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New LotRO screenshots sneak another peek at Update 10
Wondering what to do while whiling away the time waiting for the second half of Lord of the Rings Online's promised Riders of Rohan instance cluster? How about lose yourself in some of the imagery that will be awaiting you when Update 10 finally hits servers! Turbine has released 10 new screenshots showing off scenes from all three raid instances -- Flight to Lonely Mountain, The Fires of Smaug, and The Battle for Erebor -- as well as the single group instance, Bells of Dale. Feast your eyes on the images in the gallery below. And if that isn't enough to tide you over, you can get more up-close and personal with Massively's hands-on preview. [Source: Turbine press release]%Gallery-158706%
LotRO goes to the Lonely Mountain: Update 10 raid preview
If you haven't heard the garment-rending woes of Lord of the Rings Online players who have had to wait and wait for the promised second half of Riders of Rohan's instance cluster (now with raids!), then you haven't been anywhere near LotRO in the past half-year. Fortunately, the imminent Update 10 will soon swoop in and provide the populace with a trio of raids as well as a six-person instance to tackle. We got on the phone with Turbine for a tour of the new raids. Senior Designer Joe Barry opened the session by explaining that eastern Rohan just plain did not work for a location of instances due to lore restrictions, a lack of a big bad guy, and no iconic locations. So the team decided to tackle the IP-supported tale of the Easterlings' siege of Dale and the Lonely Mountain through the second half of this instance cluster. Join us as we take a look at just what is up with the Lonely Mountain now that Smaug has vacated the premises!
Enter at Your Own Rift: Dungeon review, part 1
I don't hide the fact that as an MMO gamer, I probably fall into the "casual" category by many of your definitions. Even so, I probably go dungeon diving in RIFT more than in other MMOs because of the game's silky-smooth LFG interface and the generally quick pace of the instance runs themselves. Hitting a dungeon while you've got one or more counters on the reward page is added incentive because you're at least guaranteed a solid loot drop of your very own (or plaques). I'm still getting a feel for Storm Legion dungeons, but when it comes to the core game, I've run those instances more times than I can count. I figured I might as well share my thoughts on the first four dungeons you're likely to run in the early and mid-game to see if they pass muster. While I'm at it, I might tell a related story or two from my runs. Gather 'round, children, as Papa Olivetti smokes a stogie and tells you a tale you're unlikely to forget.
LotRO talks Update 9 instance cluster
The first half of Riders of Rohan's instance cluster is arriving with Lord of the Rings Online's Update 9, and the devs are excited to talk about the variety of experiences and challenges that went into making the trio of three-man dungeons. A new dev diary on the site gives the story overview for Webs of the Scuttledells, Seat of the Great Goblin, and Iorbar's Peak as well as a few behind-the-scenes notes. Developer Pinion discussed how the team wanted to make the return to Goblin-town special: "I wanted to ensure that this new interpretation stayed true to the source material while still providing a very different experience from our existing instance in the Misty Mountains. With all the different varieties of goblins that make their home here, I felt it greatly important to distinguish them both in appearance and in drastically varied abilities." A major change coming to these instances deals with loot. Not only is there remote looting for these dungeons, but each treasure chest will automatically reward class-appropriate gear for each player.
Lord of the Rings Online releasing Rohan instances in two parts
Lord of the Rings Online players have had to wait a lot lately. Riders of Rohan was delayed, which is something that happens every so often in MMO development but is still upsetting. But Turbine promised players that even with the delay, the Rohan instance cluster would still be released this year. Today, community manager Sapience took to the forums to explain that the team is splitting the instance cluster into two parts, and only the first part will be released this year with Update 9. The revised plan has three instances coming out with Update 9, with four more set to be released in February 2013 (although that date is subject to change). Not coincidentally, the instances all call back to portions of The Hobbit, which does have a film adaptation coming out shortly. Whether or not players are happy about the source material, the delay is bound to cause some contention among the players waiting for the large-scale raids currently delayed until next year.
The Daily Grind: Which dungeon is the most replayable?
If MMO features were furniture, then dungeons would be the family couch that shows an immense amount of wear and tear from all of the butts that have traversed its terrain over the years. Perhaps it's not as beautiful and exciting as it was the day you brought it home from the store, but there's something to be said for familiarity and comfort as well. Some dungeons get more wear than others, and usually this is due to one of two factors: better rewards or a more enjoyable experience. A great dungeon has impeccable design, a smooth flow, and memorable moments that make players continue to want to come back for more. So if you had to pick a dungeon that's the most replayable or the instance that you wouldn't mind running again and again, which would it be? 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!
Wings Over Atreia: Aion 3.1 part two
Last week, Wings Over Atreia discussed one of the biggest changes that came to Aion with the 3.1 patch: the Fast-Track server. That alone might have grabbed your attention (it certainly did mine). However, the inclusion of an at-will PvP-free leveling zone wasn't even close to the only thing brought to the table; plenty of other morsels were served as well. Changes -- they are legion! Mixed among the requisite jumble of fix-this-wording and adjust-this-skill tweaks were changes that affect instances, repeatable quests, AP, and housing. And of course, as in any Aion update, devs a played a rousing game of squash-a-bug. Here's a look at some of the highlights of patch 3.1.
Blizzard previews two MoP scenarios
Following along on the hype train (choo, choo) after the MoP release date announcement come previews for two scenarios, a new feature in the game's fourth expansion. The two scenarios in question are A Brewing Storm, where you have to protect a brewmaster with the very pandaren name of Blanche while she brews her finest beer yet, and Greenstone Village, where you take on the forces of agitated earth spirit Hui. Scenarios are short, queueable instances for three level 90 players of any class -- no holy trinity needed. Progression is based on fulfilling story objectives instead of defeating trash and bosses. Check out the full previews for Greenstone Village and A Brewing Storm over on the official WoW site. You can now read more about the Mists of Pandaria Scenarios feature in our updated expansion preview website! Check out our sneak peek at two of the scenarios you and your friends will be able to play in Mists of Pandaria: A Brewing Storm and Greenstone Village. What's a "Scenario?" Scenarios are short, instanced adventures for three players that directly follow the stories and events in the open world. In a scenario you'll be presented with a number of goals you need to achieve in order to progress. So instead of "clear trash, kill boss, rinse, repeat", you will be given objectives you have to complete to move the scenario's story forward. Yes, that's right – scenarios are heavily story-driven, much more so than dungeons. You'll be able to queue for scenarios, dungeons, raids, and battlegrounds all at the same time in Mists of Pandaria. Scenarios share a common UI with dungeons and raids as part of the Dungeon Finder, and you can check your queue statuses by clicking on the LFD icon next to your minimap. Check out the previews now for more info and screenshots, and make sure to check back often as we'll be adding info for more scenarios soon. Stay tuned! source It's open warfare between Alliance and Horde in Mists of Pandaria, World of Warcraft's next expansion. Jump into five new levels with new talents and class mechanics, try the new monk class, and create a pandaren character to ally with either Horde or Alliance. Look for expansion basics in our Mists FAQ, or dig into our spring press event coverage for more details!
Aion 3.1 goes live on Wednesday
The first major version update for Aion's latest incarnation is going live on Wednesday, and it's all about getting your characters up to speed as quickly as possible. If you've got a character or two who's lagged behind, it's time to bring him or her up in levels. For starters, the entry requirements for Steel Rake, Theobomos Lab, Aetherogenetics Lab, Adma Stronghold, and Alquimia Research Center have all been reduced, meaning you can complete the dungeons earlier in your leveling career. The instances have been improved in other ways as well: Aetherogenetics and Alquimia give increased experience and drop better equipment, while Theobomos and Adma Stronghold have both been opened to both factions with new quests for each. Meanwhile, the game is also adding a special Fast Track server, allowing players to shoot along toward the level cap with a full array of Rift Buffs perpetually turned on. Keep your eyes peeled for the patch's approach, as it hits the live servers on July 18th.
Choose My Adventure: Exploring dungeons with Higiri
Rielene's poll last week pushes her toward BAMs, but for now we're moving on to focus on our other adventurer in TERA. Higiri is not venturing across sunlit fields and enjoying the open air; no, she was bound for the darkest realms, places where monsters gather and plot the destruction of joy in private. But in order to get her into dungeons, I had to get her through a fair bit of leveling first, enough to enter the first dungeon of the game. I spent a lot of time questing with Higiri this past week, since that's easily the most efficient way to level, and as a result I had some further insights into the nature of questing in the game that build off of my insights last week. But running the dungeon was the centerpiece, and my runs through were... memorable, yes, but probably for the wrong reasons. And no, not in the "crazy, horrible party" sense.
Turbine sweetens Riders of Rohan's editions, includes instance cluster
Frustration and confusion have been the name of the Lord of the Rings Online pre-purchase game these past couple of weeks, with some players feeling that the editions were overpriced and others bewildered over whether or not this fall's instance cluster would be included in the cost. Turbine announced today that all three of Riders of Rohan's editions will be boosted with Turbine Points and that the instance cluster will be given to all who buy one. In a forum post, CM Sapience said that the studio is dishing out bonus Turbine Points for all of the editions. Base and heroic edition holders will receive 1,000 TP, while legendary edition purchasers get 2,000. This applies to both players who have already bought the expansion and those who will in the future. He also addressed the confusion over the instance cluster: "While we are still not ready to talk about the details of the cluster, we did want to confirm that we will be releasing a new instance cluster in an update after Rohan launches, and that the cluster will be free to all players who have purchased the Riders of Rohan expansion."
TERA offers a sneak peek at future updates
It's been a month since TERA launched on Western shores, and that means it's time to start thinking about the future. A new official post is offering a sneak peek at future updates for the game, starting with changes to the game's two tank classes. Warriors and Lancers are both getting new abilities and a new resource to help make tanking less of a chore. Lancers will get two new moves, including one to help with overall mobility, and Warriors get three moves, including the option to block attacks with paired swords. The development team is also planning on adding new instances; one of these, a high-end instance, will pit players against the argon queen Shandra Manaya. The instances will likely include new high-end glyphs for players as well as other drops. Cross-server 15-vs.-15 battlegrounds are also in the works; the whole pile of updates is en route for later this summer. It's good news for any avid TERA fans looking for more content over the next several months.
Runes of Magic: Chapter V to bring new lands and high-level instance
In just under two weeks, Runes of Magic players will be able to enjoy the fifth chapter of the free-to-play fantasy MMORPG. Last week we told you about the new race in Chapter V, the Shadowforge Dwarves. Today Frogster unveiled a new region along with a new high-level instance. Fires of Shadowforge also introduces the Warlock and Champion classes. In the west of the new continent of Kolydia, the Ancient Kingdom of Rorazan opens up to adventurers. This hostile and unforgiving realm was destroyed by firestorms and is now inhabited only by mechanical golems, fire elementals, and spirits. Adventurers can also traverse the war-torn region of Chrysalia. Dungeon-goers can experience Aeternal Circle, a new high-level instance with two different difficulty settings. Just be sure to take a sharp mind as well as a sharp sword along; the only way to advance to the next area after defeating each boss is to solve a puzzle. [Source: Frogster press release]
Raising hell in The Secret World's Hell Raised instance
Welcome to The Secret World's Overlook Motel, where the sheets are clean, the service is friendly, and there's an ominous doorway to Hell in every room. Such is the beginning of the second instanced dungeon of Funcom's upcoming horror-fantasy MMO, which sees players descending deep into the bowels of the underworld to put an end to a raging demonic war that's causing Hell to leak through to the real world. I had the pleasure of joining Funcom's Tor Andersen on a guided tour of Hell Raised, the first in a series of three dungeons that take place in the fiery depths, and boy did I ever have a hell of a time (sorry). If you're interested in finding out what awaits players of The Secret World in the depths of Hades itself, follow along with me as I give you the ins-and-outs of surviving a confrontation in the midst of an infernal warzone.
Enjoying the spoils of progress
I enjoy a lot of aspects of World of Warcraft, and one of those aspects is the actual playing of the game. I like combat, whether I am tanking or DPS, the active working through of encounters and even the unfolding of trash pulls. I like learning what new mechanics do, how fights unfold and how they can be successfully completed. I love all of that -- but what I also love is the period after mastering content. I shamelessly admit it here. I love when content goes on farm. I was ecstatic as Firelands went from hard to easy. I love feeling my gear improve, seeing my DPS or health go up, looking at my avoidance and mitigation and realizing that yes, I actually can get passive unhittable just through gear. (I'll miss that when the two-roll combat system comes out.) I like going back, months down the road, and tearing Baleroc in half like wet tissue paper. Remember me? Part of this is simply because I like WoW best when I'm killing stuff. I don't like to sit idle in Stormwind or Orgrimmar, and I'm not terribly moved to stand around hawking my crafting wares or playing the Auction House. These are fine activities, to be sure, but they're most certainly not what I like to do in the game. No, the reason I played seven years ago is the reason I play now, because I like to hit things in the face with the largest possible things I can. And taking their stuff -- I mustn't forget how much I like taking their stuff.
A proposal for scenarios in Mists of Pandaria
We have seen and heard a ton of information on questing, dungeons, and even Pet Battles in the Mists of Pandaria beta, but one thing that has been absent thus far is also one of the things I'm most excited about -- scenarios. From what information we received at BlizzCon, we know that Blizzard intends for scenarios to be phased and quest-like in their presentation. They could be used to move stories forward, with players interacting with non-player heroes directly and even fighting alongside them in important battles. An idea for this new game mode that I have been tossing back and forth with a few friends is creating a series of how-to scenarios that introduces the player to the aspects of group play. Meloree at Sacred Duty has suggested this as a prerequisite to entering the Dungeon Finder, but I think even having the option would improve grouping experiences dramatically. Tanks could enter dungeons and raids with a better grasp on basics like threat, positioning, and proactive cooldown usage. Healers could learn mana management, throughput efficiency, and this fabled triage model that we keep hearing so much about. Damage dealers could become familiar with high-movement fights, interrupting, and burn phase cooldown maximization. Clearly, this seems to be well within Blizzard's capabilities to produce. We already see NPCs that tank, heal, and DPS in the game in various quests. In my opinion, there are only a couple of things that may stand in the way: Is this something the designers can do easily and quickly, or would a significant amount of resources need to be allotted to the development of this idea? Would players react positively to such tools being made available to them? Would they feel pressured or upset if they failed to complete the scenarios in their chosen role? What do you think? Is this something you would use? Would this help the dungeon running and raiding experiences, or is the potential for disaster too great here?
18 observations from a leveling healer
I've been leveling a goblin priest for something I call the Low-Level Tank Project, which is a count on the class representation he sees among tanks in the Dungeon Finder. Between the goblin and my restoration shaman (who reached 85 about two months ago), I've had two healers leveling mostly through dungeons recently, and a few commonalities have emerged. This is sort of a spiritual successor to 20 observations from a leveling tank, if you'd like a more tank-flavored look at leveling groups. This outing is a more generalized approach, possibly because I take a more observational role in my groups whenever I'm healing, like Jane Goodall among the ungemmed and unenchanted chimps. 1. DPSers are enormously indifferent to aggro in early dungeons. You're not healing one tank -- you're healing four. Five, if nobody bothers to stomp the mob making a beeline for you. 2. Early dungeons aren't necessarily good training for everyone involved. I wouldn't go so far as to say they're a terrible experience, per se -- they're quick, easy, and a good way to build confidence for new players -- but the usual mechanism by which players are encouraged to behave themselves (ugly death) is a remote possibility at best.
Maelforge and Laethys soar into action in RIFT's latest Infernal Dawn trailer
In the recent weeks, we've been inundated with information on RIFT's upcoming patch 1.8 and the accompanying new raid, Infernal Dawn. We've already gotten up-close-and-personal looks at the big baddies of Infernal Dawn, Laethys and Maelforge, but today Trion Worlds has released a spankin'-new trailer to get players hyped up to take on the dastardly duo of draconic deities. The trailer itself takes players inside the raid proper to give them a look at the many enemies they'll be squaring off against. It also gives us the first look at Laethys and Maelforge live and in action, and to say that these two appear formidable would be quite an understatement. They look, in layman's terms, like they're willing and able to mess your day/week/life right up. You can see for yourself in the full video, so why don't you go take a gander?
Delve deeper into RIFT's Infernal Dawn raid with new details, screenshots
If you've ever looked at an MMO and said something like "this would be a lot better if there was lava-surfing pirate ship helmed by an amazonian captain" or "dragons would be so much cooler if they were made of gold," then you have some very particular and rather peculiar thoughts. Moreover, though, RIFT has just the instance for you. Last week we took a video tour through the Earth Wing of RIFT's upcoming raid, Infernal Dawn. Now PC Gamer has got some more screenshots and details on the new dungeon, which pits players up against the Golden Maw, the Wanton, and their decidedly daft dragon leaders, Maelforge and Laethys. Laethys, in case we haven't mentioned it yet, is the dragon of earth whose form is composed entirely of delicious gold and precious gems. It's also worth mentioning that this is a dragon whose sacrifice of choice is a pretty boy or girl who has had his or her eyes removed and replaced with rubies. So yeah, may want to take her down ASAP, guys. Unfortunately, we've still yet to get a look at Maelforge himself, but we're sure Mr. I-want-to-sow-the-seeds-of-discord-and-chaos-everywhere will show his face as the release of Infernal Dawn draws ever closer.
Wings Over Atreia: The top 19 ways to get your dungeon crawl on, continued
Ahhh. There's nothing like the feeling of facing down a formidable foe, beating it into submission, then finally conquering it and pulling from its lifeless corpse some rare and valuable treasure to hold above your head as a trophy of your victory. Of course, this feeling cannot be found in the PvP portion of Aion's PvPvE formula; sadly, neither Asmodians nor Elyos drop loot of any kind upon defeat, rare or otherwise (though I have to say adding in the ability to pluck a feather from your vanquished foe would be cool). So that leaves only one way to experience this rush, and that's through the PvE side of the game, and not just any PvE at that: While there is a possibility of valuable drops out in the world, your best chances lie within the instanced dungeons. Dungeons are a great way to get away from the masses and all the accompanying interruptions that come with sharing the world with others, such as KSing, unwanted PvP ambushes, and mob trains pulled by some idiot next to you. Think of it as an Atreian vacation! And Aion has 19 PvE instanced dungeons ready to whisk you away for a brief respite from the world while simultaneously giving you the chance at some great loot and XP. Last week we covered dungeons available to Daevas under level 40 as well as solo instances. Of course, in most cases, Daevas don't remain under 40 forever (or even for long if whole months of double-XP weekends crop up!), so there is a need for more places to scratch that dungeon crawl itch. This time around, Wings Over Atreia focuses on the gamut of choices for those advancing in their levels.
