AionFTW.com

Ranger:

In Aion the Ranger seems to be a fairly tricky, but eventually very fun class to play. The kiting is more difficult than in WoW mainly due to the lack of a pet. There are shots that slow and stun the target allowing you to keep some distance but while running away you are forgoing damage dealing. They don’t have the damage potential of the sorcerer but their traps and unique evasion abilities will make them very fun to play.

As was with WoW for the longest time, it may be difficult for hunters to get groups at first, especially if there is an abundance of Sorcerers on that server. However, from what we can tell in the PVP videos available; the class has serious potential to give most opponents a run for their money. I’ve also seen a video of the Ranger’s ability to shapeshift into a bush or a rock (shown below); I haven’t read much more about this so it has not yet been confirmed.

Important Statistics: Agility, Health, Accuracy

What is the lowest common denominator for a good MMO? Killer dance moves! Yes, game mechanics, engaging PVE content, balanced PVP, Interesting crafting…all are secondary in comparison to the need for KILLER DANCE MOVES! While the dances in Aion are fluid and nice, I must admit they lack a little of the hilarity that WoW’s dance moves had in relation to current and recent pop culture. That being said, I think they are still badass, and just like the rest of the game – they look polished, fluid, and entertaining.

We also get a very cool preview of different types of armor sets in this video. In all seriousness, how your character looks in your favorite MMO can be a big factor in your level of enjoyment. Honestly, I remember back in EQ – looking like an absolute tard sometimes, with my mis-matched armor. Sure, you could tell “boy that cleric is UBER” because you knew exactly what he/she was wearing just by looking at him! But, I still enjoy looking COOL. The dye feature in Aion will help with this plenty, I think.

How Do I get Into the Beta Events?: Preorder the game!

Current Beta Schedule:

Closed Beta Event #5 – July 31-August 3 Focus: Elyos and Asmodian levels 1-30

Closed Beta Event #6 – August 14-August 17 Focus: TBD

If you don’t want to preorder the game, but are curious whats going on in these events, make sure to come back to AionFTW.com! We will be present, and taking lots of pictures, videos, and notes to bring you all the stuff that’ll make you wanna move back into your mom’s basement, quit your job, and get addicted to this amazing new MMO! … oh wait…is that just us? Dammit!

Gladiator:

This is the class for the guy who loves to compensate for his inadequacies with a big weapon! That being said; the primary weapon of the gladiator will be Polearm. They have certain abilities that benefit from the use this over a Great Sword or dual wielding (although any options of weapons seem to allow the Gladiator to put out massive damage).

In a PVE setting these are the foot soldiers; they can take a bit of a beating by wearing plate all while dishing out some pretty significant AoE dps. The Gladiator can also serve as an offtank when needed as he can equip a shield; however main tanking a raid boss is pretty much out of the question due to the lack of defensive abilities. In the Gladiator is ideal for other melee especially when taking on multiple opponents while backed by a healer. Definitely a badass class to play in both areas and a shoe in to look cool right!

Important Statistics: Strength, Health, Agility – Watch the video after the break… (more…)

Templar:

Clearly Aion’s version of WoW’s Paladin, however this class is without a doubt the main tank. Nearly all of its abilities are focused on defence and threat generation. The player is able to cast small heals on himself and others of the same faction but should not be used as a primary healer when grouping. Their chain skills mostly focus on the use of the shield; meaning when you block it unlocks new offensive abilities in succession.

Many PVP videos shown so far play out the Templar to be quite resilient and able to hold his own against most classes. Their ability to often stun and knock back opponents further help them and the pulling ability (I have yet to find the name of this skill) ensures the target will struggle to get away.

Important Statistics: Strength, Health, Accuracy

This is one seriously great trailer. I’ve always been impressed by Blizzard’s CG trailers, and I do believe that NCsoft’s rival them completely. Both in feel, quality, and the pace in which they are set. I also do think it’s entirely freakin’ awesome that your eyes glow menacingly red!

Check out some of the amazing concept art developed by NCsoft. Their artists are truly spectacular! I am completely blown away by the level of detail given to these images by the artists. It’s really no wonder why Aion is such a visually stunning game.

[View with PicLens]

Welcome to the brand new community site dedicated to Aion Online! The goal of this website is to compile the very best news, views, reviews, guides and much much more. We know it’s annoying to browse youtube for new videos, or browse the forums to keep up to date with recent class changes. With AionFTW.com bookmarked, you’ll only ever need to come to one place to get all the info you need and want about your favorite game!

We’ll be participating in the next closed beta event (Aug 1st, Aug 3rd) and should have a bunch of exclusive footage for you to wet your appetite even more for the launch date. We’re also busy compiling all the information we possibly can about every tidbit of the game, so come back daily for the new updates rolling in!

We hope you enjoy this little labor of love of ours, and we hop to see you in game! AION FTW! (dotcom), lulz

Check out all the currently available armor sets from level 20 to 50…it’s really quite remarkable that there are so many at this early stage in the game really. The armor sets definately look clean, and move well with the characters. NCsoft certainly did a wonderful job designing these, as they did with the rest of the game. Check them all out after the break…

(more…)