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Win a spiffy graphics card in Aion's PvP event
NCsoft is teaming up with Alienware to light a fire under Aion's PvP game. While recent changes to rifting have curtailed much of the open-world conflict, the "red equals dead" mentality is alive and well in the Abyss. This weekend (November 5th to November 7th), bring your best gear and you could win one of three ATI Radeon 5850 graphics cards. You'll need to register for the contest and then score 15 PvP kills before 9:00 pm Sunday to be eligible to win. You can also follow the competition via the Alienware Arena Competitors webpage. Check out the news posting on the official Aion website for all of the details and requirements.
NCsoft releases Aion Exchange app for iOS
NCsoft has taken the wraps off another portion of its mobile platform offensive as today marked the unveiling of the new Aion Exchange app for Apple's iPhone, iPad, and iOS devices. The app provides live access to the fantasy MMO's broker system, as well as options for viewing your character info, statistics, and equipment. The broker feature includes an item search as well as price lists, a wish list, and push notifications that will alert you to sales without the need to log into the game or open the app. Finally, Aion Exchange features a comprehensive item listing that boasts info about each piece of equipment available in game. Chris Hager, NCsoft West producer, sees the app as the first step in extending the world of Atreia beyond the desktop. "We see this application as an extension of the game and we will continually support and update the service offering with future feature updates," he said.
One Shots: Might as well jump
With summer winding down, what's better than a pool party? Well, if you're Dan X., that might just be a pool party with some rockin' music during a summer event! And if you play Aion on the Israphel server, this scene may well be familiar to you (with or without the lovely lass and guitar, mind you). Dan writes in to explain a bit more about what we're seeing in today's image: "This is my sorcerer, Forgot, on Israphel, sitting in Pandaemonium. This is the last night of the Summer Event 'Scorching Heat' or what I like to call the AFK jumping event. If you look carefully behind my character, you can see players jumping. A day after the event started, players discovered they could avoid being disconnected for being AFK if they simply kept jumping in order to keep accumulating event tokens. Event tokens were rewarded for every 20 minutes a player was online. I manage to only collect enough tokens for a few trade-ins. The best item I received was a tradeable white dye. This was Aion's best event to date, but I was still disappointed I could not get a swimsuit item." Are you taking part in an in-game event in your MMO of choice? If so, why not grab a screenshot of the festivities and send the image to us here at oneshots@massively.com? Be sure to include your name, the name of the game and a description of what we're seeing. Yours could be the next one featured here on One Shots! %Gallery-85937%
The Friday Livestream: Aion
Hooray, it's finally Friday! Once again, because it's the best day of the week, it's time to fly into another edition of the Friday Livestream! This week we're soaring into the (literally) war-torn world of Atreia as we check out the early levels of NCsoft's Aion. We're going to be checking out the sunny-side of the game as we step into the shoes of an Elyos chanter and work our way through some of Aion's PvE content. Will we finally put to rest the age-old mystery of "Where's Tutty?" Well you'll have to tune in to find out! To watch the stream, either click the picture above, hit the continued reading button below, or access our Livestream directly at http://www.livestream.com/massivelytv. If you want to get all interactive with us, be sure to join the Livestream chat to ask questions of Seraphina Brennan about Aion, the MMORPG industry, or anything you want, really. It's all fun and games on Friday! [Update: The stream is over, but the recording is available for those of you who are interested! Check it out by clicking the picture above or the continued reading button below!
Aion's 2.1 patch to increase drop rates
NCsoft isn't resting on its winged laurels after last month's release of its Assault on Balaurea expansion. Aion's 2.1 patch is just around the corner, judging by its debut this week on the Korean test servers and the associated patch notes that have been posted to the North American PowerWiki. The update is brimming with the usual NPC, quest, and instance bug fixes, as well as a reduction on the prerequisites for the greater stigma quests. That said, the most interesting additions to the patch are the loot table tweaks. In a nutshell, it seems NCsoft is finally heeding the cries of players to do something about Aion's abyssmal loot drop rates. The patch notes indicate "greatly increased" drop rates on gear from instance and field bosses as well as regular mobs. There also appears to be an across-the-board hike in the drop rate of fluxes, skill manuals, and stigma stones. While this news might drive broker prices to new levels of ridiculousness over the next little while, Aion's economy will probably look a little different after 2.1 goes live and supply overtakes demand.
Aion fortress sieges to follow set schedule
Aion's Assault on Balaurea expansion has wrought more than a few notable changes across the sundered face of Atreia, in addition to opening up several new areas for intrepid daevas to explore. Among these are four new fortresses to conquer and, along with old familiar names like Siel, Krotan, and Asteria, each of these mighty forts will now be subject to a recurring vulnerability schedule. This is in contrast to the pre-Balaurea system of random fortress vulnerability times, a mechanic that left legions and alliances somewhat unsure as to when to marshal their forces in anticipation of sacking certain fortresses and accessing their rewards. NCsoft has posted the current fortress vulnerability schedule on the official Aion website, though they do note that it is subject to change based on the final integration of the new forts into the rotation.
One Shots: These pets are a scream
It's been a few weeks since the launch of Aion's most recent addition, Assault on Balaurea, which has brought smiles to many a Daeva's face -- although it may not be the "shiny new things to do" happiness you quite expected. Indeed, as Format shows us in today's One Shots, something else snuck in on this last expansion -- something adorably horrible. Here's Format's note: "So the new free expansion launched [a little while] ago, and this was [taken on] my second day into it. There I am running around Verteron when I see the new 'pets' from the 'pet system.' What followed had me laughing out loud, in real life mind you. I don't think I even need to explain. Recognize the mask? Halloween has come early this year! Props to the devs for this, and for making me laugh." MMOs big or small -- we want screenshots of them all! Email yours to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a quick description. We'll post them out here and give you the love for sending them in. %Gallery-85937%
One Shots: Did you get your piratin' in?
Ye might have been too busy with yer chores to note, but yesterday was Talk Like a Pirate Day, mateys! While many different MMOs had events going on to mark the occasion, Aion decided to take its normally graphically pretty avatars and make them look rather rum-soaked, if not deliciously deranged. This image from yesterday's celebration comes to us from Qaz, who writes in to give us some more background on this piratical image: "This is a screenshot from Aion taken after eating 'Pirate Form Candy,' which all players received free for Talk Like a Pirate Day. This was taken in the Ishaglen zone." If you've got celebration screenshots from your favorite MMO, we'd love to see them! Just email them in to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. Please make sure your image is at least 1024 pixels wide and has as few UI elements as is possible. We'll post it out here and give you the credit for sending it in! %Gallery-85937%
One Shots: A party in grand style
There's no denying that Aion has some beautiful art. Aside from the detailed wings splayed all over the game's advertising, there's also a plethora of finery players can enjoy getting dressed up in. But what's the point of getting all dressed up if you have no place to show it off? Well, if you're out of ideas, you could do what today's contributor, Marc, does when he's kitted out. We'll let him explain: "This is what the roleplayers on Gorgos do when there's a double experience weekend. Well -- the wacky ones from the LFRP channel, that is. We all love a filled experience bar, so we went and partied like madmen! Dance parties in Aion rock. Unfortunately, the music in that place wasn't really danceable though -- it's Asmodian." Find something worth sharing on your recent adventures? Just in the mood to show off what you've been doing? All you have to do is email your screenshots to us at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the game your screenshots are from, and a quick note about what we're seeing. We'll post it out here and give you credit for sending it in! %Gallery-85937%
Waging WAR: RvR packs, the "wait and see" edition
This week Waging WAR rides the double rainbow of gameplay customization via downloadable content and takes a cursory glance at the RvR packs being teased by the folks behind the development of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Let's follow along and see what Greg can unleash this time. It is difficult to talk about the future of WAR right now. Not because it doesn't have a future, but because the availability of information regarding it is not exactly easy to find. Actually, information on the future of WAR is all but non-existent, surrounded by controversy on all sides, and steeped in rumor, speculation, assumption and misinformation. The best I can put together is that we, as players, can look forward to some sort of set of three different "RvR Packs" allowing us to "customize" our gameplay experience moving forward. The packs have been called "Power," "Progression," and "Personality." What exactly each contains is a mystery, although the few talking points I was able to find regarding these RvR packs are speculatively disappointing at best. Although Carrie, Andy, and anyone else involved with the Mythic development team have said time and time again that they are not discussing moving toward the free-to-play business model, what they're proposing with these customization packs looks suspiciously like the item shop established by Turbine, implemented in Dungeons & Dragons Online and soon in Lord of the Rings Online as well. V.I.P. membership, anyone? Although concrete information is scarce and difficult to find, let's take a look at the most commonly referenced points of interest after the break.
Aion's Assault on Balaurea expansion live on PTS
Ready to get a preview of Aion's forthcoming Assault on Balaurea expansion? You're in luck, as today finds the new content live on the Public Test Server, a couple weeks ahead of its September 7th release date. Pre-existing PTS players will find that their characters have been wiped, which is a small price to pay for the chance to test the new content with accelerated XP and loot drop rates. Assault on Balaurea features a new pet system as well as new zones, instances, quests, and a level cap increase. Check out the official press release for more information, including how to install and run the PTS client.
One Shots: Switching sides
In Aion, players are getting ready for the upcoming Assault on Balaurea expansion, slated to hit the servers on September 7th. While some are planning to head for the public test realms in upcoming days, others are choosing to reroll their characters and get to leveling before the new content lands. Today, we have a great One Shots and note from Format, who has recently returned to Aion, and writes in: "[There's] nothing symbolic to what this picture shows to some people, but to me it shows a lot. I just resubbed and this time I am trying out the Elyos. This is the starter area outside of Akarios Village. Even though this game, claimed by others, has a 'low rez polygon count,' I still find it to be beautiful. This is my, for now, level 6 scout named Format. The road ahead of me looks simple and it seems that there is nothing too special about it, but just around the corner there is a whole new world of discovery. What lies ahead for this character of mine? Time will only tell, but I am eager to find out. To me, a simple picture shows a lot more than others perceive." Do you have a game that you love, no matter what others might say? Feel like telling us why you think it's awesome? Send your screenshot and tale to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. You never know -- yours could be the next one featured here on Massively! %Gallery-85937%
Aion's Assault on Balaurea expansion coming to public test server
OK, Aion public test server (PTS) fans: would you like the good news first or the bad news? Never mind, here's the bad news: the PTS has been brought down and its database wiped (i.e., your characters and legions are now digital rubble under the NCsoft wrecking ball). The good news is that all of the destruction, terror, and mayhem is in service to the forthcoming Assault on Balaurea expansion and its eminent appearance on the testing shard. Beginning on August 18th, you can be among the first to experience the new content, in addition to sampling it with the significant XP and drop-rate boosts exclusive to the PTS. The expansion hits the live servers on September 7th, so be sure and read up on how to access the PTS client if you'd like an early start.
Massively's Community Detective, Issue #3: Aion
"There is currently a wait of about five days from the time you sent your request. We will continue to do all we can to reduce the wait time." So says a portion of the support email we received from NCsoft over the weekend while preparing the notes for this week's issue of Community Detective. Five days? Five days! Well, the good news is that the debacle had a happy ending. The bad news is that the wait, and a few vocal community members, colored our current perceptions of Aion. Welcome to another issue of Massively's Community Detective. This week we're changing up our format just a bit to focus on a single MMORPG. Aion goes under the microscope today, and the PvPvE title skews a bit more towards conventional MMOs than last week's EVE/Darkfall duo. Before we dive into the world of Atreia, let's reiterate the column's purpose, as well as outline our current methods. Fly past the cut for more.
One Shots: Come get some
Between the recent server merges to increase population and the upcoming addition of the 2.0 Assault on Balaurea update to the game, there are several folks returning to the gorgeous world of Aion. While PvP isn't necessarily everybody's thing, there are more than enough people willing to take up the call -- and enjoy this beautifully textured world. Today's One Shots comes to us from Flog, who also recently returned, and writes in: "I resubbed because of the server merges. It is nice to see the game so busy again. I was on my way out of Altgard to level up my essence tapping when I glided so high that I was able to land on this little guard post. After seeing what was behind me I figured I would take a picture. Come at me Elyos! I am Flog....protector of Altgard!" From big to small, we love to see all manner of MMO worlds. However, we need you to help us by sending in screenshots of them! Email those to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. Yours could be the next one posted out here on Massively! %Gallery-85937%
Aion wants you... to be a journalist
Think you've got what it takes to be an Atreian war correspondent? If so, grab your notepad, a pen, and your razor-sharp prose skills and head over to the official Aion website. It seems the powers that be (both Elyos and Asmodian) are looking for a few good daevas to prove that the pen is at least as mighty as the sword by signing on to be Battle Reporters. The program will be accepting members on a continual basis, though it is somewhat competitive due to the limit of one reporter per faction and server. To apply, send the Aion community team an email that includes your full name, your character and server, and a 400-word sample article noting the recent happenings on your particular realm and remaining as objective as possible. If selected, your articles will be published on the official Aion website.
Aion offers six free server transfers per character
With NCsoft's upcoming Aion server merges looming, chances are you've taken the time to figure out where your daeva's new home is going to be (as well as marked your calendar to be sure you get first dibs on keeping your name). What you may not know is that you've got plenty of opportunities to test out the various Aion server communities after the merges are complete. In its weekly Eye on Community featurette, NCsoft answers a player-generated question about transfer specifics. "During the free character transfer period, characters you submit for transfer are placed in a collated list, together with transfer requests from other players. The transfers outlined in this list will all be executed at the same time during weekly maintenance. Because transfers are moved in a batch each week, you will be able to transfer your character up to six times before the 18th of August, when the free character transfer period ends. Our intent is to let you test the waters so that you can decide which server best suits you," says the featurette.
Aion server merges delayed, name changes explained
Aion's recently announced server merges have been pushed back a couple of weeks and are now scheduled to take place on July 14th. The delay is apparently the result of name conflicts between players with the same moniker on servers that are scheduled to merge, and NCsoft has decided to take a bit of extra time to smooth the process. In a nutshell, the name changes are likely to affect a small percentage of characters, and NCsoft will be adding one or two letters onto the end of duplicate names depending on original name length. Additionally, all daevas will be given a free name-change. "When the merge maintenance is completed on July 14th, 2010, you'll be able to log in and use your free Character Name Change ticket to change your name. All uses of that Character Name Change ticket will be on a first come, first served basis," NCsoft said in a press release. Check out all the details at the official website.
One Shots: I ain't got no body
Many of our Aion One Shots have featured fantastic, highly detailed armor, or the obligatory enormous wings that the game seems to be so well-known for. However, as a nice treat we got this scenic image in our mailbox recently from Jay (AKA SylvariVentari), who decided to focus on something we don't always get to see as the focal point of pictures -- the buildings in the game. While we don't know precisely where this is, we'd bet some of our Aion readers could lend us a hand there, as Jay's note was short and sweet: "Hey, just a screenshot I took whilst playing Aion. The scenery and architecture in this game are just great, so thought I'd send this in. Hopefully you like it!" If you've read this far, it means you like One Shots, so why not do us a favor and send in some screenshots from your MMO gaming? We need lots more screenshot love, and you're the best ones to help us out. Just grab a screenshot from your favorite game (or hey, least favorite, if you're crazy enough to play it) and send it to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name and a quick description. We'll showcase it and give you the credit for sending it along. %Gallery-85937%
Refer a friend to Aion, get free Abyss Points
NCsoft is dangling a few goodies in front of current Aion subscribers in the form of their revamped Refer A Friend program and its myriad incentives. If you've got an active account that's over six weeks old (and have paid for at least six weeks of game time), you can log into your NCsoft Master Account and click the Refer A Friend link in the Actions section to get started. If your referral purchases either a retail box or digital copy of the game, you'll be gifted with three Major Ancient Crowns, currently valued at a whopping 6400 AP each. If your referral signs up for one month or more of Aion game time, you'll get a free paid month credited to NCsoft Master Account. Your friend isn't left out either, as NCsoft will email each referral a serial code that includes XP bonus items, running scrolls, courage scrolls, and recovery serums. Check out the official site for all the details and regulations.
