September 7, 2010 is the release date for Aion expansion pack “Assault on Balaurea”, which will be free for players to download in North America and Europe on that day, it will allow you to “explore the world far beyond the traditional territories of Asmodae and Elysea.”
While the game is available for free as a digital download on Sept 7th, those who want to pick it up the “traditional” way, at retail, can do so in America on September 7th and in Europe on September 10th and will gain a few extras like exclusive in-game pets by doing so.
In Aion: Assault on Balaurea, the exciting new chapter of Aion, characters have the ability to align together to launch massive counter assaults against the invading Balaur on their homeland while experiencing new and updated instances and zones, an increased level cap, new weapons and items, new skills and added flight mechanics. Characters will not be alone as they explore the new areas, as Aion introduces functional pets equipped with in-game benefits.
Unlike any MMO before it, Aion is a uniquely crafted online gaming experience where flight offers much more than just a way to gracefully explore the landscape – it is a strategic and integral part of combat, quests, and exploration. Players will use flight to dive into battle and plunge through thousands of unique, story-driven quests, all while trying to save and control a world literally shattered in half from centuries of brutal conflict!
Here is a new preview video of the new Gelkmaros Zone.
“The Asmodians have taken Gelkmaros as their Balaurean stronghold, and are finding it in many ways as hostile as their homeland. It is a region devastated by ancient battles, by fissures and rents torn in the earth by powerful ancient forces. The ruins of the once-great city of Marayas stand amidst the devastation, overrun by the terrifying animated statues that once decorated it.
The Asmodians have, at least, found some tentative allies in the Reian tribe, a group of Daevas stranded in Balaurea since before the Cataclysm, who until recently had no knowledge of the terrible war between the Atreian Daevas. In Gelkmaros, they stand watch over Subterranea, home of the evil Dragonbound.
As if this isn’t enough, the Asmodians must also defend the Vorgaltem Citadel and Crimson Temple against the encroaching Elyos and Balaur.”
Here is a video showing off the two pets you can get for the expansion if you purchase it at retail, where it’ll only be available for a “limited time”.