Thanks :)

Just a heads up, NCSoft has finally put up the information on the collectors edition and some nice high-res screenshots. This doesn't include the items that GameStop is promising in their version and may be in addition.
Here is the link.

http://www.aiononline.com/us/collectorsedition/

The CE is worth it for the wings alone, as they are 1 million kinah to buy in-game. At level 30, thats alot of cash. Also undocumented is that each wing upgrade not only gives you more flight time, it also increases flight speed, though the current tooltips don't mention it.

Here's the latest Japanese commerical for Aion, it launches there next month. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkL_7dkHjYc&fmt=18
EDIT: Also found a really nice vid of Fire Temple, the first instanced dungeon in the game. The picture is a little dark, but you can get a good idea of how the game plays and the GUI.

Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htbZ4lExl8c

oh thats crap, looks like NCSoft pulled the pictures.

Pictures of the boxed set are up on Aionsource here: http://www.aionsource.com/ and man is it pretty.

While NCSoft is waiting till next week to make the announcement, looks like GameStop already has its Aion: Collector's Edition available for pre-order here : http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=74885 and man is it a doozy! Early access to the game and access to the beta plus a shitload of other goodies. Can't wait to see the pictures.

I was referring more to the questing system as being very similar to WoW but you make a valid point. I only got to play EQ in passing, so I can't really comment too much on the similarities but I don't doubt it. You do make a good point in that there's almost nothing sacred in the genre. Most of the ideas in every MMO gets lifted from something else.  I think most people are familiar with WoW, so its much easier to relate the concepts to them by using that example. That was my first impression of the game, so that's what I wrote, and i'm sure many folks will have the same impression.

Hathen, i'm sorry you dont find the armors appealing, though remember the skins are very different on the Elyos side. The Asmodean gear all looks semi-demonic while the Elyos equivalent stuff is straight medieval/high fantasy. Compared to some of the Tier armor I've seen in WoW I think I prefer Aion's designs better. I'll take rediculous amounts of detail over obscenely cartoony overdone shoulderpads etc. Aion's are very detailed, but I don't think they are anywhere near over the top as some of the power ranger crap in WoW.

Well the word is that the NA/EU release will be version 1.2 or higher (Korea is at 1.2 corrently) which addresses some of the major issues, but even playing ver. 1.0 its a very polished product. I can't really comment on the bots because I haven't seen any, but they seem to be a major problem on some of the other servers.

There's not much they can do about that until they release new areas to the game. Thankfully the world graphics do get better (particularly on the Elyos side) but they never get as good as the character models. You'd need Unreal Engine 3 for that or Crytek 2. Its respectable, just noticable.

Here a link to some pics of the obtainable armors and weapons in the game.

http://www.aionsource.com/forum/images-art-video-sound/14701-items-you-will-probably-never-get-ingame.html

Here's how my current character looks ^_^

The armor is all critical crafted. The cool thing about the game is that when you critically craft equipment (armor and weapons) not only are the stats better, you have more manastone slots (like WoW gem slots) and the items themselves get a new skin entirely.

Heh, i'm on my third play through. Just got the PC version, MUCH better than the 360 version if you have a multi-core processor and a good video card. You guys should check out the GameFAQs board for info on gathering materials and the rare spawn mob conditions for your guild ranks. Its insane how much content they hid in that game than 99.9% of the players will miss. Wait till you start trying to craft the Weapon Arts weapons. It sucks but Heaven's Gate does so much sexy damage its worth it. Have any of you beaten The Fallen yet? I dare say there's a good dozen or so uber bosses and no less than 100 rare monsters to hunt (probably more). I've spent a good 240 hours trying to do a complete run through the game.

BTW don't put much stock into IGNs reviews, most of them don't even play the game to completion before writing their review much less delve into optional content (which is the bulk of this game). The PC version removes the restriction on leaders in party, so you have fill up with characters instead of bit soldiers. Also, it runs much smoother, has full 360 controller support and plays decently with the keyboard though the mouse usage is pretty limited. Make sure you go through the options thoroughly before you play through because they've added a lot of options.

Ok gang, the import review of Aion is live as well as the OST review and media gallery. Please post your thoughts and any questions you might have and we will do our best to answer them.

Actually we're going to have an import review of the game shortly so stay tuned. Also a few hours with an MMORPG isnt exactly scratching the surface. Though it doesnt break the mold at all and borrows heavily from other MMOs, but what else is new. Its actually pretty decent overall. Hopefully we'll have the review and pictures gallery up for next week for you guys to peruse and discuss.

Grats Tone.

Here's a long streaming video of the game, looks amazing.

http://bns.plaync.co.kr/

I'm working on a review of the game myself (hopefully to be finished with it in the next week) which should provide a nice counterpoint to Damian's view, if you have the stamina to read an epic.

All criticism aside, a review is, at its core - an opinion. It doesn't have to be something you agree with, and everyone is entitled to their own view. I think Pat said it best when he suggested you beat the game and write your own reader review. Personally I rather enjoyed the game for my own reasons. While I do disagree with some of Damian's points, I will defend to the death, his right to voice his opinion. The more information and perspectives a player can get about a game, the better their chances of making an informed decision when it comes time to plunk down that $60.