Thursday, March 13, 2008

The One About Bad News, Good News and Congratulatory News

Well, I'm finally back to work after being down with one of the worst flu bugs ever, which left me bed-ridden for more than a week.

And well, I hate to be the bringer of bad news but... Bahamas Swamp which was scheduled to be released on 20 March 2008 is now postponed to 17 April 2008 instead.

Nyuuu! Say it isn't so!

IMC has a certain set of requirements before they allow Bahamas Swamp to be opened up. I'm not allowed to reveal the exact statistics but in summary, it is a % combination of Expert Characters and equipment that give a good rating. Their concern is that by opening up Bahamas when the majority of the community is not yet ready will further widen the gap between the hardcore users and the casual gamers.

So guys, getting to veteran level is still not enough! Aim for Expert! And at the same time, do strive for better equipment. We're discussing with IMC about expanding the Weapon, Armor and Craftsman Toolboxes to include more Elite 84 Armor Recipes. Meanwhile, do strive to get your Elite 92 weapons from the old man at Los Toldos. I'll write another blog entry about the Los Toldos recipes, but there is already a very good guide on the GE forums done by KENZAI / FungForever from Vivaldi (Thanks KENZAI! ) here about Los Toldos Elite 92 Recipes and how to get the various spirit stones to craft these weapons.

With Bahamas Swamp being postponed, the original release of pretty boy Gavin Jameson would have to be delayed as well since his questline involves the Bahamas Swamp. We haven't yet decided the release date, most likely 24 April 2008, Thursday.

With all the bad news out of the way, I do have some good news as well! We are currently discussing with IMC about preparations for the release of V2.6! V2.6 will likely see the release of bard-type RNPC Vincente Rio, crossbow-type RNPC Calyce and taekwondo-type RNPC Bai Hu (White Tiger). Their names haven't been decided on yet though - I will need to discuss with the localization manager regarding this. Once again, likely to be released on a monthly basis.

Some pretty interesting features about V2.6 include an in-game bulletin board (Think: in-game forum), new items like belts and earrings and a new chat tab which allows you to add up to 50 people in a chatroom. This would definitely spice up colony war faction alliances! We are hoping to launch V2.6 some time in late May-early June.

More exciting news is that IMC is currently working on V3.0, which is likely to be named "Third Civilization". From what I understand, there will also be a third currency, in addition to vis and gpoints. As for what this currency is for... let's wait and see. Meanwhile, the pet function is undergoing development stage and from what I hear (assuming nothing gets lost in translation), this pet function might even have harvesting abilities!

Alright, enough excitement for one day already. Before I end off, I would like to wish the very first sGE blogger, Ninemoons Family from Cervantes, for her blog's one year anniversary! Kudos to you, dear & faithful Ninemoons! I'm truly touched that your love for Granado Espada has withstood the test of time and overcome all trials. It takes a tremendous amount of perseverance to write as faithfully as you have done. (Not to mention, they were interesting and well-thought-out blog entries!) And it only serves to reflect your strength and character. I truly admire you for that, Lady Ninemoons! Thank you for your continued support through good and bad times and may you never lose that spirit and innate strength that far and few possess. :)

Love, Hrin.

6 comments:

PJ Punla said...

yow! thank you for the shout-out - I will do my best to keep going!

and I really hope to see you in April ^^

Unknown said...

"...More exciting news is that IMC is currently working on V3.0, which is likely to be named "Third Civilization". From what I understand, there will also be a third currency, in addition to vis and gpoints. As for what this currency is for... let's wait and see. Meanwhile, the pet function is undergoing development stage and from what I hear (assuming nothing gets lost in translation), this pet function might even have harvesting abilities!..."

Can you tell us where the information comes from? It is interesting to see the new stuff. Thx.

looker said...

Wah rao bu yao hai wo men lae.. 17April open... Nus exams just started.. cannot study man.. wanna push push till may =x

Anonymous said...

Gavin Jameson to be released on April 24? Hmm, nice birthday present to look forward too!

Reno said...

"...in summary, it is a % combination of Expert Characters and equipment that give a good rating."

Hi Hrin,

I'm very much concerned about the above clause. First of all, I must indentify myself as a casual gamer and my main characters have just reached lvl 101 a few days ago. I've been around since beta testing for GE started last year. The following are my concerns.

Training to expert level will be very tedious for majority of the gamers. Aside from expanding the craftsman toolboxes and elite 92 weapons, would it be reasonable to also have experience buff as well?

Also, how would postponing the Bahamas Swamp update help the casual gamers? I'm sure by 17th April, hardcore gamers with experts will throng the map and start harvesting etc. Eventually it will also widen the gap between casual gamers and hardcore gamers. Could you share with us IMC's solution to this issue?

Thanks and cheers!

Anonymous said...

if 2.6 comes out in may, it's gonna be my best birthday present! also, will the new vet stances for double pistols and polearms etc be released together?