Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[NCsoft to probe Aion players' thoughts on rifting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/ncsoft-to-probe-aion-players-thoughts-on-rifting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/ncsoft-to-probe-aion-players-thoughts-on-rifting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/ncsoft-to-probe-aion-players-thoughts-on-rifting/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Aion's recent expansion, Assault on Balaurea, ushered in a host of welcome changes, ranging from new zones to frightfully cute pets. Rifting, on the other hand, suffered tremendously. But the folks at NCsoft want Aion players to know their cries have not fallen on deaf ears.

In a nutshell, rifts are portals that randomly open between the homelands of the Asmodians and the Elyos, allowing members of each faction to venture into the other's territory for some PvP action. The original system allowed higher level players to pop into lower level enemy zones and gank the heck out of people. Patch 1.9 introduced some restrictions to prevent ganking, but Balaurea just about broke the system by debuffing rifters into oblivion.

The developers know players are upset -- and they have a plan.

Continue reading NCsoft to probe Aion players' thoughts on rifting

MassivelyNCsoft to probe Aion players' thoughts on rifting originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-2.0aion-chris-hageraion-gameaion-riftingaion-rifting-changesassault-on-balaureabalaureachris-hagernc-softnc-soft-aionnc-soft-chris-hagerncsoftncsoft-aionncsoft-chris-hagerriftriftingriftsMon, 11 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: First impressions of the assault]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/wings-over-atreia-first-impressions-of-the-assault/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/wings-over-atreia-first-impressions-of-the-assault/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/wings-over-atreia-first-impressions-of-the-assault/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With the launch of Aion's long-anticipated expansion, Assault on Balaurea, NCsoft has laid out a spread of goodies, from tasty little morsels of fluff to meatier content fare. What all did this free expansion bring to the plate? Solo instances, pets, ground assault PvP in new zones, higher-level materials and crafting, and new travel methods are just a few of the goodies that awaited Daeva when they first logged in last Tuesday.

Hungry Daevas have had almost a full week to either nibble at or just plain dive into the buffet of new offerings in the world of Atreia. Even with a glitch (seriously, is there something in the MMO rulebook that says a launch cannot go off without a hitch?), a number of Daevas have been scarfing up everything they can get their wings on. The release even brought back many old faces, who stopped in to sample the new goodies.

So how did all this taste? Grab a napkin and munch your way through the cut to savor the new flavor of Aion for yourself.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: First impressions of the assault

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: First impressions of the assault originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0aionaion-2.0aion-gameasmodianassault-on-balaureadaevaelyosexpansionfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfluffflyingfortress-siegefortsgalleryGelkmarosInggisonnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionpatchpetsscreenshotscreenshotsWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 13 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion: Assault on Balaurea zone trailer -- Inggison]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/aion-assault-on-balaurea-zone-trailer-inggison/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/aion-assault-on-balaurea-zone-trailer-inggison/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/aion-assault-on-balaurea-zone-trailer-inggison/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Today, NCsoft unveils a video tour of Inggison, a new zone introduced in Aion's upcoming expansion, Assault on Balaurea. No longer confined to Atreia on the interior of the planet, players will venture forth to the lands on the outside. Filled with a variety of new plant and wildlife, Inggison is the Elyos foothold in Balaurea.

Even as they bask in direct sunlight (a treat not possible in the sundered lands of Asmodae and Elysea), Daevas in Aion will encounter new foes -- such as the Balaur-worshippers of Undirborg -- and fight old ones, as the Asmodians try to claim the Temple of Scales and Altar of Avarice Fortresses.

After watching the video, Massively asked Chris Hager, Producer of Aion, NCsoft West, a few questions about this new area.

Check out the video after the cut, as well as Chris' comments.

Continue reading Aion: Assault on Balaurea zone trailer -- Inggison

MassivelyAion: Assault on Balaurea zone trailer -- Inggison originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-2.0aion-assault-on-balaureaassault-on-balaureabalaurbalaureachris-hagerelyosfeaturedfortressfortress-siegeInggisoninterviewncsoftncsoft-westtrailervideo-tourThu, 26 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SDCC 2010: Massively's interview with Aion producer Lani Blazier]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/san-diego-comic-con-massivelys-interview-with-aion-producer-la/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/san-diego-comic-con-massivelys-interview-with-aion-producer-la/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/25/san-diego-comic-con-massivelys-interview-with-aion-producer-la/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

San Diego has been the place to be for the past few days, with developers bringing out all the latest and greatest to show off at Comic-Con 2010. We at Massively have been pretty busy, in part with Aion's web producer Lani Blazier.

Aion's free expansion Assault on Balaurea is just over a month away, so Lani had plenty to talk about. She gave us a look at what we can expect with 2.0, and spent a bit of time answering our questions afterward. Follow along after the jump to see what she had to say.

Continue reading SDCC 2010: Massively's interview with Aion producer Lani Blazier

MassivelySDCC 2010: Massively's interview with Aion producer Lani Blazier originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-2.0aion-assault-on-balaureaassault-on-balaureaComic-concomic-con-2010featuredinterviewlani-blazierncsoftpvpvesan-diego-comic-consan-diego-comic-con-2010sdccsdcc-2010the-abyssworld-dropsSun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Release date announced for Aion 2.0: Assault on Balaurea]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/release-date-announced-for-aion-2-0-assault-on-balaurea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/release-date-announced-for-aion-2-0-assault-on-balaurea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/release-date-announced-for-aion-2-0-assault-on-balaurea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Aion's Assault on Balaurea has been a long time coming. We chatted with Lead Producer Chris "Kinslon" Hager back in May, and fans have been scouring the patch notes, but one big question has remained unanswered: When?

We got our answer today. NCsoft has announced a September 7th release date for the free digital version of Assault on Balaurea. Boxed copies of the full game containing codes for exclusive in-game pets -- which carry some benefits for their owners -- are also available. Players can purchase those in North America on September 7th and in Europe on September 10th.

Check out the Aion site for more details.

MassivelyRelease date announced for Aion 2.0: Assault on Balaurea originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-2.0aion-assault-on-balaureaaion-expansionassault-on-balaureabalaureabreakingchris-hagerchris-kinslon-hagerkinslonncsoftFri, 16 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Aion's Chris Hager talks 2.0]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/exclusive-aions-chris-hager-talks-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/exclusive-aions-chris-hager-talks-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/exclusive-aions-chris-hager-talks-2-0/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Aion news is coming fast and furious of late, as Massively brings you another exclusive interview with Lead Producer Chris "Kinslon" Hager. Last week we spoke about the 1.9 update, currently slated to hit the live servers in early June, as well as the general state of the game. This week we chat about the monstrous 2.0 patch due in the Fall, as well as take the wraps off the new teaser trailer direct from Korea. Finally, we've got some exclusive screenshots of the new content in action.

Whew.

Got all that? Good. Check out the screenshot gallery below, and fly on over to page two for the interview and video.

Gallery: Aion 2.0 Exclusive


MassivelyExclusive: Aion's Chris Hager talks 2.0 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 May 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-2.0balaurchris-hagerfeaturedncsoftpatchespetsscreenshotstrailervideoMon, 24 May 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion pets sighted on Korean test server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/aion-pets-sighted-on-korean-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/aion-pets-sighted-on-korean-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/aion-pets-sighted-on-korean-test-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Word of the recently released 2.0 patch to the Korean test servers has created a bit of a buzz in the North American Aion community. Among the huge list of tweaks and additions was the mention of player pets of both the vanity and utilitarian variety. While detailed information remains scarce here in the West, a few images of the pets have begun to show up on Korean MMORPG web sites, including these images over at MMOSite.

In addition to the images, there are brief descriptions of each type of pet, including one that apparently alerts its owner to the presence of an enemy player. Along with this 'alertive' pet, there are warehouse pets (which as you might expect, offer additional storage), productive pets (which may give you a rare gameplay item when you feed them), and decorative pets that serve no particular gameplay function.

The article also hints at an 'emotive study' system through which your pet can learn various abilities, including flight. Check out the images over at MMOSite.

MassivelyAion pets sighted on Korean test server originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 May 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0-petsaionaion-2.0aion-the-tower-of-eternityalertive-petskorean-test-servermmositepetswarehouse-petsThu, 06 May 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lengthy Aion 2.0 patch notes translated]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/lengthy-aion-2-0-patch-notes-translated/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/lengthy-aion-2-0-patch-notes-translated/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/lengthy-aion-2-0-patch-notes-translated/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Aion's near-mythical 2.0 update went live on the Korean test servers last week, and the lengthy English translation is finally available for your reading enjoyment at the official site. Despite the fact that it will likely be months before the update makes its way to America, it's exciting to see some of the upcoming tweaks.

Additions include the Balaur homeland zone featuring new fortresses and artifacts for both Elyos and Asmodians, as well as new flight/gliding options including windstreams, updrafts, and geysers. Six new dungeon instances have also been introduced, and the level cap has been raised to 55. Additionally, a plethora of new and upgraded skills have been added to each class. Crafting now features a Mastery level (549), and harvesting vitality in certain areas of the new Balaur zone may result in the acquisition of a unique weapon.

Finally, several quests have been tweaked for difficulty, and many new quests have been added, along with a robust pet system.

Whew.

Check out all the details at the official site.

MassivelyLengthy Aion 2.0 patch notes translated originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 May 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-2.0balaurfortressesgeyserkorean-test-serverncsoftpatch-notestranslationupdraftwindstreamTue, 04 May 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: The positivity column]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/wings-over-atreia-the-positivity-column/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/wings-over-atreia-the-positivity-column/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/wings-over-atreia-the-positivity-column/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


In the interests of bringing balance to the Force (and reminding ourselves that this is supposed to be fun) we'll use this week's edition of Wings Over Atreia to take a look at Aion's future. In light of recent announcements, you could make the case that it's pretty bright, in fact it may even be bright enough to merit the donning of fashionable eyewear.

So, aside from paying tribute to Timbuk3 and aggravating the Debbie Downers in the audience, I feel the need to discuss the recent Aion happenings both here in the west and in Korea. Despite ripping on the game's grind a bit last week, the fact remains that I still enjoy it and it seems like NCsoft has at least turned the ship in the right direction, even if it's still proceeding at a glacial pace.

Hit the jump to see what's worth looking forward to.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: The positivity column

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: The positivity column originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 May 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-2.0featuredncsoftopinionpositivepositivityupdate-1.9update-2.0Wings-Over-Atreiawings-over-atreia-jef-reahardMon, 03 May 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion 2.0 debuts on Korean test server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/aion-2-0-debuts-on-korean-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/aion-2-0-debuts-on-korean-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/aion-2-0-debuts-on-korean-test-server/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With NCSoft's recent announcement that update 1.9 is landing on American servers this May, denizens of Atreia already had a lot to look forward to. MMOSite brings word of further good news in the form of the much discussed 2.0 patch making its way to the Korean test servers.

The patch includes a new pet system (hinted at in the Vision video last year), a new adventuring zone called Balaur River, a new RvR fortress, and most interestingly, a new movement system called Path of Wind that will apparently function in addition to the existing flying and gliding mechanics. Details are sketchy on this new system, but we'll be digging deeper into 2.0 to bring you the latest information very soon.

Additionally, the level cap has been increased to 55 on the Korean test server. Check out the details as well as a few screen shots on MMOSite.

The official North American Aion website has also updated with a mention of the 2.0 patch. Patch notes will be forthcoming next week (a whopping 38 pages worth, pre-translation), and the community team also pledges to relay information in a timely fashion as it becomes available from the Korean mother ship.

MassivelyAion 2.0 debuts on Korean test server originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-2.0aion-visionbalaur-riverbreakingkorean-test-serverpatchespath-of-windpet-systemupdate-2.0vision-trailerThu, 29 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC10: NCSoft speaks out on Aion 1.9]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-ncsoft-speaks-out-on-aion-1-9/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-ncsoft-speaks-out-on-aion-1-9/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-ncsoft-speaks-out-on-aion-1-9/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We've covered a lot of newly released (and as yet unreleased) games this week at GDC 2010, so it's always good to check in with an MMORPG that's been around for awhile to see what's coming down the pipe. Today we caught up with NCSoft's Andrew 'Tamat' Beegle, North American Community Manager for Aion, and asked him all sorts of questions about Aion's big 1.9 patch.

The update, already live on the game's Korean servers, will be coming to the States and Europe in short order, so read along after the jump to get a taste of what NCSoft has in store for it's loyal Daevas.

Continue reading GDC10: NCSoft speaks out on Aion 1.9

MassivelyGDC10: NCSoft speaks out on Aion 1.9 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-1.9aion-2.0aion-visionandrew-beegleenergy-of-salvationfeaturedgdc-2010interviewsncsoftpatchestamatFri, 12 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion 1.9 patch details teased while videos of 2.0 dance in our heads]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/aion-1-9-patch-details-teased-while-videos-of-2-0-dance-in-our-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/aion-1-9-patch-details-teased-while-videos-of-2-0-dance-in-our-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/aion-1-9-patch-details-teased-while-videos-of-2-0-dance-in-our-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Thanks to one crazy community manager that likes to tease information, we've gotten a sneak peek at the upcoming patch information for Aion -- patch 1.9.

The patch is hosting a wealth of enhancements and updates to the game that includes a new looking for group system, quest updates, a brand new daily quest system, changes to the endgame dungeon Dredgion, a decrease in transportation and soul healing prices, increased experience gain, a two-handed weapon merge system, and much more. The whole thing actually totals over 26 pages of patch notes which NCsoft West are still translating for Western audiences.

Tomorrow, however, we've got a special look into some of the deeper mechanics of the patch, so be sure to come back and visit us at 11 AM Eastern time for all of the gritty details (as we need to be all hush hush until then.) But, for now, enjoy some beautiful concept art in the gallery below (in the form of desktop wallpapers) and a video of Aion's "update 2.0" patch stored after the break.

Gallery: Aion 2.0 desktop wallpaper


Continue reading Aion 1.9 patch details teased while videos of 2.0 dance in our heads

MassivelyAion 1.9 patch details teased while videos of 2.0 dance in our heads originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aion-1.9aion-2.0aion-onlineaion-patchaion-the-tower-of-eternityaion-visionbreakingdredgionncsoftpatch-1.9teasertrailervideoweapon-mergeWed, 03 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST