Game Update 19

First Look - The Witching Hour - Update 19

'''Trick…or treat? '''

Game Update 19 features a new seasonal event for Halloween – The Witching Hour! This October, Gotham City is getting a ghoulish makeover, and there are tricks and treats aplenty to go around. Don’t miss this exciting new event in DC Universe Online!

Chaos in Gotham City!

Klarion the Witch Boy is stealing the powers of Heroes and Villains throughout the DC Universe and using them to cause quite a bit of Halloween mischief on the streets of Gotham City. Apparitions of all kinds are rising from the earth and tormenting trick-or-treaters. Heroes, it will be up to you to save the civilians, and Villains, well, you should be able to find some way to take…advantage…of the situation.

The Midnight Masquerade!

It’s not Halloween without a great, ghoulish costume party, and Klarion is no slouch when it comes to throwing parties. He’s taken over a club in the city and casting spells on innocent civilians, forcing them to attend. Whether Hero or Villain, you are going to have good reason to crash this party. Be careful, though. The powers Klarion has stolen are from some of the world’s most powerful magic users, and look out for his cat, Teekl, too.

Treats!

Of course, we have treats to earn throughout the event. You’ll find new trinkets, a new pet, and of course a ton of new Halloween-themed styles.

Test Server Notes 9/29/2012:

Mail UI!


 * We have given the Mail UI a complete overhaul!


 * Beyond the new sleek look, it is now much easier to use!


 * Some of the new features we have added include a filter for better Inbox management, a Sent tab to see outgoing mail and an Archive tab for those mails players wish to keep in a safe spot!


 * A new Compose tab is present as well and features an Address Book that will populate with your guild mates and friends list!


 * Additionally a bigger, more easily navigated inventory window is now available to players when attaching items to your mail!

Research and Development Update!


 * With Game Update 19 we have added more ingredients and plans to create new R&D consumables!


 * Players will have a chance to find these new plans from endgame bosses throughout the game, from Tier 1 to Tier 4 content!


 * Some new ingredients, which are required for developing the new plans, are available for purchase from R&D vendors.


 * Two vendors are now located at Research and Development stations within the Headquarters, one sells only plans and the other, only ingredients.


 * Other new ingredients are dropped by NPCs of various types throughout the game.


 * The new crafted consumables have a variety of potential functions ranging from offensive combat abilities to disguises for the player!

Tutorial Update!


 * When players make new characters and go through The Awakening on Brainiac’s ship, they will encounter some new units trying to prevent their escape.


 * Players will need to master the Combat Counter mechanics in order to get past these new foes before making it off the ship.

The Witching Hour!


 * All hell has broken loose in the streets of Gotham City and inside Gotham’s Goth Club! Go to Gotham and speak to Phantom Stranger (heroes) or Tala (villains) to receive further instructions.


 * Open your Journal UI and look for Daily Missions “Masked Mayhem” and “The Masquerade”.


 * Earn Spooky Bites by completing these Missions daily

Alerts:


 * Markers now appear on the mini-map during the Ace Chemicals Alert when players are told to close the valves.

Oan Sciencells


 * Players are once again forbidden to enter the green rooms where their enemies are preparing for their attack.

Audio:


 * Improved Music Scripting in Metropolis General Hospital Meta Human Wing Instance (Villain) to provide a more dramatic experience.
 * Fixed an issue with hearing disembodied Security Guard voice over while fighting Tiger Lords in the Gotham University Warehouse.

Challenges:


 * Birdcaged: This mission should no longer be granted daily.
 * Gotham University Warehouse: After defeating the Tiger Boss the radar will no longer look as if there is still an enemy in the room.
 * The Jokers Challenge: Harley Quinn has agreed to stay down even if you decide not to secure her right away and explore the room instead!

Feats:


 * Speedy Coin is now restricted to only group runs.


 * You Wouldn't Hit a Lady is now being granted properly.

Items:


 * The Crown of the Noble Warrior now uses the correct icon.

Missions:


 * Hospital Havok: LexCorp Security Agents have pledged to refrain from kicking patients while they are down.


 * Ice Heist Baby: The crates in the Waynetech Storage Facility are no longer targetable by players during combat.


 * Falling STARS: If you fail to get out of the way of the explosion your gorilla form change will now always have basic attacks.


 * Queen of Lies: Fixed an issue where all doors would not open after you defeat Aquaman.


 * Queen of Lies: Aquaman should no longer appear to be flying or falling after heroes have rescued him from Circe's influence and he jumped to be with Mera.


 * Shadow Hearts: Fixed an issue where the protect sequence for Shadowmen would sometimes not finish.


 * Shipping and Handling: Released Falcone Mobsters will now leave the warehouse through the proper doors.


 * Student Protest: Players should no longer fail to put on a lab coat when attempting to use the DNA Sequencer.

PvP: Diamond Heist


 * Villain-side money bags should no longer drop into holes in the ground, protecting them from impulses from explosions.

Headquarters Assault


 * Mister Freeze now uses a freeze rifle and will occasionally do a freeze attack again.


 * Superman, Gorilla Grodd, and all the other iconic heroes & villains are taking an increased interest in the battle for the Hall of Doom.


 * Look for more heated exchanges between these arch foes in the Hall of Doom HQ Assault!

Weapons: Due to extensive changes to all weapon trees, players will find all weapon traits reset and those skill points refunded. The starting box for all weapons now automatically includes the attack performed by holding the melee or range button. These attacks no longer must be purchased separately and are part of that base weapon package. Specifically, the following attacks are gained automatically with the base weapon purchase:


 * Bow: Lunging Stab and Long Draw


 * Brawling: Lunging Right and Stomp Smash


 * Dual Pistols: Lunge Strike and Full Auto


 * Dual Pistols: Slip Shot and Magnum are now Block Breakers


 * Dual Wield: Whirlwind Strike and Phantom Slash


 * Hand Blaster: Leap Attack and Charged Blast


 * Martial Arts: Axe Kick and Heavy Shuriken


 * One Handed: Quick Chop and Focused Blast


 * Rifle: Surprise Volley and Grenade Launch


 * Shield: Spinning Backhand and Sidearm Throw


 * Staff: Sweeping Slice and Focused Spin

Rifle: Sustaining fire with Rifle Shot for more than 1.5 seconds will now perform a Block Break.
 * Two Handed: Lunging Smash and Ranged Attack