This CoX post shows what the new “Ultra Mode” graphics will look like. And it is damned beautiful. I have no idea whether my machine will support it but, damn — that’s pretty.
Other I17 (“Dark Mirror”) announcements:
• New badges, new missions and new player emotes
• Epic Archetypes now available at level 20
• Improvements and additions to Mission Architect
• Enhancements to UI and game systems
All of which sounds nice (if non-specific) — though some folks are apparently having conniptions about EATs being available at 20. “I fought my way to 50! Now you’re cheapening that effort by making the available at 20!” (I assume that’s what it means — I haven’t seen a Redname confirming what all that means). I guess it’s an acknowledgment that a lot of the CoX population is veteran, not newbies, so enough people have a lvl 50 that it’s not worth holding that out as a carrot any more.
I don’t see it as a cheapening of lvl 50. I’m kinda glad I’ll be able to access the VEATs (having not 50ed any Villains), but I don’t feel like anyone has “stolen” Kheldians from me for my various lvl 50 Heroes (I’ve yet to really get the swing of Squids, anyway).
On the other hand, it sounds like there’s not a lot of content to I17 (which makes sense, if the content folks are all hammering out Going Rogue, but is still a little disappointing).
Remember Going Rogue? That’s right, how could you forget? Well, you have the opportunity to get access to the Dual Pistols and Demon Summoning power sets in March and April, if you pre purchase City of Heroes Going Rogue (MSRP $29.99 USD)!
Ooooh. Well, that sounds pretty keen. Dual Pistols for the win!
You will also be able to get your hands on an exclusive item pack if you get the City of Heroes Going Rogue: Complete Collection (MSRP $39.99 USD), that will be available when Going Rogue releases in July! What’s in that item pack, you ask? Well, a few nifty things like:
• Alpha- and Omega-themed auras
• Alpha and Omega themed costumed sets
• Four stance emotes
• The Shadowy Presence invisibility power
Hmmm. Not sure any of those are worth the extra $10.
But, overall — good stuff.