Aion looks to be an interesting entry into the world of MMOs. I’ve been hearing for some time about how the standard MMO model is in need of a major refresh as the fantasy/scifi fight/rest/grind/quest formulae is getting old.

Aion may be that first tangible (i.e. published) step in that direction. For starters, you can fly. Also rather than working towards god-like powers you start with them being that you’re a god. It also looks pretty sweet. Take a gander here and read the press release plus pre-order beta participation details below.

It’s time to get ready to spread your wings and take flight in this year’s biggest massively multiplayer online game (MMO) release, Aion.

Today, NCsoft, the world’s premier publisher and developer of MMOs, unveiled the official release date for Aion, the highly anticipated game where players take on a key role in a war between divine beings that will determine the fate of the world. Aion launches in North America on September 22, 2009 and makes its official debut in Europe starting September 25, 2009.

In addition to an international retail presence, Aion will also be available as a digital download at NCsoft.com, Direct2Drive and through Steam, a leading platform for the delivery and management of PC games with more than 15 million accounts worldwide.

Unlike any MMO before it, Aion is a uniquely crafted online experience where flight offers much more than just a way to explore the landscape – it is a strategic and integral part of combat, quests, and exploration. Players will dive into battle and plunge through thousands of unique, story-driven quests, all while trying to save a world literally shattered in half from centuries of brutal conflict. Using one of the most flexible and in-depth character customization systems ever featured in an MMO, players will be able to create genuinely distinct characters and explore a visually stunning world of ethereal beauty brimming with otherworldly inhabitants, mysterious enemies, and ancient secrets.

Also, a friendly reminder to take advantage of the special preorder promotion for Aion at participating retailers, including GameStop, Amazon and Best Buy. As part of the Aion preorder promotion, players will receive access to the Aion Closed Beta. Those dates are as follows:

Aion Closed Beta Dates

Friday, June 19th to Monday, June 22nd

Thursday, July 3rd to Monday, July 5th

Friday, July 17th to Monday, July 19th

Friday, July 31st to Monday, August 3rd

Friday, August 14th to Monday, August 16th

For complete Aion preorder program details, visit http://www.aiononline.com/preorder.

For more information about Aion go to http://www.aiononline.com.

[tags]aion, mmo, video games, gods[/tags]