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Darkfall community Q&A follow-up offers more details
Aventurine's Tasos Flamboras has donned his flame-retardant gear and ventured into the eternally blazing forest that is the Darkfall forums in an attempt to douse the fires raging after the publication of a lengthy Q&A session earlier this week. Put together by noted Darkfall blogger Paragus, the community-generated question list was initially answered by a three-man team that included Flambouras as well as developers Claus Grovdal and Kjetil Helland. Controversy erupted when community members balked at the perceived evasiveness of the answers. "When we say that we're looking into something, or considering, or have plans for, it doesn't mean that we're being evasive or diplomatic in our answers. If that was our intention, we simply wouldn't answer. It means that we're trying to give you actual insight or confirmation on what we can't go into detail about," Flambouras says. He goes on to briefly outline Aventurine's information-revealing methodology before expounding on a few of the answers from the Q&A as well as new tidbits like armor dyes, significant improvements to crafting, a completely redesigned UI, and of course the prestige class system. "Prestige classes are the largest feature ever added to Darkfall and will definitely change the face of the game," Flambouras states.
Darkfall community Q&A hints at massive game expansion
Its been quite awhile since Aventurine first sat down for a community-based question and answer session with noted Darkfall blogger Paragus. Today, he brings us part two of the lengthy interview, which features a whopping 57 questions generated by Darkfall players. As you would expect, some of the answers are short and fluffy, but many are quite informative as to the future of the PvP sandbox title. Stashed away inside the deluge of queries are a few gems about upcoming content, including mention of the cryptically titled Darkfall 2010 project. "[It] comes after the next expansion and is a much bigger proposition. Darkfall 2010 is our internal code name for this project. Our intent is to have it complete within the year, but we can't rule out that it will take longer than that. We've been working on this for quite a while, it's parallel development to Darkfall and almost as big a project as making a new game," Aventurine says. Aside from that teaser, there is also talk of prestige classes, performance improvements, and the long-awaited four-legged running feature for the mahirim race. Sadly, it seems as if this particular fan wish isn't going to be granted anytime soon, despite the assets already existing in the live game. "Our main problem is that it is an unbalancing factor," says Aventurine.
One Shots: Boom, how ya like that
In a game like Darkfall, one never really knows what's going to happen next. One moment you could be out adventuring -- the next thing you know, a group has wandered into your town and it's time to head back for war. While Darkfall remains a niche title, that type of never-know-what's-next PvP action is just the thing its many loyal players like. Take, for example, today's action-filled screenshot sent in to us by Paragus, co-leader of Inquisition and fellow MMO blogger. He writes in to explain: One of the biggest PvP battles I have ever seen was in Darkfall over [this last] weekend. The "Vamesis" alliance tried to lay siege to the "Superfriends" alliance capital city of Aradoth. Almost every guild on the server was involved in this Friday night war in some way. Before long, we found ourselves on the defensive trying to protect VAMP's city of Dagnamyr from a relentless assault that lasted over 4 hours. Countless lives were lost on both sides, but we managed to hold onto this key city. While this picture can't do the battle justice, this video by Umberto from the 'Superfriends" alliance shows just how intense and epic this battle was from the the perspective of those trying to take down Dagnamyr. Want to show off your favorite MMO? It's easy! Just email your screenshot to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a quick description. We'll post it out here and give you the credit. %Gallery-9798%
One Shots: Peace sells but who's buying
Ah Christmas! The day many celebrate will choose to celebrate with family, presents, good food, and a certain song about 'peace on Earth.' Meanwhile Darkfall has no real cease-fire in the ongoing quest for total domination. It's a gritty world where the concept of letting your guard down even for a moment can land you in very big trouble. Today's screenshot shows off one such example, captured and sent in by Paragus, the co-leader of Inquisition and MMO blogger. He writes in to explain this tense scene: Going back to Darkfall for the Conquer the Seas expansion, the game has matured quiet a bit since my last visit. I was able to go out on a Barque class ship with some folks from Nemesis and Vamp to pillage the city of Apuatan. Needless to say they were not happy about getting holes blown in their walls. All hands on deck: line up to return fire against the city defenders.Why not join the fun and send in your own screenshots to be featured here on One Shots? We can always use more to pick from! Just email them to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the game its from, and whatever other information you'd like to give us. We'll post it for everyone to enjoy and give you the credit. %Gallery-9798%
One Shots: The abyss stares back at you
Sometimes screenshots aren't amazingly breathtaking so much for what they are, as they for what they get us to thinking about. Such is the case with today's One Shots from Aion that was sent in to us by our fellow MMO blogger, Paragus. He explains the image: Flying into the Abyss portal for the first time to me was also the crossing the finish line of some marathon grinding sessions to get access. Hopefully what lies beyond this portal will live up to the expectations of Aion fans for what will hopefully be a fun RvR experience. Suppose we'll have to see how people like Aion's RVR.If you enjoy PvP, RvR, arenas, raids, or any type of battle, we want to see your screenshots of carnage. Just email those in to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a brief description. We'll post it out here for everyone else to check out and give you credit. %Gallery-9798%
One Shots: Do the wings make it better?
It seems like no matter where we turn, the buzz lately has been on Aion. A goodly chunk of the Massively staff has been sucked into the beta and they're reporting interesting things. Others we talk to aren't so thrilled, but are reserving judgment until they see something closer to release. Even our normal Darkfall contributor and fellow MMO blogger, Paragus, decided to send in a screenshot for us with his thoughts since he's a member of the press and not under NDA. He writes: After playing the Aion Beta Weekend, I find myself marveling at how stunning some of the graphics and character models are. In some games scenes like this are hard to come by, but they seem to be the norm in Aion. We'll have to see if everyone is as thrilled as launch gets closer. Remember, if you're in a beta - make sure you're not breaking NDA when you're sending in One Shots! Otherwise, they'll likely sit there for quite some time before I'm able to post them. If you've got non-NDA breaking screens to show off, email those to us at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a brief description. We'll post those up and let the world know it's all due to you. %Gallery-9798%
One Shots: Darkfall fireworks
With good PvP, it's all about taking advantage of anything legit that you can - skill, tactics, or things as simple as paying attention to and using the terrain around you. In a game like Darkfall where death means more than a quick run back from the nearest graveyard, scenes like the one above must be scary if you get caught in the middle. Today's Darkfall One Shots comes to us from fellow MMO blogger and Co-leader of the Darkfall guild Inquisition, Paragus, who writes in to explain. A narrow hallway can make for a tight place for a fight. Mercenary forces battle against the Death Alliance in the tunnels of Aradoth in an attempt to force them out of the city. Both sides [decided] to employ the use of various advanced magics which made for quite a firework show.One Shots needs your screens, dear readers! So while you're out playing, or digging through your hard drive, grab some screenshots for us. Send them to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, server, and a brief description of what's in the screenshot. In turn we'll give your screenshot and tale a moment to shine, right here on Massively. How cool is that?%Gallery-9798%
One Shots: None shall pass
The major reason we started One Shots was to see what the community out there was playing. As a bonus, we occasionally get screens from other writers, which gives us an insight into what they're up to as well! Today's Darkfall One Shots comes to us from Paragus, Co-leader of Inquisition, and well-known ranty Darkfall blogger, who writes: The mercenary forces brace for the incoming Coalition mounted charge by making a makeshift wall out of their mounts. Immediately after this screenshot was taken, an 80 man bloodbath ensued that left the area littered with mounts, bodies, and of course loot!We're still on the lookout for more One Shots, so if you get a chance to snap a few, send some our way! We're looking for all games - from Aion (if you're not under NDA) to Zu Online, and everything in between. Just send them to us at oneshots AT massively DOT com with your name, the name of the game, and a brief description. Show off your favorite game(s)! %Gallery-9798%
One Shots: Waiting to strike
Despite (or perhaps thanks to?) recent controversy, Darkfall continues its savage, unforgiving ways as a sandbox PvP game full of danger and reward for those daring enough to take up the fight. Today's One Shots shows off a group of players, ready to strike, according to our regular contributor, Paragus. He writes in: A squad from Inquisition and other clans assume a defensive position on top of some rocks while observing the battle raging down below. We'd can only imagine their opponent's faces as they headed down off that rock towards the fray. Have you captured a fun moment from your recent adventures - alone or with friends? If so, we want to see that screenshot. Just send it in to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name and a brief description. We'll post it here and give you the credit for sending it in!%Gallery-9798%
Siege the shores of Agon with Darkfall's brigantine class ship
In a game like Darkfall, it's hard to get people to fess up to owning powerful weapons of war. But if you're Paragus, you'll find ways to get the information out to the public on some of Darkfall's coolest features. This time he's gotten to tour the deck of one of Darkfall's larger ships, the brigantine, thanks to the invitation of The Mercs and Rainbow Ninja clans.Equipped with 8 cannons, a small captain's cabin, and a crew of angry siegers, Paragus was able to see the ship in action from the main deck as the clans took on a shoreline city. The cannons, which hit with the damage of a handheld siege hammer but fire from a range greater than that of most defensive cannons, pounded the city from afar and wrecked defenses.Even if you're not a rabid Darkfall enthusiast, the look at naval combat presented in the article is a good read for anyone interested in general PvP warfare. For the full story, check it out over at Paragus's blog at MMORPG.com.
One Shots: Follow the light
In many games, a lighthouse may call players to the safety of shore; safe harbor, as it were. Of course, in Darkfall, you really never know what will greet you in a new area, and whether it will mean life or death for you and your friends.Today's One Shots shows off a moment offshore, and was sent in to us by Paragus, who says only "castle on remote island." If there is more to this story or location, we'll simply have to guess, or hope someone adds in details in the comments below. One Shots is about community, and that means we need your screens and stories! Want to contribute but don't know how? It's easy. Just email your screenshot along with whatever you'd like to say about it to oneshots AT massively DOT com. Include your character name (server and guild optional) along with the game so we know who to give credit to. Pretty simple, no?%Gallery-9798%
Leaders have questions, and Darkfall's Tasos Flambouras has answers
Darkfall blogger extraordinaire Paragus recently sat down with some of the biggest alliance leaders of Agon, collecting questions to take back to Aventurine's very own Tasos Flambouras for answering.While not all of the questions are actually questions (we see those declarative statements, you can't hide them from our prying eyes), Tasos attempts to provide answers to some of Darkfall's biggest problems. Crashing during battles, game mechanics overthrowing battle strategies, six hour sieges, political options in the interface, inability to purchase the game, and the burning question of what Aventurine is doing to deal with cheaters are all covered in this lengthy two page interview.The entire interview has been posted to MMORPG.com. If you're looking for a peek inside of the mind of Aventurine, or the mind of Tasos, in the very least, don't hesitate to jump on over and catch his answers to some burning questions.
Blood, sweat, and valor in Darkfall
Paragus has continued his stories about adventuring through the Darkfall world on MMOCrunch, this time centering on the concepts of alliances and city sieges. While many aspects seem similar to EVE Online's corporation wars, Paragus's retelling of what it's like to be on the front lines of a siege battle makes Darkfall sound more like 300.His overall report is in Darkfall's favor, commenting on how well the game seems to be holding up when there are huge amounts of players fighting in the same area. Certainly there are still client crashes and disconnects, but the performance is overall very stable for mass combat.The only downfall to the whole system lies in the rules of the siege challenge. One of the rules states that if the attacking guild's leader drops offline at any time during the battle, the challenge is immediately lost. During Paragus's siege, the guild leader suffered a timeout, and the guild found themselves losing the challenge all due to connection problems.While Aventurine patches up all of the problems, the overall report of sieges is good, in Paragus's opinion. For the full details, head on over and check out his writeup of the event.
Darkfall impressions on mounts and guild politics
Paragus is back with another mini Darkfall review over at MMORPG.com. This time he's talking about mounts and politics.Mounts in Darkfall are quite a bit different than you'll find in other MMORPGs. The biggest difference is that you don't purchase them from vendors; they come from crafters who learn the "taming" skill. Mounts aren't just vehicles to get you from point A to B either; they can swim and attack (kicking and biting). They can also be stolen by other players, killed, and healed. The controls for mounts are excellent and you can actually attack other players with a one-handed weapon from the saddle.Darkfall's unrestrictive PvP also supports an interesting political system. Guilds can be neutral, allied, or at war with each other. You can even be at war with a guild of your own race. Guards won't intervene when you're fighting a guild you're at war with in a city either. This obviously leads to some complex relationships when you become allied with other guilds because you must factor all the guilds they're at war with.Anyone interested in Darkfall should also take a look at Keen's blog because he has been keeping a very detailed journal of his experiences.
Paragus' Darkfall beta review: Not your grandma's MMORPG
One of the very first Darkfall beta reviews we found came up only moments after the NDA dropped. Paragus, co-leader of the Inquisition guild and longtime MMORPG fanatic, shared his thoughts on the game over at MMOCrunch.com. It's quite a lengthy read and covers areas of the game such as character creation, user interface, the world, characters and animations, combat, quests, PvE, the alignment system, and corpse-looting.One commentor pointed out a few things the review was missing, including mounts, ships, mount and ship combat, class/skill balance, bugs, missing features, and the player-run economy. Still, we found it to be a very good overview of the game. Paragus suggests that Darkfall is not going to have mass market appeal, however, fans of old-school PvP MMOs like Ultima Online and Asheron's Call should find the game quite entertaining. Overall, he feels that while Darkfall may be a little rough around the edges, it features enough of a unique experience to be worth it. Paragus is also taking questions, so feel free to leave comments on his review.If you'd like a second opinion, why not check out what Massively's very own Colin Brennan has to say about his hands-on Darkfall experience? Also, share your thoughts on whether or not you plan to purchase Darkfall in our Daily Grind.
Counterpoint on Warhammer Online's Fortress siege population caps
We reported earlier this week that Warhammer Online has been having some issues with Fortress sieges, and opted to implement a solution -- population thresholds. That solution has led to fewer Fortress-related crashes and overall improved performance, but not everyone is as enthusiastic about the changes Mythic has made to Warhammer Online. A good example of this type of dissent among the WAR ranks can be found at MMOCrunch in a criticism written by Paragus. He takes aim at the Tier 4 campaign changes to Fortresses and states that imposing population thresholds diminishes the very thing WAR bills itself as -- a massive realm-vs.-realm game. He doesn't pull any punches when he states, "The fact that they are trying to spin this by saying 'to allow even more players to participate' by capping population in a given area only makes me feel better about pulling my guild out of this game. I'll be waiting for the flames from Warhammer fans."
