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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.
SOE officially announces EQII's Destiny
Not to be outdone by all the fan coverage of last week's Fan Faire 2010, Sony Online Entertainment has released its own smorgasbord of information on the next EverQuest II expansion in the form of an official press release. Destiny of Velious, flying your way in February, looks to expand the venerable franchise while simultaneously paying homage to its roots. The release will feature an all-in-one compilation pack with the base game, all seven expansions, and three adventure packs, allowing newbs and veterans alike to dive into (or back into) the world of Norrath. Speaking of diving, we've now confirmed that flying mounts will allow you to venture off the beaten path of pre-determined flight tracks, wheeling and soaring at will. Additionally, expansioneers can partake of 300 new quests (including four Heritage Quests), 10 new dungeon instances, a contested dungeon, Velious-themed PvP battlegrounds, two new overland zones, six new raids, and dozens of new armor sets. %Gallery-99169%
Aion devs talk 1.9 features in new podcast
If you're an Aion fan and are anxiously awaiting the forthcoming 1.9 patch (and honestly who isn't), you'll want to head over to the European website and check out the recently released patch-centric video podcast. NCsoft producers Chris Hager and Lani Blazier, as well as community manager Andrew Beegle, talk about everything from UI customization, to counter-stun mechanics, to reduced soul healing and travel costs. "We have drastically reduced the prices of soul healing, soul binding, and transportation, and I think players are going to find it's a big win. I know we do internally because it is really expensive to heal your soul, bind to a location, and fly places," Blazier says. The trio also discuss the new equipment rental system and drop hints about a large amount of new quests coming in the update. Check out the full podcast, and don't forget to peruse our exclusive interviews with Chris Hager about 2.0 as well as Aion in general.
Sherwood Dungeon celebrates sixth anniversary
Sherwood Dungeon, the long-running browser-based MMORPG from Maid Marian Entertainment, is celebrating its sixth anniversary this week with a new quest series called Prophecy of Bane. The fantasy title features a number of unique features that set it apart from other genre games, including twitch-based reaction skills, minimal leveling, and liberal use of player feedback to determine the course of updates. "Sherwood started out as a hobby while I worked in the console games industry, and grew organically. It's been a game that's in constant development while it's live," said Gene Endrody, game designer and Maid Marian founder. "Originally players came back just to see what I had added and this created an interesting player culture because their feedback affected my choices." The game, which doesn't require a login, sign-up process, or monthly fee, has been a labor of love for Endrody, and has attracted more than a million unique monthly visitors. You can check it out for yourself over at the official website.
Runes of Magic Chapter III launches May 18
Frogster has finally announced the official release date of their Chapter III - The Elder Kingdoms content update for Runes of Magic. The free-to-play fantasy MMORPG will be expanding on May 18th, adding everything from a huge new region, to multiple dungeons, to a multitude of new quests. The new area is the continent of Zandorya, presided over by the monarchy of Dalanis which is in turn ruled by the child-king Callaway. Adventurers will be tasked with restoring the glory of the old Dalanis dynasty and subduing the forces of chaos at work in the kingdom. Players at level 55 and above can already access the first territory from the new kingdom, an area known as Thunderhoof Hills. On May 18th, players will able to access a new collectible card system, new instance difficulty levels and reward systems, new guild castle features and minigames, as well as an expanded level cap.
Chronicles of Spellborn moves up to 1.02
The European free to play MMO Chronicles of Spellborn has unleashed patch 1.02, entitled "Scroll of the Second Path," bringing some brand new fixes and changes into their world.One of the biggest changes is the introduction of a brand new tutorial that better introduces their combat system. One of the many problems that many players were facing with Spellborn was that it does not play like a traditional MMO. In fact, playing it like a traditional MMO would usually get you killed. This new tutorial better explains how to avoid getting hit, while still dealing damage of your own to the targets around you.The other big change is the introduction of "menaces" -- new elite monsters that wander around outdoor areas. These guys are big and hard to kill, but their existences are also tied into special wanted posters in towns. These wanted posters trigger new quests to take down the menaces, giving players incentive to take on these new challenges.The game is still awaiting a closed beta in the US, but those readers in the UK, France, or Germany will be happy to hop on the Spellborn wagon and give the game a try. The full patch notes for 1.02 are available on the Chronicles of Spellborn forums.[Via A Ding World]
Breakfast Topic: Dustwallow, the new STV
Dvons of WoW Ladies brought up an interesting point the other day. For those who play on PvP servers, Dustwallow Marsh is looking to be the new gank-a-palooza zone after Patch 2.3. Players in their 30s will now have a second quest hub to work through, although I don't know how much different a swamp really is from a jungle in terms of terrain. Less trolls perhaps, but still a lot of water, a lot of trees, and a lot of crocolisks.When I got a chance to hop on in to the PTR and try the new marsh on for size, I was delighted. Once again, I feel like I have been given a zone back. Not only will we finally get a chance to continue quest lines that have dropped by the wayside, there are entire new ones that absolutely rock. I won't tell you much, but there's a certain large fish, and some cannons, and suddenly Nat Pagle is asking you to do completely wrong things with fish bait. Dustwallow is no longer "that zone I travel through on my way to the Barrens." It only makes sense that the place will be flooded with people trying to get their quests done. I personally don't play on a PvP server, unless you count that belf mage I made on a whim, but I imagine that the craziness in the next couple of weeks will eventually die down as people speed through the levels toward 60. Or perhaps the marsh will become everyone's favorite contested zone. Either way, bring extra socks. That's what they always say when you're preparing for battle in the swamps.
