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[Wurm Online website down after SQL attack]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/05/11/wurm-online-website-down-after-sql-attack/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/11/wurm-online-website-down-after-sql-attack/http://www.massively.com/2012/05/11/wurm-online-website-down-after-sql-attack/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The old Wurm Online website
Wurm Online's familiar greenish-brown website has been replaced by a stark reminder of the oft-unsavory nature of the internet. The game itself is in perfect working order, but the forums, blog, wiki, and main website were all compromised by an SQL injection attack discovered yesterday by Wurm's three-man dev team.

All of the affected pages have since been removed, and the Wurm team is currently deciding on a PHP-free solution for its web presence going forward. The news blurb on the temporary front page says that the decision will likely come next week. In the meantime, fans can keep up with developer happenings via Tumblr and the MMORPG.com forums.

Wurm is an open-world sandbox MMO that was developed in Java. It originally launched in 2006.

[Thanks to Bob for the tip!]

MassivelyWurm Online website down after SQL attack originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>code-clubf2pfantasyfree-to-playsandboxwurmwurm-onilne-sql-injectionwurm-onlinewurm-online-sql-hackwurm-website-hackedFri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: Wurm Online]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/02/15/why-i-play-wurm-online/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/15/why-i-play-wurm-online/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/15/why-i-play-wurm-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Wurm Online village
The thing about MMOs is that most of them are terrible. There, I said it.

Here at Massively, we're exposed to more MMOs than we could ever possibly play to the point of complete enjoyment. We play some for First Impressions articles, we play some for livestreaming, and we play some to see what all the hype is about, but these are often very different games than the ones we sit down to enjoy at the end of the day.

That's why I wanted to start this series of articles called Why I Play. Just like The Soapbox articles, Why I Play will be a weekly column penned by various members of the Massively staff. We'll talk about which games we enjoy the most and what it is about these MMOs that keep us hooked so passionately. These aren't reviews; they're not guides or lists of features; and they're not based on any kind of launch-day deadline. We're not selling you anything, and we don't expect you to agree with us. These articles will simply be a personal ode to our favorite MMOs.

So follow along as I kick things off with what has been my favorite MMO for probably the last 18 months: Wurm Online.

Continue reading Why I Play: Wurm Online

MassivelyWhy I Play: Wurm Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>code-clubopinionwhy-i-playwurmwurm-is-waitingwurm-onlineWed, 15 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wurm Online client update brings proximity voice chat, UI update, and more]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/26/wurm-online-client-update-brings-proximity-voice-chat/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/26/wurm-online-client-update-brings-proximity-voice-chat/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/26/wurm-online-client-update-brings-proximity-voice-chat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Wurm Online
The latest client update to Code Club AB's construction-oriented sandbox title Wurm Online brings a cornucopia of new features to the game, but perhaps none so interesting as the addition of proximity voice chat. That's right, players will now be able to vocally communicate with any players in the immediate vicinity without the use of third-party applications like Ventrilo or Mumble. Have you ever wanted to gather up your village group, sit around a fire, and tell stories or just enjoy a bit of idle banter? Maybe typing "oh god help there's a rabid pachyderm devouring my face" just isn't expedient enough when there's a rabid pachyderm devouring your face. Either way, players now have access to proximity voice chat, an updated UI, and much more.

For the full details on the latest client update, just click on through the link below to Wurm Online's official site.

MassivelyWurm Online client update brings proximity voice chat, UI update, and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>client-updateclient-update-3.1client-updatescode-clubcode-club-abf2pfree-to-playin-game-voice-chatproximity-chatproximity-voice-chatsandboxsandboxesuiupdateupdate-3.1updatesuser-interfacevoice-chatwurmwurm-onlineThu, 26 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part one)]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/12/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-one/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/12/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-one/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/12/the-perfect-ten-best-mmo-theme-songs-part-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
As I've well established both here on Massively and elsewhere, I'm somewhat of a nut for video game music. Whereas others might collect vintage hair metal tracks or the latest Justin Bieber opus, I'm always digging through obscure (and not-so-obscure) official soundtracks to games like Wipeout and Kirby. Video game scores can be right up there with the best that the film industry puts out, and the fact that they tie into personal experiences that we've played through can lend them sentimental weight.

So for the next two Perfect Tens, I scoured all the MMO theme songs that I could get ahold of in an attempt to formulate a list of the very best. It was originally slated to be just one list, but after an hour or so of listening to tracks and having friends and fellow staffers weigh in on the subject, I knew it was impossible to keep it there.

Two important things to note for this list. First, I wanted to keep to just the title/login screen tracks so that I wouldn't be working on this for the next 2.5 years. Second, unlike most past Perfect Tens where there's no significance to the order of the list, in this case we're going to have a genuine countdown to the best MMO theme song of all time. And I expect to take no flak about it, do you hear me? Good. Let's begin.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part one)

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part one) originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanbiowareblade-and-souldarkfalldarkfall-onlinefeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xiharry-potterlistmabinogimusicNobuo-Uematsuperfect-10perfect-tenpiratespirates-of-the-burning-searunescapescorestar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthemetheme-musictitle-musictop-10top-20transformerstwilightwizard101wurm-onlineThu, 12 Jan 2012 13:00:00 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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

MassivelySome 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[Wurm Online answers your Epic questions]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/10/27/wurm-online-answers-your-epic-questions/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/27/wurm-online-answers-your-epic-questions/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/27/wurm-online-answers-your-epic-questions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Wurm Online
Are you a Wurm Online player looking for a sense of purpose? Well, look no further than the game's Epic servers, which went live today. Not sure what Wurm Epic is? Well, you're in luck once more because over at the game's official site, Code Club CEO Rolf Jansson has posted an FAQ that covers everything you need to know about the new game type.

The basic concept is this: Players both new and old can take a portal from the main game world to the Epic servers. From there, they will be stripped of all their items and skills, though they will retain all gold in their banks. After that, it's the duty of the players to build and defend kingdoms, which in turn further the goals of their gods on the moon of Valrei. Gods, in turn, have the ability to "reshape the world or spawn creature invasions as a result of how well they achieve their goals." For the full, detailed FAQ, head on over to the game's official site.

MassivelyWurm Online answers your Epic questions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicf2pfaqfree-to-playonetoofreeonetoofree-abrolf-janssonwurmwurm-epicwurm-onlinewurm-online-epicThu, 27 Oct 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wurm Online's studio changes its moniker]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/10/12/wurm-onlines-studio-changes-its-moniker/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/12/wurm-onlines-studio-changes-its-moniker/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/12/wurm-onlines-studio-changes-its-moniker/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Code Club
It may be a new name, but it's the same old team. The makers of Wurm Online have changed their studio name from Onetoofree to the more alliterative Code Club.

According to the website, the name Onetoofree was always intended to be a temporary one and was too annoying to relay to people vocally (as you'd always have to spell it out). The old title also gave no strong impression as to what the studio was like or did.

Code Club fits the team's visions and is aiming to be identified as an "exotic-style" company. After all, according to its site the company serves "hot coffee and cold drinks in our spacious jungle lounge." Because the name change hurts the company's Google rankings, the studio asked that everyone in the world -- or at least dedicated fans -- start Googling "Code Club" instead.

MassivelyWurm Online's studio changes its moniker originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>code-clubcode-club-abgooglegooglingjungle-loungename-changeonetwofreeonetwofree-abwurmwurm-onlineWed, 12 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wurm's epic cluster coming October 28th]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/10/04/wurms-epic-cluster-coming-october-28th/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/04/wurms-epic-cluster-coming-october-28th/http://www.massively.com/2011/10/04/wurms-epic-cluster-coming-october-28th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Wurm Online - moon shot
Onetwofree's latest news blurb features some good news for fans of the the firm's long-running Wurm Online sandbox MMO. The game's new epic cluster is officially set to debut on October 28th, and lead developer Rolf Jansson is among those psyched about the launch date. "The epic code is something I've been working on for several years, and it feels really good to finally release it," he says.

Epic's aim is to "provide the players with a full circle of purpose and something really big to strive for," according to the Wurm website. The cluster features warring gods duking it out on the moon of Valrei, and players who complete missions (and multi-mission arcs called scenarios) will set dramatic events in motion.

What kinds of dramatic events? The release mentions terraforming events tied to volcanoes as well as the chance for players to become demigods and possibly even full deities complete with their own religion and a stake in the celestial battle royal.

MassivelyWurm's epic cluster coming October 28th originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-clusterfantasymission-arcsmissionsonetwofreeonetwofree-abplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpress-releaserolf-janssonsandboxscenarioswurmwurm-onlineTue, 04 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wurm Online inviting players to Exodus]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/09/13/wurm-online-inviting-players-to-exodus/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/13/wurm-online-inviting-players-to-exodus/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/13/wurm-online-inviting-players-to-exodus/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Next update - the horses learn to fight one another.
In a game like Wurm Online, fresh lands are important. After all, the game places so much emphasis on setting up your own homestead in the untamed wilderness that you find yourself a bit out in the cold if the land is already developed. This was part of what led to the opening of the game's first new server, Deliverance, but the response of the playerbase has been so overwhelming that the development team is doing the time warp again.

According to the development team, a new land named Exodus is being added just south of Deliverance. It's intended to give players a new chance to get involved with building in fertile lands untouched by human expansion, and it's set to go live on Thursday at 1 p.m. EDT. For those of you recalling the issues with the earlier server opening, the team hopes that the new region will open without problem. So get ready to go... well, south, young man, because the lands there are ripe for the taking.

[Source: Wurm Online press release]

MassivelyWurm Online inviting players to Exodus originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areasf2pfree-to-playlandslandscapenew-areasnew-zonesnewsopeningregionssandboxserversupcoming-launcheswurmwurm-onlineTue, 13 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Is the sandbox dead?]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/09/02/some-assembly-required-is-the-sandbox-dead/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/02/some-assembly-required-is-the-sandbox-dead/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/02/some-assembly-required-is-the-sandbox-dead/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - header with plans
Let's face it, folks, 2011 has been a fairly bad year for sandbox MMORPGs. Whether we're talking about the premature (and, ahem, forced) demise of Star Wars Galaxies, EVE Online's public relations disasters and its capitulation to the cash-shop-in-a-sub-based game fad, or Earthrise's rough launch, there hasn't been a lot to celebrate for fans of non-linear MMO gameplay in quite a while.

I've even had several friends ask me point blank: Is the sandbox dead? The short answer is not just no, but hell no. Join me after the cut for a few bright spots as we look to the future, take stock of the present, and try to forget about the past.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Is the sandbox dead?

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Is the sandbox dead? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertasherons-callavataravatar-creationsaventurinecraftingdarkfalldawntideearthriseemergent-gameplayeveeve-onlinefeaturedis-the-sandbox-deadmastheadmasthead-studiosopinionperpetuumplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsandboxsandbox-optionssome-assembly-requiredstar-wars-galaxiesswgturbineultimaultima-onlineuoworking-as-intendedwurmwurm-onlinexsyonFri, 02 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wurm Online to open new PvE server 'Deliverance' -- commence land rush!]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/08/30/wurm-online-to-open-new-pve-server-deliverance-commence-lan/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/30/wurm-online-to-open-new-pve-server-deliverance-commence-lan/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/30/wurm-online-to-open-new-pve-server-deliverance-commence-lan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Creepy Deliverance kid
Wurm Online, the classic sandbox MMO partially crafted from the mind of Minecraft's Notch, has announced today that it will open up another Freedom PvE server on September 6th. This server will be the first time new virgin land has been available in the game for years, setting the stage for an exciting land rush.

The server will be named Deliverance (oh, now you get the header image), and will only be accessible through the tutorial portal or the southern edge of the existing Freedom Independence server. So if you're interested in scoping out the newest and best land for your Wurm Online village, get your settlement token ready at 12 p.m EDT on the 6th and good luck!

MassivelyWurm Online to open new PvE server 'Deliverance' -- commence land rush! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deliverancefreedomindependenceland-rushMojang-Specificationsnotchonetwofree-abrolfRolf Pottsserverwurm-onlineTue, 30 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: On a grand scale]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/08/06/one-shots-on-a-grand-scale/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/06/one-shots-on-a-grand-scale/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/06/one-shots-on-a-grand-scale/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Wurm Online is center stage again for today's One Shots, and today's entry illustrates the huge scale available for player-created content. This one is a submission from two Massively readers, Acesfury and Shoden, co-mayors of the city of New Eminence:
Sorry I couldn't make it a single screenshot, but it's simply too big a place to fit in one image. New Eminence was constructed at the opening of the Freedom server over two years ago. Myself and two others decided the top of the island would be a great place for our new city.

However, going from the bottom to top and vice versa wasn't an easy task. This simple fact required the construction of the Eminence Ramp simply to give us better access. Since we had already planted the city up top we built the ramp from the top down and really had no idea how large it was going to become. The hill side was all forest, you couldn't see how high we actually were. It took over 400hrs by two players over a six-week period to complete the ramp and open up access.

The Upper City has gone through many reincarnations and reconstructions finally coming the the final version (shown in screen #2). With the excess dirt being generated at the city by all the changes we carted it down and built the port at the base of the ramp to better store and secure our ships. The port is over 30,000 units of dirt to push the land out into the water and create the wharves shown.
The alternate views of New Eminence can be seen after the jump. We've got one day left in Some Assembly Required week, so if you've haven't gotten around to sending an image of your favorite creation, the time is now!

Next week's theme is pop culture in MMOs. Developers sneak references in all over games, whether it be via NPCs, quests, or items, and we want to see your favorites. Grab a screenshot, tell us a bit about what it is, and send it to oneshots@massively.com. We'll be featuring the best of these next week.

Continue reading One Shots: On a grand scale

MassivelyOne Shots: On a grand scale originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryone-shotsplayer-created-contentsandboxscreenshotscreenshotswurm-onlineSat, 06 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Remembering when]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/08/05/one-shots-remembering-when/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/05/one-shots-remembering-when/http://www.massively.com/2011/08/05/one-shots-remembering-when/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One of the great things about large-scale player-created content is that it continually evolves. Our very own Beau shared an image for today's One Shots that illustrates that perfectly:
When I look at this older screenshot of Massively's Wurm Online village, it makes me smile. It wasn't so long ago that the hard working citizens of Hindmania (the official name of the village) planned out a boat dock and started building boats.

Now when you approach the village you'll see several huge boats and a lot of lanterns. It's very pretty at night, and makes me feel good any time I return to it after a long voyage. That land in the background is the mainland, and when we want to visit it, the trip might take hours.
Now it's your turn to show off your items. This week's theme is Some Assembly Required -- a little nod to the newest addition to our column lineup. Some Assembly Required covers player-created content, so we want to see the best of what you've created.

We're preparing for next week's theme too: Pop culture in MMOs. Developers sneak references in all over games, whether it be via NPCs, quests, or items, and we want to see your favorites. Grab a screenshot, tell us a bit about what it is, and send it to oneshots@massively.com. We'll be featuring the best of these next week.

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Remembering when originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galleriesgalleryone-shotsplayer-created-contentscreenshotscreenshotswurm-onlineFri, 05 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: So what else can you get for 150 dollars?]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/07/27/free-for-all-so-what-else-can-you-get-for-150-dollars/http://www.massively.com/2011/07/27/free-for-all-so-what-else-can-you-get-for-150-dollars/http://www.massively.com/2011/07/27/free-for-all-so-what-else-can-you-get-for-150-dollars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Recently, fans of the upcoming MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic had the pleasure of plopping down 150 clams to pre-order a special collectors edition of their favorite game they have never played. I've seen this before, and have even pre-ordered a few in my day (I'm looking at you, giant Warhammer Online box.) Pre-orders are the oldest form of virtual goods...they were cash-shops before cash-shops appeared in every game. The funnest part is seeing hardcore cash-shop haters gladly paying huge sums of money for a robot pet or a cool looking cape. Somehow, they see it as a different thing altogether than buying a shiny mount or pink dress from in-game.

Still, I understand the impulse. I get it every time I am in the check-out lane and the new flavors of gum have been released. Even worse is when one of my favorite games releases new items in their cash shop. New mounts, housing goods, heck even new weapons or stat-increasing potions...they make me drool.

So, I decided to take a 150 dollar budget and see what I could get for it. Click past the cut and let's look at the list!

Continue reading Free for All: So what else can you get for 150 dollars?

MassivelyFree for All: So what else can you get for 150 dollars? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanbsg-onlinecash-shopcylonEQ2EverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playftpillyriadkingsisle-entertainmentlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromabinogiNexonwizard-101wurm-onlineWed, 27 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Fifty games for the mobile lifestyle]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/06/21/mmobility-fifty-games-for-the-mobile-lifestyle/http://www.massively.com/2011/06/21/mmobility-fifty-games-for-the-mobile-lifestyle/http://www.massively.com/2011/06/21/mmobility-fifty-games-for-the-mobile-lifestyle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

I like lists. Lists help keep my candy-coated brain functioning. I see so many games, devices, and developers that I need to write things down periodically or become lost. Not so long ago I made a list of 25 games for your shiny new laptop, but I wanted to update it with other devices as well. I'd like to clarify the devices I have, though, especially since it was brought to my attention that a lot of players use laptops as their primary gaming machines. When I refer to a laptop, it is far from a gaming machine and could not run games like EverQuest II or Age of Conan.

So here are some stats: I have an HTC Inspire, an iPhone 3GS, an iPad, a Phenom Triple-core PC desktop with an Nvidia 9800 card, six gigs of ram and onboard sound. My laptop is an HP G62 with an AMD Athlon II P340 dual core processor, three gigs of ram and an AMD graphics chip built in. I also have a more powerful gaming PC, but that is often referred to as "the wife's machine" around here, and it is so packed with her items that I rarely touch it. So most of these games can be run on their native devices, and if they are meant for PC, probably on netbooks as well. When I'm playing on netbooks, resolution is often the major issue. Some games just will not fit on the tiny screens without some slight modding.

Anyway, click past the cut to see the list. The first 11 are my favorites, the ones that I play often, if not every day. The rest are in no particular order, so keep that in mind as well. Remember that this year is going to be an incredible one for mobile, thanks to the new games I found at E3. So this list will change!

Continue reading MMObility: Fifty games for the mobile lifestyle

MassivelyMMObility: Fifty games for the mobile lifestyle originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landadventurequest-worldsAnarchy-Onlineasherons-callatmosphirbattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanccpcity-of-eternalsClone-Wars-Adventurescrowns-of-powerdark-orbitdark-orbit-gamesdie2niteDofusdomain-of-heroesdragon-fabledungeon-blitzeden-eternaleve-onlineeverquestf2pfeaturedfleckfree-realmsfree-to-playftpfusion-fallgilfors-talesglitchgunshineillyriadkingsisle-entertainmentlinkrealmsmabinogiMapleStorymilmoministry-of-warmiramagiaMMObilitymobilemonkey-questmonster-forestnadirimNexonorder-and-chaos-onlinepets-vs-monsterspirate-galaxypocket-legendspockie-ninjapoptropicapuzzle-piratesrunescapeshin-megami-tensei-imagine-onlineSOEspiral-knightsThreeRingstravianswakfuwizard-101World-of-WarcraftzentiaTue, 21 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Be it ever so humble...]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/05/27/one-shots-be-it-ever-so-humble/http://www.massively.com/2011/05/27/one-shots-be-it-ever-so-humble/http://www.massively.com/2011/05/27/one-shots-be-it-ever-so-humble/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Today's One Shots house comes to us from our very own Editor-in-Chief Shawn, who shows off the fun of player housing in Wurm Online. Player housing in this game might not be as flashy or shiny as in some other games, but there's a lot to be said for creating your character's home piece by piece from the ground up:
It might not look like much, but this is my humble deed in Wurm Online. While most players build in the middle of a lush forest, I started my homestead on an empty, jagged mountain cliff. After terraforming and flattening the land with shipped-in dirt from another island and then planting trees for wood and gardens for food, I built my small stone house and fencing for my new animals. There's also an extensive system of mines within the mountain, complete with two forges, an oven, storage crates, and barrels galore.
This week on One Shots is all about giving you a chance to show off your character's home, so send us a screenshot at oneshots@massively.com along with your name and the name of the game. Tell us anything you like about the decor, memorabilia, trophies, and so on, and we'll show it off here on One Shots so everyone can admire your digs!

Want to get a head start on future One Shots themes? We'll be featuring awesome mounts next week, and then weird foes. Do you have a great shot of a dancing Abaddon in Guild Wars or a nose-picking foe from Gates of Andaron? Send those in too and we'll feature them on One Shots!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Be it ever so humble... originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 May 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryhousingone-shotsonetoofree-abscreenshotscreenshotswurmwurm-onlineFri, 27 May 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: A week of scheduled playtimes]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/04/13/free-for-all-a-week-of-scheduled-playtimes/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/13/free-for-all-a-week-of-scheduled-playtimes/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/13/free-for-all-a-week-of-scheduled-playtimes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

After a loose week of playing scheduled games, I can say that I have a lot of work to do to perfect my system. Once again, Tim and Jon from the Van Hemlock podcast are my inspiration. They are both dedicated to the art of playing games, to "finishing" games, almost to the point of obsession. It's certainly not for everyone, but they seem to maintain a real balance while skipping around. Perhaps the podcast they host helps them with this balance? I've hosted several podcasts over the years, so maybe putting my weekly gaming thoughts into audio form is necessary to keeping my sanity?

In reality, what I need to do is just stick it out and stay the course. I am not sure of many things in this world, but I am positive that repetition and scheduling are more powerful than almost any plan. Humans are habitual creatures, even with their gaming. Especially with their gaming. Over this last week, I started to settle into the role of a scheduled player and even looked forward to it each night.

Click past the cut and I'll let you know how it went.

Continue reading Free for All: A week of scheduled playtimes

MassivelyFree for All: A week of scheduled playtimes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alganonbeau-hindmaneq2eq2xeqiieverquest-2everquest-2-extendedf2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-to-playftpmabinoginexonnexon-americaonetoofree-abonetwofree-abquest-onlineryzomsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentvan-hemlockwinch-gatewinch-gate-property-limitedwurm-onlineWed, 13 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Around the world in eight days: A journey in Wurm Online, part two]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/04/13/around-the-world-in-eight-days-a-journey-in-wurm-online-part-t/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/13/around-the-world-in-eight-days-a-journey-in-wurm-online-part-t/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/13/around-the-world-in-eight-days-a-journey-in-wurm-online-part-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

My journey around the world of Wurm Online continues on today through the second half of the trip. In yesterday's story, we explored the eastern and southern shores of the map's mainland, and now we get to see the western and northern shores in all their glory.

Although that southwestern-most tip of land is heavily populated, you're back to desolation when you make your way up into the cliff faces of the western shore. I spent one night in the side of a rocky mountain, only slightly protected from the elements as I chiseled my way into the rock just enough for a fire and shelter for the night. I decided to roleplay a bit during the trip, setting up proper shelter before I logged out of the game for the day. What's funny about this particular shelter is the fact that I discovered a very rare diamond only three squares into the cave. I've dug entire mazes of underground mines and never found a diamond before, so this was a sure sign that the rest of the trip was going to be bountiful. And it was! Follow along below for more.

Gallery: Around the Wurm Online world

Continue reading Around the world in eight days: A journey in Wurm Online, part two

MassivelyAround the world in eight days: A journey in Wurm Online, part two originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurearound-the-worldboatsdiaryexplorationexploreexplorerf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomgalleriesgalleryhousingjourneylogonetwofree-absandboxscreenshotstravelwurmwurm-onlineWed, 13 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Around the world in eight days: A journey in Wurm Online, part one]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/04/12/around-the-world-in-eight-days-a-journey-in-wurm-online-part-o/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/12/around-the-world-in-eight-days-a-journey-in-wurm-online-part-o/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/12/around-the-world-in-eight-days-a-journey-in-wurm-online-part-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Wurm Online is a unique MMO. I can't think of many other games that allow the freedom of Wurm, which may be why I still consider it my favorite online game to this date.

For anyone who hasn't tried the game or heard me yammer on about it on the Massively Speaking podcast, I'll explain the basics. Wurm Online is a sandbox game created to allow players unbelievable freedom. If you've played Minecraft, you have the basic premise of Wurm, but multiply that experience by about 100. In fact, Markus "Notch" Persson was the co-founder and co-creator of Wurm before moving on to Minecraft and world fame.

Wurm Online starts you off as a fairly inanimate and uncustomizable character whose goal is to simply build. Find a spot of unclaimed land, throw down a settlement token, and build to your heart's content. You cut down trees for wood, mine stone for ore, forage and fish for food, and use it all to create the world that lives within your imagination.

Continue reading Around the world in eight days: A journey in Wurm Online, part one

MassivelyAround the world in eight days: A journey in Wurm Online, part one originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>around-the-worlddiaryexplorationexplorerf2pfree-to-playfreedomjourneylogMarkus-PerssonMojang-Specificationsnotchonetoofree-abonetwofree-abrolfsandboxtravelwurmwurm-onlineTue, 12 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The healing ability of instant access]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/03/02/free-for-all-the-healing-ability-of-instant-access/http://www.massively.com/2011/03/02/free-for-all-the-healing-ability-of-instant-access/http://www.massively.com/2011/03/02/free-for-all-the-healing-ability-of-instant-access/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Recently I received a diagnosis from my doctor that did not make me happy. While it was far from a death sentence, it was still pretty heavy news. Immediately I went into information-gathering mode, scouring the internet for other people's stories and possible outcomes. If any of you have gone through this sort of thing before, you know how this type of research can actually have the opposite effect on you, only making you feel worse.

So, I decided to stop it. I had my medicine, I knew what I had to do, and I decided to concentrate on ending the speculative thinking. Worse case scenarios are just that, and life is filled with them. Worrying about what might happen in 40, 20 or even five years is sort of a waste of time. Yes, you must be prepared and need to make plans to cover any possibilities, but thinking about all those possibilities can cause stresses of their own, making the situation worse.

I had enough of it pretty quickly. I'm not a down person most of the time. I wanted to forget about it for a while, so I sat down and loaded up a game that I had been missing lately.

Click past the cut and see what I discovered.

Continue reading Free for All: The healing ability of instant access

MassivelyFree for All: The healing ability of instant access originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedfree-accessfree-to-playfreemiumftpillnessonetoofreeonetoofree-abstressstress-reductionstress-reliefwurmwurm-onlineWed, 02 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST