/08/soes-services-disrupted-by-massive-california-blackout/#commentsFiled under: EverQuest, EverQuest II, Pirates of the Burning Sea, PlanetSide, Events, real-world, Star Wars Galaxies, Vanguard, Free Realms, DC Universe Online, Miscellaneous

A massive power outage that is affecting southern California this evening has severely hampered Sony Online Entertainment's services. The outage, which began during the late afternoon, has cut power to millions in San Diego, southern Orange County, and Palm Springs, as well as sections of Mexico across the border.

Because of this interruption, some of SOE's MMOs and websites have gone offline, as SOE's servers are located in San Diego. The company sent a brief note over Twitter and Facebook saying that players might not want to hold their breath at regaining these services tonight: "The San Diego power outage could persist throughout the night affecting login servers, forums, and websites. We appreciate everyone's patience as the City attempts to restore power."

According to authorities, power is expected to be restored by Friday.

[Update: Some of SOE's services, such as EverQuest II, Pirates of the Burning Sea, and Clone Wars Adventures, appear to be back up and running.]

Update #2: SOE tweeted the following on Friday morning: "We appreciate everyone's patience during the recent power outage. Power has been restored and all services should be back online."]

[Source: Twitter]

SOE's services disrupted by massive California blackout [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011-blackoutblackoutmmo-offlinenewsofflinepower-outagesan-diego-blackoutsoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 08 Sep 2011 21:34:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Non-vanilla server rulesets]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/09/08/the-perfect-ten-non-vanilla-server-rulesets/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/08/the-perfect-ten-non-vanilla-server-rulesets/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/08/the-perfect-ten-non-vanilla-server-rulesets/#commentsFiled under: Age of Conan, Asheron's Call, City of Heroes, Dark Age of Camelot, Darkfall, Dofus, EVE Online, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Fallen Earth, Lord of the Rings Online, Ultima Online, Vanguard, Shadowbane, Humor, Perfect Ten, Miscellaneous

Perfect Ten

I've always thought that rulesets are a golden opportunity for MMO developers to get creative with their products and try something fresh and exciting. Unfortunately, most every MMO these days, new and old, adheres to the four "vanilla" rulesets that have been in place since Pong. You have your default PvE, your same-as-PvE-except-we-have-a-naming-policy PvE-RP, and the two player vs. player variants: PvP and PvP-RP.

Those are all well and good, but... y'know... couldn't rulesets be used to create fascinating variations on these games? It turns out that yes, yes they can.

While the vanilla rulesets are the vast majority, there does exist a group of fringe rulesets that dared to walk the different patch, er, path and made versions of MMOs that are a bold and refreshing flavor. Like blue! Sometimes these new rulesets were whipped up to inject new life into an aging title, giving players a valid reason to come back and see the game from a different perspective.

In this week's Perfect Ten, we're going to check out just how wild 'n' wacky server rulesets can get!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Non-vanilla server rulesets

The Perfect Ten: Non-vanilla server rulesets originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5150acage-of-conanasherons-callblood-and-glorycity-of-heroescodemasterscohcooperativedaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkfalldofuseqeqiieqmaceveeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-iiexchangefallen-earthfeaturedffafree-for-allheroiclandrovallord-of-the-rings-onlineloreplaylotroperfect-10perfect-tenpermadeathplanes-of-powerprogressionpvproleplay-encouragedrperule-setrulesetrulesetsserverserver-rulesserversshadowbaneshardshardssiege-perilousstation-exchangesubscriber-onlythe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenturbineultima-onlineuovanguardvip-onlyThu, 08 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Labor Day weekend brings bonus XP weekends to all]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/09/02/labor-day-weekend-brings-bonus-xp-weekends-to-all/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/02/labor-day-weekend-brings-bonus-xp-weekends-to-all/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/02/labor-day-weekend-brings-bonus-xp-weekends-to-all/#commentsFiled under: EverQuest II, Events, in-game, Warhammer Online, News items, Vanguard, Champions Online, Miscellaneous

Screenshot -- Labor Day Weekend, 1882. Yes, it's a screenshot. Shh.

Labor Day weekend is upon us, and EverQuest II, Champions Online, Warhammer Online, and Vanguard are all getting in on the festivities. In addition to celebrating Labor Day, Champions will be celebrating its two year anniversary by giving players gift boxes, party favors, and new costume pieces.

Meanwhile, Warhammer Online is keeping it simple with a 50% XP and RP bonus for all players. Vanguard players get bonus experience as well, whether it's of the crafting, adventuring, or diplomacy variety. EverQuest II is also providing bonus experience -- double experience, to be exact -- for AA, tradeskill, and adventuring experience. If you're a regular of any one of these games, or if you just want to pop in to see what the fuss is about, it sounds like this weekend is the right time to do it.

See something we missed on our list of Labor Day weekend events? Tell us in the comments!

[Update: Commenter Furdinand reminded us that Star Wars: The Old Republic's beta test weekends began today, and commenter Dartanis points out that RIFT's half-birthday celebration continues throughout the weekend, providing players with a wealth of bonuses.]

Labor Day weekend brings bonus XP weekends to all originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonus-experiencebonus-experience-weekendchampionschampions-2nd-anniversarychampions-onlinechampions-online-2nd-anniversarydouble-experiencedouble-experience-weekendeverquest-2everquest-iilabor-daylabor-day-weekendvanguardwarhammerwarhammer-onlineFri, 02 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanguard goes on a bug bash with a new update]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/08/10/vanguard-goes-on-a-bug-bash-with-a-new-update/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/10/vanguard-goes-on-a-bug-bash-with-a-new-update/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/10/vanguard-goes-on-a-bug-bash-with-a-new-update/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Bugs, Patches, Vanguard

Vanguard

If you're rubbing your eyes in disbelief, fret not, you're hardly alone. After a sea of silence from the Vanguard team, the struggling MMO is getting its first update in a very long time -- since January 2010, as a matter of fact.

This "bug bash" update is precisely what it says: a patch dedicated to fixing a number of troublesome errors in the game. These changes will impact the UI, repeatable events, items, abilities, and quests.

While the patch itself would be seen as a routine update in any other game, the fact that Vanguard players are seeing something after all this time is cause to celebrate. A month ago Sony Online Entertainment promised the community that it hadn't forgotten about Vanguard, so hopefully this patch is an indicator that the company plans to make good on its promise to support and expand the game.

Vanguard goes on a bug bash with a new update originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugbug-bashbug-fixesbugsfan-faire-2011game-updatepatchsoesony-online-entertainmentupdatevanguardWed, 10 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST