Aion 2.5, the Empyrean Calling, is now live and brings with it improved graphics, a mentor system, two new instances, new skills and much more. In addition, NCsoft announced today that it will be kicking off a new Aion 10-day free trial program tomorrow, May 26! You'll be able to play up to level 20 without spending a dime, which will give you the opportunity to see what's changed with the game since it launched almost two years ago.

Staff Writer Paul "LockeColeMA" Cleveland recently got the chance to explore Aion 2.5 at an NCsoft event. Read the article for his impressions, and be sure to check out the list of Empyrean Calling features and watch the Aion 2.5 highlight video after the jump.

Aion 2.5 Features

• Esoterrace Instance: Triumphing over the Esoterrace region deprives the Balaur of vital resources needed for Tiamat's Army to continue the war.
• Empyrean Crucible: The fast-paced battle arena where groups challenge 10 stages of enemies, each containing 5 successively difficult rounds. Who will be strong enough to survive? 
• Graphics Updates: An optional upgrade, the new superior graphics engine option adds additional support for high-end graphics cards. When enabled, this setting offers brighter lighting, improved shading and textures. In addition an improved in-game map system offers clearer visuals and increased interactivity.
• News Skills and PvP Gear: Players will enjoy two new skills – Skillbook and Stigma skills – and four custom skills that were added to  each class. And while the new Eternal grade PvP armor sets and weapons (Asmodians can acquire the Archon Brigade General’s and Elyos the Guardian Brigade General’s set) cost a significant amount of Abyss points and Platinum Medals, players will immediately find they were well worth the investment.
• Mentor System: Help out fellow players who are at least 10 levels lower than you through a mutually beneficial arrangement, leading to rewards for everyone involved.
• Improved Character Customisation: Select from new face and body presets available, then change facial expression and shapes during character creation. New character animations and upgraded emotes have been added for an extra touch of style.
• Pet System Improvements: Adopt new pets through quests and new instances. Interact with pets through new emotes making them happier. Happy pets give gifts! Pets also have special functionality of their own which allow them to hold food, drinks and magic items to use automatically on its masters. Furthermore, pets can now loot automatically — no more looting drudgery!
• Legion Expansions: Maximum Legion levels and ranks have increased from 3 to 5, with each level affording increases to maximum member caps and an expansion in the space in a Legion's warehouse. New legion cloaks sport a re-tailored, bold new shape with new customisation options.

Aion 2.5 Highlight Video