The Shadowbane team over at Wolfpack Studios is taking a bold step with their next game update, dubbed "Shadowbane Reboot." This isn't your typical game update; it's called a reboot for a reason. Once this patch goes live, all Shadowbane server and character data is being completely wiped -- giving players of the near 4-year-old game a chance at a fresh start.
This is an interesting approach to bringing back old players, too. No worries of having to deal with the "catch up" phase that typically happens when returning to an MMO after a hiatus.
The Shadowbane Team decided that it would be best for the longevity of the game to reset all server and character data and start from scratch. By doing so, the game benefits in a variety of ways. First, we feel the community will be better served by being more consolidated and less fragmented. Second, resetting the game removes items that have accumulated over the years that have caused imbalances to the game. In addition, numerous updates and enhancements have been made to the Shadowbane service to improve the performance. Some of the changes were not as effective due to preexisting data and resetting the service will allow the servers to work under optimal conditions. Finally, this update also gives us a chance to address certain game issues.
While the character wipe is what will no doubt get the most attention in this update, Wolfpack Studios is also taking the opportunity to make a few sweeping gameplay changes along with the reboot. For one, they're removing Tower Guards from the game, they're nixing resource costs from armor for everything other than magical effects, and there are also a number of balance changes being introduced.
In addition to the above, the following changes are being made in this update:
- Melee Weapons have had their range slightly increased and weight decreased
- Throwing Weapons have had their range slightly decreased and are now created on the Projectile Craftsman as are Bows and Crossbows
- Khan’Ov Skrekel, a new Freehold, has been added to the Vorringia mapset in the desert; unlike Safeholds the entire city is PvP+ and allows for transportation by all even on the Loreplay server.
- The Fence Merchants in Sea Dog’s Rest have been relocated to Khan’Ov Skrekel and Fate’s Peddler is taking a well-deserved vacation.
- The maximum amount of minions a Guard Captain can have has been decreased to 2.
- Various Bow and Crossbow Powers have been decreased.
- The Player-based Area of Effect attack on Siege Engines has been removed.
- Buildings of War now use square perimeter placement area instead of a circumference.
- An issue with the Summon power has been fixed.
- Maintenance Fees for Rank 8 Trees of Life will now be deducted.
To read more about the Shadowbane Reboot, head over to the official announcement on the Shadowbane website.
