Hellgate: London gets its first content update

Mark your calenders for January 21st, 2008 because that's the date when you can expect Flagship Studios' first content update to hit for Hellgate: London. The update -- titled Stonehenge Chronicles -- is expanding the game world beyond London itself, opening the areas around Stonehenge. Expect lots of open, outdoor wilderness as the developers wanted something different from the main game's locales. Players can expect three areas to explore, The Caste Caves (not to be confused with other caves), Moloch's Lair and The Wild. There are four dungeons within The Caste Caves and each dungeon will contain a spectral overlord to blast, slice and bludgeon into pieces.

Upon completion of The Caste Caves, players gain entry to Moloch's Lair, wherein a great battle with the demon Moloch -- the great dropper of unique items -- ensues. Finally, The Wild has three mini-raid areas which progress in difficulty and eventually require players to form full-sized parties.

Also, this update will add improvements to the game UI, a "large number" of skill balance alterations and a PvP dueling arena. Lastly, Hellgate: London subscribers will optionally be able to pay for their subscriptions through PayPal and PayByCash.

We have to say that definitely seems like a lot of content, but we'll have to wait and see what players think after January 21st rolls around. It's barely been three months since the game launched in North America, so it seems the developers are keeping their promise. It all depends on how often these updates come out in the end. If they continue at the pace of three months between updates, Hellgate: London could become a game to watch for a future purchase.