Review: May Content Release 2014

May was a busy month for Vindictus. Lets take a glimpse back at each of the  major changes that took place across both NA and EU regions.

May 2014 | Vindictus NA [EU]

May Changes and Updates:

• New Logo Introduced 5/16
• Golden Time Event Kicks Off
• Karok Clash 
• Pillar Karok Revamp 
• Changes for Season 2
• Changes to Gold Rewards
• S1: Hero Mode Raids 
• Shared Account Chest [NX Storage] 
• Lower level item changes 
• Shouts Have Been Changed
• Enchant Scrolls
• Outfitter Shop Update
• Ruin3d Delivers on Halos!

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New Logo Introduced 5/16

On May 16th Vindictus shocked the entire player base with new logo. This unveiling was done in piecemeal fashion leaving several confused as to why we needed a new logo, much less this one. The next week after the unveiling the logo was presented, a better clean version appeared along with the label “Vindictus”. 

Unfortunately, it was added to existing forums, which remained branded with the old gold and brown tones. The gold clashed horribly with the new platinum and made looking at it an eyesore. The logo does offer a slicker look than what was originally presented because it was accompanied by a new background and the sexy label. Doing this offered some hope that this might just work.

 

Nexon officials took to the forums to remind folks that the new logo would again be improved once added to the new forums which should appear in June. During the 1.92 patch the logo was added to both the game, Nexon Launcher, One can’t help but think that a comprehensive rollout would have been better. We look forward to the completed branding package set to appear with the forum revamp. Additional questions remain regarding whether or not this is specific for our version of Vindictus or if the new brand will be rolled out to each regional publisher. Read more here

Mega Events Kick Off

These two Events are fairly similar with both offering prizes for attendance. The prizes are spectacular however the events themselves caused quite a bit of confusion among the players.  From confusing instructions to failed award delivery and 2 major miscommunications this just leaves us shaking our heads asking what in the world is Nexon doing.

While the events are great on the outside offering some of the best gifts such as runes, outfitters and halos, Nexons service was a direct deterrent from enjoying them.  It will be nice when we won't be able to say this. Some mistakes are fine but its getting a bit hard to defend constant oversights.  However I will say, keep bringing events like this. They are great ways to entice players to come back and stick around a bit.

Pillar Karok Revamp

Karoks rejoice. Pillar Karok got a much needed boost to his ego this month. From new skills to revamped ones, unlimited pillar toss and extended damage for clashing, Karoks everywhere are pumping their fists like never before. Results are in and this revamp is a win!

Check out the in-depth review by Kanzo. (Review: Pillar Karok Revamp) 

Removal of Jump

Kai - Gale Kick

Since its introduction with Season 2, jump has been a broken but somewhat useful mechanic in the game. Some loved it, some hated it, no matter which side you were on it doesn’t matter because jump is now gone!

DevCat removed jump basically stating that they found it more beneficial to proceed without it than to retrofit it properly into Season One and correct its improper clunky implementation.

Of course the gamers raged about this.  Some characters did in fact benefit from "jumping" more than others and there is no denying that jump made Season 2 "fun".   for several days about this but were soon diverted to other things.

Jump No More

Community Managers stated that feedback might be taken into consideration on whether or not to keep this removal active in our servers.

Changes for Season 2 

S2: Revamp (due to removal of jump)

Because jump was removed each boss within Season 2 that utilized jumpable attacks were revamped. All areas in which jump was required to “play” or proceed have also been revamped including adding ramps or refashioning areas to be a bit more similar to Season One in terms of getting around. Technically speaking Season 2 runs such as Misty and Ship Graveyard should be easier to navigate, while Twilight Desert will probably become more tedious because with as vast of an area as it is, strife jumping was a godsend.

Removed Dungeon Capabilities for S2 8-29, 30-49

Another big decision with this patch was the removal of dungeon and raiding capabilities for the lower level characters. Runs in the Season two area now start at level 50. This means the removal of the 8-29 runs and the 30-49 runs for all of Season two areas.  This change does not affect Season 1 runs as they are set up differently.

Stay in Season 1 Newbies, its better for you here

We suspect this change was due to the bots and the ability to obtain both AP and a high amount of EXP by bumrushing through the low level runs. This also created a sort of density in the higher level runs when people chose to do low level runs. This change will likely affect drop rates in a positive manner. With people having no option but to attend the higher level runs boats will be available, filled and producing more for the community.

Overall I think this was a positive change, even if it means a little more work to obtain those Seals of Dedication.

S2 - Storyline Now Starts at Level 50-69

Due to the other changes, the whole storyline has been revamped. Season 2 now starts up at level 50-69. This is a change from starting at level 20.  This is a reorganization that needed to happen to make the game a bit more fluid especially with the previously mentioned changes.  This now provides a direct way to make EXP without really having grind anything until after level 70.

Removal of Gold for Lower Levels

The lower levels were not exempt from major adjustments this month.  Nexon has decided to remove the Gold reward from all characters under level 20 for all runs. This move was described as a bot reduction tactic. It is sure to cause quite a bit of confusion among both new and old players who assume it is a glitch (and those that don't read patch notes :)) 

Unfortunately there isn't really an upside to this. Nexon has gone ahead and changed some items levels to accommodate storyline changes and has also moved several items to either drop from runs or be available from the NPC...in Malina...Malina the area you don't really get into now until after 50. The equipment items are now free which means that they are no longer money making items.  This part I don't like. They've taken away another means for the average player to generate gold because of bots and that sort of sucks.  

Another thing to note is skills are free up to level 20. Rank and learn as many skills as you can before you hit 20...after that it goes back to normal, having a fee associated with learning it. The AP costs have not changed. Training items now expire at level 20 rather than maintaining the ability to carry them into runs later in game. 

We'll see how this goes long term. I like the idea of crippling bots and making things "better" for the player base but I don't like the idea of having ill prepared players in end game.

S1: Hero Mode Raids

Hero mode raids were released! This includes hero mode versions of:

• The Giant -Titan
• Ahglan the Golem - Ahglan
• The Dark Dank Sewers - Thor
• Avatar of Destruction - Glas Ghiabhelann
• The Central Garden - Ingkells
• The Formorian Leader - Shakarr

The new raids drop 3 and 4 star versions of their respective equipment drops. While normally this would be a great thing, I see it as another blow to those with Expertise and the ability to craft these things already.  Runs like Titan dropped equipment that couldn't be crafted so this upgrade would be great for things like Broken Feather earrings and Dark Crest Helms and White Shark Masks. But for runs like Thor his equipment dropping is a direct hit to the crafters gold source again.  

Additionally, the raids just aren't that hard. Our crew crushed all of them with the exception of Glas which we expected to be harder than he was.  These raids will be a good time killer for those that like Season 1 mechanics better than Season 2 and like the oldies.  On a side note: Shakarr is a beast but interestingly fun for a hero solo.  It does feels like the communities DPS  has outgrown our Season 1 bosses.  We're looking forward to seeing difficult bosses make a return and maybe stick around in their original flavor a bit longer. Hero raids are an A+ because they get end-gamers back into Rocheste boats.

Shared Account Chest [NX Storage]

Finally Shared Account Storage is here!  This is a pretty simple concept to understand. The storage chest can be filled with various items and opened on all characters within the same account. If NA follows the same formula as the other regions, the chest will come as a part of an event and only be sold in the NX Depot after the 60 day versions expire.  This marketing tactic is kind of nice. However I do not look forward to the QQ from players that forget about the timer and have their NX items stuck in a locked Shared Storage chest.

According the list that came out in EU there are a bunch of great items that cannot be included in the storage such as Outfitters,

The list of items that EU can store are as follows:

Share Bear would be pleased

• AP Blessing Stone
• EXP Blessing Stone
• Luck Blessing Stone
• Goddess Feather (Event)
• Goddess Feather
• Divine Blessing Stone
• Gourmet Pet Food
• Major Skill Reset Capsule
• Goddess Grace
• Max Durability Increase Potion
• Minor Skill Reset Capsule
• Party Merc Recovery Potion
• Premium Fusion Rune
• Premium Pet Food
• Minor Skill Reset Capsule
• Pure Skill Reset Capsule
• Mercenary Voyage Blessing Stone
• Merc Recovery Potion
• Mercenary Potion Plus (5 days)
• Merc Recovery Potion Plus
• Weapon Fusion Rune (Event)

Shouts Have Been Changed

F1-F4 (Default)

• F1 - "Nice" to "Nice!"
• F2 -  "Thank you" to "Thanks!"
• F3 -  "I'm sorry" to "I'm sorry..."
• F4 -  "Well done" to "Well done!"

Ah the little things... Not much to say on this but its a bit cleaner, slightly more friendly. The power of the exclamation mark. 

Enchant Scrolls Bound to Bind

Scroll Resellers Beware

Enchant scrolls bind now - resellers and scam artists beware.

It will prevent scroll resellers from buying scrolls for dirt cheap and reselling them for higher. Yes that is normal business in a market however, it was to the point where things were exploited.  I agree this needed to change.  

Scrolls will still be able to be traded freely within an account but once the scroll is sent to another player, it will bind, requiring them to use it, NPC it or allow it to expire and destroy it.

New Outfitters

Outfitter Shop (Flamenco, Matador)

The Outfitter shop has also blessed players with the insanely sexy Flamenco outfitter and in preparation for upcoming Bull Fights, the true Matador garb for the guys.

Feast your eyes and marvel at their wonders:

Halos Arrive As Promised!

Great news North America....we have FINALLY received the Halos in mass

Fiona Earns her Halo

distribution. All participants that were able to black out their entire Bingo board during the Monster Bingo event are now the proud owners of Shiny Halos.

These Halos were a coveted item that NA player had previously been somewhat cheated out of due to miscommunications and a lapse in Management.  The Halos can be fused and traded among players and were in fact the more desired Shiny Halo rather then the Standard Halo with an antennae.

A sincere "THANK YOU" to Ruin3d from Nexon NA who took up the task of rectifying past wrongs and beautifying the servers.  Not only did he collect information from forum participants, he actually got these to the majority of players in an obtainable (non pay to win) event. 

Thank you Ruin3d! 

Whew! It was a busy month end for Vindictus, things are starting to look up. We'll try to do a review like this every month to keep you informed of ongoing changes to the game.

Part 2: Nexon Promises to Focus on Quality: Q1 - Strategy and Vindictus

Nexon has promised shareholders to renew its focus on quality this week as its first quarter results show revenue and profit growth have slowed.

Part 2 - Strategy and Vindictus

Review: Lynn | Lewd Meets Lethal

Who is Lynn?

Lynn is the newest addition to the Mercenaries and a saucy little thing. She is a princess of the Lost Kingdom and on a mission to restore her Kingdom to it's former glory (picture a less seductive Iset). After enduring numerous trials and hardships in her past she now prepares to face a plethora of new and otherwise deadly challenges.

Lynn sports a variety of smashes and counters that makes her a hybrid Sword Vella/Scythe Evie with a slight mix of Chain Vella (In my eyes). 

Lynn’s repertoire consists of the usual 1-2-3-4 Smashes (I’m used to Chain Vella having only a 1-2-3 windup with no 4^th smash so it’s taking a little getting used to for me.)

           Skills

HollyCaust - East Server

If you’re interested in a breakdown of each of Lynn’s skills and what they do in detail check out the full list here.

Swift Assassin [SA] / Zhen Swift Assassin

Beautiful. Stunning. Magnificent. *Insert every other positive adjective imaginable*. This move is so pleasing, both aesthetically and functionally. During my time as a Vella (more so Chain) I always found myself stamina-drained even with every possible Stamina related item/skill available (potions/r3 Stam Regen/Cold Heart/Etc). Swords have the luxury of Slashing High so they can kind of, sort of bypass the need for easy Stamina recovery. The ability to proc AT LEAST 10 stamina for a quick, last minute dodge is such a wonderful thing. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I've needed just a tad bit more stamina in order to get out of harms way. The damage is almost very nice. A fully stacked, no crit detonation nets me around 20-30k damage depending on what boss I'm facing, which is a nice chunk.

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~ NOTE:  I will NOT be giving exact values for her skills in my portion of the breakdown. Those numbers can be found in the aforementioned data tables once they have been posted on forums ~

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 Dark Cloud (LR)

SA: None

I find this skill highly useless. The only time I have any success with is when juggling players in PvP. Perma juggle combo'd into a Swift Assassin detonation is such a rewarding thing to see. 

Feel free to drop a line down below if you've found some magical method of using this skill to achieve maximum damage.

 Iron Machete (LLR)

      SA: Fishtail Pole

I find myself utilizing this skill along with it's Zhen counterpart (Fishtail Pole) more often than the smashes that require longer windups (Broken Sword/Centipede Strike). Lynn suffers from hitbox difficulties (at least from what I've noticed) in a sense that her attacks are very straightforward... literally.  

Iron Machete basically proceeds forward and any slight horizontal movement by a boss will cause you to either miss or wind up in an unattractive position. Luckily Lynn's dodge is so forgiving what with the ability to store Wind Steps and use them when needed. 

 Broken Sword (LLLR)

SA: Drunk Mantis

Only 360 AOE available to you. Pretty good for clearing trash mobs but it's nothing compared to Chain Vella's Bitter Gale (That thing clears everything and their mothers).  I often times only use this skill when there's some trash mobs grouped up or if I feel like I can fit it in. Once again, I don't have actual multiplier values so I don't know if that's wasted damage or the right choice. I'll be sure to make future posts on my findings if I stumble upon something.

Centipede Strike (LLLLR)

SA: Flying Guillotine

Oh baby this move. This move always brings a much needed change to my otherwise stoic expression. Lynn propels herself midair and proceeds to booty pound the ground and if you don't or cannot Little Rat then she basically remains grounded for a little bit. For all you booty lovers out there this is the skill that pays the bills. But in all seriousness this is a very rewarding skill in my eyes and the skill I tend to use most often. The only issue I have is that in crowded raids (such as Bark) where it's difficult to see yourself, it's often hard to get the timing of Flying Guillotine right. Also this is one of two skills that can be used post Killer Dart.

  

 Thunderleg (Dodge Key + Directional button)

 Little Rat (Dodge Key)

Hits an enemy: Furious Tiger (Upgrades next smashes Swift Assassin from 1 mark to 2 marks)

Deflects an attack: Wind Step (Double-tapping Dodge will launch you behind the enemy)

I swear this is the most enjoyable dodge in the game. You get the spammability of Glint, the damage mitigation of Cross Cut, it puts distance between you and the boss AND it allows you to reclaim said distance with the push of a button. I wasn’t even aware she had Wind Step until I played her. Now the whole “Ninja Outfitter” release makes sense.

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Useful Videos

I highly recommend checking out the gameplay of Lagerowonder and Junyoop on YouTube. They are highly knowledgeable and passionate about the game.  Be sure to subscribe.

Lagerowonder Lynn 101

Junyoops' Lynn Solos Lionotus Hero





Also check out Junyoops Lynn Playlist





~  Thanks for taking the time to read this review.  I know its far from informative or even useful but I just wanted to give my take on Lynn so far. ~

~ Feel free to leave your thoughts on Lynn down below and we can talk the talk. ~

Here's some Eye Candy

Part 1: Nexon Promises to Focus on Quality: Q1 - Financial Results

Nexon has promised shareholders to renew its focus on quality this week as its first quarter results show revenue and profit growth have slowed. What will this mean for Vindictus? Pt 1 of 2.

Nexon Reveals New Vindictus Logo

Change is in the air over at Vindictus [NA]

Friday, Nexons North American action title, Vindictus unveiled a new logo that sent shockwaves through its playerbase. Players were led on a scavenger hunt spanning several hours of hunting for clues revealed on Facebook, Twitter and the NA Forums.

 The effort was led by Zoltar - Community Manager [NA], feeding the clues directing the crowd to put together the puzzle. Piece by piece the tension built, excitement boiled and players were intrigued as they attempted to "Unravel the Mystery".

Once the final piece was in place, my fellow Vindiers processed the news...

Vindictus is getting a new logo. 

Vindictus Receives New Logo

Change is in the air over at Vindictus [NA]

Friday, Nexons North American action title, Vindictus unveiled a new logo that sent shockwaves through its playerbase. Players were led on a scavenger hunt spanning several hours of hunting for clues revealed on Facebook, Twitter and the NA Forums.

 The effort was led by Zoltar - Community Manager [NA], feeding the clues directing the crowd to put together the puzzle. Piece by piece the tension built, excitement boiled and players were intrigued as they attempted to "Unravel the Mystery".

Once the final piece was in place, my fellow Vindiers processed the news...

Vindictus is getting a new logo. 

Vindictus: June 2014 Patch Notes [NA]

As we continue to improve and restructure Vindictus, we are happy to announce the arrival of our newest character, Lynn. An exiled princess, Lynn is the youngest mercenary and one of the nimblest. Leaping from one corner of the battlefield to the other, her glaive spinning, Lynn creates a mesmerizing war dance as she fights

Lynn is here!

Vindictus: July 2014 Patch Notes [NA]

Gates of Hell

Desolate Malina

July 2014 Patch Notes


Journey to the gates of hell and face a horror from beyond the grave in Vindictus’ Season 2, Episode 4- Part 1, out now!

Take on two new bosses, both the stuff of nightmares, and enjoy fun summer events and new additions to the cash shop. Read on for all the details on the newest update in Vindictus.

Inquisitor Ulchas - Desolate Malina

Terrifying New Bosses

Two new foes have crawled their way into Vindictus, and both are sure to have you waking in the middle of the night, drenched in a cold sweat.

Ulchas is rumored to be an undead warrior or perhaps a demon from the underworld, but whatever he is, his strength is unparalleled. 

Ulchas can summon a sentient blade called an Aquillore to aid him in battle, and can restore his health when wounded, making him one of Vindictus' most challenging bosses. 

Lavasat the Sentinel - Gates of Hell

Lavasat is a demonic hound with a body of twisted metal and a heart that pumps molten magma. He can cut mercenaries in two with a flick of his tail, and is protected by towering Hellspikes. You'll have to use your wits and a bit of teamwork to destroy all six spikes before moving in for the kill.

To help you defeat these monstrosities, a special Episode 4 Raid Event is being held from Thursday, July 17 to Wednesday, July 30. During the event period, receive two extra raids against Lavasat and Ulchas. To read more about this and other events, click here

New Ping Meter

To help our players with connectivity, we have introduced ping meters to the Quest Board. Now before setting off on a raid, you can refer to the Quest Board to check a boat's connection relative to your own. Connection speeds are classified by color; please refer to the chart below for details: 

Status (Color)Ping/Latency

• Blue You may experience light lag
• Green You may experience moderate lag
• Yellow You may experience significant lag
• Orange You may experience severe lag
• Red Lag will most likely be very severe
• Black Lag cannot be determined

Blue Ping Meter (Great Host Connection)

Black Ping Meter (Cannot be Determined)

 New AP Shop

A new store has opened its doors and it's only accepting one form of currency- AP! That's right- now you can use AP to purchase select items, freeing up your wallets while upgrading your mercenary. With the AP Attendance Event, you can stock up on AP and then go nuts at the new store.

To access the shop, speak to NPC Ernmass in Colhen. The AP Shop is only available to players Level 40 and above, and is stocked with the following items:

Item Name - xQuantity | Price (AP)/Purchase Limit

• Merc Recovery Potions x20 | 100 AP / Daily 3
• Goddess Grace x1 | 300 AP / Daily 1
• Goddess Grace (Party) x3 | 1000 AP / Weekly 1
• Clodagh’s Dye Ampoule x1 | 1000 AP / Weekly 1
• Enhancement Rune x1 | 5000 AP / Weekly 1

Please note the purchase limitations for each item. For example, you can purchase the 20 pack of Merc Recovery Potions three times a day, but you can only purchase every other item in the shop once per day.

Notes:

• All items in the AP Shop will be available until the October update. Except for the Enhancement Runes, which will only be available for 2 weeks.
• Merc Recovery Potions expire after 2 days.
• All items are untradeable.
• Restrictions only apply to a single character- meaning if you purchase 1 Dye Ampoule with one of your characters, you can still purchase another with a different character.
• The AP Shop is currently in beta, and its contents are subject to change. New items will be added at a later date.

Cash Shop Update

New items are also coming to the cash shop. At the Supply Depot you can stock up on even more AP with the AP Package, a fantastic bargain. Over at the Avatar Shop, the call of the wild has turned the mercenaries of Vindictus into jungle beasts- two new inner armors are available, for both male and female characters.

Vindictus Wildman Inner

Vindictus Jungle Heat Inner

Finally, our most stylish new item: the Biker Avatar costume. Sporting the badge and colors of the V.R.M.C., or Vindictus Rebel Motorcycle Club, this all-leather getup comes in two variants, one with enhanced stats. Put one on and wannabe baddasses will know you really mean business.

Biker Outfitter - Guys

Biker Outfitter - Chicks

For the full rundown of July's new cash shop items, click here.

It sure is hot this summer. Must be all that hellfire coming from Lavasat's back. Looks like you're gonna need an extinguisher...Be sure to check back with Vindictus Trix for our July Content Review coming soon.