Are you excited about NCSoft's title-in-development, Aion, and just can't get enough information about it?  Have you been anxiously awaiting every post, blog, or comment from the team just to see if they reveal a tiny bit more?

Will you be at the Penny Arcade Expo to take part in their special exclusive preview sign-ups?

Recently we had an opportunity to chat with Charles "kieron" Dane, Online Community Relations Manager at NCSoft for this highly anticipated title, scheduled for official release in 2009, to discuss some of the more burning questions out there.  Check it out!

Allakhazam: Charles, as the Community Relations Manager for Aion, how excited are you for the community that this game has garnered so early in the development cycle?

kieron: It is a great excitement to see such an active and dedicated Aion community.  Then again with the many features such as full freedom flight, the PvPvE system, Stigma, the beautiful graphics and stunning score, it’s hard not to get excited.  As awareness of Aion grows, we only expect the size of the community to do the same and it is our hope the current community will continues with their support.

Allakhazam: Screen shots for the Abyss were recently released, and no one who's seen the artistic direction for the game would say it's anything less then stunning, yet the system requirements haven't been set yet. When in the process can we expect to have the details narrowed down?

kieron: As with any title undergoing beta testing, system requirements have not been set yet.  They will be finalized once Aion is closer to release.

Allakhazam: How will the incredible customization for the UI carry over into the rest of the game? Will we see multiple options for character creation customization, gear, and skills?

kieron: Customization options abound for Aion!  The character creation system allows for truly unique appearances in body type and facial features.  There are many different options to customize body features.  Facial features start with different underlying bone structures and even more sliders can change features such as eye or lip width, jaw line, etc.  A wide variety of hair styles and tattoos are also available.

There are a number of different types of armor, weapons and clothing that can be purchased or crafted.  Although base types might be similar, gear appearances and statistics can be changed through the use of different construction materials and dyes, as well as power shard and manastone socketing.

All in all, it will not take too much effort to create a unique appearing character.

Allakhazam: Is NCsoft planning on launching servers for North American and European players simultaneously?

kieron: We haven’t finalized a launch plan for the two territories yet, but we will announce these plans when a decision has been reached.

Allakhazam: The testers for Aion Korea underwent their third test which ended on July 20th. Is there any idea of when the beta for North America may take place, and if there is, can you comment on when it might occur?

kieron: We’re in the process of creating a test schedule for the NA and EU communities, but we haven’t made a formal announcement yet.  When we do, we don’t think anyone interested in Aion will be able to miss it.

Allakhazam: The classes introduced are familiar to anyone who's spent even a small amount of time in the RPG genre, yet it's been said that playstyles can be assisted with the stigma system. Will this system assist players in creating a true different play style, or is it more of a customization and stat boost system?

kieron: Imagine you are playing an Assassin and sizing up what appears to be an opposing Spiritmaster’s back for a stealthy dagger stab.  The Spiritmaster turns at the last moment and your stealth attack is blown.  “No big deal,” you think and continue the attack.  The Spiritmaster summons a Fire Spirit then equips a Polearm.  Things just might have gotten interesting for you.

Taking cues from dual and multi-class ideas, the Stigma system allows a player to add or change skills, stats or buffs that wouldn’t normally be available to a particular class.  Players will now have freedom to experiment with different play styles based on the Stigma Stones they select.

Allakhazam: The flight system is something that sets Aion obviously apart from most other MMOs. How have players embraced this new entry into the genre?

kieron: We think the novel flight system will capture the interest of MMO players looking for something new and different that adds to PvP and raids, yet doesn’t fall back on the same old hack and slash that is common throughout the industry.  Feedback from the Korean beta test community has been positive; the Western Aion communities have also expressed great excitement for the flight system.  Flight is a complete and polished feature, the 360º freedom and visual appeal will make it hard to resist.

Allakhazam: Are there any plans for an NCsoft subscription that will include their library of games published games?

kieron: Unfortunately, that is not a question we have an answer for at this time.  However, we will let the community know when more is known.

Allakhazam: Localization is a huge part of games such as this, and NCsoft has an incredible reputation for getting it right. How long does localization take, and how many people are assigned to the tasks?

kieron: Localization is an ongoing process throughout the lifespan of a title developed in a different language, so the effort truly never stops.  We believe you will see a flawless product at release.

Allakhazam: Does the game take advantage of cut scenes to advance only quest and storylines within them, or are there other times you'll see cut scenes? When you first encounter an area, or a high level mob?

kieron: There are a number of cut scenes players will see outside of quests and storylines.  Some will play when a character reaches certain milestones, others when entering a new area.  As content is added to the game, I’m sure there will be more additions.

Allakhazam: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us! Good to see you still in the industry, and I'm very excited to play this fantastic game!

kieron: We’re looking forward to Aion’s release as well.  Thanks for the interview!

Becky "Tovin" Simpson
Staff Writer, ZAM Network