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NCsoft aiming for Aion 2.5 test at the end of April
Aion's 2.5 update has been a long time coming. We first heard tell of the patch in early January and are happy to report that NCsoft is looking to take the wraps off the new content via the game's test servers in the next few weeks. In a new interview at the official UK Aion website, producer Sean Neil and brand manager Dominic Wai take turns answering player-generated questions relating to the new patch, which Neil says should be "on our player test servers (PTS) at the end of April or beginning of May." What, exactly, does 2.5 bring to the world of Atreia? Quite a lot, actually, and whether you're talking about the extensive graphical overhaul or the new Empyrean Crucible and Esoterrace dungeon instances, chances are there will be something interesting in the update for every daeva. Getting to endgame should be less of a chore as well, and while Aion still possesses one of the more daunting gear grinds in the genre, NCsoft is introducing a mentoring system in 2.5 that allows "new players [to] level up quicker with the help of a friend."
Aion producer introduces Aion 2.5
Aion fans on the Korean servers are enjoying a new patch today, Aion 2.5. The patch was released late last night to bring big changes throughout the game. It builds largely on the updates given in Assault on Balaurea but carries some exciting additions for all players, even new ones. This patch will come to the NA and EU servers sometime in 2011; while we don't have a specific launch date yet, localization is underway, and we do have lots of details. Producer Sean Neil spent some time chatting with us about this patch, and there's plenty to tell. Follow along after the jump to see what 2.5 will bring to 2011!
NCsoft answers questions on Aion's new security
Ever been in the middle of a duel with a friend in Aion and watch him (or her) drop offline in the middle of a conversation, then come back online on each alt, strip it down, and sell off everything -- right in front of your eyes? That very scenario has happened to me, and similar situations have happened to others. Even counting RNG rages, nothing really compares to the frustration and heartache of losing all you have worked so hard for in-game, and no one wants to experience this. With this in mind, NCsoft has introduced an extra layer of security -- a new PIN system designed to better safeguard your virtual stash. We were able to speak with Sean Neil, Associate Producer of Aion, and Lance Stites, Executive Vice President of Game Operations and Production at NCsoft West, to bring you the scoop on this new system. Join us past the cut to hear what they had to say.
New Aion videos explore Assault on Balaurea
Assault on Balaurea brought plenty of interest to Aion fans, and the development team is enjoying it as much as anyone. The latest look at the Balaurean content comes in the form of two new three-minute videos that combine gameplay footage and developer narrative to tell the story of what's next for Aion. In the lore video, Associate Producer Sean Neil, along with Content Writers Jessica Downs and Connor Sheehy, gives a history of important events and take a look at what's to come. In the factions and instances video, Sean, Jessica, and Connor give an overview of the three new factions and introduce the new lower-level instances. The videos are a fun look at Aion through the eyes of some of its creators. Follow along after the jump to watch both for yourself.
How much is that drakie in the window? Aion pets revealed
Fluff-lovers, rejoice! While we were given a hint during our interview at SDCC 2010, today NCsoft unveiled more concrete details about a highly anticipated new feature of the upcoming Aion 2.0 patch releasing next month -- pets! The new pet subsystem is sure to please many a Daeva; NCsoft is not relegating our newest companions to being only ornamental eye-candy -- it has given them true functionality. Massively was able to chat with Sean Neil, Associate Producer of Aion -- and wearer of awesome t-shirts (that is a direct quote from his team!) -- who offered some juicy details about the furry, scaly, and... drum-wielding?!... friends coming our way. Scamper on past the cut to get all of the latest details.%Gallery-99270%
