Not-So-Massively games are online games that share some but not all mechanics in common with traditional MMORPGs. Generally, their “massive” nature is contested. They frequently include games from subgenres like battle royale, OARPG, MMOFPS, MMORTS, MOBA, lootershooter, mobile, and other pseudo-MMOs that provide single-player, offline, or custom-server support. The Not So Massively column is now written by Tyler Edwards. [Follow this column’s RSS feed]
not so massively
Not So Massively: Delving into builds and endgame in Wolcen Lords of Mayhem
A few weeks ago in the Not So Massively column, I gave my initial impressions of Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem. I found it a...
Not So Massively: First impressions of Wolcen, a familiar but fun ARPG
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem isn't a game whose development I followed super closely, but I'd seen it on Steam aways back and thought it...
Not So Massively: Imagining a true MMORTS
MMOs and RTS are two of the genres of game I play the most. Given that, you'd think I'd be a big fan of...
Not So Massively: Meet the new Torchlight, same as the old Torchlight
Last week brought the bombshell announcement that the MMOARPG Torchlight: Frontiers has been rebooted as simply Torchlight III, a more traditional ARPG with single-player...
Not So Massively: Magic: Legends isn’t at all what I expected – it’s better
When we first got word of an MMO in the setting of Magic: The Gathering years ago, a Diablo-style ARPG probably isn't what anyone...
Not So Massively: Lessons Torchlight Frontiers can take from its predecessors
Torchlight Frontiers is a game I've gradually been developing some genuine hype for - as has our team here at MOP, in light of...
Not So Massively: A wishlist for MMO-adjacent online games in 2020
With the year drawing to a close, my thoughts turn ahead to 2020 and what new gaming experiences it may bring. I am an...
Not So Massively: Kingdom Under Fire 2 is ambitious, unique, and deeply flawed
When I first heard about Kingdom Under Fire II by publisher Gameforge, I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd heard that it combined elements...
Not So Massively: A Year of Rain is a promising RTS with a co-op focus
A Year of Rain sounds like the title of an introspective indie movie about overcoming depression. It also sounds like an accurate description of...
Not So Massively: Overwatch 2 is what Overwatch should have been from the start
Much to my own surprise, the announcement that most excited me at BlizzCon this year was not from any of the franchises I usually...
Not So Massively: Diablo IV is going in all the wrong directions
I remain torn on whether to forgive Blizzard for its "Hong Kong liberation" fiasco. J. Allen Brack has already contradicted his own apology, but...
Not So Massively: Four things Anthem can do to turn itself around
I've been a cheerleader for Anthem from the get-go. I believe BioWare's multiplayer shooter is a good game with huge potential to become a...
Not So Massively: The Blizzard I loved is dead
This week's Not So Massively column was supposed to be a wishlist of things I want from an announcement of Diablo IV. When I...
Not So Massively: Lessons MMORPGs could learn from Fortnite
Since taking up the mantle of the Not So Massively column here on MOP, I've felt the need to keep better abreast of major...
Not So Massively: How unrealistic expectations hobbled Heroes of the Storm
I find myself in the odd position of feeling compelled to both defend and criticize Heroes of the Storm. The game's taken a huge...
Not So Massively: Pagan Online’s launch addresses its biggest beta problems
A few months back, I offered my impressions of Pagan Online's early access build. I found it to be a fun online ARPG hampered...
Not So Massively: Comparing looter shooters, from Destiny 2 and Division 2 to Anthem and Warframe
Looter shooters -- online games with shooter gameplay and loot-based progression -- are all the rage these days. But maybe this trend has passed...
Not So Massively: Anthem’s Cataclysm is actually a good ride
It may have taken a while, but the Cataclysm has at last come to Anthem. A rogue Dominion team is trying to control the...
Not So Massively: Why ARPGs, not MMOs, are where pet classes truly shine
I noticed something odd when I started playing Grim Dawn aways back: I went straight for the pet builds. This is interesting because this...
Not So Massively: Jumping into Grim Dawn in 2019
Now that I'm helming Not So Massively, I feel a stronger compulsion to delve into games like ARPGs and shooters so that I can...
