An expansion pack tells us a lot about an MMO and its developers. Foremost, it says that the developers continue to put a lot of vested interest in keeping the title alive, as they are willing to set aside a group of developers to work on their own project that does not immediately net in money (Instead being a longer project that has more of a gradual effect). Expansion packs regularly involve a vast new area to explore, possibly bringing along with it new classes or races, and with it balances and tweaks to the existing gameplay.
Rise of the Goldslayer is an upcoming expansion pack for Age of Conan, and is based on Chinese and Korean theme. Aside from five new zones, the expansion also brings a new playable race; the Khitains. Aside from the new race, there will be no new classes or an increased level cap, although Funcom has promised an alternative feat tree.
Age of Conan developer Funcom looks to set up some interesting new features with the upcoming expansion. Players will be forced to take part in faction-based warfare, with the option to aid either faction, where giving aid improves your relation with one faction while hurting it with the other. Of course, there is plenty of loot to be had in this test of loyalty, from special ranks and titles, to new armor and weapons, as well as new mounts.
The announcement of this expansion is a great healing opportunity when some of the market considers Age of Conan to be a dying product. Hopefully the announcement of this expansion will bring renewed interest back in players who might be teetering on the edge of giving AoC a try, and those who tried it, and left it for various reasons.
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