| Flameseeker Chronicles: The true nature of Guild Wars 2's Sylvari Posted: 15 Jul 2014 10:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Lore, Opinion, Guild Wars 2, Races, Flameseeker Chronicles, Buy-to-Play Remember last week, when I made a comment about how neat the little touches in Guild Wars 2's Gates of Maguuma release are? Stuff like a vine poking at a waypoint in Dry Top and making it spark? Hey, it was actually kind of cute! Aww, the big fella probably doesn't know what a waypoint is. Maybe he's hungry. Those aren't for snacking on, you silly vine. Right. Well, hide your Miracle-Gro because more vines are now spreading eastward across the waypoint network. As of this writing they've gotten as far as Lion's Arch, which as we all know hasn't seen enough trouble lately. Some of them have even fully entangled the floating waypoint doodlehoppers, growing larger in the process. So I may have been right about the snack part, but that doesn't exactly bode well. What exactly is going on? Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: The true nature of Guild Wars 2's Sylvari  Flameseeker Chronicles: The true nature of Guild Wars 2's Sylvari originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jul 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| The Division's director on gameplay, customization, and The Cleaners Posted: 15 Jul 2014 09:00 AM PDT Filed under: Sci-Fi, Video, Game Mechanics, Lore, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Buy-to-Play Ubisoft has released a video filmed at last month's E3 featuring The Division game director Ryan Barnard and a bunch of slick-looking footage. Barnard touches on gameplay, character customization, Clancy-style tech, and a group of baddies known as The Cleaners who take no prisoners when it comes to dealing with The Division's infected populace. Click past the cut to have a look! Continue reading The Division's director on gameplay, customization, and The Cleaners The Division's director on gameplay, customization, and The Cleaners originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jul 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Skyforge previews its Lanber Forest zone Posted: 15 Jul 2014 08:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Galleries, Screenshots, Lore, Previews, News Items, Dev Diaries, Skyforge Obsidian and Mail.ru have just unveiled Lanber Forest, a key area in the companies' upcoming sci-fantasy MMO Skyforge. Lanber Forest was once "an oasis of pristine nature" distant from industry and politics but is now overrun with a dark evil awakened by a traitorous god, along with more mundane baddies like "looters, smugglers, [and] evil men, who have decided to cash in on the grief of others." That, of course, is where you come in. Read on for the complete lore description and a few screenshots of the (damn pretty) zone. Continue reading Skyforge previews its Lanber Forest zone Skyforge previews its Lanber Forest zone originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jul 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Guild Wars 2 launches Entanglement today Posted: 15 Jul 2014 07:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Launches, Lore, Patches, Previews, News Items, PvE, Guild Wars 2, Buy-to-Play Guild Wars 2 fans, prepare yourselves for some tangly living world action today as ArenaNet launches Entanglement, episode two of the ongoing second season of the game's story content. Players will continue the established plot arc that has them joining a now-familiar cast of NPCs in the newly opened zone in the Maguuma Wastes. The lethal, fast-growing vines that have plagued the Brisban Wildlands have begun to spread. Word reaches you of trouble in the town of Prosperity, where the asuran prodigy Taimi was left alone to research the threat. Get back to Prosperity, meet up with Braham, and check in on Taimi. [...] There are secrets hidden within the newly revealed area of Dry Top, just waiting to be discovered. Learn more about the mysterious denizens lurking beyond Prospect Valley and come face-to-face with never-before-seen foes. Follow the trail you picked up in the last release and continue your search for the ley line hub. Stay wary! In Dry Top, danger and discovery go hand in hand. Don't forget that if you can't play the episode in the next two weeks, you can log into the game and save the episode for a later date. ArenaNet has also released new screenshots for the event's launch; enjoy them below. Continue reading Guild Wars 2 launches Entanglement today Guild Wars 2 launches Entanglement today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jul 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| The Daily Grind: Do you tell people you're a gamer? Posted: 15 Jul 2014 06:00 AM PDT Filed under: Culture, MMO Industry, Opinion, Massively Meta, The Daily Grind, Miscellaneous I'm not ashamed that video games are my hobby or my job, but reconciling games with the real world isn't easy. I don't volunteer details about what I do to anyone I suspect just wouldn't understand. But sometimes people ask you directly. Earlier this summer, I was in the hospital (having a baby!), and my nurses kept asking what I did for a living -- you know, just polite small talk. "I'm a journalist," I said. Few people inquire further. But one did, and I sheepishly admitted that I write about video games. "Sweet," she said, "we play consoles in my house too!" She wasn't into MMOs, but we still talked about video games for half an hour, and I felt dumb for trying to hide what I do. More than half the country plays video games, so why do we hide it? Maybe you don't, which is what I'm asking you today. Do you tell people you're a gamer? How do you reconcile your hobby with people who still think video games are for kids or weirdos?  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: Do you tell people you're a gamer? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| A look at the Legend of the Condor Heroes Zero beta Posted: 14 Jul 2014 07:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, Culture, New Titles, Opinion, Free-to-Play Age of Wushu might have a bit of competition in Perfect World's newest Wuxia-themed MMO Legend of the Condor Heroes Zero. Despite the fact that the title sounds like a bunch of random words thrown together, Steparu took a close look at the game in its current beta state to let us know what to expect. In true Steparu style, we get a very detailed look at everything from character customization to gameplay to combat and more as shown in the videos embedded after the cut. Steparu ultimately thinks the game deserves another look in a more finished stage, but you can read more impressions over at the official review page. Continue reading A look at the Legend of the Condor Heroes Zero beta A look at the Legend of the Condor Heroes Zero beta originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jul 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Not So Massively: Hearthstone's expansion fee, Elite's console potential, and Destiny's mobile app Posted: 14 Jul 2014 06:00 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-Fi, Business Models, Game Mechanics, New Titles, PvP, News Items, Mobile, MMOFPS, Miscellaneous, Not So Massively, MOBA, Diablo III, Crowdfunding, Destiny, Star Citizen, Elite: Dangerous, Infinite Crisis, Path of Exile, Buy-to-Play, Hearthstone Welcome back to No So Massively, where every Monday we round up the highlights from the past week in the world of MOBAs, roguelikes, MMOTCGs, and other games that aren't quite MMOs. Continue reading Not So Massively: Hearthstone's expansion fee, Elite's console potential, and Destiny's mobile app Not So Massively: Hearthstone's expansion fee, Elite's console potential, and Destiny's mobile app originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jul 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| SMITE showcases Serqet, Goddess of Venom Posted: 14 Jul 2014 05:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Classes, Game Mechanics, Previews, PvP, News Items, Free-to-Play, MOBA Hi-Rez Studios has just unveiled Serqet, Goddess of Venom, the latest playable deity to join SMITE's pantheon of characters. Serqet is based on the Egyptian goddess responsible for curing poisons, but this version of Serqet also dishes out venom with her nasty scorpion tail and then consumes those poison DoTs for additional damage and debuffs via her Catalyst passive. The new character joins the game tomorrow. Enjoy the lengthy character introduction video below! Continue reading SMITE showcases Serqet, Goddess of Venom SMITE showcases Serqet, Goddess of Venom originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jul 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Archlord 2 invites players to name soundtrack pieces Posted: 14 Jul 2014 04:00 PM PDT |
| Diablo III is going to China Posted: 14 Jul 2014 03:00 PM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, MMO Industry, News Items, Diablo III If you're a Diablo III fan in the US, you've been able to play the game for quite some time, delving into seas of monsters and beating your way through fields of enemies. If you're a Diablo III fan in China, you're anxiously awaiting the game to actually be released locally. So it's good news to hear that Blizzard is working with NetEase to bring the game over to China's shores. No official release dates or prices have been announced at this time, nor has any information about whether or not this release will include the Reaper of Souls expansion for the game. It seems likely that the release will include all of the upgrades the game has experienced since its 2012 launch, but even that's just speculation. NetEase is the company that has already brought World of Warcraft and StarCraft II to the nation's gaming audience, so it's likely that players can expect the game without too many delays. Diablo III is going to China originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jul 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Star Citizen's $48 million mark means a commercial for the Retaliator Posted: 14 Jul 2014 02:30 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Sandbox, Crowdfunding, Star Citizen, Buy-to-Play Move over, feathered millionaires, for Star Citizen now has more money than Scrooge McDuck. The space sim crossed the $48 million mark in crowdfunding today. The stretch goal for this particular occasion is the creation of a commercial for the Retaliator spaceship. "The symbol of the United Empire of Earth's power is the next ship to receive a slick commercial," the site posted on its stretch goals page. "Aegis Dynamics is in dire need of good publicity since the end of the of the Messer era. We currently have the Cutlass and the Constellation commercials in production and now the Retaliator will be added to that list." So what epic stretch goal reward is in store for $49 million? If players hit that milestone, then the team will add a plant to the game. But it's a Xi'An space plant, so you know you're getting your million dollars' worth. Star Citizen's $48 million mark means a commercial for the Retaliator originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jul 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| World of Warcraft turns on Gaze of the Black Prince this week Posted: 14 Jul 2014 02:00 PM PDT |
| Star Wars: The Old Republic will allow you four strongholds per legacy Posted: 14 Jul 2014 01:00 PM PDT Filed under: Sci-Fi, Expansions, News Items, Free-to-Play, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Housing, Subscription Eagle-eyed players following the development of Star Wars: The Old Republic's next major expansion, Galactic Strongholds, have probably noticed that players will have the option of deactivating a stronghold, which will incur a credit fee if players want to reactivate that stronghold in the future unless it was purchased via Cartel Coins. But why would anyone deactivate a stronghold? Is there an upkeep system? Is it tied to account activity? Eric Musco took to the forums to explain that there's no reason to retire a stronghold now... but there might be in the future. Musco makes it clear that each Legacy will be limited to four strongholds total, which at launch is equal to the number of different strongholds available. The distinction is there because if you own all four and want to pick up an additional stronghold in the future, you will need to deactivate one. So rest assured that between your four options, you will never be forced to abandon one. Star Wars: The Old Republic will allow you four strongholds per legacy originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jul 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| Camelot Unchained's use-based stat system will trade grind for immersion Posted: 14 Jul 2014 12:00 PM PDT Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Historical, Classes, Game Mechanics, Interviews, Previews, PvP, News Items, PvE, Sandbox, Crowdfunding, Camelot Unchained, MMORPG This week, the folks at City State Entertainment have a massive game mechanics infodump planned for Camelot Unchained fans as part of its " batshit-crazy" reveal week. A few weeks ago, we spoke with CSE co-founder Mark Jacobs about each of the topics being presented to backers this week on Twitch, so to coincide with today's announcements, we asked about the mechanics of the sandbox's proposed stat system. Enjoy the reveal and the interview! Massively: Can you explain the thinking behind allowing players to fall into "gotcha" builds, unwittingly creating characters that simply will not perform well in the game? By the same token, does the studio not anticipate the preset classes to result in attendant cookie cutter stat builds? CSE's Mark Jacobs: We've been very clear from the beginning of the Kickstarter that we are going to allow players to create builds that aren't 'ideal' for their class or even race selection. Now, having said this, we've also been clear we will present plenty of information so they can make informed choices. I want to give players the freedom to play a race/class/stat combination that is not ideal, but to also warn them and give them the ability to read lots of information at the same time. We are also considering giving out a limited respec after creation just in case, for example, you quickly realize trying to play a Luchorpan tank that you made as small and weak as possible wasn't a great idea. Continue reading Camelot Unchained's use-based stat system will trade grind for immersion Camelot Unchained's use-based stat system will trade grind for immersion originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| LotRO Update 14 is now live Posted: 14 Jul 2014 11:00 AM PDT Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Game Mechanics, Patches, Free-to-Play, Dev Diaries Today marks the official release of Lord of the Rings Online's Update 14, and with it comes the highly anticipated West Gondor content, as well as Epic Story Volume IV, the new Essence System, the level 100 cap, inventory tweaks, class balancing, bug fixes, and more. While none of this is a surprise to players, what did come as a surprise was some changes mentioned in executive producer Aaron "Rowan" Campbell's letter in the forums. First off, there will be no more level cap increases for this year to allow players to take their time and explore the new content. In addition, a new advancement system is being added to legendary items allowing them to grow with you without deconstruction for a new item at level cap. And lastly, the upcoming Beorning class will start at level 1 and include its own starting experience through Eriador. Be sure to check out the complete Update 14 patch notes as well as Rowan's Producer's Letter in the official forums. LotRO Update 14 is now live originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jul 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| The Nexus Telegraph: The basics of crafting a WildStar build Posted: 14 Jul 2014 10:00 AM PDT Filed under: Sci-Fi, Classes, Game Mechanics, Opinion, WildStar, The Nexus Telegraph, Subscription, Buy-to-Play There are few things I love so much as writing a column for June 30th only to find out on the 30th that the patch I'm discussing is going live on July 1st. You know, when it's too late to change anything. I really would have been happy to have found that out before the day. But, hey, WildStar's first patch came out, and now I've had a couple of weeks to explore it a bit. Am I happy with it? Sufficiently, yes, although I haven't yet digested it in full. For one month out from launch, I can't complain much. Of course, that's not the first thing that I want to talk about today. I want to talk about builds. Rather than giving you the absolute best-of-the-best builds for tanking and DPS and so forth, which I can't quite do, I want to help you figure out how to make a build that works. It's a satisfyingly interactive, and there are lots of very functional options however you choose to build your character. Continue reading The Nexus Telegraph: The basics of crafting a WildStar build The Nexus Telegraph: The basics of crafting a WildStar build originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jul 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Another contender for the living room
Comes with an in-game item
Prizes and money up for grabs
And the worst customer service award goes to...
Lightweight gaming laptop with an optical drive in tow
Not your ordinary Android slate
Gaming goodness packed into a laptop that's less than five pounds and under an inch thick
