Since no one else started it, here's the rundown of what you'll find in the November PC Gamer (with Dervish on Cover, and Back as well!). I will not use direct quotes, images, or anything else copyrighted. I will update this throughout the day, but feel free to help me out by adding stuff yourself.
Those not intererested in the Gray Giant mini-pet should still pick this up. It's a great read, and has lots of cool pictures.
Oh, and this thread contains SPOILERS. You've been warned.
The End of the Trilogy?
Nightfall is "an apocalypse", says Jeff Strain. "It's an endpoint." It will tie up some loose ends from Prophecy and Factions. But don't worry, Chapter 4 is in the works, and hints of what's to come can be found within Nightfall.
Regions of Nightfall
Istan Starting region, themed after ancient Egypt. Contains port of Kamadan, where travelers from other chapters will start.
Kourna Savannahs and mud huts.
Vabbi Arabic themed with floating mosques and castles, magical fountains and tapestries with flowing text. SPOILER ALERT: This place will be devastated by the "evil god" at some point.
Desolation The poison desert, with sulfer pits. You'll even ride inside giant wurms in this stage to cross the most dangerous parts! (Yes, you control the wurms, getting special "wurm" skills to replace yours!)
Realm of Torment Hell, basically. Promises to look very gory, pushing the "teen" rating. Will be unmappable, as the fog of exploration persists even after you've "explored" a part of the realm.
Beefier Story / Better Voiceacting
Jeff Grubb writing (from D&D fame), more dialogue trees with NPCs, completing quests will have consequences on gameplay, professional actors hired for voice acting. Drinking and dancing mini-games (or Quests, sounds more like it).
Also, Nightfall is larger than Factions (20 missions vs 15), there will be branching storylines, (although not as extreme as the two Luxon and Kurzick paths in Factions), Three New Challenge Missions and One new Elite Mission (not based on Alliance, but opened at a certain point in game).
Swappable "Inscriptions" and Choosing Mods to Salvage
"Inscriptions" are "inherent bonus modifiers for weapons" and can be transferred among most weapons, or sold for gold. Also, no more salvaging what you don't want, you can choose what component you want to salvage.
Templates for Your Characters include Secondary Changer!
You can now assign preset skill and profession builds and switch them in Outposts. "No more hunting through outposts for Profession trainer!" I assume they mean once you unlock a secondary, I can't see GW giving you secondaries for "free." Still, a much requested and needed feature!
Templates confirmed: "A new template system will allow you to save your own custom builds for every contingency."
Heroes
[over] 12 heroes, can have three a a time, will need specific heroes for some quests. Can upgrade Hero's skills, weapons, armor, and give them secondaries.
"Aggressive," "Defensive" and "Passive" modes, can be sent to to certain areas by placing "flags" on the mini-map. Finally, we can tell a Hero to hold an area!
There's also a list of the names and brief bios of all the Heros. http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...php?t=10047430
Confirmed:
"for the first time ever, you'll be able to band together with customizable Heroes that will not only fight by your side, but level up with your character and follow your orders as you fight to hold back the night.
Nightfall brings more than a dozen Heroes to your aid as you battle against the forces of darkness. Each of these Heroes will gain experience at your side. You can even equip them with new weapons, upgrade their armor, and choose their skills for them. Best of all, you will be able to direct your Heroes in battle, telling them when, where, and whether to fight at all. You'll even be able to activate their skills for them. The amount of control is up to you. Use them like enhanced henchmen or direct them much like extra, full-fledged characters. The choice is yours."
350 New Skills!
Including new skills for Assassin and Ritualist! Confirmed!
Exclusive Nightfall Quest & Gray Giant Mini-Pet
Note: The PC Gamer cover tagline is incorrect. It should say "Get an Exclusive Nightfall Quest and Mini-Pet!" not "Guild Wars Mission and Mini-Pet." This quest is for Nightfall only, and only available to those with the PC Gamer code.
UPDATE: For some magazines, Page 96 is Blank. Don't Panic! There should be another page in the magazine with the code printed on it. In essence, you have two pages "96". Just look carefully through the whole magazine. (Thanks to Knightsaber Sith and Darksun.)
There's an access key printed on page 96. You can add it to your account now, although it won't do anything until the Nightfall World Preview Event on Sept. 22 - 24, or when you install the Nightfall retail key. (Go to "Create Account or Add Access Key" tab to enter in the code).
Then:
- Go to Kamadan, the port city of Elona. (Nightfall Only)
- Type /bonusitems to get "Broken Toy" item.
- Accept "The Toy's Story" quest from the NPC Makh, and complete quest to get Gray Giant mini-pet.
You can repeat these steps when you get the final Nightfall release, as all items gotten from the Preview event will be deleted. Also, remember that the preview event is open to Elona only characters who'll have no access to storage. No one will make any permanent Gold during the Nightfall PvE Preview by selling their pet, so don't worry!
