City of Heroes
News, coverage and analysis tracking City of Heroes across the outlets.
Latest coverage
The Daily Grind: Which MMO sound effect drives you absolutely nuts?
This article discusses irritating sound effects in MMORPGs, using City of Heroes' force field whine as a prime example. It poses a question to players about which specific sound effects in massively multiplayer online roleplaying games drive them the most nuts and why.
The Daily Grind: Which MMO has the best implementation of your least favorite MMO feature?
This article discusses how well-implemented game mechanics in MMORPGs can convert players who initially dislike them. Examples include fishing in World of Warcraft, gankboxes in Star Wars Galaxies, underwater combat in Guild Wars 2, and auction houses in City of Heroes.
MMO Week in Review: EverQuest celebrates 27 years and a lawsuit settlement in its favor
EverQuest celebrated its 27th anniversary with a lawsuit settlement that favors Daybreak Game Company, keeping emulators offline. This week also saw layoffs at Amazon for Lost Ark developers, Facebook scaling back VR metaverse ambitions, and discussions around various MMORPG updates and industry trends.
One Shots: Danger just out of focus
This week's community screenshots feature players from Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, Marvel Heroes, Skate, and City of Heroes. The images highlight in-game events, character designs, and humorous situations encountered by players in their MMO adventures.
Into the Super-verse: Why is City of Heroes still the superhero MMORPG standard bearer?
City of Heroes remains the benchmark for superhero MMORPGs despite its shutdown, outperforming newer titles like Ship of Heroes and City of Titans. The article argues its enduring appeal stems not from perfect mechanics or balance, but from its embrace of the inherent absurdity and wild creativity found in superhero fiction, allowing players to engage in fun, nonsensical scenarios.
How A Failed Multiplayer Game Just Set The Standard For All Live-Service Games
Despite FBC: Firebreak underperforming commercially, Remedy is keeping the multiplayer game online indefinitely with a final update and a friend pass system. This approach sets a new standard for live-service games, contrasting with the common practice of delisting and shutting down servers for underperforming titles. The article highlights this as a positive development for game preservation and player access in the industry.
Ultima's Robert Garriott was worried about there being too many PC games on the market… 37 years ago
In 1989, Robert Garriott of Origin Systems expressed concern about market saturation in PC gaming, noting consumer confusion and the need for higher quality products. He emphasized developing games with depth and graphics that couldn't be replicated on consoles, a sentiment still relevant today.
Massively Overthinking: The nine games portrait of you
This article features Massively OP staff members sharing their personal lists of nine core video games that have shaped them. Contributors discuss foundational titles, franchise representations, and personal favorites across various genres, including MMOs, JRPGs, and action RPGs, reflecting on their impact on their gaming identities and creative work.
Massively Overthinking: What’s the most important takeaway from the last MMORPG you quit?
The Massively OP staff discusses their experiences quitting MMORPGs, exploring reasons ranging from developer decisions and corporate agendas to limited time and a loss of personal connection. Key takeaways often involve understanding what makes a game truly engaging beyond its mechanics, with many highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences over gameplay alone.
Storyboard: The challenges of breaking into a calcified MMORPG roleplaying community
This opinion piece discusses the challenges of integrating into established MMORPG roleplaying communities. While existing members are often welcoming, the depth of pre-existing character dynamics and storylines can make it difficult for newcomers to find a meaningful place. The author suggests that new players can act as bridges between isolated groups, fostering new connections and stories within the community.
Vague Patch Notes: When the MMORPG is failing
The author reflects on the feeling of dread and disillusionment experienced when playing MMORPGs that are perceived to be failing or lacking direction, citing examples like WildStar, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Champions Online. This analysis explores the psychological impact of "vague patch notes" and the collapse of future potential in the genre, even when games transition to free-to-play models.
The Daily Grind: Do you aura farm in MMORPGs?
This article discusses the concept of 'aura farming,' a slang term for effortlessly building charisma or 'rizz' within MMORPGs. It draws parallels to activities like 'banksitting' in Ultima Online and the social hubs in City of Heroes, where players gather to be seen and express themselves.
Massively Overthinking: Do you regret your hastily created MMORPG characters?
This article discusses the common regret players feel about hastily created MMORPG characters, particularly concerning names, appearances, and playstyles. Several writers share their experiences with character creation, rerolling, and the impact of early access games on their approach.