Lineage 2: The Chaotic Chronicle Preview

Since MMORPG's are always adding content and new features I was curious about add-ons they had waiting in the wings. Aaron said they were meticulously working on new content which is going to be delivered in a considerably different manner than what most gamers are used to. Most MMORPG's release an add-on every year through normal software outlets in a shiny box. Lineage II will be releasing updates, but they are calling them Chronicles. The basic idea is to release a new Chronicle every six months. One Chronicle will be a smaller update and the next will larger with a slew of new content. These Chronicles will be available free of charge to every subscriber. No more money to spend, no more growing libraries of boxes cluttering up your desk... just buy the game one time, subscribe, and receive all the goods. This immediately raised the question about the subscription fee. Although things they're not one hundred percent sure yet, Aaron and the folks at NCSoft said the monthly fee will be well in line with what other games are charging (for U.S.-based subscriptions). This is partly because they want people to enjoy the game with all the available content without worrying if they've bought all the add-on discs. Another good reason for his is that they cannot ignore their huge following in Asia. Most of the players there play in internet cafes. It would be nearly impossible for all players to get their own boxed copy of the add-on. It is very encouraging to see a company take such a farsighted view and make efforts to include the entire global gaming community from the start.

Dark elves have their own ways you know.

Be still, wolfy! Or I’ll poke you with this!

Finally, I had to ask the question that many wanted an answer. Will there be a nude patch? Aaron laughed and said sadly, there was no plan for such a patch in the near future. (Bear in mind *I* didn't want to know the answer to this question but I had been threatened with bodily harm if I neglected to ask it.) (Lies! Dirty, filthy LIES! There were no threats of bodily harm...only monetary extortion. My conscience is clear. - Six)

While driving away from their office, I reflected on what Aaron had said regarding their plans for Lineage II. Seeing what they had already accomplished I could not help but feel a little confused. I was talking to a game publisher, yet everything shown and described seemed way too cool... it's almost as if a bunch of gamers laid siege to a game publisher and claimed it for their own. This is not a bad thing by any means, but it was not what I expected from a game company. After playing the beta for a week now, I can safely say I am very optimistic about the final version. It looks like NCSoft has the right mix of technology, creative and technical talent, and plenty of promising game content.

*A great big lick on the face goes to David Swofford for setting up the visit.