Filed under: Screenshots

One Shots: Norrathian safari

by Krystalle Voecks Jul 30th 2010 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, EverQuest II, One Shots

You know why we love to get more than one game's screenshots from one person? Aside from the fact that it's fun to see what you're all up to, it tells us we're not the only ones with multiple-MMO ~~addictions~~ subscriptions! Indeed, that's part of what makes the readers of Massively so awesome -- you're just as crazy about these games as we are. Today, we have the second screenshot of the week from shanert, who sent us the Vanguard one a couple of days ago. This time, we catch up with his Ratonga, and have a look around the world of EverQuest II. He writes a rhymey line to explain:

"Running around the borderlands of Freeport with my little rat and see,
how beautifull a six year old game can be."

There are tons of interesting sights out there in MMO land, but we need you to make One Shots happen. So while you're out playing this weekend, why not grab a screenshot of something interesting for us! Then all you have to do is email it to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here for everyone to enjoy, and give you the credit.

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

First Impressions: Might and Magic Heroes Kingdoms

by Beau Hindman Jul 29th 2010 at 4:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Reviews, Free-to-play, Browser, Hands-on, Casual, Might and Magic, MMORTS, First Impressions

Browser-based games have come a long way. A few years ago, I would have never predicted that they would be as popular and varied as they are now. I wouldn't have believed that the quality would rise, while still being contained in the 2-D walls of your favorite browser. But, here we are, discussing Might and Magic Heroes Kingdoms, another browser-based game that has raised that level of quality once again. It's a subtle difference, but the improvements should still be noted and enjoyed.

First of all, I want to say that I am generally horrible at any type of PvP. I rarely think of conquest and would rather trade with my fellow players than attempt to murder them. Call me old-fashioned! So, when I signed up for a game that promised that type of epic conquest (and diplomacy as well, lest we forget) I was a little more than worried that the following First Impressions would consist only of the words "I SUCK."

What I found, after giving in and joining the very first alliance that offered membership, was a game that is heavy on the chin-scratching and light on difficulty. And it's fun, too.

One Shots: Space to grow

by Krystalle Voecks Jul 29th 2010 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, Star Trek Online, One Shots

With the promise of new missions, and new things to do, Season 2 has just launched on the Star Trek Online servers. The plans we heard about from the game's new Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl, certainly sound promising. Of course, if you're a die-hard Trek fan, the idea of flying through wild sectors of space like the one we see in today's One Shots might just intrigue you! This image comes to us from Matt (Charles@Tiberius1986), who sent in our first image from the new season. He writes in: "Season 2 of Star Trek Online is off to a great start, and here is an image from Fluidic Space. I like to think I'm exploring the great, cosmic unknown! You also get the title 'Moist', which I thought was pretty amusing. :)"

One Shots is in need of your images! If you'd like to contribute one, it's really easy to do. Just email them to us here at oneshots@massively.com. Be sure to include your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing in the image. In-character short stories are welcome too! From there, we'll get it all set up, and post it here for everyone to check out.

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

Latest LotRO free-to-play screens show new starting areas

by Rubi Bayer Jul 29th 2010 at 1:30PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Lord of the Rings Online, Free-to-play

Part of the transition to free-to-play for The Lord of the Rings Online includes some cosmetic changes here and there. We got a glimpse of that a few weeks ago, and now Turbine is giving us a look at another area that's undergone some changes.

The man and hobbit starting areas will have a new look when free-to-play arrives this fall. You'll see some familiar faces, and you'll still have the standard assortment of shadowy figures, backstory, and angry creatures to fight, but things will look a bit different.

Check out the newest addition to the gallery below for a look at the new man and hobbit starting areas.

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online free-to-play screenshots

New DDO screenshot gives first look at Update 6

by Rubi Bayer Jul 28th 2010 at 8:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Dungeons and Dragons Online, Patches, Free-to-play

Dungeons and Dragons Online's next update will bring more content to the game, and the excitement for Update 6 has been high in the DDO community, thanks to one little detail: underwater combat.

That's right, the next update will not only bring a new wilderness area -- the Red Fens -- but it adds underwater combat to DDO. We'll meet up with our old friends the Sahuagin and take to the waters.

It's an exciting addition to the game, and if you feel you simply can't wait until Update 6 drops, maybe you don't have to. VIP players can copy characters onto the Lamannia server and try it out for themselves right away!

One Shots: I'm on a boat!

by Krystalle Voecks Jul 28th 2010 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Vanguard, One Shots

With the news out yesterday that EverQuest II is going to offer a F2P version, there are many who turned to look at the other SOE games wondering if we might see a shift for them as well. For Vanguard, that could mean more people taking a second look at this graphically gorgeous game -- something we're relatively certain the current playerbase would welcome! With interesting visuals like today's One Shots from shanert, along with interesting in-game systems to play through, we suspect others would be doing what he wrote in to tell us about today: "Here's an image of my character on a tour around the rivers with a self-crafted sloop (after finishing a extensive quest-line that takes weeks of harvesting and crafting)."

Have you snapped a great screenshot from your favorite game lately? Why not share it with us! We're always looking for new and interesting things to show off on One Shots. Email your image to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here for everyone to enjoy and give you the credit.

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

RIFT: Planes of Telara unveils Gloamwood

by Rubi Bayer Jul 28th 2010 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Trailers, News items, RIFT: Planes of Telara

At first glance, the newest zone revealed for RIFT: Planes of Telara looks to be marginally more cheerful than the last zone we heard about, but looks can be deceiving.

Gloamwood is an area populated by giant spiders, undead shade, goblins, and vampire bats. There's a human village that seems to offer a refuge, but the people of Gloamwood Pines haven't had it easy. Years of grisly murders by an unknown creature have left the villagers fearful and unwelcoming to outsiders, even as they seek their help.

The Mathosian Mill is another landmark in Gloamwood. What used to be a profitable mill is overrun by undead, and while some speculate on the possibility of taking it back, it's a daunting prospect at best.

These are only a few of many places to explore in Gloamwood. Overall, it looks like this zone will provide both a challenge and some interesting exploration for players. Check out the gallery and trailer video below for a closer look at Gloamwood.

Gallery: Rift: Planes of Telara's Gloamwood

Free for All: Charmed, Zentia, I'm sure

by Beau Hindman Jul 28th 2010 at 10:00AM

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, New titles, Free-to-play, Casual, Free for All

Charm is one of those words that, as a kid, I never really understood. I always pictured some southern gentleman, lemonade in hand, wooing powdered belles from his porch on a hot summer's day: that's how I defined it. But now I think I understand it so much more, and I often wonder why this industry seems to often ignore the word, or has no idea what it means. It's easiest to explain it this way:

You cannot be charming by acting cool. If you act cool, it comes out cheesy. The movie The Matrix, for example: trying to act so incredibly cool, but comes off only cheesy. You must simply be cool to be charming. You can also be truly wide-eyed, which is charming. Or innocent, which is much rarer, but still charming. Be warned: Top Gun was considered very cool, and Tom Cruise very charming, in their time. Shirley Temple, mainly because of the time period her movies were made in, is still charming. A Christmas Story is very, very charming. Reese Witherspoon's work in Election? Oozes charm. Roy Orbison? Cool and charming, despite looking like a grandmother.

The same applies to MMORPGs. Seriously. Some games are trying to be way too cool, and should just relax a bit. Be fun. I recently discovered one of the most charming games yet in Zentia.

One Shots: The prettiest orc on the block

by Krystalle Voecks Jul 27th 2010 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Lineage 2, One Shots

While it may not be a game that many people have played over here in the states, NCsoft's long-running fantasy MMO, Lineage 2, continues to enchant players in its home market. What you may not know is that it also boasts some beautiful character art! Indeed, when you look at this attractive orcish lass, you can see where cousin Aion got its good looks. Nonetheless, today's lovely Lineage 2 image comes to us from Matt P., who tells us only that this is "a screenshot of my level 13 orc mystic from Lineage 2, in the orc village." Where that village is, we couldn't tell you -- but we're relatively certain there are some happy male orcs there.

We are on the hunt for more screenshots, and you can help! Just email your MMO screenshots to us here at oneshots@massively.com. Be sure to include your name, the name of the game, and a description. Also, please make sure that your images are no smaller than 1024 pixels wide and have as few visible UI elements as possible in them.Yours could be the next one we feature!

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

One Shots: Come get some

by Krystalle Voecks Jul 26th 2010 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Aion, One Shots

Between the recent server merges to increase population and the upcoming addition of the 2.0 Assault on Balaurea update to the game, there are several folks returning to the gorgeous world of Aion. While PvP isn't necessarily everybody's thing, there are more than enough people willing to take up the call -- and enjoy this beautifully textured world. Today's One Shots comes to us from Flog, who also recently returned, and writes in:

"I resubbed because of the server merges. It is nice to see the game so busy again. I was on my way out of Altgard to level up my essence tapping when I glided so high that I was able to land on this little guard post. After seeing what was behind me I figured I would take a picture. Come at me Elyos! I am Flog....protector of Altgard!"

From big to small, we love to see all manner of MMO worlds. However, we need you to help us by sending in screenshots of them! Email those to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. Yours could be the next one posted out here on Massively!

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

One Shots: Time for a nap

by Krystalle Voecks Jul 25th 2010 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Dungeons and Dragons Online, One Shots

Have you ever imagined what life is like for MMO characters once you log out of the game? Do they go to the market? Enjoy some free time flying kites? Perhaps they simply sleep, as we see in today's Dungeons and Dragons Online One Shots that has come to us from Weables Wigglebottom, a human monk. Of course, we also picked this image for today because Sundays are truly awesome days to catch a little catnap after a long week. Weables writes in: "When my friend and I found a fluffy bed inside a mummy's tomb, we decided it was a good time for a cuddly snooze."

One Shots is always on the lookout for more screenshots from readers. If you're playing an MMO we don't often see here, we'd love to hear from you. Just email it in to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll do the rest!

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

One Shots: It's full of stars

by Krystalle Voecks Jul 24th 2010 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, EVE Online, One Shots

When it comes to spending time out wandering the universe in EVE Online, it's always wise to bring at least one friend along. Sure, the rats are easily enough taken care of, but you never know when that little bit of extra firepower will mean the difference between getting loot and becoming someone else's prey. Besides, it's just more fun to share the experience and have someone to keep you company while flying around! Today's EVE Online One Shots featuring a pair of pilots comes to us from ApexJB, who writes in to tell us about this image: "Me and my friend both in our Caracals killing rats in an asteroid belt. On the Caracal in the foreground you can see the shield hardeners."

Do you have screenshots of your favorite game that you haven't sent in to us yet? If so, why are you holding back? You should gather those up and send them to us here at oneshots@massively.com. We can always use more screenshots to show off.

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

One Shots: Go play outside

by Krystalle Voecks Jul 23rd 2010 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, One Shots, Global Agenda

There's nothing we love better than seeing an interesting new perspective on a game we've seen before. Sometimes it's players finding a new view, and other times, it's game companies releasing a new area. One such cool new example is this screenshot from Hi-Rez Studios' game, Global Agenda, showing off a bit of the new content. When you couple that with the recent decision to go subscription-free, we can definitely understand why more players seem to be heading back into Global Agenda!

All that said, let's get back to today's One Shots contributor, Lindsay (also known as MoonlitStalker) who writes in: "We're free! This is Dome City from the outside while on my Assault in the new Sonoran Desert open zone just released in Phase II of Global Agenda's 'Sandstorm'."

One Shots is all about what you're doing. As such, we thrive on your screenshots. No screenshots, no One Shots. Grok? If you'd like to help us out, dig out some screenshots and send them to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here and give you the credit for sharing. We'll also give you a cookie*.

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

*Cookies available in "homemade browser cookie" or "tasty-looking .jpg cookie" varieties only. Allergy Warning: All cookies are manufactured on machines that deal with nuts (like us) daily.

Rift: Planes of Telara introduces the Plane of Death

by Rubi Bayer Jul 23rd 2010 at 11:30AM

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Trailers, RIFT: Planes of Telara

The world is a dangerous place in Rift: Planes of Telara -- you never know what's going to pop out at you. You could be strolling along and enjoying the scenery, and someone nearby opens a rift.

If you're lucky, it will just be a giant or a griffon or something. If you're not, you'll find that a death rift has opened in front of you. The Plane of Death -- the realm of Regulos -- is one of the more unpleasant areas that you might stumble into: "there is nothing of rebirth and healthful change in Regulos's realm. The Plane of Death devours, it erodes the flesh from living bones, stealing vital energy. Its denizens spread slow, painful rot through virulent diseases, or infect the mind with fear, nightmares, or outright compulsion."

It's a realm of endless graveyards and familiar creatures such as mummies, zombies, and vampires, as well as some less familiar horrors. The umbral shadow elementals "leave their victims' faces frozen forever in terror," while the lorn, remnants of the glorious Ascended, spread pain and suffering in an effort to recapture who they were.

Forewarned is forearmed, and the team at Trion has shared a sneak peek at the Plane of Death. Check out the gallery below and the trailer video after the jump, and get ready to spend some quality time with the followers of Regulos.

Gallery: Planes of Telara: Plane of Death

Turbine releases new LotRO Enedwaith images

by Rubi Bayer Jul 22nd 2010 at 5:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Lord of the Rings Online, Free-to-play

The latest Lord of the Rings Online developer diary gave fans nine pages of information on the new zone in the game, Enedwaith.

While details and explanations are great, it's always nice to get a good visual of what the developers are talking about. The new round of screenshots from Turbine gives a better glimpse of some of the views we got earlier this week, including a second glimpse of the Druggavar, Harndirion and the Gloomglens.

This is a large area with plenty to see -- the varying climates and landscapes along with plenty of new art guarantee you'll be exploring for a while before you've seen it all.

Check out the gallery below for the latest look at several of the newest areas of Enedwaith.

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Enedwaith screenshots

Massively Features

Events Calendar

Name	Date
GenCon Indy	Aug 5-8, 2010
SOE Fan Faire	Aug 5-8, 2010
Xsyon Prelude Launch	Aug 15, 2010
GamesCom Expo	Aug 18-22, 2010
Earthrise Launch	Q3 2010
Dragon*Con	Sep 3-6, 2010
PAX Prime	Sep 3-5, 2010
Final Fantasy XIV Launch	Sep 30, 2010
GDC Online	Oct 5-8, 2010
LEGO Universe Launch	Oct 26, 2010
DCUO Launch	Nov 2, 2010

Massively Staff

Name	Title
Shawn Schuster	Editor-in-Chief
Seraphina Brennan	Senior Editor
Brianna Royce	West Coast Editor
Dan O'Halloran	Features Coordinator
Brendan Drain	Contributing Editor
Eliot Lefebvre	Contributing Editor
Jef Reahard	Contributing Editor
Justin Olivetti	Contributing Editor
Krystalle Voecks	Contributing Editor
Rubi Bayer	Contributing Editor
Tateru Nino	Contributing Editor
Beau Hindman	Columnist
Edward Marshall	Columnist
Greg Waller	Columnist
Jeremy Stratton	Columnist
Larry Everett	Columnist
MJ Guthrie	Columnist
Patrick Mackey	Columnist
Ryan Greene	Columnist
Lisa Poisso	Columnist