playable-races
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Community Blog Topic Results: Which race would you like to become playable?
Last week's Community Blog Topic asked, "Which race would you like to become playable?" My choice was the Vrykul. There was some support for my choice -- sometimes for Alliance and sometimes for Horde -- but many other options were suggested. JeffLaBowski from Sportsbard presents the case for Ethereals and suggests a few racial abilities: Warp Speed- Combat haste and movement speed is increased for 8-12 seconds on a 3 minute cooldown. Portal up- Opens up a portal to your hearth location. This portal can be used by party members. Phase out- Target enters the Nether for 15-20 seconds where they cannot be targeted/attacked and heal for X amount. Any movement/actions cancel this effect. Reciprocity- Buying from a vendor grants you a discounted % when you sell with the same vendor. Discount lasts until daily reset and cannot exceed 15%. Does not stack with other discounts.
Dragon Age: Inquisition delay brings back multiple playable races
Dragon Age: Inquisition will see the return of playable races. "Because we moved the [release] date, we were able to bring it back," Executive Producer Mark Darrah told Game Informer, pointing to the game's delay to fall 2014 as an opportunity to bring race selection back to the series. In October 2012, Creative Director Mike Laidlaw said that humans would be the only playable race in the game in, but that has since changed. "The race decision was made well before E3, but why didn't we bring it up? Because again we wanted to make sure it was locked down," Laidlaw said. "We wanted to make sure we'd done the work and our homework was done so that we could commit to it. So that people could, with absolute enthusiasm, get ready for elf, or dwarf or whatever."
First Defiance add-on content launches August 20th [Updated with trailer]
Trion Worlds announced today that the Castithan Charge Pack, Defiance's first big content addition, is primed for release. The pack includes a new playable species, new story missions, new weapons, and new game modes, with some content available even for those players who elect not to purchase it. Free content includes new charge weapons, sieges, a PvP map, duels, and the Monolith Major Arkfall, while the playable Castithan race, a horde mode arena, unique four-passenger truck and new achievements/trophies will be available only to purchasers. Other small tweaks include a new chat window and enhanced map. The Castithan Charge Pack launches on August 20th for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, and is priced at $9.99/800 Microsoft Points. Season pass owners will receive the add-on as part of their subscription. If you're curious about this first batch of DLC, be sure to check out our preview from E3 2013. We've also tucked the new trailer behind the break -- thanks to Gaius for that tip! [Source: Trion Worlds press release]
Breakfast Topic: Which playable race would you like to see come to WoW?
Those players who dreamed of a future in which they could be naga had their dreams realized and crushed in less than a day because of foreign language interviews with Ghostcrawler. But instead of being disappointed in what we won't have let's talk about what races we want to see made playable in the next expansion and beyond. Personally, I'm holding out for murlocs. Perhaps that MRGRGL sound we've been terrified of hearing for so long was actually a friendly greeting, a request for a hug or even just a handshake. Perhaps making them a playable race would be the first step towards reaching out in friendship to our semi-aquatic neighbors. Come on, Ghostcrawler, if you can't give us naga, surely you can make murlocs happen, right? But that's probably a long shot. What do you think, readers? Which playable race is going to be headed to WoW next?
Breakfast Topic: Least favorite playable race
In a recent Community Blog Topic, we asked what your favorite playable race is. Many people in the comments would have preferred to answer least favorite. So here you go. My least favorite race is human. It's not from any lore standpoint, unlike my favorite playable race (the Forsaken). It's just that I play a human in real life and I've never liked playing humans in my fantasy games. I try every once in a while, but I always get bored and go for something else. Also, delivering love letters just isn't my thing. Granted I'm Horde biased, but I do find most of the other Alliance races fun to play when I'm taking a walk on the blue and yellow side. Humans are just so bland to me. What is your least favorite playable race and why? Do you still play the race on the bottom of your list. If so, why? The poll is after the break.
Star Wars: The Old Republic previews new planet, new challenge, and new species
Star Wars: The Old Republic has irons in the fire. Not just the business model switch taking place in November, either; there are a lot of other pieces of content being developed, some of which the development team is previewing at Gamescom 2012. The newest trailer for the game is focused on other previews, however, covering on the upcoming new Operation, a new planet, and a new species for players to run around as. The addition of Cathar to the list of playable species has been known for some time, but this video shows a Cathar Smuggler in action. It also shows a small taste of what players can expect from the upcoming addition of the planet Makeb and the Operation Terror from Beyond. It's a brief trailer, to be sure, but it shows off plenty to look forward to, whether you're a long-time fan or you're just waiting for the business model switch in the fall.
City of Steam schedules debut of a new playable race each alpha weekend
Players anticipating alpha testing City of Steam have only a few more days to wait before diving into the steampunk world as this weekend begins the first of three alpha testing weekends. Each weekend will focus on different aspects of the game and will debut a new bundle of playable races: July 20th through 22nd will introduce four types of humans, July 27th through 29th will bring two types of elves, and August 3rd through 5th will have the three greenskin races. Fans who do not yet have an alpha key but want to participate need to sign up for the City of Steam newsletter on the official site. The keys are limited, so the sooner you sign up, the better your chance. The developers are also offering a guaranteed way to obtain a key by purchasing collaborator packs filled with City of Steam swag.
Aeria Games unveils third racial cinematic for Lime Odyssey
First we brought you the Muris. Then you saw the Turga. Now Aeria Games has unveiled the cinematic for the third and final playable race in its upcoming free-to-play MMORPG Lime Odyssey -- Humans. Centuries ago, humans lived as nomadic seafarers. After running aground, they established the town of Blue Coral and grew prosperous through crafting and fishing among the vibrant plants and sea life. Many young Humans, however, retain their ancestors' adventurous spirit and set out to find their own fortunes. Besides exploring Baron Northpallor's Manor in the north they can also dive in and seek for treasure in the depths of the Beren Sea. For a look at the Humans, click past the cut to watch the new opening cinematic and also see some exclusive screenshots! [Source: Aeria Games Press Release]%Gallery-127103%
Hyperspace Beacon: Human High Culture part 2
Human High Culture is the Imperial idea that humans are the most important species in the galaxy -- the master species, if you will. Some people who like to study Star Wars canon say that the reason you see only humans on board the first Death Star in A New Hope is that this Human High Culture. In fact, according to Star Wars lore, the political party Commission for the Preservation of the New Order (COMPNOR) feeds off the belief that humans are superior. However, Star Wars: The Old Republic lore suggests that Human High Culture existed long before Emperor Palpatine's reign. The roots could date all the way back to the first Jedi exiles who landed on Korriban after the First Great Schism. Whatever the case may be, it leads to interesting dynamics in possible species you will be able to play on your Imperial characters. As I mentioned last week, it does not make a lot of sense for Rattataki to be Imperial Agents because of the sigma of alien species being high-ranking Imperial citizens, but it is more than appropriate for Rattataki to be slaves. Since the Sith Inquisitor story starts a player out as a slave, the Rattataki are a likely choice for that class. After the break, I cover three more species and the Imperial classes I feel they are most suited for in Star Wars: The Old Republic.
Charr week coming for Guild Wars 2 fans
With the exception of King Adelbern and his faithful scribe, the Charr were the first living beings we saw in Guild Wars. They're the most familiar non-human creatures to long-term Guild Wars fans, and players have watched them grow in strength and cunning -- and even become reluctant allies -- over the past six years. The Charr will finally be a playable race in Guild Wars 2, to the delight of a huge portion of the fanbase. As much as we know about the Charr, we're always eager for more information, and next week ArenaNet will release all of the details on this race that fans could hope for. That's right, the company has announced on Facebook that Charr week is next week. The developers have given a little teaser in the form of some art -- use the image to hold you over until Monday, and enjoy Charr week!
Hyperspace Beacon: Proper PAX preparation prevents poor PAX performance
Welcome once again to your guide through everything Star Wars: The Old Republic, which is soon to be released by EA-BioWare. Larry Everett presents the Hyperspace Beacon. Deborah Shin, the Marketing Manager for Star Wars: The Old Republic told TOROcast at E3 that PAX was going to be the game's biggest event of the year. When I heard that announcement about a month and a half ago, I decided that I would have to make it to this event. Prior to that I was willing to let others do the reporting while I snagged some stories at home. I want Massively to be your source of SWTOR news, so how could I not go to the biggest SWTOR bash of the year? This week's agenda is quite simple in scope, but a bit more complicated in execution. I hope to give you a very brief overview of what we know of our favorite game going into PAX, followed by a few directions I could go with information gathering. Ultimately, I want the fan's opinion. What information do you want to see come out of this fan-tastic exposition? Follow me after the jump, where I break down the possibilities.
Asheron's Call introduces new playable race and more
Asheron's Call fans have lots of new features to enjoy, as Turbine just announced the addition of a new playable race, barbers and hairstyles, a new type of magic, and some great armor upgrades to the game. Players can now choose to play as a Shadow among the people of Dereth, an addition that Asheron's Call has been hinting at since the beginning of April. If you're interested in the story behind this new race, you'll love Shedding Skin, so take a look and then check out the new race first-hand. Another exciting addition to Asheron's Call is the addition of Aetheria, a powerful new kind of magic unlocked by the Archmages of the Arcanum. It's not just a matter of unlocking a few skills and moving along, however. Take a look at the story behind Aetheria for the details on how to acquire this new magic. The update brings multi-slot armor as well. The blacksmiths of Dereth have been hard at work improving their craft, and they think you'll like what they have to offer. They're not all utilitarian updates, however -- the Asheron's Call team added some fun and frivolity to the game as well. Feel like your character needs a fresh new look for spring? Visit a barber (they're located near tailors), and for the right price they'll offer a variety of hairstyles and new looks. Take a look at all the new additions, and enjoy!
Star Trek Online offers two new races in online store
Many Star Trek Online players were surprised to find a couple of new additions to the C-store after launch in the form of two new playable races. For 240 Cryptic Points, you can purchase the Klingon race, and for only 80 Cryptic Points you can purchase the Ferengi race. Each race comes with a few race-specific traits -- Warrior and Honorable for the Klingon, Immunity and Acute Senses for the Ferengi -- and the ability to choose two more. Purchasing the race unlocks it for every character slot on the account. Most pre-order packages included Cryptic Points, so the races will essentially be free for many players, but fan reaction was mixed regarding the addition anyway. Many players felt it to be a bit of an underhanded move, with the phrase "nickel-and-diming us" being batted about frequently. Meanwhile, a similar number of players pointed out the free points that came with pre-order as well as the increasing frequency of microtransactions in MMOs these days, and moved on. No matter which side of the argument you fall on, if you are interested in learning more about these two new races, you can take a look here.
Cataclysm races leaked
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/pc_games/Cataclysm_races_leaked'; WoW.com has learned through multiple sources close to the situation some details on the next expansion, to be called World of Warcraft: Cataclysm.As we're getting into the season of news and information, all major leaks and spoilers will be happening after the break. If you don't want your surprises ruined for you, don't read this post. If you want to know, click after the break and enjoy. This policy worked well for us during the testing phase of Wrath of the Lich King and we're pleased to continue it now.After the break, the new playable races of Cataclysm.
Insider Trader: Woodworking in the expansion?
Insider Trader is your inside line on making, selling, buying and using player-made products.Ideas for a woodworking profession have been bounced around for years, but have previously been dodged by Blizzard. Although they assured us that they have plenty of ideas, they've always been working on too many others.Woodworking was not to be for Burning Crusade or Wrath of the Lich King, but what about the upcoming expansion? Considering that Goblins and Worgen could become playable, it might be a real possibility. In late summer 2007, Nethaera posted a list of some of the things that need to be considered before they can even begin to implement a new profession. While it became clear that it wasn't going to work for Wrath, it seems a little more plausible now. Today's column will be dedicated to presenting the crafting community's Woodworking ideas, discussing their implementation using the (incomplete) criteria set forth by Nethaera, and speculating about its possible presence in the next expansion.
Breakfast Topic: Would you play a Worgen or a Goblin?
So it might just be some fanciful speculation, the product of rampant imaginings after digging through some game files. It could mean something, it could mean nothing. But yesterday's bombshell discovery of Halloween masks, traditionally reserved for playable races, threw a whole bunch of us into a tizzy. Goblins as playable races? That wouldn't be too surprising considering they've had models in the game that could wear player armor, anyway. But Worgen? I mean, wow.It's not that far-fetched, either. The Undermine, the home of the Goblins, is situated near the Maelstrom. Remember how Blizzard trademarked Cataclysm, which in Azerothian terms actually refers to the events around the Maelstrom? That means we just might see The Undermine in the next expansion. So Goblins aren't such a wild idea. But what about the Worgen?
New Halloween masks point to a new playable race?
Here's an interesting tidbit from Scrolls of Lore, where they've dug up some files that could possibly hint at future playable races for the World of Warcraft. Remember that tidbit about Kalgan saying how Blizzard plans to "pre-seed" future playable races in the game before they actually become available? It's a different approach from the way they retconned Draenei into game.Well, the folks over at Scrolls of Lore dug up some Halloween masks that have male and female Goblins - nothing new there - but a pair of werewolf, or Worgen, masks, as well. What's the curious thing about this? Well, we've never actually seen any female Worgen in the game, have we? Right. Well, there it is. A nice, pretty, green-eyed Worgen female mask. It may or not mean anything, of course, as these are just graphic files, or skins, placed on top of in-game models. But still... remember that Greymane Wall? Ever wonder why so many Worgen are outside of it? Remember how Blizzard hinted it would open up soon? Yeah. Just sayin'.Many thanks to Tori for the tip! Also, Omacron links us to a blog stitching the faces together for a better look at the, uh, masks.
Breakfast Topic: Player race desires
Since the beginning of The Burning Crusade, I've wanted playable Ethereals. I don't care which faction or what classes, I just want to play an Ethereal. Heck, if all you could do with an ethereal character is walk around and emote, I would still roll one. I don't know why I'm so infatuated with them, but I pretty much like most things about them. Their design, their towns, the Consortium's debonaire way of operations.The other Burning Crusade race I want to play is an Arakkoa. Specifically an Arakkoa Priest or Paladin. I don't like the birdmen as much as the blinkymen, but I found myself incredibly intrigued by the few Light-following arakkoa scattered around. I wanted to learn more about them, but there wasn't anymore to learn, unfortunately.Now that I'm in the Wrath of the Lich King Beta, my new fascination is the Vrykul. Aesthetically, they are by far the most awesome race in WoW, and they're steeped in Norse lore which is just awesome. Their women look like they could destroy me with their bare hands, and the men seem like they have enough hair customization options to put a player race to shame. If these became a player race, I would reroll so fast.Do you guys have any races you would just love to see playable? I have a lot of friends that would adore the chance to play a Goblin but I couldn't do that personally. Not a fan of Goblins. Are you after something a little more 'out there' like Nerubians? Are you a fan of a race from another setting that you'd love to be added to WoW?
Breakfast Topic: Potential playable races
Corpsebride of Nordrassil made a suggestion that Naga should be a playable race in World of Warcraft. She gives a list of reasons why Nagas should be a playable race such as: they're highly intelligent with their own language; they have a unique architectural style; they have permanent underwater breathing as a built-in racial ability. The author pointed out that Naga would fit in better with the Alliance than the Horde due to their lore and relationship to Night Elves. I would make Goblins a playable Horde race if I were in charge of recruiting playable NPC races from the existing environment. The Horde needs an annoying little race to balance out gnomes. While they're neutral, goblins already have an inhuman look to them that tends to be characteristic of the Horde. They might have racial traits that help them to get better deals on goods from vendors, perhaps even if they were not skilled in engineering, they might be able to use player-made bombs such as the Exploding Sheep. I would have Goblins play Warlocks, Mages, Hunters, and Rogues. If you could play any race in the game, what would it be?
