It’s a literal free-for-all in Lord of the Rings Online as the online game goes free-to-play tomorrow.

LoTRO developer Turbine just made the dreams of J.R.R Tolkien come true by inviting the whole world to explore Middle-Earth. Seemingly inspired by the free-to-play success on its other MMO title Dungeons and Dragons Online, Turbine is banking on strong word-of-mouth and its newb-friendly community to attract new rollers to its servers.

Under a free account, a player can create one character and choose among seven of the nine available classes. Only the Warden and Rune-keeper classes are reserved for premium and VIP accounts. For more information on the content and services given to a VIP or Premium or Free player, then read the comprehensive breakdown of the account perks at the LoTRO site.

Basically, if you’re curious about LoTRO and just want to get a feel of it up to level 50, then go download the LoTRO client and sign up for a Free account. Then when you feel like progressing more in Middle-Earth like expanding your LoTRO Gold money cap or venturing into the expansion packs, you can purchase services through a cash shop.

If you’re a current or former LoTRO player confused as to how the Free-to-play change will affect you, check out the helpful chart below from fan site mmorsel.com:

As you can see, if you paid for the lifetime subscription you’re basically set for life in LoTRO–full access to the game, free Turbine points to be spent on exclusive goodies and not even a single dime to shell out. Current subscribers still have to keep paying monthly for those monthly Turbine Points and VIP content access. And if you’ve ever paid for either a box or a monthly subscription, then you automatically have a premium subscription.

Now that that’s all sorted out, let’s head over to the other side of the fantasy MMO universe.

Final Fantasy XI just went live with its September version update. Along with the new Wings of the Goddess missions and Magian trials came the Scars of Abyssea battle add-on.

In Scars of Abyssea, players can join the Bastion battles and repel the rampaging Abyssean hordes. It also has new Empyrean armor rewards plus additional NMs to slay and loot FFXI Gil from.

The September update also came with the new level 85 cap increase, just 14 levels shy away from the final goal of a level 99 cap. It’s quite a a lot of content that’s sure to keep FFXI players chugging along with their linkshell buds. (What Final Fantasy XIV?)

It’s been a long wait for its Western import, but Aion 2.0: Assault on Balaurea is finally within our download reach.

The client installer has already been released, and it’s one big download after which you won’t have to patch up. You can download it from the NCSoft Torrent (you’ll need torrent programs like uTorrent for this) or via direct download from GamerHell (Full install or just the 1.9.0.3-2.0.0.2 patch)

If you’re still itching for info on what to expect from this big update that takes us to the very heart of the Balaurean homeland, fan site AionSource scored an interview with Producer Chris Hager during PAX 2010.

The more juicy tidbits he shared are the differences between the Korean and Western versions of Aion 2.0. It seems the Western version will have different fort siege timers and “a couple of drop rate differences,” which will be a lot more generous because we have less tolerance for grind than those grind-happy Koreans. Awarded experience will be bumped up too.

Because of these easier XP gains and loot, the always welcome Double XP Weekends is poised to become a holiday or special event thing, according to Mr. Hager.

The Producer also confirmed that the Western launch trailer, which has loads of Asmodians featured, has been intended to help with the faction balance, which now favors the Elyos. Every bit of help counts, I guess, at least compared to the Korean launch trailer which made it look like Aion is just a pretty land filled with fair-skinned angels.

Asmodians also get shown more prominently in the log-in screen for Aion 2.0 which should grab the attention of new players to the game. Let’s see if this strategy, coupled with the limited server transfers, will bulk up the Asmodian force and make PvP fights a tad more competitive on all servers.

If not, there’s always Aion Kinah for evening out the playing field and owning opponents through sheer gear dominance. See you Daevas in Aion 2.0!

No, the bed bug infestation plaguing the rest of the country hasn’t reached Hydaelyn, but it seems “critical bugs” of the software nature are lurking in Final Fantasy XIV and the hunt for them has delayed the start of the FFXIV open beta, which was scheduled for Sept. 1.

In a statement in their official FFXIV open beta registration site, Square Enix did not say how long it will take them to spot–and eliminate–the said game bugs. Only that open beta testing, including registration, will be postponed in the meantime:

“FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test, which is scheduled to begin at 02:00 (GMT) on Sept. 1, 2010, will be postponed due to a confirmation of critical bugs. New schedule will be released at a later date.

Along with the postponement of FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test, the issuing of registration code for FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test will be postponed as well. With the download of client software’s installer, it will be suspended at 02:00 (GMT) on Sept. 1, 2010.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

With their biggest batch of testers yet jockeying up for a slot in the open beta, this preventive bug cleaning should ensure minimum errors while playing the game. It makes sense because aside from the rabid Japanese and hardcore Final Fantasy fans, the average casual player will be put off by server crashes and client malfunctions.

Better to cover all the bases and make the ride as smooth as possible for all of us, right? I’ll keep you all posted when a definite date has been set to resume the open beta and clues, if any, as to what these “critical bugs” might have been.

Update: ET Facebook fan Ric pointed me to an S12 thread poster who suggested that anti-virus compatibilities might be part of the problem. Thanks for the link!

Final Fantasy XIV unlocked the gates to open beta today and, as a bonus, also gave us a new three-minute trailer showing brand-new cutscenes, including a possible villain sighting!

The open beta will last a couple of weeks (getting a Square Enix ID is a must for this!) and will most probably feature the latest iteration of the game, complete with revisions based on feedback from the past three rounds of closed beta testings.

Most beta testers can head on to the open beta without a hitch but if you’re a casual player waiting for unrestricted access to the game in its near-complete form, then you might have to wait a little while longer; new testers will be added on a staggered basis, increasing in number as the Sept. 30 launch nears.

By mid-September, I’m fairly certain the game servers will be optimized to handle the expected deluge of toons running around in Hydaelyn.

Together with the open beta announcement, Square Enix also released the North American prerelease trailer. Right from the get go we’re serenaded by the FFXIV opening theme song entitled “Answers” sung by Susan Calloway. The Detroit crooner has previously worked with Square Enix to produce the Distant Worlds cd and even performed these collaborated songs live on tour.

The theme song sounds like a bard’s lullaby and, if you pay attention to the lyrics, is made to inspire us on our impending journey in FFXIV. The tune plays out while we see in-game footage as well as never-before-seen battle cutscenes.

That guy at the end also screams VILLAIN (who else likes to stand in glorious armor while watching an atomic bomb explosion?) so I’m curious to know who the heck he is and just what evil schemes he’s up to.

If the open beta and latest trailer got you pumped up, don’t forget to sign up for the EpicToon Early Toon program. You’ll get cool perks like shiny FFXIV Gil freebies and discounts, which can help you gear up fast in FFXIV.

Stay tuned as I try to get into the open beta and roll the cutest Lalafell thaumaturge you’ll ever see. Wish me luck!

It’s perks galore at EpicToon as we launch our special Early Toon program for Final Fantasy XIV, which offers advance perks for the upcoming fantasy-themed MMO.

Special incentives for signing up include:

• Exclusive Final Fantasy XIV updates and insider info
• Receive free and bonus FFXIV Gil
• Be the first to join our FFXIV contests
• Get priority delivery and discounts from the EpicToon.com store

We also promise super fast and safe deliveries right after the grand launch this September, so you can get ahead of other players and maybe even be the first to reach the end game with plenty of FFXIV Gil in pocket.

So sign up now and start owning in FFXIV!

Final Fantasy XIV unlocks the beta gates for Gridania and Ul’dah

Fresh air and zephyr winds are plentiful in seaside Limsa Lominsa, the often-featured city-state in Final Fantasy XIV. But two of the other starter towns in the game–forested Gridania and majestic Ul’dah–are charming their way into the hearts of adventurers as Square Enix opens them up to the beta testing public.

Because I’m still begging every moogle and chocobo I see for a beta test key, FFXIVCore.com beat me to the scoop on what to expect in Gridania and Ul’dah, culling every bit of info from J-mags like Dengeki and Famitsu.

Seems like each city-state has a unique theme going on. Tree-covered Gridania “has the strongest influence over magic” and hosts the guilds for Lancers, Archers and Conjurers. The dense forest surrounding the town should also engulf naughty children foolish enough to wander through its thick foliage.

Meanwhile, Ul’dah has a more free-barter bazaar feel with its coliseum and casino facilities. It does get boring in the desert so I guess the endemic Lalafell population and visitors could use the addictive entertainment.  Seems like I’ve found my new home!

Its definitely a great day for us here at EpicToon as review site Mmoops.com gave our store a 97/100 rating–one of the highest they’ve given in history.

The almost perfect rating, which we just found while Googling our name (Yeah companies do that too!) puts the EpicToon store at par with industry leader IGE, which is a great accolade given that we only began last year.

It shows we’ve made a great service in such a short time, especially when it comes to delivering virtual currencies for World of Warcraft, Aion, Final Fantasy XI and other online games.

Mmoops Founder and CEO Peter Tisle wrote the full review himself, and we’ve cut out some great tidbits to share with you fans:

The “green bizrate” he’s talking about is the level of customer satisfaction among those who purchase from EpicToon. More than 100 customers contributed to the “green” rating we enjoy and shows a consistency in delighting gamers.

Among the great things Mmoops said about us, this one takes the cake because it’s an area we’ve been working on the hardest. Safe and fast deliveries of WoW Gold or Aion Kinah is one of the most important things gamers ask from us, and we’re glad to see appreciation for our efforts.

Read the rest of the review that covers why we’re one of the most trusted stores around–everything from our secure website, helpful 24/7 customer service and useful order tracking features.

As if inspired by the multi-episode arcs in its namesake shows, Star Trek Online announced today the arrival of Feature Episodes, which are inter-connected missions added on a weekly basis.

The first three Feature Episodes (collectively known as a Series, yeah, just like a TV series) will feature the Breen as antagonists set on invading the planet Defera.

Both factions will have access to the episodes, with the Klingons harboring a deeper animosity for the armor-clad Breen. Cryptic Studios didn’t say for how long the Breen series will run, but the initial Feature Episodes below sound packed with world-saving drama:

I wouldn’t cross my fingers for a final boss reveal–the Breen have been a notorious tease in the Star Trek franchise, never showing what’s under those cumbersome fridge-suits. So just be contented with the loot and bonus STO energy credits that’s sure to come from defeating them.

But in back-to-back announcements over the weekend, the Japanese developer promised new Wings of the Goddess missions and Trial of the Magians challenges, giving levelers and end-gamers fresh reasons to log into Vana’diel.

Most of the new Wings of the Goddess missions will plunge adventurers into the final stages of the expansion’s time-bending conflict as Lady Lilith reveals herself to the Allied Forces, and her minions bring greater mayhem. Cait Sith also seems to be gambling on a final counterattack that can turn the tides of battle with your help, of course.

Square Enix describes the upcoming batch of Goddess missions as “”emotionally-charged,” which I bet my FFXI Gil, is the code word for the death of a popular NPC or two.

Meanwhile, the Trial of the Magians offers armor rewards for the first time, which can be augmented trough further trials. Each job will have a unique set that can complement existing weapons obtained by battling in Abyssea. Expect tweaks in the win conditions for some trials, and the unlocking of Empyrean weapons for augmentation, either with new skills or improved stats.

Lowbies, alt levelers and casuals rejoice!

Aion has activated an indefinite Double XP period for all servers–a vast improvement from the short Double XP weekends we’ve been receiving so far. We’re hoping it goes on forever just so we can speed through some of the grind and ganking, but the fluffy announcement below suggests the bonus XP perk will end when Aion 2.0: Assault on Balaurea arrives:

As preparations for a full-scale assault continue, Lord Marchutan of the Asmodians and Lord Kaisinel of the Elyos have begun fighting for control of Balaurea…

It won’t be long until great airships begin to transport Daevonian soldiers readied for battle. The Empyrean Lords from both races have bestowed a special blessing upon all citizens of Atreia that will enable all Daevas to earn twice as much experience from each battle and crafting experiment so they may more swiftly muster the strength necessary to conquer the Balaur and ensure the destruction of the Dragon Lord Tiamat.

Aion 2.0: Assault on Balaurea–the upcoming free expansion for the game due out on Sept. 7–just went live on the Public Test Servers. There, the XP gains are more generous since previous test characters have been deleted and NCSoft is calling for more testers to roll brand new Daevas and explore the upcoming Aion 2.0 content.

Either way, it seems like leveling is the flavor of the month in Atreia so ding as much as you can until the bonus XP expires. Now if we could just get equivalent perks for max-level toons, like double Aion Kinah or improved drop rates, then we can be more patient with those long overdue Fight on the Right Side rewards.

This week, Jedi Knights showed how valuable mastering The Force is in Star Wars: the Old Republic. Harness it long enough against the Dark Side and you upgrade to one of two advanced classes: Guardian or Sentinel.

It was months ago when BioWare revealed the Advanced Class system and its goal of providing specialization options to players, but the Guardian and Sentinel previews are our first peek of this system at work.

Based on their description above, Guardians will act as tanks who protect the innocent from the destructive mayhem of the Republic enemies. Their use of heavy armor will serve well for this job and the use of the phrase “inspiring allies to amazing feats” is fancy wording for buff-type auras.

Meanwhile, Sentinels are trained for more offense by wielding dual lightsabers. I wouldn’t want to anger one of these skilled duelers and end up being sliced to fine meat. It’s also suggested that Sentinels will be able to take advantage of enemy weaknesses, but exactly how hasn’t been revealed yet.

This first salvo is a teaser really, a way to excite us into rolling a new toon and fulfill our fantasy of becoming the next Luke Skywalker or Obi Wan Kenobi. I have higher expectations for the next installment though–several skill descriptions and vid demos will help seal the deal not only for me, but for you ET fans as well.

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While the rest of the Galactic Republic ogles the new Jedi Knight advanced classes, Federation and Klingon captains are giving their farewell salutes to Chief Creative Officer Bill Roper, who announced this week his departure from Cryptic Studios.

After a two-year stint molding Star Trek Online and game brethren Champions Online, Mr. Roper said it’s time to move on to other pursuits. “Over the past few months my entrepreneurial spirit has become restless, and I’ve made the difficult decision to move on and look for new opportunities,” Mr. Roper said in a short farewell announcement posted at the official STO website.

The veteran developer thanked the Cryptic staff and the gamers who have given “both the support and the kicks in the ass that have pushed me to constantly evaluate and grow.” Mr. Roper was mum on his immediate plans but some insiders believe he could plan to start his own company again, which after the Flagship Studios bomb, deserves a phaser gun salute if only for sheer chutzpah.

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Hey EpicToon fans, we’ve been busy migrating the blog from its old address to the new address http://www.epictoon.com/blog.

It should be easier now for you to remember the blog URL and visit the ET store for some cheap Aion Kinah, Final Fantasy XI Gil, and many other virtual currencies.