Aion Assault on Balaurea

The free expansion Assault on Balaura is set for release on September 7^th and those looking for retail boxes containing a exclusive in game pet can find them on select store shelves on September 7^th in the U.S. and 10^th in the U.K.

In Aion: Assault on Balaurea, the exciting new chapter of Aion, characters have the ability to align together to launch massive counter assaults against the invading Balaur on their homeland while experiencing new and updated instances and zones, an increased level cap, new weapons and items, new skills and added flight mechanics. Characters will not be alone as they explore the new areas, as Aion introduces functional pets equipped with in-game benefits.

Unlike any MMO before it, Aion is a uniquely crafted online gaming experience where flight offers much more than just a way to gracefully explore the landscape – it is a strategic and integral part of combat, quests, and exploration. Players will use flight to dive into battle and plunge through thousands of unique, story-driven quests, all while trying to save and control a world literally shattered in half from centuries of brutal conflict.

While many Aion fans are eagerly awaiting the expansion there are still questions and concerns being raised by the fans of the popular MMO. Obsolete Gamer was able to get some questions answered thanks to Chris Hager, a producer of Aion.

Obsolete Gamer: There are many people that believe the  release date will be pushed back. I am sure like with anything that is a possibility, but as of today does it seem likely?

Chris Hager: I’ve learned to always be cautious when giving a date, especially when it’s the date for a major update or in game event.  The last thing we want to be is inconsistent, and to push dates back, but in the example of our server merge, we felt that it was in the player’s best interests that we make sure a service is 100% before we go forward with it.  That being said, I am extremely confident that the 9/7 live date is accurate, and just to be clear, that is the date Assault on Balaurea will be on the LIVE servers (hint:  PTS will be BEFORE that).

Obsolete Gamer: Will there be a version sold in Oceania(Australia) that matches all the items and codes that will come with the US/EU version?

Chris Hager: We will be having a retail box for Australia that will contain their own item, unique to NA/EU.

Obsolete Gamer: There are rumblings that the release is an “ace card” move because of troubles with Aion, can you address this?

Chris Hager: If you go back and look at our normal schedules, this release is actually right on pace with our normal release schedule and commitment to getting new updates to the players as efficiently as possible while maintaining the high standards we set with the initial launch.  It also falls into place nicely with our upcoming 1 year anniversary.  There were a lot of factors that went into the Assault on Balaurea exact release date, but none of those factors had to do with perceived troubles with Aion.  It was all about getting the latest and greatest to the players and giving them more of what they want as quickly as we can.

Obsolete Gamer: How do you feel about the current balance issues with Aion and are there any changes or fixes in the works?

Chris Hager: Every MMO that I’ve ever played or worked on has always pursed balance, and I don’t think any of them ever achieved it.  You tweak one thing here, and another thing breaks as a result.  It’s a constant battle, but I think it’s one that we do well.  When we see areas that need more balancing or bugs that need fixing, we respond to it as quickly as we can, and if needed report it directly to the development team if it’s something we can’t fix in house.  The 1.9 build was a good example of identifying balance and game issues our players feel are important, and fixing them.  We’ve continued listening to our players, and identified areas which need further refinement, and that feedback was also incorporated into Assault on Balaurea.  As issues come up, we try to determine how big the issue is, how best to fix it and not affect other areas, and how quickly we can get it fixed.

Obsolete Gamer: With merged servers do you feel overcrowding may occur?

Chris Hager: When the idea of merging the servers came together that was the first thing we looked at, and was one of many deciding factors on what servers to actually merge together.  When you look at Aion’s core as a game, it thrives on players being in the game to drive the economy and PvP.  For both of those things to happen successfully, you need a lot of players.  Post merge, our servers have a ton of action on them, plenty of groups to find, a thriving economy (lower broker prices, woot!) and a very active Abyss and PvP element.  It is a much more complete game with more players on each server, and I think the community is extremely pleased with the overall effects.

Obsolete Gamer: Everyone will ask “what is next” can you give us any hints as to what is next for Aion as far as content and editions?

Chris Hager: I’d love to tell everyone what I’ve seen is on the schedule for the near and long term for Aion, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy.  All I can say is that there will be some great new additions, some of which players have asked for and some that are completely new but equally great.

Obsolete Gamer would like to thank Chris Hager and the team over at Aion for answering our questions. For more information about Aion and Aion: Assault on Balaurea please visit their official website at http://www.aiononline.com

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