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NCsoft reveal Aion's Scout sub-classes, the Assassin and the Ranger
NCsoft has just revealed another batch of class-centric screenshots for must-play MMO Aion. This time they're focusing on the agile Scout, specifically the sub-classes of the Assassin and the Ranger. Perhaps the nicest thing is the fact that the screenshots include both Elyos and Asmodian Daeva, including the particularly angelic -- but slightly menacing -- one you see above.Assassins are, as their name suggests, crafty killers. Though physically squishy, they are, according to NCsoft, 'able to strike silently and with devastating consequences at vulnerable targets, effectively bringing down whole groups with a single action'. Perhaps the most interesting piece of lore suggests that Assassins have turned their backs on the deity known as Aion and instead 'follow the star of death for instruction'. Rangers, meanwhile, prefer to work alone or in teams, and possess 'finely honed survival instincts and the ability to endure even in the harshest of environments'. Weapons-wise, they use daggers, traps to snare their prey and are expert archers.You can check out the images of the Ranger and Assassin in our Scout gallery below.%Gallery-67600%
The Daily Grind: Greener grass
I've played Alliance since Day One of my time in World of Warcraft. Granted I've dabbled now and then with Horde, I've always been so depressed by the starting zones that I never went further than level 4. However my recent experience with Aion and leveling both factions has given me a new perspective on playing 'good' and 'evil' factions. Indeed terms like that are fast becoming obsolete. So when a friend of mine told me she had rolled a Horde on a backwater server (describing her toon as 'furry with horns') I was eager to join her. Of all the Horde races, the Tauren seem the least evil, the most peaceful and have the prettiest starter zone. So I rolled a female shaman just to be completely different and my friend chose a male warrior.The grass really is greener on the other side of the fence. The quests are new, as is the lore and while the actual objectives are often similar it's like seeing an MMO with a new pair of eyes. Indeed I think it could totally change how you enjoy a particular MMO and how you play it. When it comes to WoW specifically, this is even more the case now that Blizzard have revealed their plans to allow you to change your faction. So, come on readers, have you leveled a toon in (insert your chosen MMO here), got them geared up and then decided to see things from the other side? Did you switch because you wanted a change? Was it the lore? Better quests? A chance to do something different? If you were like me, would you consider jumping ship and re-rolling during your next bout of burn out? Speak up, constant readers, and drop your comments in the box.
Get your keys for the third Aion beta weekend, before they're gone
It's going to be another weekend of angels flying around the world, except this weekend you're going to get to choose which side you want to support! Yes, that's right, it's the third weekend for the Aion beta test.This weekend's testing focus will be on both the Elyos and Asmodian sides and testers will be able to progress all the way up to level 20. No more getting capped at 10 just after you grab your wings! The test's doors open tomorrow, July 2nd, at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET.If you haven't gotten your key for the beta yet, run on over to Fileplanet and grab one! Sadly, at the time of this post, there are no more keys left for standard users, but Fileplanet subscribers still have the opportunity to grab an entrance into the beta. Oh, one more thing -- these keys are for North American users only.
Which version of Aion will be available at launch?
NCsoft is hoping that the pairing of flight and fantasy in Aion will prove to be a hit in both North America and Europe. Gamers who were accepted into the betas have been asking the Aion team about which version of the title the Western markets will see at launch. NCsoft has announced: "Aion is planned to release with version 1.5, the third major game update, bringing the content as up to date as possible. The Aion team strives to keep the game content consistent between territories, and releasing with this game version brings us one step closer to this goal." Our own Lesley Smith has been writing about her experiences with the game through Aion's various beta test phases, particularly the experience of becoming a Daeva as an Elyos or as an Asmodian; we recommend reading her hands-on series if you're interested in this title. Massively will continue to cover Aion leading right up to the game's September launch.
The Daily Grind: Asmodian or Elyos?
When I first heard about Aion: Tower of Eternity, my first thought aside from "wow" was "I'm so going to play Elyos". It was the wings, you see, and I always seem to play on the 'good side'. However, having now played both sides, I'm torn. I love the look of the Elyos and their angelic society, but I also appreciate the struggles of the Asmodians. Plus they do that groovy glowing-eyes-in-combat thing which just looks awesome. I might just roll one of each. I was curious to see a lot of people loitering in Pandaemonium over the weekend advertising their Elyos guilds and the same thing happened during CBT1 but with Elyos advertising their Asmodian ones.So now you've had a chance to play both factions from Aion: Tower of Eternity I'm curious to know whether you will still roll (insert your faction here) or whether you've had a change of heart. Does a particular faction's lore or locale grab you more or have you just bonded with your avatar so much that you can't dream of defecting to the other side? If you've not changed your mind, are you going to stick with your avatar during CBT3? Were you glad the Aion devs allowed you to play Elyos this weekend or were you glad you could finally roll that Asmodian? Speak up, readers, and let us know what you think.
CM Ayase reveals Aion CBT2 and future beta plans
With only two days to go before the next leg of the Aion beta (aka CBT2), CM Ayase has posted more information on this weekend's event but also gone into a little more detail (much of which we already knew) about the on-going beta. However he also mentions what amount to the briefest of build notes letting us know about changes such as sever queues, NPCs fixes and 'culturalized content' (I chose to read that as 'lore') specifically for Asmodians. Ayase also reveals the subject matter of CBT3 which will focus on leveling an Asmodian from 1-20 while CBT4 will allow players to pick a side and level their avatar to 25. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the post is not what we're getting now but what is promised on the horizon including localized voice overs for cut scenes, localized tutorial video, in game pre-rendered movies (of which we saw a little in the first beta event) and more culturalized content for Asmodians and the Elyos. I'm excited already.
Aion Closed Beta Test 1 over, CBT2 dated.
It's seems everyone and their best friend was playing Aion this weekend, including most of Team Massively. The closed beta test (CBT) ended in the wee small hours of this morning with gamers providing plenty of feedback via the official forums. It wasn't too long before EU CM Ayase nipped posted an announcement regarding the next phase of testing which will see players becoming Asmodians:"The event is scheduled to start Friday, June 19th (9:00 PM CEST, 8:00 PM BST, noon PST) and to end on Monday, June 22nd (8:59 AM CEST, 7:59 AM BST, Sunday 21st 11.59 PM PST). In CBT2 we will want to focus on the very first area of Asmodae and have therefore set the level limit to 10, primarily to make sure it's properly run through, but also to allow testers to stop and perhaps smell the flowers more, to dive into the quests and quest texts more carefully and to better explore the arch-classes. More information will come shortly and more beta events are definitely set to arrive in the future, so stock up on those canned beans (okay, maybe something else) and stay tuned!"
The Daily Grind: What did you think of the first weekend of the Aion beta?
I spent this weekend in Atreia taking part in the first Aion beta test. I got my mage (and then spiritmaster) to level 10 and managed to explore the fringes of Eltnen by the time the beta ended in the wee small hours of this morning GMT. I would have loved to make it to the full 20 levels but a weekend was never going to be long enough to do that. How did you do? While I still think the game looks beautiful and I love the look of my Elyos as she glided through the evening air, the beta is by no means finished yet. I'm curious to see the rest before making any firm judgments on the game itself. However I've noticed that opinions are divided both within Team Massively and also people who got into the beta. Some folks loved every aspect of the game, from the graphics to the lore whilst others were bitterly disappointed. So tell me, constant readers, has your opinion of the game changed after playing for a weekend? Are you now more keen to see the full game or have you decided it's not for you? Do you think as many people will login for the next beta and try playing as an Asmodian?
Hands on with the Aion beta: Becoming a Daeva
In the last two days, we've walked you through character creation in Aion: Tower of Eternity and introduced you to the starter zone of Poeta. Now it's time to get to the interesting bit, the Ascension quest where you finally transcend your frail Elyos form and become a Daeva. While this ascension can take place any time after you ding level 9, there are a number of campaign quests which must be completed first These begin much earlier, around level six when you befriend the Forest Lord Daminu and gain the amusing title Tree-Hugger.Becoming a Daeva and earning your wings -- literally in this case -- is one of the reasons players have been so excited by Aion. It is your destiny and an inevitable part of the game play but it has some caveats. We'll get to those in a bit but first, join us after the jump, when we take a deeper look into the Ascension quest itself.
Hands on with the Aion beta: Your first steps into Elysea
Yesterday, we showed you the character creation process for Aion: Tower of Eternity and today it's time to enter Elysea. The lower portion of the fractured world of Atreia, Elysea is, for the most part, as beautiful as its inhabitants. Poeta is a starter zone (actually more of an island) where the Elyos level from 1 to 9 on their journey to become Daeva and choose a subclass. It is where you learn how to play and are gently introduced to the mechanics which make Aion a very different kind of MMO.
Hands on with the Aion beta: Creating your Elyos
So the Aion beta has finally begun! You won a key, downloaded the client and now is the time to take your first steps in Elysea. For the purposes of this beta you get to play on what amounts to a PvP server and can only create characters from one faction, in this case the Elyos. However you get eight character slots meaning you can create a male and female toon from every class should you wish to.One of the best parts about starting a new game, whether it's live or on a test realm is the chance to create your avatar. The virtual personification of all your hopes and dreams as well as desires to kill anything that moves. The most important thing you're ever going to do, regardless of the game, is create a virtual you and in this game customization is the big buzzword. So join Massively after the jump on a whistle stop tour of creating your first toon in NCsoft's must-play title.
The Daily Grind: Are you excited by the Aion beta?
I don't know about you but I'm so excited by Aion. I really can't help it, I've been following the game since it was announced. I'm pretty sure it was the angelic avatars, the ability to fly, an ethereal soundtrack and the Asian origins which captured my attention and I'm literally counting down the hours until the beta begins on Friday. Days like this make me love my job. By now the beta keys should have started landing in inboxes, including the 200 we gave away last week, and the fact they went so fast confirms my belief that a lot of people want to play this game.So come on, readers, do you have a beta key? Are you planning to roll an Elyos? Do you like the idea of a shorter beta testing a specific class/race/zone or do you prefer being left to your own devices with an entire world to explore? Would you rather play as an Asmodian? What about you folks who don't give a fig, why doesn't Aion interest you? Are you baffled by the number of people clamouring to play this new MMO?
Europe getting Aion beta and keys
Aion is huge and it's not even out here yet, but that doesn't mean this WoW-killer doesn't have a massive fan base. Well European fans are in for a treat as gaming site Rock, Paper, Shotgun are offering keys to any gamer who emails them. The Aion beta will be taking place between 5-7th June and will allow participants to get a taste of the game by leveling an Elyos (the angel types) to twenty and explore the most-recently revealed zone of Eltnen. The only catch being that you must be in Europe to enter the beta, so I'm guessing the keys will only activate if the servers confirm your IP address is within the EU.So what are you waiting for, EU folks? Get emailing now before all the keys are gone!
GDC09: Hands-on with Aion
To understand the game Aion, you first need a bit of background on its setting. Aion has many of the trappings you would expect to find in a typical fantasy MMO, but it is a completely original IP with some unique elements. As a player, you are a resident of Atreia, created by the deity Aion, and torn asunder by ancient war between the human races and the Aion's former servants, the Balaur. After millennia of struggle, the Balaur succeeded in destroying the Tower of Eternity, Aion's embodiment on Atreia, splitting the planet in half. In the game's present day, the Asmodians live in the harsh, frigid climates on the upper half of Atreia, far from the sun; while the Elyos live in the sun-drenched, tropical lower half of Atreia. Neither recall the details of the cataclysm that split the world and both blame the other for the destruction that befell Atreia.Today, fragments of the shattered tower have begun to drift through the heavens and mysterious portals have opened in the world, transporting the Asmodians and Elyos to the Abyss that lays between the two halves of Atreia. Here, they meet one another and their old, neigh-forgotten enemies, the Balaur.Unsurprisingly, war is at hand. In Aion's "PvPvE" system, you'll fight against both the opposing faction and the NPC Balaur at every turn as you seek to unlock the mysteries of the world around you. %Gallery-48588%
Obama as you've never seen him before, an Aion character
We're generally apolitical in terms of our content here at Massively, but this is something worthy of note: Obama in the fantasy MMO Aion: The Tower of Eternity? (We're sure this unscheduled appearance will come as a surprise to the President, himself.)NCsoft really didn't have this in mind when creating the game's lore, but some rather inventive beta testers have created something which show off just how good Aion's character creation is. The end result is a player-created video that depicts Obama in ways his publicity people never anticipated, as an Elyos 'kicking ass' and saving trees on the road to ascension as a Daeva... Yes, this may piss off a few people -- namely the POTUS -- but it's all in good fun. Check out the YouTube embed below the cut in high quality.
Aion: The Tower of Eternity lore moves forward in a world divided
The fantasy setting of NCsoft's Aion: The Tower of Eternity, known as Atreia, is a world largely divided between the upper world dwellers called Asmodians and the lower world denizens, the Elyos. Once a single united people, the game's lore has been expanding, telling the story of how the rifts between Atreia's people formed. In the wake of the Epic Cataclysm, the Elyos and Asmodians have their own tales to tell. This is the focus of Chapter VII of the Atreia story. The Elyos tale continues with "The Abyss and The Storm Legion" while the Asmodian story is told through "Retribution". Both tales are accounts of the same event, told from opposed perspectives. Check out how Aion's lore is advancing through the dual perspectives of the Elyos and Asmodians in Chapter VII.
Aion lore chapter 6: The aftermath
The Epic Cataclysm had just occurred and the people of Atreia find themselves recovering in the aftermath of the tower's collapse. How will they cope in this strange new version of their world? In true Aion style, the story of the cataclysm is told through the lens of both the Asmodians of upper Atreia and the Elyos of lower Atreia. This latest chapter of each viewpoint, Chapter VI, showcases the events directly following the tower's collapse and the 750 year period of evolution afterwards.If you have no idea what the previous paragraph means, then it's about time you read the entire story of Aion's lore. Told from two opposing perspectives, the story is currently at six chapters for each. They both tell abut the circumstances and events leading up to the Aion world that we will know when the game launches. Be sure to check out our entire Aion coverage as well as any new developments in this exciting new NCsoft fantasy MMO.
Aion lore Chapter V reveals cataclysmic event
As we mentioned earlier this month, the lore of Aion is shaping up into some intriguing backstory. In what seems to be bi-weekly installments, the folks at NCsoft are giving us bits and pieces of what Aion is all about. In the latest piece, the epic cataclysmic event that we've heard so much about has finally been revealed.Check out Chapter V in the ongoing story of how the Tower of Eternity fell and changed the world of Aion forever. This chapter, as with all previous chapters in Aion lore, is told through two opposing viewpoints: the Elyos and the Asmodian. Find out how each side viewed that historical event and how it will eventually shape the world as we'll know it when the game launches (hopefully soon!).
What do you know about Aion lore?
If you've ever wondered what there is to NCsoft's upcoming Aion: The Tower of Eternity MMO besides wings, you might be interested in their recent installments of lore for the game. Each faction, the Elyos and the Asmodian, has their own set of historical folklore that pertains to a certain cataclysmic event in their past. This event separated the two once-friendly groups, but the blame is told differently for each side. At this point, we have an introduction and four chapters for each faction, giving us plenty to read as we prepare for this game's launch. If you're a lore buff, or you simply want to soak up any and all info on Aion, check out these chapters of lore and let us know what you think so far.
Aion's beauty shines through in Asmodian Ascension Quest video
NCsoft's upcoming MMO Aion: The Tower of Eternity is looking to be a graphically stunning game. The latest trailer, Asmodian Ascension Quest, shows off some gorgeous settings and reveals a bit of the lore, as it concerns the struggle between the Asmodian and Elyos races. The video follows a young Asmodian as she ascends to the lofty heights of the Daeva, having battled her way to godhood on land and in the sky in winged combat. If you like what you see here, be sure to check out the full high-res download over at our sister site Big Download.[Thanks, Torak]
