NCsoft is pleased to unveil the third part of a special behind-the-scenes look at the highly anticipated MMO, Aion. Entitled “East Meets West,” the latest podcast showcases the work that has gone into bringing a game that has been massively successful in the East to Western audiences. Aion launches in Europe on 25th September 2009.

Unlike any MMO before it, Aion is a uniquely crafted online experience where flight offers much more than just a way to explore the landscape – it is a strategic and integral part of combat, quests, and exploration. Players will dive into battle and plunge through thousands of unique, story-driven quests, all while trying to save a world literally shattered in half from centuries of brutal conflict. Using one of the most flexible and in-depth character customisation systems ever featured in an MMO, players will be able to create genuinely distinct characters and explore a visually stunning world of ethereal beauty brimming with otherworldly inhabitants, mysterious enemies, and ancient secrets.

The world of Aion, the most anticipated massively multiplayer online (MMO) release of the year, is one full of rich history, thrilling stories and unforgettable characters. And soon people will be able to experience the lore of Aion in an entirely new light.

NCsoft and DC Comics today announced “Aiva’s Story,” a limited edition comic book based on the immersive world of Aion from renowned artist Neil Googe and writers David Noonan and Ricardo Sanchez. This one-of-a-kind collectible will be made available free with purchase of Aion exclusively at GameStop stores in the United States, as well as Electronic Boutiques in Canada. Additionally, in celebration of this week’s Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle, a limited number of copies will be made available free for show attendees in NCsoft’s Aion booth.

The comic tells the story of Aiva, a young Asmodian warrior who vows vengeance against the Elyos who killed her family during a raid. Aiva trains ceaselessly, hoping to become a Daeva and someday find her nemesis on the battlefields of the Abyss (where only Daevas can go). Her story unfolds in the limited run comic by NCsoft and DC’s Wildstorm Studios.

Unlike any MMO before it, Aion is a uniquely crafted online experience where flight offers much more than just a way to explore the landscape – it is a strategic and integral part of combat, quests, and exploration. Players will dive into battle and plunge through thousands of unique, story-driven quests, all while trying to save a world literally shattered in half from centuries of brutal conflict. Using one of the most flexible and in-depth character customization systems ever featured in an MMO, players will be able to create genuinely distinct characters and explore a visually stunning world of ethereal beauty brimming with otherworldly inhabitants, mysterious enemies, and ancient secrets. Aion launches September 22, 2009.

For more information about Aion go to http://www.aiononline.com.

With the Penny Arcade Expo well on it’s way, the Aion team sends out a notice on what will be available from their booth.

September 4, 2009 marks the opening of the sixth annual Penny Arcade Expo (PAX), a major North American gamer festival that takes place in the heart of Seattle, Washington.

With gamescom still in our rear view mirror, Aion is ready to follow up on last year’s efforts at PAX and once again glide over to the convention center with the entire Aion team tagging along for the ride. Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to view our beautiful booth (#642), get some hands-on time with the latest version of Aion, chat face-to-face with our present staff, or walk away with some much coveted swag.

Follow our Aion community blog throughout the coming week to get a peek of what delicious highlights to expect!

See you there!

Following our recent announcement regarding the commencement of Aion’s open beta, we have taken steps to ensure a smooth setup and preparation process for all participants. While our Launcher will incrementally update your client, the new and patched Aion open beta client has been distributed to a select few partners around the web to prepare for our open beta test. To get your hands on it, you may visit FilePlanet or download it from GamersHell (available later this week).

We have also added a new option that the Aion community has long anticipated: downloading the full open beta client via our BitTorrent tracker. We have even arranged for a torrent patch for those of you who already have the closed beta client installed but want to get prepared for open beta!

As added extra spice, FilePlanet will–in addition to distributing the client–be giving away a load of open beta keys starting on Tuesday, September 1, 2009. Get on the starting line if you do not have an eligible Aion account already! Eligible accounts include any previous closed beta participants and those who have preordered or prepurchased Aion.

Within the next four weeks, NCsoft will treat European and North American gamers to two opportunities to jump into the world of Aion and explore Atreia as Asmodian or Elyos characters ahead of its release in Europe on 25nd September and North America 22th September. Aion’s Open Beta Test featuring version 1.5 will take place 6-13th September and will include numerous Western enhancements, including improvements to Aion’s innovative character customisation with a host of Western styles, as well as new zones, instances, skills, quests and continued game balancing and improvements. Open Beta will retain a level cap for both Elyos and Asmodians characters at 30 allowing players to focus on getting to the same level so they can explore the lands of Atreia together, as well as the Abyss.

Players who have pre-ordered Aion will be treated to a Pre-Select and a two-day Headstart period giving them the opportunity to explore, organise and progress through the game prior to the official launch. Pre-Select will take place on 18th September, while Aion’s Headstart will begin 20th September. Players can still participate in the Aion’s Pre-Select and Headstart programs by pre-ordering the game through several participating online and brick-and-mortar retailers. For a complete list please go to www.aiononline.com.

Unlike any MMO before it, Aion is a uniquely crafted online experience where flight offers much more than just a way to explore the landscape – it is a strategic and integral part of combat, quests, and exploration. Players will dive into battle and plunge through thousands of unique, story-driven quests, all while trying to save a world literally shattered in half from centuries of brutal conflict. Using one of the most flexible and in-depth character customisation systems ever featured in an MMO, players will be able to create genuinely distinct characters and explore a visually stunning world of ethereal beauty brimming with otherworldly inhabitants, mysterious enemies, and ancient secrets.

For more information about Aion, go to www.aiononline.com.