Yowzers! We have seen the future, and it is content.
The skies over Paragon City are filled with dark grey thunderheads. It is the same in the Rogue Isles, Europe, and across the globe. Small ships dart through the heavy weather … and there are so very many of them.
The Rikti have returned.
Rikti World Invasion
Issue 10 begins with a World Event that spans across numerous zones in both Paragon City and the Rogue Isles, as the Rikti return in devastating waves. They are armed with new, brutal weapons and seek to establish a beachhead on Earth, presumably to save their lost brethren and to finish what they started the first time … the destruction of Earth!
Rikti War Zone (Levels 35 – 50)
The site of the crashed Rikti mother ship has become a hot War Zone. Pylons of unknown purpose have appeared around the mother ship, and Rikti presence is extremely heavy. In an attempt to contain the Rikti from breaking out of the area or launching their ship, the government has cordoned off the zone, allowing only select agents access. Government officials have turned the region over to Vanguard, and given them the authority to recruit forces from across the world. This zone is open to both Heroes and Villains, in their combined, desperate struggle to hold the front lines against the second Rikti Invasion.
New Threats
Rikti Pylons are multi-purpose warning and attack devices that surround the crashed mother ship. It takes a concerted effort to take one of these pylons down, but once enough of these are destroyed, access to the ship may be granted. UXBs, “unexploded bombs” that arm, power up, and detonate if not stopped in time, provide a constant threat. Rikti destroyers zip through zones dropping troops, UXB’s, and Rikti Assault Suits.
New Inventions
The Vanguard base contains a special Vanguard Workbench that will allow for special costume pieces (tied to Rikti War Zone recipes). Vanguard Support Machines (“Heavies”) can be requisitioned using Special Salvage (unique to the War Zone). These Heavies function as powerful pets.
New Missions
The first missions in the Rikti War Zone are for characters level 35+. The characters meet a new contact, Levantera, who introduces them to the U.N. security force, Vanguard. They’ll also meet Borea, who sends them on several repeatable missions in the zone. From there, characters meet contact Serpent Drummer, Gaussian, and also talk to the Dark Watcher and learn one of the darkest secrets of Paragon City.
Rikti Co-op Task Force
The Rikti Co-Op Task Force is available for both Heroes and Villains. It is for 6 to 8 players, level 45 – 50. The mission is given out by Lady Grey, leader of the Vanguard. Co-operative missions create a new layer of depth and story as heroes and villains work toward a common goal.
This sounds pretty damned spiffy.
I admit that I’m keenly interested, especially if that’s a 35-50 non-PvP Hero/Villain zone we’re talking about. Which I kind of think it is. Please? Pretty please?
Hell.
Yes.
Sign me up!!!
I believe the RCS is going to be non-PvP (since the villains are there to help drive off the Rikti).
The buzz I’ve heard from the beta circuit is pretty positive so far.
New Content! The Great Pumpkin got my letter!
It may be time to dust off the Discordian and find a dust-up.
When are we going to run the Statesman Task Force?
Miss Noelle was just asking the same thing. We should try to make that happen.
As of Last night, I began the frantic re tooling of my first and bestest, toon, Atomic Saint, in anticipation of kicking the living hell outta the Rikti from one end of the Crash Site to Another.
Lessee…
Return of an old Foe, bigger and better than ever? Check.
Heroes and villians united to face a common threat? Check.
Retooled Zone? Task Force ? High Level Content? Big ol Check.
Even MORE badges for me to run around and grab? Checkity check check.
Best. Issue Ever. EVER!!!
We’re out of pocket for STF any time the next few weekends, but “I’m game” for it, sooner rather than later.
And I10 is indeed sounding wootable.