HvCFT OS Version 42

Come next Tuesday, that’s what we’ll all be seeing in the launcher window on The Matrix Online. It’s hard to believe it’s finally here; and I don’t think it’s really going to register until the first time we all jack in and see double-hotbars in the Live game.

As anyone visiting the Experimental Playtest server this week can tell you, the devs are getting a bit punchy. We’ve seen everything from Jack-O-Lanterns to the return of the Flame Virus on EP. Which just goes to prove: It’s all fun and games until the whole world gets meatwadded. (Okay, it’s still fun and games after that, but tends to be a nasty surprise.)

What to Expect on Tuesday

Along with Combat Revision 2.0 come some additional things everyone needs to be aware of.

All Character Stats Will Be Reset!

Because of the Stat-cap changes, we’re resetting all character Stats. The first time you log on after Update 42 goes live, make sure you go back in and re-assign your Stat points. You’ll be in for a rude surprise if you venture out into unfriendly territory with all your Stats at their original levels.

Clear Some Inventory Space!

There are two item-grants happening on Tuesday. First: Everyone is getting an RSI Hack. (The item that lets you re-assign your Stat points.) Note: Because this is a unique item, you won’t be granted one if you still have one in your Inventory.

Second: All players who’ve spent some time on the External Playtest server will be getting their Beta baseball-caps. Note: You still have until early Monday morning to qualify for your cap! Jack in and get used to Combat Revision 2.0 now!

Pre-Patching Opportunity!

As Rarebit posted, you can use the External Playtest server to pre-load Update 42. (Click here for the thread.) Not only is it worth logging on to get used to CR2.0, but it also can give you a head start on Tuesday’s update.

A Piece of Blue Sky

Of course, along with all the CR2.0 craziness comes our First Anniversary Event: A Piece of Blue Sky. And just because the full event doesn’t begin until the weekend, doesn’t mean there won’t be things happening this upcoming week. Operatives should keep their eyes open for unusual activity inside the Matrix.

The Matrix Online in Split Infinity Radio’s Wasabi Awards

Along with Everquest II and Star Wars Galaxies, The Matrix Online has been nominated for some categories in Split Infinity Radio’s upcoming Wasabi Awards. Make sure you check out their website; voting begins Monday!

Hmm…maybe if I slip them a few oysters…

Upcoming MMORadio Interview

I’m scheduled for another interview with MMORadio next month. We’ll be chatting about the Anniversary Event and Combat Revision 2.0, among other things. If you have questions you’d like to have answered, send them in to [email protected].

SOE Fan Faire, April 6 through 8, 2006

I’ve been informed that, while MxO (and SWG) players aren’t able to pre-register online, they absolutely can register onsite at this year’s Fan Faire. If you have the chance to be in Atlanta April 6 through 8, I’d love for you to stop by and say “hi”. (Even if I do have to sing karaoke. <sigh>) Hope to see you there!

Are We There Yet?

We have Brooklyn in our sights and are looking forward to some sleep and some good fun during the Anniversary Event. A big “Thank You” goes out from the team to everyone who has provided feedback on Combat Revision 2.0. We couldn’t have done it without you.

See you on the other side next week.

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