MMO Reporter show

MMO Reporter

Summary: The MMO Reporter podcast is your source for Massively Multiplayer Online Game news! We cover all MMOs, but we focus on WoW, Guild Wars 2, The Old Republic and Lord of the Rings Online.

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Podcasts:

 Crowfall Reporter Episode 1 – A knightly start | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:04:02

Bill, Chris and Matt begin their adventure in the world of Crowfall by bring you the latest and greatest news. This first ever episode of Crowfall Reporter discusses the Knight archetype and it's powers, the game itself, as well as a couple of Q&A videos that have been recently released. Audio Version: Overview of the Game Persistent world - Eternal Kingdom (Eternal Heroes, Dying Worlds) Campaign - Limited time battles that have certain campaign rules attached to them You create characters for Campaigns, and then can send resources back to the Eternal Kingdom Shops/Permanent housing is in the Eternal Kingdoms The 4 Season aspect-Progressively harder beasties, fewer resources as time goes on Destructible world/buildings. Interactable objects The Hunger News: Archetype Powers: The Knight http://crowfall.com/#/news/first-look-knight-powers-and-ui Shield Slam hold-to-charge power; high payoff but difficult to land. Active Shield Block Provides additional defense and stability Will be able to be linked iFrame Powers Animated attacks that take the attacker out of the normal physics engine (i.e. temporarily unaffected by CC) High powered Passive Powers Retaliate “Semi-passive” Becomes active when knocked down Sprint Run faster. Drain stamina. The Powers Bar Shield Lunge “Leap” type ability - quickly move long distance Shield Slam As above. “Turret” ability Shield Spin double-attack with a stun Onslaught multi-attack combo chain that has 2 different results depending on the chain performed (i.e. knockdown vs. AoE bleed) Of Noble Blood AoE shout that does something that keeps changing (buff or debuff or something) Chain Attack Ranged “pull” attack that can pull players or objects Combat Chat 2 Part I with Thomas Blair and Tully Ackland http://crowfall.com/#/news/combat-chat-2-part-i Stamina system used differently by each Archetype Dots will stack Friendly Fire No Global Cooldown Projectile Pitch Projectile will explode at range, even if it doesn’t reach the target No diminishing returns Projectiles do have a max range/max time in flight and Part II http://crowfall.com/#/news/combat-chat-2-part-deux Chaining abilities together Blackout timer - 80% of ability is the animation, and at the end, you can chain the next one. Physics - Tons of stuff for devs to play with, but makes it “hella complicated”. Weapon reach is the same within an archetype, but different archetypes have different reach. Itemization - Stats depend on where you’re hit. i.e. If you get hit in the head, helmet stats will be checked, not general armor class, etc. Time to kill (standing still) - 40 secs. Defensive skills slow that down. July Q&A http://crowfall.com/#/news/ace-q-a-for-july Have you planned any sort of thief-type discipline that can actually steal from player inventories? (Maybe Dregs only?) IF there is pickpocketing/thieving, it will be in the dregs. No specific plans built yet, although they want to. Either on archetypes and disciplines. Will you allow landowners the ability to purchase and put in some monster camps and such for flavor? Short answer is yes….eventually. Main focus is on the PvP, but anything built for that side of the game that can be easily moved to the Eternal Kingdoms(PvE) side of things, they would add if possible. They very much don’t want to take away from the PvP focus of the game. What level of UI customization will be available or, at least, what are you planning to implement? Don’t know yet Shadowbane very customizable Goal is for high-customizability, but is not in their plan yet Reports from the Battlefield Interview with J Todd Coleman and Gordon Walton on OPnoobsonline’s Twitch Channel http://www.twitch.tv/opnoobsonline/c/6887144 Crowfall Wiki http://crowfallwiki.com/index.php/Main_Page

 MMO Reporter Episode 222 – It’s a Luxury | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Harry and Chris tackle the podcast as a duo this week, talking about the luxurious new ship available for purchase for Star Citizen, WoW's last raid of the current expansion, and Skyforge's open beta and launch. Audio Version: What we’ve done in game: Harry Planetside 2 Batman: Arkham Knight Elder Scrolls Online Chris World of Fishing Neverwinter Fallout Shelter Skyforge Batman: Arkham Knight Patreon Campaign: Patrons: 27 patreon.com/mmoreporter News FPS module Star Citizen on hold http://www.pcgamer.com/star-citizen-fps-module-is-delayed-for-the-foreseeable-future/ Chris Roberts writes that the current FPS build, officially known as Star Marine, "doesn't live up to the standards we want to achieve with Star Citizen" Technical issues are to blame Won’t affect Star Citizen http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/30/8871993/star-citizen-genesis-starliner-ship The developer of Star Citizen is currently selling a $400 ship called the Genesis Starliner, a spacecraft aimed at the player who's interested in pursuing an in-game career in transporting other players through the game's universe in total luxury. Sponsors: Audible Go to audiblepodcast.com/mmoreporter http://www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/Off-to-Be-the-Wizard-Audiobook/B00IIS32NI Doghouse Use the coupon code mmoreporter for a free 120GB SSD with your purchase! WoW Patch 6.2 Live - Play free for 7 days! http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/19529830/patch-62-survival-guide-and-feature-overview-6-23-2015 New zone - Tanaan Jungle Shipyard Hellfire Citadel New armor sets! New Battle Pets Skyforge Open Beta - July 16th! http://sf.my.com/gb/news/announcements/skyforge-open-beta-begins-july-16th Early Access for founders begins July 9th No more wipes! Quick Mention: Arcane Legends Expansion - Rage of the Ren’gol Sixth Expansion Three new dungeons, two new races In-game Immortality - The players who contribute the most during the limited-time event will be immortalized by a hand-crafted statue of their character, erected by Spacetime artists to stand forever in the town of Garetta. Guild Wars 2 - New Mist Champions https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/meet-the-mist-champions/ Three new summonable/purchasable champions Turai Ossa - Savour of Elona: This battle-hardened warrior can summon a protective barrier to aid the defense of friendly players and their Lord. Nika - Obsidian Flame Assassin: Long-time Guild Wars fans will remember this hero from another celebrated expansion, Guild Wars: Factions. Nika has the handy ability of being able to stealth a whole team at once, and their lord. Grymm Svaard - Sailor and Sword-for-hire: Supported by his flagship Nomad II, Grymm has the ability to call in cannon barrages which burn and knock down any enemies they hit. Also mentioned: Super Adventure Box on hold until after the expansion is done. Layanor takes a look at Echo of Soul https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGryKMqvv6Y Contact info: Website: mmoreporter.com Emaill: mmo.reporter@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mmoreporter Twitter: @mmo_reporter Twitter: @harryhol Twitter: @layanor Twitter: @mmobill Voicemail: 616-666-6778 ZergID: Chris “Almazar” ZergID: Layanor Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/mmoreporternetwork/

 MMO Reporter 221: Wildstar Gazum | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

  It's a fight for air time this week, with Chris trying to sneak in some Wildstar news in between Layanor's discussion on Ark: Survival Evolved and Bill's Guild Wars 2's character slot apology. Audio Version What We Did This Week Layanor LOTRO Ark: Survival Evolved   Bill GW2 SWTOR   Chris Fallout Shelter Arkham Knight Neverwinter   Patreon: Patreon Campaign: Patrons: 27 Current Total: $107 patreon.com/mmoreporter   News: GW2 relents - extra character slots for vets https://www.guildwars2.com/en-gb/news/pre-purchase-community-address/ Existing accounts that pre-purchase get an additional character slot (including new copies of the game sold recently on sale) New accounts that pre-purchase (and get the whole game with the pre-purchase) do NOT get the extra slot People who bought the game since January 23 and want a refund (ostensibly to pre-purchase HoT and get the base game for free) can get one ONLY IF THEY PURCHASED FROM ARENANET Upshot Arenanet acknowledged poor communication regarding the need to buy the game, and introduced an avenue to correct that They also acknowledged screwing up the “veteran” reward for upgrading to the expnasion and offered an avenue to fix it Seems to me like all issues are resolved ALSO Patch notes for big June 23 patch https://forum-en.guildwars2.com/forum/info/updates/Game-Update-Notes-June-23-2015 Key notes Final chapter of season one has been made solo-able Trait lines have been massively changed.  No more trait points, but spending hero points to expand the lines (formerly “skill points”) Took me about an hour of futzing around to figure out how it works Lots more reason to explore the world now - hero points are more rare than skill points were Conditions are much more viable now for world bosses (used to be capped harshly, which made condition builds fairly useless for world bosses and other big battles) Lots of class changes - see notes ALSO SQUARED Wooden Potatoes breaks down the Heart of Thrones - what we know so far https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFgCkK_ikJg   City Of Titans is still in production http://cityoftitans.com/forum/state-game-june-2015   City of Titans President Nathaniel Downes says “The shadow of doubt has passed, and the state of the game is strong,”"development for the title is firmly “on track” and moving in the right direction." “We have a live internal test server that fully qualifies as being an MMO,” Unfortunately, delays have forced the game’s beta to 2016, although the costume builder should be available for testing by the end of this year. A second crowdfunding campaign for City of Titans is being planned for August, followed by a “more standardized model of revenue.”   Wildstar Launching in China! http://mmoculture.com/2015/06/wildstar-china-publisher-confirmed-with-beta-starting-this-august/ http://2p.com/34643759_1/Giant-Interactive-to-Publish-Wildstar-in-China-by-Aaron.htm new facial appearance panda armor panda mechanical mount 22 brand-new pets. Cosmetics/Armor/stuff also coming to EU and NA https://twitter.com/jeremieldridge/status/614157852786061312/photo/1 Ok, there’s some other news too: http://massivelyop.com/2015/06/25/e3-2015-wildstar-is-adding-much-more-than-f2p-this-fall/ System Revamps Player Stats Itemization Dungeons Arenas are being added Changing level requirements for story instances Prime Monsters (World Bosses) into their own lairs on the edges of maps Sell junk button! Tutorials   Contact info: Website: mmoreporter.com Emaill: mmo.reporter@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mmoreporter Twitter: @mmo_reporter Twitter: @harryhol Twitter: @layanor Twitter: @mmobill Voicemail: 616-666-6778 ZergID: Chris “Almazar” ZergID: Bill “Weaux” ZergID: Layanor Youtube: http://www.youtube.

 MMO Reporter Episode 220 – Star of Stage and Screen | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

The triumphant return of Harry has us jumping this week! Harry, Chris and Bill talk about the hoopla surrounding Guild Wars 2's Heart of Thorns expansion pricing, the new SWTOR expansion and their favourite E3 announcements and moments. Audio Version: What we’ve done in game Bill GW2 Fallout 3 SWTOR Harry ESO PS4 Tomb Raider Definitive Edition Elite Dangerous Witcher 3 Vote for 360 games to be backward compatible on Xbox One https://xbox.uservoice.com/forums/298503 Chris XBox One: Neverwinter Elder Scrolls Online Elite: Dangerous PC: Witcher 1 Patreon: Patreon Campaign: Patrons: 28 Current Total: $114 patreon.com/mmoreporter News Guild Wars 2 - Heart of Thorns pre-order is available http://buy.guildwars2.com/store/gw2/en_US/html/pbPage.heartofthorns?_ga=1.57638121.2118616041.1414893981 3 tiers - see link for details Lots of controversy so far regarding pricing (shocked) Base expansion is $50 which includes the base game Long-time players, and players who recently bought the game are annoyed that they are paying full price for both the game and expansion, but new players ONLY have to pay for the expansion Opposite of loyalty rewards Also, big drop ahead of E3 with the patch notes for the patch coming June 23. Lots of class updates, Spirit Shards (formerly skill points), Core Specializations among other things http://dulfy.net/2015/06/16/gw2-june-23-specialization-changes/ http://dulfy.net/2015/06/16/gw2-upcoming-june-23-patch-notes/ Updated build calculator - http://intothemists.com/calc/ Sponsors: Audible Go to audiblepodcast.com/mmoreporter Doghouse Use the coupon code mmoreporter for a free 120GB SSD with your purchase!   SWTOR: Knights of the Fallen Empire announced at E3 http://www.swtor.com/fallen-empire?intcmp=sor_bwa-mkt-t-us-hp-189 Free for Subscribers (more benefits the further ahead you subscribed, with benefits starting by subscribing prior to July 31) Start new character at level 60 De-factionized story (seems to be mostly dark-light independant) 12x XP boost for story quests still in effect until October Trailer = amazing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nzq9epS2b1A What was your favorite E3 announcement/item? Discussion about what’s an MMO? (Context being very little MMO content at E3, but lots of games that are MMO-ish) No Man’s Sky http://kotaku.com/why-im-excited-for-no-mans-sky-1590657049 Backward compatibility list http://www.xbox.com/nl-NL/xbox-one/backward-compatibility Quick Mention: Engine upgrade incoming for Anarchy Online? http://massivelyop.com/2015/06/19/anarchy-onlines-long-awaited-engine-upgrade-looks-to-be-coming-soon/ Ark at the top of the Steam Sale best seller list https://store.steampowered.com/mobilestorefront/topsellers Contact info: Website: mmoreporter.com Emaill: mmo.reporter@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mmoreporter Twitter: @mmo_reporter Twitter: @harryhol Twitter: @layanor Twitter: @mmobill Voicemail: 616-666-6778 ZergID: Chris “Almazar” ZergID: Bill “Weaux” ZergID: Layanor Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/mmoreporternetwork/ http://mmoreporter.com/support/

 MMO Reporter Episode 219 – Sassy Chrill | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

This week's show has Chris, Bill and Layanor discussing World of Warcraft's reversal of their "no fly zone" rules for Warlords of Draenor, Arc the new Dinosaur Survival Game, and Skyforge's upcoming fourth and final closed beta. Audio Version What we’ve done in game   Layanor: Secret World PVP LOTRO Power leveled a friend   Finished three let's plays Sleeping Dogs Blades of Time Darkness II   Starting three new ones War in the North Witcher 1 Dead Space   Bill GW2 - Dry Top exploration - got my Culicidae (insect short bow) Fallout 3 For those of you into P&P - http://geekandsundry.com/titansgrave-chapter-0/ Very much pen and paper for beginners. But it’s wil wheaton, so it’s got that going for it Lauria Bailey (playing) Lemeley also voiced Belle Walker in Wildstar And the female Demon Hunter in Diablo III Steam sale week (really trying to buy Witcher 1 - they won’t let me)   Chris Dragon Fantasy Elder Scrolls Online Neverwinter   Patreon:   Patreon Campaign: Patrons: 29 Current Total: $115 patreon.com/mmoreporter   News 1: Bill - WoW: Flying’s back on the table http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/19800551/dev-watercooler-flying-in-draenor-6-10-2015 via - http://massivelyop.com/2015/06/10/world-of-warcraft-to-allow-flight-in-draenor-in-a-post-6-2-patch/   Flying won’t be introduced until post 6.2 (i.e. will become available in 6.2.x) Gated by a “Pathfinder” meta achievement Meta achievement is completed by earning exploration achievements, lore achievements, “treasure” achievement and others Whole announcement feels spiteful “How dare you try to bypass all this beautiful content we made?” Belies a fundamental problem with WoW - why isn’t it fun to “explore” like the game wants you to? Solution: fix flying.  Make it dangerous.     ARK: Survival Evolved http://www.playark.com/ build shelters to withstand the elements. craft items grow crops research technologies kill or tame dinosaurs http://massivelyop.com/2015/06/10/ark-survival-evolved-has-already-sold-400000-copies/   Sponsors: Audible Go to audiblepodcast.com/mmoreporter Doghouse Use the coupon code mmoreporter for a free 120GB SSD with your purchase!   News 2:   Skyforge Closed Beta 4 - June 23-30 http://sf.my.com/us/news/announcements/skyforge-closed-beta-4-begins-june-23 Instant access to two advanced classes: Knight and Alchemist They’re increasing the number of testers as this is the last test. Beta Access: http://sf.my.com/us/cbt Interesting take on Multi-Classing. Like FF XIV, you can learn all of the classes and swap. No levels, just progressing up class talent trees. Similar in theory to SWG, though different in implementation. Felt quite grindy and linear, but I didn’t get very far.   Quick Mention:   Wildstar “Mystery” Event http://massivelyop.com/2015/06/12/wildstars-mystery-event-befuddles-players/   Dragons come to Trove! http://www.trionworlds.com/trove/2015/06/10/draggin-mounts-to-a-whole-new-level/   Bioware to announce new SWTOR Expansion at E3 - Knights of the Fallen Empire http://news.ea.com/press-release/company-news/eas-e3-2015-press-conference-be-broadcast-live-june-15-eacom   Contact info: Website: mmoreporter.com Emaill: mmo.reporter@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mmoreporter Twitter: @mmo_reporter Twitter: @harryhol Twitter: @layanor Twitter: @mmobill Voicemail: 616-666-6778 ZergID: Chris “Almazar” ZergID: Bill “Weaux” ZergID: Layanor Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/mmoreporternetwork/ http://mmoreporter.com/support/

 MMO Reporter 218 – Who would let Layanor ride them? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

This week's MMO Reporter asks all the important questions, and one that no one want to ask: Who would let Layanor ride them? We discuss Pathfinder Online, Elite Dangerous and more in this week's exciting episode! Audio Version What we’ve done in game   Title - Who would let Layanor ride them?   Carrie LOTRO - Epic Book Just made it into Central Gondor Hearthstone - Losing Badly Pathfinder RPG   Layanor Secret World - Tokyo Hell LOTRO - More Epic Battles Echo of Soul - Starter Area Heros of the Storm   KUNG FURY! Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72RqpItxd8M Offical Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS5P_LAqiVg Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTidn2dBYbY   Bill GW2 - PvP GW2 blog shows off one weapon line for Revenant - https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/revenant-compassion-as-a-way-of-life/ No video :( Elite: Dangerous - rares trading Fallout  4 3 (my body is ready for Fallout 4 - oh wait no its not.  It’s ready for fallout 3 and NV) Heroes of the Storm honest trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0Eg_V5peOw   Chris Heroes of the Storm GW2 PvP   News  Pathfinder Online with Carrie https://youtu.be/W_trurMSHsY Still in Early Enrollment 7 updates since the first of the year. Still really rough Box Price Subscription Niche PVP Sandbox Crafting is completely player driven. No gear drops only mats. Players have a persistent impact on the game world. They are crowd funding with players. What the players ask for is having an impact on how they make the game. They want to be inclusive and make it a game females want to play. Goblinworks Mission is to bring PVP back to MMOs. Interesting Pathfinder/CCP and the rest of the industry data Players are guys (no surprise) Over 30 With above average incomes   Elite Dangerous Powerplay (1.3) Launched https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWPhk5Gclbo Overview (video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWcL8qEGg7Q Nice slideshow doc on what’s involved in Powerplay politics https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1A7K-q-n5GUjTdJE8WEm5ULsZ064bwHRPktN1eAub3Q0/present?slide=id.ga0a19badb_0_20 Basic description: Choose a power (to participate, technically you can stay independent) 3 components Preparation (seeding your power’s influence in a populated system) Expansion (making your move!  Your power spends resources to claim a system) Control (a system is defended from other powers trying to take control) Patch notes for the very brave and awake https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=151945   Elite Dangerous offers up free Steam keys for ED https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=148965 via - http://massivelyop.com/2015/05/28/previous-elite-purchasers-can-now-claim-a-free-steam-key/ Claim key through account management screen Key is tied to an already purchased version of ED.  You can’t use the key to give to a friend (and continue to play on your “regular” account) Gentle reminder - Frontier makes more money when you buy it from them instead of Steam   Audible Go to audiblepodcast.com/mmoreporter   Doghouse Use the coupon code mmoreporter for a free 120GB SSD with your purchase!   PAX East Sponsor Check out Dragon Fantasy here: http://store.steampowered.com/app/327980   Quick Mention:   Infinite Crisis shutting down August 14th https://www.infinitecrisis.com/en/news/infinite-crisis-closing-august-14th-2015   http://lotrocommunity.com/forum/topic/3465-lotro-pvpersare-they-really-that-bad/?page=3   Guild Grumps Starts Next Week https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXieO5qz4jE Four players that never played a MMO before, must level from 90 to 100 in five days.   The Secret World Adds Mounts! https://forums.thesecretworld.com/showthread.php?86249-Coming-up%E2%80%A6

 MMO Reporter 217 – Wildstar F2P Schadenfreude | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 36:30

Chris and Bill talk about the exciting news that Wildstar will be going Free to Play! While not the most surprising piece of information we've discussed on the show, we take a look at what this means for the game and its community. Audio version:

 MMO Reporter Episode 216 – Chris was right! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

It's time for another dose of all-Canadian MMO Reporter this week, with only Chris and Bill holding down the fort. It's an interesting discussion this week, with WoW changing things up with patch 6.2 itemization and loot system, and adding a little tidbit of news that flying mounts will never happen in Warlords of Draenor. That, along with discussion around Neverwinter's Strongholds expansion make for an interesting show. Audio Version: What we’ve done in game Bill GW2 Reaper (Necromancer elite spec) https://www.guildwars2.com/en-gb/news/meet-the-reaper-necromancers-elite-specialization/ New weapon = Greatsword Melee focussed Death Shroud form called Reapers Shroud Dragon Fantasy Star Trek Online   Chris Wildstar Destiny Neverwinter Dragon Fantasy on Vita Marvel Heroes   Patreon: Patrons: 29 Current Total: $115 patreon.com/mmoreporter   News  WoW still doesn’t allow flying in patch 6.2; doesn’t intend to add it later (and other 6.2 nuggets) http://www.polygon.com/2015/5/22/8645293/world-of-warcraft-no-flying-tanaan-jungle-warlords-of-draenor-mmo-pc-blizzard via http://massivelyop.com/2015/05/23/world-of-warcraft-no-flying-in-draenor-perhaps-forever/ “At this point, we feel that outdoor gameplay in World of Warcraft is ultimately better without flying,” he said. “We’re not going to be reintroducing the ability to fly in Draenor, and that’s kind of where we’re at going forward.” Patch appears to be an “old-is-new” feel.  Guldan is in charge again. Hellfire Citatel (from Burning Crusade days) is back, as a raid instead of a dungeon. “Timewalking” feature allows you to re-run old dungeons, at old difficulty (your gear gets scaled down to a more appropriate level for that dungeon)   Timewalking preview post (from mid-april):  http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/18710308/patch-62-preview-timewalking-4-14-2015 apparently timewalking will apply to raids sometime in the future   Current PTR notes for 6.2 (huge) http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/18539917/62-ptr-patch-notes-may-13-5-13-2015   Sponsors: Audible Go to audiblepodcast.com/mmoreporter Doghouse Use the coupon code mmoreporter for a free 120GB SSD with your purchase! Muteki PAX East Sponsor - Check out Dragon Fantasy here: http://store.steampowered.com/app/327980   Neverwinter announces "Strongholds" - its latest expansion http://www.arcgames.com/en/games/neverwinter/news/detail/9254153-neverwinter%3A-strongholds-coming-summer-2015 Not too many details yet, but the official description is: Neverwinter: Strongholds empowers guilds to reclaim a keep and its surrounding areas that have been overrun by the wild. As the lands are cleared, guilds will build defenses both in and around their strongholds using structures like barracks and additional troops armed to protect the keep. Once the keep has been secured, guilds will have to battle against the environment as well as other players to ensure they maintain control of their lands. Most likely similar to STO Fleet Holdings In STO, Fleets (Guilds) claim a starbase, and the do missions to get XP to level it http://sto.gamepedia.com/Fleet_Starbase Costs TONS of resources to maintain and keep. http://sto.gamepedia.com/User:MatthewM/FleetCosts Playerbase somewhat divided, as many complain that the costs are too high. Quick Mention:   GW2 Beta Testings resumes on May 26 https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/closed-beta-testing-on-may-26/   The Repopulation reveals a new trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj8DMH29aso Launch planned for Q4 2015 http://massivelyop.com/2015/05/20/the-repopulation-to-launch-in-q4-2015/   EQ tries again at a progression server http://massivelyop.com/2015/05/22/everquests-new-progression-server-comes-online-again/ The trailer is amazingly nostalgic, and I never even played EQ!

 MMO Reporter 215 – Do You Oculus Rift Bro? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

It's an exciting week on the MMO Reporter Podcast! Not only do we have an Oculus Rift release window and Wildstar update news, we talk about Layanor's new found love of pants! Audio Version:  What we did in game:   Layanor The Secret World lotro The Darkness II guild wars 2   Bill GW2 sPvP (Hell = frozen) Dragon Hunter - http://dulfy.net/2015/05/07/gw2-dragonhunter-guardians-elite-specialization-revealed/ Guardian with a bow “gain a lot of innate mobility” PAX-a-mole   Chris Guild Wars 2 Diablo 3 PS4 with my son Marvel Heroes Destiny Neverwinter Dragon Age Multiplayer - Still haven’t killed a High Dragon Wildstar News Oculus Rift on sale Q1 2016 http://www.wired.com/2015/05/oculus-rift-coming-early-2016/ https://www.oculus.com/blog/first-look-at-the-rift-shipping-q1-2016/ Based on Crescent Bay test version rumors are that resolution will be higher than 1080p (NOT confirmed) Also rumored to be 90hz capable Eurogamer reported last fall price would be in the $200-$400 range For coverage, follow https://www.oculus.com/blog/ Chris - Wildstar Invasion: Nexus http://www.wildstar-online.com/en/news/2015-05-05-its-time-to-invade-invasion-nexus/   Bay of Betrayal   “Bay of Betrayal” is an all-new Adventure where players will take on the role of an acolyte Technopath (an individual with the ability to control Eldan technology with their mind) who is tasked with infiltrating the Ascendancy to deal with their leader, Calidor Antevian, once and for all. The mission is to subvert the Ascendancy and rise through the ranks by emerging victorious in contests against other hopeful acolytes. Winning these competitions will reward a position at Antevian’s right hand, providing the opportunity to take him out and complete the mission.   Star-Comm Basin   In this new Post-Cap Playspace, players are tasked by the Caretaker to rescue Star-Comm Basin from invading enemy factions. Grimvoid Marauders, Purewater Ikthians, and the Strain are all looking to take over the area and it’s up to the player to stop them.   Initialization Core Y-83   This new 20-player raid is different in that it does not require the completion of an attunement process. It’s a new approach at a “bite-sized” raid in which players will fight through an instance with a single boss encounter, making the experience a shorter, but still tough, gaming session.   Contracts The all-new Contracts system provides shorter, repeatable content that can be completed while working toward obtaining high-quality loot. They can be picked up at contract boards in each capital city and will give players a variety of PvE and PvP challenges which add up to excellent gear and other collectibles.   Pets and Wardrobe   Companion Pets 50 to collect and they’ll accompany players on their journeys while adding to their unique sense of style. Speaking of style, the new Holo-Wardrobe feature will allow players to store hundreds of costume combinations without taking up their inventory. And these can be worn on the fly – change them up anytime, anywhere.   Sponsors Muteki PAX East Sponsor - Check out Dragon Fantasy here: http://store.steampowered.com/app/327980   Star Wars The Old Republic Wants You To Level Up. RIGHT NOW!! http://www.swtor.com/blog/epic-story-xp-boost?sf38005313=1 A huge x12 XP event is going on right now for subscribers. You can level up on the main story quests alone and avoid most of the side quests. This buff started on monday and will continue into the fall.   Quick Mention:   Crowfall Combat Update http://crowfall.com/#/news/milestone-1-combat-testing   Skyforge - Invasions Developer Diary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeKyXUqC2C8   Echo of Soul PvP Preview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsvULWC_8KM&feature=youtu.be  

 MMO Reporter Episode 214 – PANTS PANTS PANTS | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

It's all about updates this week as Chris, Bill and Layanor talk about news in LOTRO, Crowfall, Guild Wars 2, and how Chris almost bought a Hulk Buster! Audio Version: What we did in game:   Layanor LOTRO - Played a hour in  the moors, did a epic battle and the goblin king instance. Guns of Icarus level 22 EVE online   Bill Elite Dangerous Marvel Heroes GW2 Trip down memory lane - http://thechive.com/2015/05/01/these-90s-pc-games-will-fill-your-heart-with-nostalgia-42-photos/   Chris WoW Destiny Marvel Heroes Zombination   Patreon Campaign: Patrons: 27 Current Total: $127   News: Chronomancer announced as the first GW2, HoT Elite Specilization (Mesmer) https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/meet-the-chronomancer-mesmers-elite-specialization/ Time manipulation spec - speeds allies up and slow enemies down Shields allowed for Mesmers Opens up the F5 skill (typically GW2 characters only have “special” class abilities mapped to F1-F4 (or less)) “Well” skills added to mesmer (Ground-target effects) - previously Necromancer only What does this likely tell us about other elite specs: Each will likely see a new weapon Each will likely see a new “F” skill New abilities that the class hasn’t had previously, but not necessarily new-to-game abilities Pretty new effects   Crowfall explains Campaigns and Attributes http://crowfall.com/#/faq/553fa67718859c484f5af672 Players can only have one hero per campaign Campaigns are started by the Devs, but players can request certain attributes/modules/rulesets. Attributes are configurable settings Map Size Resource rarity Archtype limitations Design Modules are variable rules that sit over a campaign type Change the siege rules New Type of Caravan Overide or augment campaign rules There are default campaign settings     LOTRO Update 16 - The Return Of Instances https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7LCFZMg3fs Two 3-Man and one 6-Man Instance. 3 new regions No level cap this time The new instances will bring back the master loot option for chests Legendary weapons at level 100 can be upgraded to always level with you from that point on. Legacies will also level up now instead of buying scrolls to rank them up six times.   New Instances - https://www.lotro.com/en/game/articles/new-instance-cluster-developer-diary Legendary Weapons - https://www.lotro.com/en/game/articles/legendary-item-imbuement-dev-diary   Quick Mention: Holo-Wardrobe coming in Drop 5 in Wildstar http://wildstar-core.com/2015/04/29/the-holo-wardrobe-costuming-in-drop-5/   Sponsors: Audible Go to audiblepodcast.com/mmoreporter Doghouse Use the coupon code mmoreporter for a free 120GB SSD with your purchase!   Contact info: Website: mmoreporter.com Emaill: mmo.reporter@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mmoreporter Twitter: @mmo_reporter Twitter: @harryhol Twitter: @layanor Twitter: @mmobill Voicemail: 616-666-6778 ZergID: Chris “Almazar” ZergID: Bill “Weaux” ZergID: Layanor Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/mmoreporternetwork/ http://mmoreporter.com/support/

 MMO Reporter Episode 213 – Clearly Canadian Club | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

MMO Reporter has a distinctly Canadian twist this week, with Chris and Bill once again podcasting as a duo for this episode. With talk of Grand Theft Auto 5 and it's MMO tendencies, as well as visions of Ultron's appearance in Marvel Heroes 2015, make sure to listen to this northern exposed podcast, eh? Audio Version: Please thanks to Muteki and their support of our PAX East coverage! Check out their latest release on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/327980 What we did in game: Bill GW2 Transformers - Fall of Cybertron Love Peter Cullen :) :) :) Fun fact - he’s Canadian! Also played Venger in the D&D cartoon (main villain) and Eeyore in The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh cartoon and K.A.R.R. in Knight Rider (the evil K.I.T.T.) Chris So…. RL A tiny bit of WoW Patreon Campaign: Patrons: 27 Current Total: $127 PAX East Sponsor I'm happy to announce is was Muteki that sponsored our PAX East trip. They've recently released a remaster of the classic RPG Dragon Fantasy, and I'd really appreciate if you could take a few minutes to check it out. http://store.steampowered.com/app/327980 News: Grand Theft Auto 5 released on PC (April 14) http://store.steampowered.com/app/271590/ Rockstar editor added with PC version (tools to record, edit and post game footage) 1st person mode available on PC this was already added to Xbone and PS4 last winter 30 players per instance (plus 2 spectators) Heists included with PC version (4 player co-op series of raids & robberies) Director mode allows you to play open world as any character and then cut/record/edit into your own cutscenes Review: http://www.pcgamer.com/gta-5-review/ MassivelyOP: http://massivelyop.net/2015/04/24/gta-online-all-the-open-world-feels-none-of-the-mmo-grind/ Marvel Heroes “Age of Ultron” Content https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=377&v=6kaw2BEoZZk Vision as a new playable character Can “hack” and permanently take control of robots Density manipulation High Density mode - physical attacks Phase Density mode - teleport around and attack Cool downs in different modes are not tied together Solar Gem Ranged Attacks New “Ultron” mode. Phase style, fight waves of monsters Do better, get better rewards Phase 1 - Save civilians, kill enemies Phase 2 - Defend the EMP Phase 3 - Ultron Iron Legion - Series of mini boss challenges Phase 4 - Ultron Avengers Assemble Event https://marvelheroes.com/news/news-articles/avengers-assemble-eventSponsors Quick Mentions: Echo of Souls Founders Packs http://founder.echoofsoul.us/ New Wildstar Endgame Zone http://www.wildstar-online.com/en/news/2015-04-23-star-comm-basin-deep-dive/ Contact info: Website: mmoreporter.com Emaill: mmo.reporter@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mmoreporter Twitter: @mmo_reporter Twitter: @harryhol Twitter: @layanor Twitter: @mmobill Voicemail: 616-666-6778 ZergID: Chris “Almazar” ZergID: Bill “Weaux” ZergID: Layanor Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/mmoreporternetwork/ http://mmoreporter.com/support/

 MMO Reporter Episode 212 – Conspiracy Reporter | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

This week Layanor, Bill and Chris talk about how to farm gold in World of Warcraft, a new Sci Fi MMO, and the MMO hall of fame! Audio Version What we did in game:   Layanor Plague INC. MUGEN   Bill Guild Wars 2   C...

 MMO Reporter Episode 211 – Hot Tub Commander | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

This week, only two knights have survived the treacherous weekend demon! Chris and Bill talk about the new World of Warcraft tokens, and Rift turning a raid into something interesting! Audio Version What we did in game:     Bill GW2 Elite Dangerous Drone news https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=133134     Chris Neverwinter XBox   Patreon Campaign: Patrons: 25 Current Total: $116     News:     News 1: WoW Tokens on Sale on April 7th http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/18390557/wow-token-coming-april-7-4-6-2015 $20 USD / $25 AUD Will start at 30,000 gold in the auction house Will automatically fluctuate based on player supply and demand Initially limited to purchasing 10 per 30 day period Available immediately following maintenance on the store, but may take time to trickle to the auction house. Also, WoW sale on (rare event) http://massivelyop.net/2015/04/05/world-of-warcraft-throws-a-10-day-sale-that-includes-warlords-of-draenor/ https://us.battle.net/shop/en/product/game/wow WoW package (up to Mists of Pandaria is 50% off, $9.99 USD) Draenor is 25% off ($37.49 USD)     News 2: Elite Dangerous lands on Steam http://store.steampowered.com/app/359320/?snr=1_4_4__106 This is after saying would not launch on steam Next “drama” is existing players who wish to have a steam key for the game https://twitter.com/EliteDangerous/status/583689671890329600     News 3: Rift converts Hammerknell raid into an Instant Adventure http://community.riftgame.com/en/2015/04/02/echoes-of-madness-brings-instant-adventure-to-hammerknell/ via http://massivelyop.net/2015/04/03/rift-turns-a-raid-into-an-instant-adventure-playground/ Instant Adventures are like a “random” queue that can put you into a bunch of different in-game scenarios.  Hammerknell will be the first “raid” that can be accessed via Instant Adventure https://support.trionworlds.com/hc/en-us/articles/203373338-RIFT-Instant-Adventures Instant Adventure description Queuing likely required     Sponsors   Audible Go to audibletrial.com/mmoreporter Doghouse Use the coupon code mmoreporter for a free 120GB SSD with your purchase!     April Fools Roundup:   League of Legends Last year’s URF (Ultra Rapid Fire) gave way to this year’s NURF (NEW Ultra Rapid Fire) https://youtu.be/qYIiy03eGE0   Blizzard B’Motes http://eu.blizzard.com/en-gb/bmotes/   WoW T.I.N.D.R. for Followers http://eu.battle.net/wow/en/blog/18486737/new-garrison-feature-tindr-for-followers-01-04-2015   Hearthstone Patch Notes http://us.battle.net/hearthstone/en/blog/18554123/hearthstone-patch-notes-4012015-4-1-2015 Mark of the Wild has been renamed George of the Wild. Mark of Nature has been renamed George of Nature. We like George more than Mark. Mark still owes us $20.   Starcraft 2 Legacy of the Void Pre-Order Bonus http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/18545120     Guild Wars 2 AIRPLANE! https://youtu.be/F3msv_8SxLg   SWTOR New Mounts! http://www.swtor.com/info/news/news-article/20150401   Mechwarrior Online Death Blossom with the Urbanmech! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inLK05VFIdY     Quick Mention   New campaign in Dungeons and Dragons Online, now with more Wil Wheaton as guest Dungeon Master! https://www.ddo.com/en/update-25-release-notes Based on Temple of Elemental Evil Offers both Heroic and Regular Versions     Contact info: Website: mmoreporter.com Emaill: mmo.reporter@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mmoreporter Twitter: @mmo_reporter Twitter: @harryhol Twitter: @layanor Twitter: @mmobill Voicemail: 616-666-6778 ZergID: Chris “Almazar” ZergID: Bill “Weaux” ZergID: Layanor Youtube: http://www.youtube.

 MMO Reporter 210 – I Lost My Gender In Crowfall | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:06:45

This week we have all four mmo elemental knights return as they form another hard hitting, car crashing, bikini showing episode! We talk about Crowfall and cover a lot about what the game has. We cover new details about Camelot Unchained, and we also find out secrets of Chris and Harry in the hotel room from this years PAX! Audio Version What we did in game   Bill GW2 Elite Dangerous   Layanor Secret World   Harry Borderlands the Handsome Collection Hearthstone Telltale Everything Collection GW2 World of Warships   Chris Neverwinter WoW Elite: Dangerous Hearthstone Heroes of the Storm ESO   Patreon patreon.com/mmoreporter 24 patrons $111   NEWS 1 Chris - Crowfall get funded $1.766 Million Nearly 17K backers   More about Crowfall “Eternal Heroes, Dying Worlds” PvP centric. PvE will be almost trivial, and a side thing, not the focus. Each campaign starts in spring and works its way to winter With each passing season, the world become more dangerous, and resources more scarce Campaigns will have rulesets that differentiate. Players can choose which campaign they join. Campaigns last weeks/months, not days. God’s Reach - Three faction RvR with a twist. Really 2 realm (Order and Chaos) trying to win, with the third faction, Balance, trying to make sure that NO ONE wins. The Infected - 6 to 12 faction RvR The Shadow - Guild vs Guild The Dreggs - Free for all Voxel Farm tech Destructible environments and buildings. Makes for fun sieges. No gear grind Gear is lost outside of campaigns, unless you bank it in a way. Eternal Kingdoms Set up in fiefdoms, like the old Asheron’s Call “Allegiance/Patron” system This is the permanent part of the game. No auction house, but player run stores. Some Kingdoms may become more popular. Possible tax set by ruler Character classes Some race/sex locking for classes 12 Character archetypes Further specialization available at higher levels Advancement Through EVE like passive advancement AND active skill advancement. You can slot primary, secondary and tertiary skills to level. Primary gains more, etc. You will be able to assign advantages and disadvantages to your character Advantages are skills that cost points Disadvantages are penalties, but give you points to spend on advantages Resources “Speaking of hunger, the other kind of hunger is a factor as well, as Crowfall will feature survival mechanics in some form. Plan to stockpile food reserves in the spring, or by winter, you’ll find your character weakened, or worse.” http://errantpenman.com/2015/03/29/hobo-gamer-crowfall/   More info http://errantpenman.com/2015/03/29/hobo-gamer-crowfall/   Audible Go to audibletrial.com/mmoreporter Doghouse Use the coupon code mmoreporter for a free 120GB SSD with your purchase!   NEWS 2b Bill - Camelot Unchained - first alpha footage https://youtu.be/TdLRYy3o-Qw?t=184 http://massivelyop.net/2015/03/29/camelot-unchained-releases-alpha-video/ Game footage runs from 3:06 - 8:27 (the rest is commentary) Some interesting mechanics shown “Slow” movement compared to other games Constructible/destructible barriers “CUBE” (Camelot Unchained Building Engine) showed off a bit Character creation showed off a bit Very “alpha” footage; landscape looks plain, building textures are plain, characters look a bit plain.  Still looks promising Zergs!  Good thing they remembered the zergs!  ;) Can’t be a spiritual DAOC successor without them Love the spell tracking effects - obviously placeholders, but I like that you can track the arc and see the effect coming from a distance Interesting that physics are 100% server side (mentioned in the preface to the gameplay)     NEWS 4 Cabal II opened beta signups - http://cabal2.estgames.

 [PAX East 2015] Gigantic Preview and First Impressions | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 15:15

Gigantic is at the same time unique and familiar. With enough elements of the multiplayer games that you’ve loved thrown in to make it familiar, put together in a way that I haven’t see before, it manages to forge it’s own identity in the crowded world of Free to Play competitive multiplayer games. Audio Version: Let’s start with the familiar. The maps that I’ve seen have followed a similar lane mechanic that you’ll find in most popular MOBAs. Due to the perspective shift from the most MOBAs, similar to Smite in it’s over the shoulder, MMO-style, viewpoint, the lane focus is not incredibly apparent. There’s also summoning circles that you’ll want to grab strewn across the map. Capturing these points grants your team power, the use of which I’ll explain later. Once you’ve pulverized any enemies defending a circle and gain control, you can summon creatures which will help your team hold that point. Such creatures include Bloomers, which will heal allies as it guards the summoning circle; Cerberus, a ranged creature; and there’s even been mention of a dragon like creature, the Drake, as a summonable creature. Creatures are bound to the summoning circle at which they are spawned, so don’t expect minions helping you as you fight your way to the Guardian across the map. Guardians are gigantic monsters (see what I did there?) that are the crux of this game. Your goal is to get enough power through player kills and holding summoning circles to send your team’s guardian on a rampage to attack the opposing guardian. Once your guardian has completed it’s rampage, the enemy guardian is vulnerable, and heroes can rush in and wound it, bringing it closer to death. The match ends with both Guardians rushing to the center of the map to Clash as the heroes battle at their feet. This final push for victory makes the combat feel almost claustrophobic, as the last skirmish of the match takes place in the shadow of the Guardians’ epic bout. Player heroes are varied and interesting. Offering a mix of play style from MOBA skill shots to MMO tanks, it was fun to try out a few different approaches to the game by changing which hero I chose. Definitely my favorite was The Margrave, a melee tank with a balrog hand grafted to his right arm. With him, I was able to dash into the center of any skirmish and lay down some punishment to keep foes off of my allies. My gigantic (see what I did there?) arm was very adept at keeping foes focused on me, as the repercussion of ignoring me was a quick and merciless death. I did try out a few of the other heroes, including Imani - a sniper, and Uncle Sven - a healer and support character, and each gave me a different yet fulfilling experience. While I didn’t get to try out all of the different characters, what I did experience felt balanced and fun. I also never felt that one character was dominating in the five or six matches that I got to play. The one downfall to this game may be the fact that it’s not fitting neatly into one genre. I can already hear the moans from MOBA players about the lack of a true meta game, and the wails from MMO players that there isn’t enough character customization. Both of these criticisms are valid, and could push players away from the game. When I asked Joe Pikop about this at PAX East, he didn't seem fazed at all. Most importantly, I had fun. More fun that I’ve had in competitive games such as this in a very long time. I’m looking forward to spending some more time in Gigantic, and seeing if my first impression is a lasting one, or if the fun that I had in-game was fleeting and not a true example of what the game plays like in the end.

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