Wow. NCSoft has a history of releasing beautiful and action packed CGI videos in advance of expansion content for their MMORPG games, but they have shocked the AION community by unexpectedly releasing an incredible preview of the Aion of the future. It's important to recognize that this is a concept video, and it illustrates where the developers and artists hope to see the game. There is no telling which features are actually in production and which are still, literally, on the drawing board.
Much of the discussion following the video's release hinged upon unbridled excitement - how this or that feature/update looks amazing, is unexpected, is exactly what a player was hoping for. Much of the discussion also focused on pragmatic analysis (or cynical doubt) of what features were most likely to actually reach the game, and which were unlikely to ever be delivered. Regardless, the sheer volume of excitement generated by this one video is, in my experience, unprecedented. People who were stuck in the endless cycle of the slow XP grind have come alive again with a passion for the game.
The general impression from most people is that if NCSoft is able to deliver even half of these upgrades and updates, the game will be completely reinvigorated. I am personally ecstatic about the inclusion of player housing, as it allows for a player to truly become a part of the world, to shape its landscape and become a part of the structure. I am shocked at the aparent inclusion of world defense PvP of these housing zones - this is unprecendented in my experience, and has me really excited. The idea of defending my own home, in addition to my homeland, from invasion and destruction, is fascinating and exciting.
From my own personal experience with NCSoft and their occasional underdelivering, I was able to identify a few points in the video that seem a bit far-fetched, but then again - it's possible that they've learned from their past mistakes and are looking to remedy unfulfilled promises from Linaege II in Aion.
