Aion: The Tower Of Eternity - MMORPG Overview
The Battle Between the Elyos and the Asmodians Begins Soon
Jul 1, 2009
The upcoming MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) is set for release in North America on September the 22nd and in Europe September the 25th, 2009. Aion is a beautiful ethereal world in which players chose to play as either “The Chosen” or “The Fallen” and will direct relationships between each other as well as the NPC’s (non-player characters/server controlled), The Dragons.
The Races Of Aion
There are two playable races in Aion, sometimes compared with Angels and Demons. These are:
- The Elyos
- The Asmodians
The Elyos and the Asmodians share the same origins, however, the Elyos have evolved the way they are from residing on the side of the planet Atreia that is exposed to sunlight, and the Asmodians have evolved into what they are due to living on the dark side of Atreia.
It was after the destruction of the Tower in the Great Cataclysm, that the two races became enemies. While the beautiful and graceful Elyos and the darker Asmodians with their claws and talons, battle with each other, both must keep watch for the Balaur (server controlled Dragons) who may attack at anytime.
The Classes Of Aion
Classes on Aion are what players have come to expect in an MMORPG, which is the tank, healer, scout and DPS classes. They are:
- School of Warriors: which includes the Gladiator and the Templar
- School of Scouts: which includes the Assassin and the Ranger
- School of Mages: which includes the Sorcerer and the Spiritmaster
- School of Priests: which includes the Chanter and the Cleric
So What Makes Aion Different To Other MMORPGs?
When entering an already saturated market, it is difficult for a new MMORPG to stand out. What makes Aion different is the 3D way in which players interact with the environment. Players are able to climb cliffs and at level 10 will receive wings so they can fly. The game will include in flight combat; however, players are only able to remain airborne for 1 minute so aerial combat will be short. This is certainly a change from the regular mounts and on-ground combat offered in other games.
There is extensive character customization. This includes the looks of player characters and also item customization. It allows characters to utilize traits and skills their class would not normally have, so each character will be truly unique.
Aion is heralded as being the most visually beautiful and detailed MMORPG, and that actions of every player will move the story in new directions. The makers of Aion, NCsoft, claim the graphics are of Hollywood cinematic quality.
Aion introduces what is known as PvPvE (player versus player versus environment) and manages complex relationships between realms, races and guilds. The Balaur are server controlled NPC characters, but there’s a difference between them and the average NPC. The Balaur are an unpredictable race that may appear and join in a battle being fought by the Elyos and the Asmodians, and it is not possible to predict which race they will side with, as this will change from battle to battle. This adds another interesting and new aspect to game play.
Though Aion is a Korean manufactured game, NCsoft promises no cultural barriers and artwork, story line and game play that will appeal to a global audience. Gamers may be drawn to a game with a new genre of fantasy based on Chinese mythology and with the notable absence of dwarves and elves.
Pre-ordering The Collector’s Edition
The collector’s edition (CE) will give players exclusive in-game items as well as the exclusive items obtained in the CE. These are:
Exclusive items:
- 6.5" hand-painted figurine of Aiva (Pictured below)
- Two dual-sided, full color posters
- Full color tri-fold quick reference card
- Two game DVDs
- Game Manual
- 30 days of game play included
- Official Aion Soundtrack CD
- 20 page concept art booklet
Exclusive in-game items:
- Black Cloud Wings (gives you 40 seconds of additional flight time)
- Black Cloud Earring (gives a HP and MP boost)
- Special character tile with stat boost
- Color dye to tint on in-game item
- Two character emotes
Pre-ordering the game also gives some additional in-game bonuses. The in-game items may vary depending on where the game is purchased, but may include these items:
- Access to all Aion beta weekend events
- Access to Aion server and character pre selection
- Access to live 48hr head start
- In game item: Spirit ring, Stat-boosting hat and XP talisman
The information in this article was correct at the time of publishing, however, NCsoft are still developing Aion: The Tower Of Eternity. For more information visit Aion Source or EB Games.
