Aion: Empyrean Calling, 10-day trial launched

[Zardon]

As reported, Aion's 2.5 update entitled Empyrean Calling goes live today. The update is adding new instances, new quests, graphical improvements, a mentoring system, and much more. Players can also expect new character customizations and even new pets complete with new abilities. Empyrean Calling includes:

• Esoterrace Instance: Triumphing over the Esoterrace region deprives the Balaur of vital resources needed for Tiamat's Army to continue the war.
• Empyrean Crucible: The fast-paced battle arena where groups challenge 10 stages of enemies, each containing 5 successively difficult rounds. Who will be strong enough to survive?
• Graphics Updates: An optional upgrade, the new superior graphics engine option adds additional support for high-end graphics cards. When enabled, this setting offers brighter lighting, improved shading and textures. In addition an improved in-game map system offers clearer visuals and increased interactivity.
• News Skills and PvP Gear: Players will enjoy two new skills - Skill book and Stigma skills - and four custom skills that were added to each class. And while the new Eternal grade PvP armor sets and weapons (Asmodians can acquire the Archon Brigade General's and Elyos the Guardian Brigade General's set) cost a significant amount of Abyss points and Platinum Medals, players will immediately find they were well worth the investment.
• Mentor System: Help out fellow players who are at least 10 levels lower than you through a mutually beneficial arrangement, leading to rewards for everyone involved.
• Improved Character Customization: Select from new face and body presets available, then change facial expression and shapes during character creation. New character animations and upgraded emotes have been added for an extra touch of style.
• Pet System Improvements: Adopt new pets through quests and new instances. Interact with pets through new emotes making them happier. Happy pets give gifts! Pets also have special functionality of their own which allow them to hold food, drink, and magic items to use automatically on its masters. Furthermore pet can now loot automatically - no more looting drudgery!
• Legion Expansions: Maximum Legion levels and ranks have increased from 3 to 5, with each level affording increases to maximum member caps and an expansion in the space in a Legion's warehouse. New legion cloaks sport a re-tailored, bold new shape with new customization options.

Current and new players can enjoy the new content update. Current players, of course, can just patch their game and enjoy. New players can now try Aion before they buy. A 10-day trial will be available starting on May 26, 2011 that includes all of the up-to-date content. Players are restricted to level a cap of level 20 during the free trial.

After almost two years of operation, it's good to see a free trial appear for Aion. Be sure to check it out when it goes live. Those interested in patch notes need to visit the official site. Please be aware that site access may be intermittent for the next few days.