Thanks to the miracle of White Box Technology?, I was able to get a preview of the Warhammer Online Age of Reckoning Collector’s Edition while I was visiting EA Mythic at their offices in Virginia. What I saw was a well-designed, all-encompassing package that will cater to fans of Warhammer everywhere.
The Collector’s Edition contents were decided upon by asking the question, “What are the quintessential elements of Warhammer?” One of the answers is of course, miniatures. But there are also great stories and great art.
Using White Box Technology?, EA Mythic showed that the box itself will be about 13″x10″x3″ and will tip the scales at around 7 lbs. Much like everything about Warhammer, it could be used to crush a skull. The box art itself looked amazing and even if the box wasn’t gigantic will be sure to make the CE stand out on store shelves.
Packed inside will be an all-original graphic novel, a full-color art book, a miniature and access to exclusive in game content. The art book will be 224 pages, hardbound and will showcase the concept art that has been produced over the course of the development cycle. Concept art sometimes never makes it into the final product and this was just a way to celebrate and share the hard work of the artists with the players and fans of Warhammer.
In addition to the art book, there will be a 128-page graphic novel that was commissioned exclusively for the CE. Buying the CE is the only way to get one. It details the backstory leading up to the Age of Reckoning with 6 chapters, each one dealing with one of the different racial points of view.
It wouldn’t be Warhammer without a miniature. The one included with the CE will be Gazbag and Grumlok, leaders of the Bloody Sun Boyz. Gazbag is a goblin shaman who rides on the shoulder of Grumlok the Orc, much like Master Blaster from the Mad Max movie-that-shall-not-be-named. Painting and assembly is required. But I’m sure fans of the franchise wouldn’t have it any other way. There is a great deal of detail on the miniature, even down to the bones tied to the dwarf-beard cloak of Grumlok that act as the ladder for Gazbag to reach his perch. The miniature itself is quite heavy and if loaded into a slingshot would do considerable damage to a soft target. It’s one of the heaviest figures Games Workshop has ever created.
The in game content created especially for the CE will include 12 quests only available to owners of the CE. Each race will get 2 quests, one for RvR and one for PvE. They are not specific to race however, as any Order race can do all 6 for the Order races and vice versa for Destruction. For completing the quests you can earn exclusive items, trophies or other in game reward. A special title will be granted to CE owners that can be displayed next to their character name. Another in game item will be a cloak that can be equipped from the very start of the game. Usually a certain level must be attained before cloaks become available as wearable items. One of the Greenskin quests awards a severed Dwarf head that can be carried around; because that’s what Da Boyz like to do.
Players who purchase the CE will also have access to 12 exclusive face/head combinations during character creation. Want a Dwarf with a keg of ale tied in his beard? Get the CE. Want a Blind Warrior High Elf look going on? Get the CE. Dark Elf with the Mark of Khaine on his face more your style? Get the CE.
Unlike other Collector’s or Special Editions, this one will truly be limited. Only 60,000 will be manufactured and after they are gone, that’s all folks. Each one will be numbered so you can brag to your buddy that he is a noob since his number is higher than yours. The suggested retail price will be $79.99.
Yes, I will be pre-ordering one.
Click to page two for the official fact sheet on the Collector’s Edition straight from EA Mythic.
Along with the chance to check it all out, they also sent us the following fact sheet for your information.
Courtesy of EA Mythic
EA Mythic is proud to present the Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Collector’s Edition, a limited-run, premium version of the game for true Warhammer fans. It is the perfect addition to any Warhammer collection and can be proudly displayed alongside your army of miniatures. This special oversized box contains unique collectibles and exciting in-game content to help you get the most out of your journeys through the battlefields of the Age of Reckoning. Only 60,000 units of the Collector’s Edition will be available in North America.
Size: Approximately 13.5″ x 10″ x 3″
Weight: Approximately 7lbs
The Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Collector’s Edition includes:
AN EXCLUSIVE GAMES WORKSHOP MINIATURE
From the Age of Reckoning to your tabletop battle!
Based on original characters from the game, this official Games Workshop Warhammer miniature depicts the Greenskin warboss, GRUMLOK, and his shaman, GAZBAG, in rich detail. (Assembly and painting is required.)
AN ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL
The forces of Order and Destruction collide under the red Chaos moon!
Commissioned specifically for the Collector’s Edition, WARHAMMER ONLINE: PRELUDE TO WAR is a full-color, 128-page hardcover graphic novel that sets the stage for the start of the game. Written by acclaimed Games Workshop writer Graham McNeill, the oversized book is richly illustrated by Chad Hardin, Joe Abraham, Rahsan Ekedal, Tony Parker, and Kevin Hopgood. Each of the graphic novel’s six chapters tells a unique story, and together they detail the events leading up to the Age of Reckoning:
THE ART OF WARHAMMER ONLINE
A Stunning Collection of Art that Gave Birth to the Age of Reckoning
THE ART OF WARHAMMER ONLINE is a 224-page hardcover collection of original art from the game. Each of the glossy, full-color pages showcases the talented work of our concept artists and offers a glimpse at a world in the making.
BONUS IN-GAME ITEM – THE LIBRAMS OF INSIGHT
Wisdom is its own reward, and to those found worthy of such a gift the potential is limitless…”
Readers of the LIBRAMS OF INSIGHT are granted special insight into their own actions and earn experience at a higher rate for a limited time. (XP-gain modifier good for 60 minutes, 3 uses, 90 minute reuse timer.)
BONUS IN-GAME CONTENT – QUESTS, REWARDS, AND TITLES
New Adventures and Just Rewards Await You on the Battlefields
Purchasers of the Collector’s Edition will begin their adventures in the Age of Reckoning with twelve (12) additional quests awaiting them in the Tome of Knowledge. Each quest offers an exciting reward, as well as an unique character title, that will aid the player in their battles on the frontlines.
Sample Quests, Rewards and Titles:
Quest: The Only Way to Fight
Type: Dwarf / PvE (Open to characters allied with the Realm of Order.)Anyone can drink and anyone can fight, but only a Dwarf was born t’ do both! Are you ready t’ prove what kind of Dwarf ye are? Take a proper drink o’ this Chuffinbrau, for it’ll get ye nice and tight, then get t’ killin’ greenskins before you sober up!
Reward: Furd’s Bottomless Mug. This ale stein is encrusted with a special rune to ensure it never goes empty. One swig of its brew and you’ll feel stronger and ready for a fight. Beware, this sense of power comes at a cost!
Title: BrewmasterQuest: Spoils of War
Type: Chaos / RvR (Open to characters allied with the Realm of
Destruction.)Go, and cleave the skulls of those who stand against the Raven Host. Take part in the battle at New Emskrank and cut down one of each type of your Empire foes.
Reward: Griffonslayer’s Mantle. Equip this cloak made from a fallen Order of the Griffon banner and enjoy the “Emperor’s Protection.”
Title: Griffonslayer
BONUS IN-GAME CONTENT – CHARACTER HEADS
“You’ve got that look I want to know better…”
Now you can stand out in a crowd with a look unlike anyone else’s! The WAR Collector’s Edition includes twelve (12) bonus heads for additional character customization options. Each race gets a truly distinctive look (with male and female versions) that is sure to turn heads on the battlefields and be the envy of everyone in the army.
