Flying Lab Software has posted the release notes for build 1.11.51.0 for Pirates of the Burning Sea, which is scheduled to go live today.
This milestone update completes most of our work on the Swashbuckling revamp. Avatar Combat is now flashier and more exciting-looking as well as easier to learn and more fun to play. You can read more about the changes and the philosophy behind them here.
Other changes include:
- When you log in for the first time, you'll get a dialog briefly explaining the changes to Swashbuckling Combat and a link to follow for more info.
- Repeatable Bloodsport Missions can be found via missions from the Swashbuckling Trainers and are located in Belize, Spanish Town, Biloxi, Roseau, Golden Lake, Matthew Town, Maracaibo, Santo Domingo, and other towns.
- New Swashbuckling Dailies: Can be found in Santiago, Tortuga, and in your nation's capital.
- Boarding: Isildur increased number of boarding waves at the low end slightly, and flattened the difference between the low and high ends even more. And he reduced the number of boarding party members a bit.
- UChat: We have activated SOE's cross-server/cross-game chat system. The syntax is /tell character@game.server, message. If you're chatting with someone on another PotBS server, you can leave off the game name.
Read more here.
Whilst I like the new animations, I really don't like the new skill effects. I think they would be far more suited in a sci-fi game.
The Bloodsport missions got old rather fast unfortunately. I know they've been put in as a sandbox to help you hone your swashbuckling skills, but I think there could have been a bit more variety than to simply fight aimlessly against fast-respawnining NPCs.
It's good to see SOE making an effort to improve the game though.