MMO Updates

Rise and Shiny: Zandagort
Previously on MV TV: The week of March 31st
The Daily Grind: Do you like gaming conventions?
PAX East 2012: The Secret World demo
The Mog Log: Head of the newer class
Massively's Easter event roundup: 2012 edition
PAX East 2012: Guns of Icarus announces closed beta, details adventure mode
PAX East 2012: TERA hands-on
PAX East 2012: Neverwinter discussion and impressions
The Tattered Notebook: The great big news roundup
The Road to Mordor: Rise of Isengard report card

Posted: 08 Apr 2012 10:00 AM PDT

Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Video, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Casual, Rise and Shiny, Livestream

Zandagort, a very independent browser-based MMORTS by Zanda Games, really holds a lot of promise. I want to get that out of the way first. Potential, unfortunately, has nothing to do with a player's current experience with the game. No one sits at his PC or laptop and says, "Man, I sure am excited about what this game could be, so I'll keep playing." But that very potential often makes me a little depressed. Potential for good also means potential for bad; if a game is unfinished and has the chance to grow, there's likewise a very real possibility that the game could fester, lose development love, or worse yet, die on the vine. There's no guarantee that even a "AAA" massive-budget game like Star Wars: The Old Republic or RIFT will last forever or even a good amount of time. Who knows?

Usually with an indie game, if it isn't shining and picking up an audience relatively quickly, it just might be in trouble. Zandagort has an audience; I can see players in the outer reaches of space. I am not going to pass judgment on the number of players simply because indie budgets are often easily supported by a smaller playerbase, but I wonder what type of audience it is. I am open-minded and enjoy the occasional slog through an intense "spreadsheets-in-space"-style game, but Zandagort really wore down my patience.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Zandagort

Rise and Shiny: Zandagort originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Previously on MV TV: The week of March 31st

Posted: 08 Apr 2012 08:00 AM PDT

Filed under: Video, Events, in-game, Previews, Opinion, Massively Meta, Humor, Livestream, Miscellaneous, Previously on MV TV

What a week, huh? We had all sorts of great livestreaming for you to enjoy. If you missed some of the cool things we put on live during the week, no worry! Just check back here every week and you'll be able to recap many of the best moments from our week of live video games. Each week is something new, and this week is no different. We've got quite the variety!

This week, we have Mike jamming on some EVE Online and then jumping into RIFT for horrible magical adventures. Richie ventured into the Mists of Pandaria beta for World of Warcraft to show off cute, cuddly, and furry butts while wielding a weapon of destruction! I had to check out some of the good and bad points about Second Life's Linden Homes, free structures that come with any premium account; I also jumped into Luvinia Online to participate in a huge PvP event, and let me just give you two words to entice you to watch: giant chickens. Blake took some time to shoot things in Global Agenda, and finally, we had MJ taking on some Bristlebane quests in EverQuest II, following it up by attacking stuff all over Aion! Check us out!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of March 31st

Previously on MV TV: The week of March 31st originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: Do you like gaming conventions?

Posted: 08 Apr 2012 06:00 AM PDT

Filed under: Culture, Events, real-world, Opinion, The Daily Grind, Miscellaneous

As you read this, PAX East is entering its final day for the year, and the Massively writers have been working on covering the event as best we can. Of course, some people would rather be on the ground instead of reading about the show second-hand because there's nothing quite like the thrill of being knee-deep in a convention. For others, though, the idea of standing around in a convention hall with thousands of other people sounds like a special kind of torture.

Do you like gaming conventions? If you do, what's your favorite element of the shows -- the new games, the special giveaways, or just the energy level? If you don't, what bothers you -- the crowds, the spectacle, or the necessity of travel and cramped scheduling? Or are you the sort of person for whom it really depends on the show, i.e., you've been to some you loved and some you couldn't stand?

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 like gaming conventions? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PAX East 2012: The Secret World demo

Posted: 07 Apr 2012 08:00 PM PDT

Filed under: Fantasy, Horror, Events, real-world, Opinion, Hands-on, The Secret World, Massively Hands-on, First Impressions, Massively Event Coverage

He wants to believe like I want to love this game. Can I get this shirt?

Funcom's The Secret World has had a big weekend at PAX East with its first public chance for hands-on interaction! It's a game that's been stirring up quite a bit of interest; the classless, level-less progression system, secret societies, and sword-and-automatic-rifle genre-bending are just a few of its selling points. My ears tend to perk up when the game gets mentioned, so of course I was all but falling over myself to hop into the playable demo this weekend. Walking away from that experience, though, I'm unconvinced.

Continue reading PAX East 2012: The Secret World demo

PAX East 2012: The Secret World demo originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Mog Log: Head of the newer class

Posted: 07 Apr 2012 07:00 PM PDT

Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, Opinion, Consoles, Final Fantasy XIV, The Mog Log

The Final Fantasy series, particularly the online installments, is all about class. This is not entirely surprising, since the series has built up a series of character types that, while sometimes kind of random, are beloved just the same. The jumping spear-wielding Dragoons, dual-wielding and sword-throwing Ninjas, the ubiquitous Summoners... if these concepts don't exist in some form within a game, it raises some eyebrows. It's a symptom of the linking the games by certain broad pseudo-mythological concepts rather than by any actual continuity.

We've gotten our Job system in Final Fantasy XIV, we've got our classes to the point that they're at least somewhat balanced, and we've got a new version on the horizon. The question, then, is what we're getting next. What new classes or jobs can we look forward to? What do we need? What gaps are obvious within the Final Fantasy pantheon, and what is just lacking in terms of a traditional MMO setup?

Continue reading The Mog Log: Head of the newer class

The Mog Log: Head of the newer class originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively's Easter event roundup: 2012 edition

Posted: 07 Apr 2012 06:00 PM PDT

Filed under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, EverQuest II, Guild Wars, Events, in-game, MMO industry, RuneScape, Free-to-play, Browser, Casual, Runes of Magic, Atlantica Online, Vindictus, Dragon Nest, Miscellaneous

Whether you're an Easter traditionalist or you simply need an excuse to eat a chocolate bunny, it's that time of year again. It's also time for a few of our favorite MMO devs to don their silly hats and introduce all manner of egg hunts and contests into games like RuneScape, Runes of Magic, and World of Warcraft.

That's just the tip of the Easter event iceberg; you'll find several more festively inclined titles in our roundup after the cut. Before you hop on over, have a look at the two bunnies above and repeat after us: d'awww.

Continue reading Massively's Easter event roundup: 2012 edition

Massively's Easter event roundup: 2012 edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PAX East 2012: Guns of Icarus announces closed beta, details adventure mode

Posted: 07 Apr 2012 05:00 PM PDT

Filed under: Betas, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, Previews, News items, Opinion, Hands-on, Massively Event Coverage, Miscellaneous

STEAMPUNK! AHH! OK, now that that's out of my system, let's talk Guns of Icarus Online. This morning, I had the pleasure of meeting with some of the folks from Muse Games at PAX East to talk about the studio's upcoming steampunk-airship-battling title. The title is still in alpha testing, though it will be springing into the early stages of closed beta at some point in the next couple of weeks. At launch, the title will be focused on competitive, match-made PvP matches a la first-person-shooters.

But this is Massively, so let's talk MMOs. Strictly speaking, I'd have to say Guns of Icarus Online isn't one -- at least not yet. After the initial match-based "skirmish" mode of the game is released, the studio will continue to support it by slowly adding in "adventure" mode features. Adventure mode is more akin to a traditional MMO in that it provide a more open world for players to navigate and explore, tradeskill and economy systems, missions, towns, and settlements, all within a persistent world. While it remains to be seen whether the game will ultimately become a "true" MMO, this stylish foray into the steampunk/dieselpunk genres is definitely one to watch.

Massively's on the ground in Boston during the weekend of April 6-8, bringing you all the best news from PAX East 2012. Whether you're dying to know more about TERA or PlanetSide 2 or any MMO in between, we aim to have it covered!

PAX East 2012: Guns of Icarus announces closed beta, details adventure mode originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PAX East 2012: TERA hands-on

Posted: 07 Apr 2012 04:00 PM PDT

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, Previews, Opinion, Hands-on, First Impressions, Massively Event Coverage, TERA

http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/pax-east-2012-tera-hands-on/

In the service of Massively's ongoing PAX East 2012 coverage, I spent some time today in and around the TERA booth, ogling the pretty trailers and getting a seat in a group press demo to tackle some fun high-end content in the form of a five-player encounter with an Argon boss. Read on for an overview of what I saw!

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PAX East 2012: TERA hands-on originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PAX East 2012: Neverwinter discussion and impressions

Posted: 07 Apr 2012 03:00 PM PDT

Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, Game mechanics, New titles, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, First Impressions, Massively Event Coverage

Many words come to mind when you mention Dungeons & Dragons, but "action" is not usually one of them. So at first glance, Neverwinter might seem like a bit of an odd beast. The game is meant as an action-based MMORPG that takes place in the distant future of the beloved Neverwinter Nights series; it's being developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Perfect World Entertainment. While the game isn't yet in open testing, the early version was playable on the floor of PAX East, and we had a chance to sit down with Cryptic Studios to discuss the game's development.

I came to the show with no real expectations about the game beyond the fact that I knew the companies involved and was distantly aware of the game's development. I walked away more than a little impressed by what I had seen. However odd the collection of elements might seem, the game itself certainly piqued my interest.

Gallery: Neverwinter

Continue reading PAX East 2012: Neverwinter discussion and impressions

PAX East 2012: Neverwinter discussion and impressions originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Tattered Notebook: The great big news roundup

Posted: 07 Apr 2012 02:00 PM PDT

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest II, News items, Opinion, Free-to-play, The Tattered Notebook

One thing you just can't say about EverQuest II is that there's a lack of news coming from the game. In fact, there's been so much going on both in game and out that this week's Tattered Notebook is devoted to a great big roundup. We'll look at developer remarks on Skyshrine, tweaks to the AA curve, some nice in-game promotions, and a brief commentary about the ProSiebenSat.1 deal. There's a lot to cover, so let's get to it!

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: The great big news roundup

The Tattered Notebook: The great big news roundup originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Road to Mordor: Rise of Isengard report card

Posted: 07 Apr 2012 12:00 PM PDT

Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Expansions, Opinion, Free-to-play, The Road to Mordor

It's been a half-year since Lord of the Rings Online's third expansion, Rise of Isengard, opened the doors to Dunland and beyond. It was an interesting expansion compared to what came before in several ways: It finally took us into the pages of The Two Towers, it introduced Rohan and the Rohirrim, and it introduced what I consider to be the most compelling villain this game has seen to date.

While the game's hinted and alluded to Saruman and his White Hand back-up dancers leading up to RoI, the expansion finally unveiled the mastermind behind many of the machinations of Middle-earth's mischief. His was not an overt city-crushing type of evil; instead, he's a crafty politician-type who attempts to woo and seduce minds to his cause. More than the Witch-king of Angmar or Sara Oakheart, Saruman gives us a perfect target for our justified outrage. This is a guy we don't want to see succeed, ever.

So with six months under our belt, I thought it would be a great time to evaluate as much of Rise of Isengard as I've experienced with the ol' report card treatment. Where does it get good marks -- and where does it need tutoring?

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Rise of Isengard report card

The Road to Mordor: Rise of Isengard report card originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General gaming

PAX: How Firaxis is Upholding the X-Com Legacy
PAX: Mark of the Ninja Proves Stealth Can Work in Two Dimensions
PAX: Super T.I.M.E. Force Demonstrates the Chaotic Potential of Elegance

PAX: How Firaxis is Upholding the X-Com Legacy

Posted: 08 Apr 2012 05:32 AM PDT

You've already read our thoughts on X-Com: Enemy Unknown, Firaxis' "reimagining" of the classic strategy game X-Com: U.F.O. Defense. After checking out the demo for myself at PAX East, I spoke briefly to producer Garth DeAngelis about the developers' approach to recreating one of PC gaming's all-time greatest games.

PAX: Mark of the Ninja Proves Stealth Can Work in Two Dimensions

Posted: 08 Apr 2012 05:31 AM PDT

PAX East is absolutely crammed to the brim with excellent games. Honestly, the big-name titles at the major publishers' booths -- good as they are -- are considerably less interesting than the smaller titles that dominate the show floor (in numbers, if not in real estate). Some of the AAA titles look great, but they're not the show-stealers that all the quirky, inventive downloadable games lining the side of the expo floor are. Anyone who laments the loss of originality and craftsmanship in modern gaming clearly hasn't been paying attention and needs to spend a few hours strolling through booths at PAX. For anyone who loves diversity and creativity in games, this weekend is downright heartwarming.

PAX: Super T.I.M.E. Force Demonstrates the Chaotic Potential of Elegance

Posted: 07 Apr 2012 02:41 PM PDT

Not only was 1998 gaming's greatest year, it was also the year I learned to appreciate the value of simple, elegant game design. That year I played Banjo-Kazooie and Klonoa -- two platform games starring cute animal heroes who spoke in bizarre fever-dream babble -- in quick succession, and I found the latter much more appealing. Banjo isn't a bad game, but its control scheme felt too complicated and the general design of the game seemed padded and overlong. Klonoa's creators, on the other hand, were content to limit controls to two simple buttons -- jump and grab/throw -- and build increasingly intricate challenges by employing the hero's stripped-down abilities in new and interesting ways. Complex games have their place, to be sure, but there's something wonderful about a game that can lay down a few simple rules and find new and interesting ways to put the player through their paces.