Aion collector's edition announced, spec'd
by Randy Nelson 
{ Jun 18th 2009 at 4:00AM } 
In the ramp-up for the US release of its latest MMO, Aion, on September 1, NCsoft has taken the shrinkwrap off the game's $70 limited collector's edition and -- what's this? -- there's a pretty cool looking figure inside. Okay, it's a "hand-painted Asmodian Daeva." Still looks cool.
Pre-ordering the set will also get you some exclusive in-game items, which range from the ominous sounding Black Cloud Wings to the yawn-inspiring, single use "colored dye." To counter the latter's lameness, you'll be able to blast the included soundtrack CD whilst performing one of the two pre-order exclusive emotes: the "Aion Boogie." In the game, of course.
If the LCE's too pricey, the regular ol' edition comes in a steel case. And ... that's all. Still: steel.
Pre-ordering the set will also get you some exclusive in-game items, which range from the ominous sounding Black Cloud Wings to the yawn-inspiring, single use "colored dye." To counter the latter's lameness, you'll be able to blast the included soundtrack CD whilst performing one of the two pre-order exclusive emotes: the "Aion Boogie." In the game, of course.
If the LCE's too pricey, the regular ol' edition comes in a steel case. And ... that's all. Still: steel.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Uncontrol @ Jun 18th 2009 4:51AM
ncsoft's marketing department should hire you guys
never heard of this game before but i'm intrigued
JoeTheBlow @ Jun 18th 2009 5:43AM
Thats a lot of beer vouchers in exchange for another doomed MMO.
dark_inchworm (on Steam!) dark inchworm (on XBL!) @ Jun 18th 2009 9:15AM
Doomed? Can't really tell at this point. It seems like it's at least somewhat successful overseas. I'm guessing that by virtue of that alone it'll be somewhat sustainable in the U.S., but I don't see it making much of an impact here, either. Hell, it's two and a half months out and it's hardly being promoted. It also looks a bit generic, I think. We'll see what happens as time goes on, I suppose.
I know it's a bit late for this, but I wish Tabula Rasa would return, or that something similar would spring up at the very least. It being successful would be nice, too. I can't be the only one concerned with the deluge of fantasy MMOs.
kwizzeh @ Jun 18th 2009 6:09AM
possibly sold. Then again, I only want the figure.
vivalahelvig @ Jun 18th 2009 6:37AM
I thought the price was $69.99?
_LarZen_ @ Jun 18th 2009 7:12AM
Sorry to say I have little hope for this game...one more in the line of "failed" mmorpg games to come.
Spilt_Milk @ Jun 18th 2009 8:03AM
I don't like timers. When I play an mmo I don't want to be on a meter. Just charge me a monthly fee and go the hell away. If they are using the same chinese cell phone minutes plan over here then, no thank you.
RanWitScissorz @ Jun 18th 2009 10:18AM
The pay-per-minute model is only in Korea, in the US it will be $14.99 per month.
Sibe @ Jun 18th 2009 8:09AM
I'm guessing the naysayer haven't even played the game, seems like the same crowd as the Darkfall haters that have no idea about the game yet still feel the need to spam their WoW-fanboy opinions on every piece of news that comes out about it or every topic created.
Either way, I'm hopeful, from all the reports the game plays well, already has millions of active users (hence unlike other big hype MMORPGs, the game is more then just a beta game) and is getting more and more polished and improved every week.
So yer, I'm not saying it is good or bad, but most of the 'it will fail' or 'LOL KOREAN MMORPG' have never played it yet alone even looked into video or information regrading the game (most of them haven't even played an Asian MMORPG and are a part of the crowd that joined WoW in the middle of its timeline and have zero experience in MMORPGs).
So gratz to the spammers who feel the need to post about a game they know nothing about just because their dad beats them every day and make comments on news articles or forums because they can't take out their energy on their fathers.
Spilt_Milk @ Jun 18th 2009 8:18AM
Chill dude, I didn't say anything about the game or gameplay. I just don't want to pay by the freakin minute to play a mmo.
mrelusive @ Jun 18th 2009 8:26AM
Exactly!
It's amazing, and sad, how many people will proclaim an MMO dead or failed when it has already reached success in "those other countries".
Stop acting like tools.
Duke @ Jun 18th 2009 12:04PM
Wow, you need to relax a bit. I think people are expressing how the market has acted in recent years with MMO's in the states. You automatically assume that everyone is a WOW fanboy because of its dominance here? Well, I've never played WOW and I can tell the market is brutal on new MMO's, as the others here can tell, from knowing anything about gaming and watching the entire gaming market. We speak because we know how games have been treated like Conan and Tabula. Don't just jump the gun and assume crap about everyone else when you have no basis. (Hell, I don't see one post above yours that is criticizing the game play!)
Also, "So gratz to the spammers who feel the need to post about a game they know nothing about just because their dad beats them every day and make comments on news articles or forums because they can't take out their energy on their fathers."
WTF is that about? People (who you call spammers because they aren't you apparently) post in a game blog because their dad beats them? You may have some issues to work out. You have way too much rage towards people that said nothing to call for it. People have their right to opinions around here that don't just involve your mindset.
CrusaderStrike @ Jun 18th 2009 12:11PM
I've heard or saw it somewhere (can't remember) there are certain areas where u can position yourself and won't be hit by mobs. Meaning this game needs more polish. Don't get me wrong I like try this game out but I won't fall for just flashy new graphics or hype. The game must be damn good if it wants to be replaced by WoW.
Omega2k3 @ Jun 18th 2009 2:14PM
When the game looks like every other cheap, generic, boring F2P Korean MMO out there, but with OMG WINGS, I think it's a safe assumption that as a pay to play GRINDAN MMO, it will only succeed overseas.
Sibe @ Jun 18th 2009 8:24AM
Wasn't replying to you buddy. Any way, saying that I should 'Chill out' is jumping to the conclusion that I am angry, not sure where you got that idea from considering words in text form cannot at all express tone of voice.
Spilt_Milk @ Jun 18th 2009 9:07AM
It does seem rather angry to accuse peoples' father of child abuse.
dark_inchworm (on Steam!) dark inchworm (on XBL!) @ Jun 18th 2009 9:07AM
I completely disagree that words in text form cannot express tone. It is unfortunate, though, that when tone isn't apparent, most people assume the tone is "asshole."
Storm Eagle @ Jun 18th 2009 9:09AM
Balls of Steel.....
Storm Eagle @ Jun 18th 2009 9:27AM
The OBT Trailer on their page makes the game look pretty sweet. Although, with NC Soft's track record, I just can't be sure. I mean, yeah, City of Heroes is still hanging in there, but that's it really.
Konstantine @ Jun 18th 2009 10:36AM
This is NCSoft's best work, hands down.
I've played most of their MMOs, and I can say honestly that this is the best they've made, and my favorite MMO 'out' right now. I played the first beta weekend, and I was blown away.
Temidien @ Jun 18th 2009 10:47AM
Guild Wars is still going strong. The community isn't as massive as it was in '06 (I thank WoW for pulling away the trolls who spam "need 1337 armor free plz lawls"), but it's still there and slowly growing with the hype for GW2.
Haven't tried Aion yet, but my guildies rave about it, so I'll wait before after I have actually PLAYED the game to decide whether it's worth playing.
Shagittarius @ Jun 18th 2009 11:23AM
Guild Wars is not an MMO.
Temidien @ Jun 18th 2009 11:33AM
How is it not an MMO? It's massive, multiplayer, and is played online. If its use of instanced combat/exploration zones is your argument (which I have a feeling it is), than how do you explain that many of the quests/mission almost necessitate playing with other live users, hub cities and outposts are littered with users participating in trade and socializing, and the game has its own fluid economy.
The ability to play a multiplayer game by yourself does not make it single player. If that were so, I call foul on Counterstrike for letting me shoot at walls on an empty map all day.
Duke @ Jun 18th 2009 12:06PM
Shag, Guild Wars is an MMO. A monthly fee is not the determining factor.
cknblade @ Jun 18th 2009 1:08PM
Guild wars is an MMO, and a good one at that. Been playing since it came out, May 05, and am waiting eagerly for GW2, whenever they decide to release it. I'm fairly inactive now in GW, but I'm sure that like me, when GW2 comes out, a lot of old fans will come out of hiding to play.
Snowblind @ Jun 18th 2009 3:55PM
Some people don't consider Guild Wars to be an MMO because the areas outside of the main towns and outposts are instanced. Regardless, Guild Wars 2 has persistant worlds, and still doesn't have a monthly fee.
captainprotonx @ Jun 18th 2009 10:44AM
meh...another MMO, another group of people that can only run anywhere by pressing "X".
Candlejack @ Jun 18th 2009 11:36AM
Can't wait, definitely be buying this on day 1+preorder.
Hoops @ Jun 18th 2009 11:59AM
Im a die hard wow fan, and 3 months ago i would have never have thought of quitting. Untill i saw aion. Ive been playing Chinese retail, and its staggering how good it is.
CrusaderStrike @ Jun 18th 2009 12:02PM
Unfortunately, NCSoft is more of a quantity than quality approach in games so be warned.
cknblade @ Jun 18th 2009 1:10PM
Can you back that up with an example or two?
elazo4 @ Jun 18th 2009 3:51PM
NCsoft is huge. they have enough resources to work on multiple games at the same time, and sustaining them. Lineage 2 still gets 2-3 FREE 600+ MB updates every year, and its 5 years old!
voxie @ Jun 18th 2009 7:50PM
Seriously, I'm only going to try this game for two things:
- It's music (http://eu.aiononline.com/en/music srsly, tower of eternity gave me shivers)
- flight-based combat... the wings look cool, and I don't think I've seen any game try it.
Sibe @ Jun 18th 2009 10:31PM
@ Duke
Obviously you missed my first reply that stated that tone of voice cannot be expressed via simple text so your 'chill out' (maybe you can't read?) is invalid. I enjoy owning moron trolls.
Assuming they are WoW fanboys is natural, any other experienced MMORPG player won't spam and generalise other games. Who else would go out of their way to criticize other MMORPGs? People who don't care about MMORPGs altogether would completely avoid this type of topic and even if they didn't wouldn't judge MMORPGs they know nothing about since they know nothing about MMORPGs. So please, give reasons why it would be any other type of MMORPG player since every other type a part from WoW fanboys already play MMORPGs that don't have millions of subs and DO play those other MMORPGs. Why would they go to the trouble of insulting MMORPGs that may not be as popular when they themselves are playing a niche MMORPG?
And no, I have no idea about the dominance of WoW fanboys here, seems like you are only proving me right by stating this.
And the comment about the fathers beating isn't to be taken literally. But you get the idea of it, spammers/trolls that just leave comments about games they know nothing about ARE releasing energy. Why else would they do it? Make fans of other games feeling little about themselves so they can feel better since they have trouble IRL, again, why else would they spam this type of stuff?
And no, I have no issues, actually I have been very blessed in my family life and the people close to me... Well I have never heard of better people. So I find it ironic that you tell me not to throw judgements yet you do it yourself. Hypocrite much? How about you get your argument straight instead of not even figuring what an idiot you are being.
You lose buddy.
@ CrusaderStrike
Groundbreaking. I'm sure WoW had none of those issues when you first joined in the middle of TBC! Aion would be much more polished then WoW ever was at release.
@Omega2k3
Looks like you've never really looked into the game. Either way, Asian MMORPGs have to AT LEAST keep up with the one big West MMORPG which is WoW considering the millions who are joined on it in those areas. So your point is nil considering the reports that I have heard (yes! I look up information on the game! *gasp*) say the game isn't grindy at all in comparison to WoW, and for the simple fact that the world is one global village now days. 'Korean MMORPG lol' are just cheap shots trolls like you give it since you have no actual evidence.
Either way, WoW-fanboys don't exist, since WoW is already dead. All that exists now is an empty shell a business uses as a cash cow.
Duke @ Jun 19th 2009 3:43PM
I really don't lose at all there. You stated a bunch of nasty comments and assumptions with nothing to prove them, and I commented on the fact that you acted in that way. Therefore, I based my comments on actual facts on this board from that moment while you did not. You just spewed anger.
You're obviously not the kindest person around as is shown by your continued nastiness and the need to call me, someone you know nothing about whatsoever, a moron and an idiot. Once more, you base your statements on some need to be hateful, while I am pointing out what everyone else here clearly sees. You are driven by anger in your posting.
"Obviously you missed my first reply that stated that tone of voice cannot be expressed via simple text so your 'chill out' (maybe you can't read?) is invalid. I enjoy owning moron trolls."
Now, lastly, I didn't miss that post, but just because you tell us that we are too stupid to tell your tone does not mean that we are in fact too stupid to detect tone. You are doing the pompous internet prick thing very well and trust me when I say that you have me sold completely on that being your personality. Not because I pull shit out of the air as you have done, but because your comments here stink of it.
Now this "moron", who happens to be a practicing attorney you jackass, has to disagree that you owned any "moron troll" today. Enjoy continuing to talk out of your ass.
Duke @ Jun 19th 2009 3:46PM
Oh, I did forget something - don't lecture me on getting my arguments straight when in the same post you argue why its valid to argue there are WOW fanboys here and then argue there is no such thing as a WOW fanboy.
Sorry, you have no edit button to clean up that line of bs you spouted.
Sibe @ Jun 19th 2009 11:38PM
Yet you didn't at all prove my assumption wrong? All my assumptions were based on logic, if they were truly just a spewing of anger and nothing more then you would have disproved them all wrong. But all that I hear from you is this first paragraph of nothing then bark rather then any actual bite, a.k.a. you are just throwing judgments at me without any actual substance to your words, just generalisations (or assumption, which is ironic) which just keeps proving what a hypocrite you are.
My argument still stands tall since you fail to debate it and its logic.
Your whole first paragraph completely ignores the topic and is just you venting out your anger because you have nothing against the points I pulled up in my first post. Are you that much of an idiot that you can't actually know what you are writing is completely the same and even more extreme then what you were posting about me within the same paragraph?
Second paragraph, again with the assumptions, again and again, you seem to judge me for the same thing you are doing against me. "You stated a bunch of nasty comments and assumptions", isn't saying that I am not the kindest person, but also nasty... They are all major assumptions about my character. How can you honestly blame a person for assumptions just when you did it in the same sentence, no wonder I called you a moron, because you obviously are one. LOOK AT YOUR OWN WORDS BUDDY.
You fail to figure that maybe people are different in different situations? I'm not going to judge you when you are at your most horrible moments, when you are yelling at a family member the worst things or any other situation. Of course I'm not going to make one up an extreme example since you will purposely take it the wrong way and try and blame me and probably start to Godwin me and compare me to Hitler.
I never said my words had a tone, I was stating that tone is impossible to tell by simple text you see on the internet so how can you tell me to chill out when you don't know whether I am angry? Which is funny, since you say I am doing "the pompous internet prick thing" which opposes you telling me to chill out before, since I would be chill if I was just a troll spamming comments ("internet prick").
And yes, I did own you, but TBH it seems you mostly owned yourself. You cannot even string a sentence together without contradicting yourself.
Mecrob @ Sep 6th 2009 1:05PM
You guys need to get a room.
owned.
draphius1420 @ Jun 27th 2009 4:31PM
Do people still think wow is a good game? that game has sucked since day one. its made for the lower then avg IQ in gamers. BTW Sibe no matter what u want to say u are an angry person otherwise u woulda just laughed at the posts but instead u had to add your own 2 cents cause u are insecure about your penis size.
Nik @ Jun 28th 2009 6:37PM
OMG all you people that think this game will "fail" haven't even read enough info about it. Please, I recommend you go to either of these two sites:
aiononline.com
drphil.com
grim.heart @ Jul 17th 2009 2:03PM
I almost went to drphil.com .... LOL
Sigh @ Aug 4th 2009 12:59PM
The game is in Beta, there is no possible way to tell if its a flop or not yet. I played a couple weekend betas, and to be honest, I like it better than WoW at the moment. Sure, its a little buggy, but again, its in BETA.
I have played WoW since Beta as well, and after all these years, I greatly look forward to something new and refreshing.
There is no way a new mmo is going to be 100% original, even wow copied a lot of stuff from previous mmos. (No, fanboys, WoW is not the first 0_o) So far, Aion has me determined to leap over from WoW, unless they mess it up somehow between now and release.
Honestly though, no one can deny that most people who throw in their 2 cents about new mmos have only ever played WoW and generaly know nothing outside of it. To me, your opinion means nothing. And this is coming from someone who has played WoW since beta (longer than most of the WoW players), and has also tried out most of the new mmos each year.