This week's Monday Screens contained a few images that raised a bit of discussion among forum goers. Three pictures were marked as Lineage II, but looked very different to the traditional, hardcore PvP look we've come to expect from the series.

Was it a clerical error? Had some cutesy MMO had its pictures accidentally added to the wrong game? What was going on?

...well, I have all the answers for you - and I can confirm, it is not a mistake. Those images are really from Lineage II, and I'm about to tell you why.



One of these things is not like the others...
Lineage II is known around the world as one of the most hardcore PvP massively multiplayer online games in the market today, with a die-hard community of players who are there for the intense battles and unrestrained gameplay. The recent release of the 4th Anniversary Edition box set rewards long-term veteran loyalty with discounted player services - but what do these gamers do, when they're not involved in long-term castle sieges or battling it out in a gloomy fortress? How can they wind down, have a bit of fun?

...they can visit Fantasy Isle. It's a recent addition to the game, created as a place for gamers to explore, socialise, and enjoy themselves. There is no fighting (except in special designated areas such as the Underground Coliseum), so everybody can lounge around without the fear of being stabbed in the back (or worse!). It's like a giant, ingame amusement park, and it's designed accordingly.

Yes, the first thing you've noticed is that it's very different than the lands of Elmore and Aden. There are bright colours, a beautiful town, lush jungles, grassy fields, rolling hills and plenty of other places to explore. The local residents are all cute and little, fitting in nicely with the overall happy theme of Fantasy Isle - which, I must point out, is not just a small reef, but a huge island, complete with its own mysteries.

Fantasy Isle was officially opened in March, with a "Bunny Money" event ,where players visiting the island would hunt for various treasure sacks, each containing random bits and pieces that were being given away. A special ingame skill would allow you to discover treasure chests - and win Rabbit Transformation Scrolls and even a special magic eye, meaning even more hidden chests were visible. For two-weeks, players explored the wonders of the island, and took home some great loot, including shadow Agathion bracelets and S-grade armour.



...one of these things is not the same
That's just the start though. The release of Hellboune sees two new features added to Fantasy Isle:

Underground Coliseum
Featuring a new type of team-battle PvP (essentially team deathmatch), the Underground Coliseum pits teams of players against each other in a series of matches—the team with the most accumulated kills wins. The winning team moves on to the next match, while the losing one has to sit out or enter in another series. Each team has to consist of at least seven players, and there are four different coliseums, split up by level, and one coliseum for players of all levels. Players can access the coliseums from Fantasy Isle, offering up another fun diversion from the normal style of play (or PvP) that regular Lineage II players know.

The Monster Parade
This occurs four times a day and is a procession of each type of NPC in the game, making its way through the play area of the Isle. Players will be able to see the wide variety of NPCs throughout Aden and Elmore in one place. Some of the participating monsters and NPCs will also show up at the performance area on Fantasy Isle, where they may partake in some special performances, including circus acts and even talent shows.

The set up of the Isle means it's the perfect spot for large special events that can allow all players to check it out at the same time - Bunny Money was just a fraction of what is achievable! In keeping with the amusement park theme, look out for new mini-games that keep the area fun, fresh and vibrant.

The devs say: When you're on Fantasy Isle, we want you to relax and have some stress-free fun.
...wanna check it out? We've got the newest Lineage II client, Hellbound, tucked away in our File Library - get that, buy some game hours, and you're all set.