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Last chance to capture your EVE character's portrait
It's been a long time coming, but a major part of EVE Online's highly anticipated Incarna expansion is now just around the corner. Later this month with the implementation of the Incursion 1.1 patch, the existing character creator will be replaced by a shiny new Incarna character creator. We'll finally get to design an entire avatar, complete with arms and legs, rather than being limited to just a head and a pair of shoulders. Upon logging in after the Incursion 1.1 deployment, players will be prompted to re-create their characters using the new character renderer. In just a few short weeks, those characters we've grown accustomed to over the years will be gone. Now is your last chance to capture your character's portrait. If you'd like to preserve a portrait for posterity, be sure to log in and capture it in high detail before January 18th. In a new devblog, CCP Lopi explains some of the challenges associated with the new character creator. When we look at a character's info in-game or click on his name in a chat channel, the EVE client currently downloads information on the character from the EVE server and then renders a small passport photo. With the added complexity and higher-resolution textures used in the new character creator, rendering portraits on-the-fly in this manner would take an unacceptably long time. To get around this issue, portrait rendering will be done ahead of time, and the mug-shots we see in-game will be stored on a central webserver. The game will then retrieve the user's image directly from the webserver instead of rendering it. As a result, we should no longer get the short burst of lag associated with rendering a character's portrait, and server load should be decreased.
RIFT unveils four new souls
If you want to get anywhere in RIFT, you've got to have soul. Specifically, you have to have one of the game's soul trees, the unique mix-and-match system the game uses to help players customize strengths and weaknesses as they please. The team at Trion Worlds has recently revealed four new souls, one for each of the game's four classes -- the Riftblade for Warriors, the Marksman for Rogues, the Necromancer for Mages, and the Warden for the Clerics. RIftblades are magically-empowered warriors, deft at ranged strikes and penetrating armor but weak under concentrated assaults. Marksmen, obviously, are best suited to hit-and-run ranged strikes, with little capability in a close-quarter battle. Necromancers utilize the undead pets you would expect, although they're quite vulnerable without them. And Wardens serve as healers with a specialty in slow accumulation, stacking healing energies over time but vulnerable to a lack of time. Future RIFT players should take a look at the full descriptions as well as the fiction behind each of the fallen champions.
The Daily Grind: Which game has the best customization?
When Massively posted our first impressions of DC Universe Online earlier in the week, we noted that the character creation system was sub-par compared to systems in other MMOs in the same genre. However, DCUO has multiple ways to customize your character once you actually get into the game. Also last week, the artists and developers of EVE Online's character revamp talked about the behind-the-scenes work of rebuilding the character designer. In a virtual world where it's already hard enough to stand out from other players, being able to customize your personal look is important. This reporter knows that there were groans in the Star Wars: The Old Republic community when the team mentioned that there would be no appearance tab or cosmetic feature, though in the same breath, the developers assured us that there would be enough unique style to satisfy. So putting all other gameplay aside, which game do you think has the best character customization? Why is that? What makes that MMO's customization different from all the others out there? 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!
A Mild-Mannered Reporter: This edition is so stupid
Guys, I have to warn you straight up... this edition is really stupid. It's just plain stupid. I'm not saying that it's bad, and I'm not saying it's not worth reading -- I'm just saying that it's really surprisingly dumb. You're all fond of City of Heroes, and I am too, but considering how dumb this week's edition is, maybe you should do something else for however long you would normally read one of my columns. I guess there are some pretty good things on YouTube these days. Oh, wait, sorry, it looks like I was reading my notes wrong. It's not that this edition is stupid, it's that the community threads we're spotlighting today are all about things that are stupid. Because there are things here and there within City of Heroes that are just a little dumb, when you get right down to it. Also, it gave me a thematic hook for this column, so that's good too. Click on past the cut for this week's highlights!
NYCC 2010: The City of Heroes Issue 19 panel
It's the end of the convention season, and City of Heroes fans on the East Coast managed to get one last treat -- another chance with the development team that had long been anchored firmly on the other side of the country. The team's panel in March at PAX East saw the revelation of several new facts about the game, including the first announcement of Kinetic Melee and Electric Control, and the panel that closes out the year at New York Comic Con contained several interesting new facts as well. Melissa Bianco, David Nakayama, and Jesse Caceres were all in attendance, with the panel overseen by community representative Tia Parurahi. With Going Rogue having been out for nearly two months, this panel focused on the upcoming Issue 19 and what the changes mean for the game, as well as how much the development team is ramping up production to improve the game all around.
City of Heroes previews the coming Issue 19
We've known about the bare basics of Issue 19 for a little while now, but City of Heroes players have just been treated to a new explosion of information about the game's next major content patch. And it promises to be quite a big update, with two new task forces, new events in Praetoria, and some alternate animations and auras that had not been previously announced. Several powers will now have a number of locations that can be used as a launching point, so you could fire your Radiation Blasts from your eyes, one hand, both hands, or other possibilities. More tip and morality missions are being added, as well as the option for characters who were not from Praetoria to enter the city. It couldn't come at a better time, as Praetoria's infiltration and invasion are the center of the two new task forces. Overseen by Apex and Tin Mage, two important lore figures, the chains have characters face off against Praetors and uniquely Praetorian enemies to keep their world safe from Emperor Cole's designs. There are also new live events being added in Praetoria, such as a mass protest that heroes can take part in or help shut down. With the previously announced first Incarnate slot and the move of Fitness to inherent (with a slight clarification of unclear wording), the update promises to be an infusion of both content and systems for City of Heroes, so take a look at the official rundown for more.
Environment and customization spotlighted in new DCUO images
As Sony Online Entertainment continues to reveal images from DC Universe Online, the game environment is emerging as one of the game's standout features. Players have admired the attention to detail in familiar locations, and that's not all. Some fans were a little concerned about available character customization -- particularly after the announcement regarding the ability to dress as your favorite hero -- but the last few rounds of screenshots have showed a wide range of available options and looks. The newest screenshots are no exception. Check out the gallery below for another snapshot tour of DCUO and its citizens, both good and bad. %Gallery-102654%
The Daily Grind: How do you like your character customization?
SOE's Jens Andersen recently provoked a bit of a discussion with his comments on DC Universe Online's character customization options. In a nutshell, he intimated that they're somewhat limited initially and devoid of excessive "fluff" in order to give players something to strive for as they build their avatars. This is something of a departure from the tradition established by earlier superhero MMOs. City of Heroes and Champions Online both feature absurdly awesome amounts of individuality and costume customization potential. Even older, non-superhero games such as Aion and Star Wars Galaxies are renowned for the unique looks possible with their extensive character creation tools. That, dear Massively readers, brings us to the question of the day. Do you buy into Andersen's theory that costume and character individuality is a worthwhile carrot, or do you prefer the CoH/Champions method of options, options, and more options from the get-go? How do you like your character customization?
PAX 2010: How to build LEGO Universe, piece by piece
The world of LEGO is being destroyed by the mighty Maelstrom. Imagination is being sucked into its evil vortex, and only you and your friends can stop it! Customize your minifig to fit your personality, choose your favorite faction, and launch into battle against Maelstrom and its minions. Save imagination! LEGO Universe Online is the LEGO brand's first leap into the MMO genre. After LEGO's success with single-player games, such as the extremely popular Star Wars and Indiana Jones series, it only seems natural for the company to jump into the massively multiplayer universe. The design team of over 150 people has built a wild and whimsical world, Brick and Knob by Brick and Knob, and the crazy thing is, you can add to this world, too. At PAX, LEGO was kind enough to give me a personal guided tour through this universe of adventure and creativity. Follow me after the break as I guide you through my hands-on with LEGO Universe Online.%Gallery-101842%
Exclusive: Dynasty Warriors Online shows off new screens and customization video
Looking for a free-to-play brawler with above-average character customization and visual flair? You might want to check out Aeria Games' Dynasty Warriors Online, which is currently accepting closed beta signups. Dynasty Warriors Online is the latest title in the popular Dynasty Warriors franchise (which dates back to the 1997 Playstation fighting game), and looks to bring its unique blend of action and strategy to the MMORPG space. Aeria has teamed with Massively to bring you an exclusive gallery of environment screenshots for the game, showcasing locales that include courtyards, taverns, crafting facilities, and more. Aeria has also released a short teaser showing off aspects of character creation as well as a brief glimpse of PvE combat. Have a look at the video after the cut, check out the exclusive screenshot gallery below, and don't forget to sign up for beta at the game's official website. %Gallery-101828%
SDCC 2010: TERA by the numbers
If looks were everything, then TERA would certainly place as a finalist in the Miss Upcoming MMO Universe pageant. Yet as visually sumptuous as it may be, we're more interested in its personality. Can the brains match the beauty? So far, it looks promising. We've been locked on to TERA's unique brand of fantasy play since this year's E3 (and before), and as such, it's great to check back in with the title, take it out for a quiet romantic dinner, and see how it's shaping up. We caught up with En Masse Entertainment at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con and spent a half hour putting the game through its paces and chatting up with TERA's devs. While TERA's dev team is working with a more recent build of the game, our hands-on demo was the same build as the one we saw at E3. Even so, it's always worth spending a few more minutes with an upcoming MMO to see what new facts and impressions can be gleaned. Hit the jump to read more about classes, races and an idea about not getting hit that's so crazy, it just might work!
CABAL Online's secrets are out
CABAL Online is one of those free-to-play titles that's like a shy whale, swimming under the surface of our attention while growing bigger every day. And before you know it, Pinocchio and Jonah are in deep, deep trouble. Tortured metaphors aside, it's good to hear that CABAL continues to expand. Games-Masters.com just released a massive update for the game entitled "Secrets of Radiant Hall." The centerpiece of the update is the titular Radiant Hall, a new 7-man, level 130+ raid to uncover the secrets and best the challenges of the Phantasmal clan. Their secret? Fanta! (OK, not really -- but we hear there's a dragon involved.) The update brings a host of new and improved features to CABAL as well, including a daily quest system, new character customization options, a better UI, a party search system and the Catacomb Frost solo dungeon. Catacomb Frost is interesting in that level 110+ players have a scant 25 minutes to save a girl; fortunately, there are three difficulty levels depending on how daring you feel that day. You can check out the full update over at CABAL Online's site.
Still clicking: Our exclusive interview with the Mythos dev team
Considering Mythos' stormy post-Flagship past and its relatively low profile over the past half year, we were pleased to see the team at Redbana unveil a website revamp last month, complete with a slew of vibrant new screenshots to tease the upcoming closed beta. The infrastructure revealed in the images suggests that the game has come a long way since we last checked in with the team; although many players might once have pigeon-holed Mythos as "just another Diablo clone," it's now maturing into a hybrid MMORPG that seems to have as much in common with Blizzard's other fantasy game as with the click-fests of yesteryear. Curious, we commandeered the team at Redbana in order to ask about the progress of the game. Meet up with us after the break as we discuss the transition to Redbana, overcoming the Diablo stigma, camera perspectives, map travel, character customization, and the likelihood that Mythos will be free-to-play. Oh, and did I mention you can play satyrs and cyclopes?!
APB releases final box art, more E3 images
Realtime Worlds' All Points Bulletin is releasing in a few short days, and to help get your creative juices flowing, we've collected several galleries worth of new screenshots from the urban crime MMOFPS. Included below you'll find everything from custom automotive paint jobs, to gang insignias, to radical avatar customization (including facial features, body builds, and outfits). Finally, don't forget to check out the final North American box art after the jump. %Gallery-96317%%Gallery-96318%%Gallery-96319%%Gallery-96320%
The Road to Mordor: Walking the virtuous path
Every Friday, The Road to Mordor brings you the latest in Lord of the Rings Online news, guides and analysis. LotRO's character building system is at once both flexible and a little intimidating to the new player. It combines several systems from other games -- including an achievement system (the Deed Log), collectible traits, skills that improve on use, easy reslotting – into a funky new beast. Frankly, I love being able to constantly tweak my build without having to scrap the whole thing and start all over with a maximum of fuss and funds. However, what always confused me when I was new to LotRO were the Virtue traits – honestly, I had no idea what they were or that they were even there until my third month of playing. The game doesn't give you a huge tutorial on Virtues, and when you do give them a solid glance, they're somewhat underwhelming: seemingly minor stat boosts in a variety of packages. So why bother getting them? Are they too much trouble for what they're worth? What's the best way to accumulating Virtues if not? That's what we're here to help you with. Speak, friend, and enter.
New Aion account services offer big changes
Aion is following in the footsteps of fellow NCsoft title Guild Wars, adding features very similar to those offered with the fourth birthday update. Aion fans can now purchase items through Account Services and make changes to their character's name, appearance, or even the gender. Legion name changes are available as well. Did you finally think of the perfect character name right about the time your main dinged level 40? No problem, just buy a character name change. Tired of the look of your character? Buy a plastic surgery ticket for a makeover, or go all out and do a gender change. Legion name changes are the priciest option, perhaps because they benefit an entire legion. The new Account Services page explains each option in fuller detail, as well as pricing and a link to purchase. Be sure to check out the FAQ provided as well, and enjoy your new look!
Aion's community address for January
Approaching the end of the month means it's time for another Aion community address. It's reliable enough to set your watch by, assuming your watch runs in one-month increments of time. This address promises an increased number of double experience weekends, with one currently running to help players accelerate their leveling. It also promises that character re-customization and gender changing services are on the horizon for players who would like said services, and briefly discusses the need for ongoing improvement in the website. There's a scarcity of hard facts, however, beyond a promise that some of these features should be available in early February. If you were guessing that the community seems a bit... unhappy about this, you'd be guessing right. The comments for this particular entry already stretch into the triple digits, with several players calling for server merges and additional content. It also has no mention about the recent security issues that NCsoft has been contending with, a somewhat sore point for several players. Coupled with the January Eye On Community, the natives seem to be getting a tad restless, especially with no news on the many features previewed in the Visions trailer. We're sure that Aion's team is hard at work, but the fan community seems a bit less docile than before.
New Brink video shows how to customize your lanky, lanky character
If you're as intrigued as we are by Splash Damage and Bethesda's co-operative FPSRPG Brink, you'll probably want to check out the video above, which shows the many options you'll be afforded when customizing your personal freedom fighter. For instance, what kind of full-torso tattoos would like? And how many mohawks do you want perched atop your skull? Three, you say? Wonderful, wonderful. Though all of the characters designed in the video turn out horrifically homely, there certainly seems to be a lot of depth in the customization tools. We just hope there's an option to shorten our characters' arms, as all of the soldiers seen in the trailer above probably do a lot of tripping over their own forearms.
More Final Fantasy XIV translations with developer commentary
In some games, adventurers are just regular people, albeit very well-trained and highly-armed people who are a bit dangerous to have hanging around too long. In others, however, there's something special setting them apart, even beyond the fact that they spend all of their waking lives running through muck-infested ruins. Add Final Fantasy XIV to the latter list, as fansite FFXIVCore has translated the most recent issue of Dengeki Playstation, which includes some information straight to the magazine from the developers. They make note of the fact that adventurers have a specific power to change the world, albeit one distinct from the time-travel mechanics used in Final Fantasy XI. The translation covers a lot of ground, and reveals such tidbits as the lack of any hybrid magic-and-melee classes in Final Fantasy XIV -- such abilities will come from a character's growth in multiple areas rather than a specific class such as the Red Mage or Paladin. More details on character creation are included, with the creators talking about both a more flexible creator than Final Fantasy XI and the possibility of changing elements of a character's starting armor. There are also some tidbits on the political state of the land and the three-way conflict between the adventurers of Eorzea, the Garleann Empire, and the beast tribes. Unfortunately, there's no answer to the question many of us want answered -- namely, when we can start the beta.
Roleplaying and the lack of it in MMOs
We refer to our genre as MMOs in shorthand, frequently, as an abbreviation of MMORPG. Of course, there are entries that don't fit the mold -- Planetside makes no pretense of being an RPG, for instance, while Second Life is really a virtual environment rather than a game per se. But the roots of the term do define what most MMOs are fundamentally aiming at: being an RPG with a massive component of players. Which is ironic, because as We Fly Spitfires points out, they're not really RPGs at all. They feature the stats and the leveling, but nothing of the larger sense of place and story that the genre hails as its strengths. Compared to games such as Dragon Age: Origins or Oblivion, it's clear that for all the strength of options we might have in some MMOs, we lack any sense of real character specialization or unique progression. Part of the concern, of course, is content -- you don't want to necessarily force any player who didn't happen to make the right choices in a dialogue tree to miss out on a major endgame event. The ubiquity of communication also helps herd players toward a specific set of specializations or ability tree, with little to no deviation encouraged. But there's more that can be done, and games such as Star Wars: The Old Republic seem to have a greater intent to focus on individual story and progression. Even if you don't necessarily like the impromptu acting which is usually associated with roleplaying in the genre, it's hard to deny that a greater sense of individual choice and uniqueness would be intoxicating.
