We love the smell of 1.3.3 in the morning.  This simmering brew of bug fixes, balance changes and new features is expected to be ready for consumption soon after the Thanksgiving weekend (aka: Very Soon ™).  Just imagine, soon we’ll all be able to sit back and enjoy the fruits of the Underdog System complete with a WAR Report chaser. No more haggling with flight masters upon log in, no more being at the mercy of horse speed; just the sweet, sweet knowledge of where the hottest action is at all times and the ability to get there as quickly as possible (Yes wet naps have been handed out to the entire developer team to combat excessive salivation caused by this addition).

But wait, there’s more: 1.3.3 revs up our environments with the addition of bloom and HDR lighting and heralds the triumphant return of Keg End this December, complete with boasting, toasting and fireworks. Expect more details as the event draws near.

Highlights:

• The WAR Report – The WAR Report window will give players a snapshot of the action taking place throughout the world.  The window will give you not only a list of current events, but a means to teleport to the closest warcamp, chapter hub or flight master!  This instant action teleport will be available every 8 hours.
• The Underdog System –This system is intended to aid the Underdog faction on a given server. Underdogs will essentially be granted a ramping RvR handicap that makes it easier for an under-populated realm to take objectives and cap zones. This system is tied directly to city captures and does not last forever – It will decay over time if not used.  In other words: Underdogs get out on the battlefield and start smacking some skulls together, the time of your revenge is at hand!
• Keg’s End – Fireworks and ale.  What more needs to be said?

Bloom & HDR – The game client now allows users to enable Post Processing effects to heighten the visual experience of WAR. This will add bloom and HDR (High Dynamic Range) lighting to the game world.  Users will experience a visually harmonious and enhanced feel in the game world through these two rendering techniques.

I have been toying with the idea of trying Warhammer again, just to see how it has progressed. With the endless lowbie trial and 10 free days of play if you re-enlist, it might be worth taking a look.

Related posts:

• Warhammer Online: 300k Subscribers as of Dec 31st 2008
• Warhammer Online Patch 1.06
• Warhammer Online Revitalizes PvP
• Warhammer Online: Iron Breaker + Patch 1.05
• Fishing Tournament coming to a patch near you.