Community Announcements - CM Lumos
With the start of our Open Beta, we are excited to introduce new DLC crates to kick off your First Assault experience right!

Section 9 Starter Crate
Kick off your experience with the Section 9 Starter Crate! This crate will give you a head start with some in-game currency (GP), the 44 Magnum, and chipsets to customize your Operative. A 15-day Section 9 Pass is also included to provide a 100% GP Boost so you can get into the field and quickly expand your arsenal.

Price: $9.99
Content: 200,000 GP
Section 9 Pass (15 Days)
44 Magnum
200 min Rapid Reload x3
200 min Agile Step x3
200 min Agile Strafe x3
200 min Rapid Recharge x3
200 min Quick Skill (Tier 2) x3

Signature Skins Crate
As lifelong fans of the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex franchise, we are incredibly excited to introduce the Signature Skins Crate. This crate contains three brand new operative skins inspired by the series for Motoko, Batou, and Ishikawa.



Price: $19.99
Content: Motoko: 2nd GIG Signature Skin
Batou: Signature Skin
Ishikawa: Signature Skin

Megatech Crate
Start your experience off strong with the Megatech Crate! This crate introduces Togusa’s Signature Skin inspired by the series (which is exclusive to this DLC) alongside his trusty Mateba. Dive into the game with the Seburo MG and start eliminating cyber terrorists. Use the 30-day Section 9 Pass and GP to expand your weapons arsenal and augment your operative with chipsets!



Regular Price: $49.99
Open Beta Sale: $34.99
Content: Togusa: Signature Skin
Operative License x1
Mateba
Seburo MG
Section 9 Pass (30 Days)
500,000 GP

Vast and Infinite Crate
Lead the charge against cyber terrorism with the Vast and Infinite Crate. This crate contains over $130 worth of in-game items, including the new Motoko: Signature Skin that’s exclusive to this DLC! Engage the enemy with the new Seburo weapons and the KSG G1, and build out your operative loadouts using the 30-day Section 9 Pass and GP to your advantage.



Regular Price: $89.99
Open Beta Sale: $59.99
Content: Motoko: Signature Skin
Operative License x5
Seburo SR
Seburo C26-A
Seburo C-30
KSG G1
Section 9 Pass (30 Days)
100% XP Booster x30
500,000 GP

PURCHASE ALL DLC CRATES HERE: http://store.steampowered.com/app/369200/
Jul 28, 2016
Community Announcements - CM Lumos
Operatives, the time has finally come – Open Beta for First Assault is now LIVE!

With our Open Beta, we have introduced our largest content update yet – including an original operative created for the game, an innovative stealth mode with hacking elements, new maps, weapons, systems and optimizations based on player feedback from Early Access, and more!

PATCH NOTES: http://firstassault.nexon.net/en/news/15360/sa-up-close-and-personal-hand-of-destiny

Remember to partake in our exciting Open Beta in-game events to earn in-game currency! We’ve also discounted all NX items so head to the Market today.

EVENTS: http://firstassault.nexon.net/en/news/15353/open-beta-events

Lastly, we’ve added FOUR new DLC crates to the game to kick off your First Assault experience the right way.

DLC CRATES: http://firstassault.nexon.net/en/news/15352/new-open-beta-dlc-crates

Download First Assault on Steam or the Nexon Global Platform and dive in now!
Product Release - Valve
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - First Assault Online is Now Available in Open Beta on Steam!

Join Section 9 in a first person shooter experience. Become a member of an elite force of cybernetically enhanced combat operatives dedicated to the defense of society, and use your advanced firepower, Tachikoma Tanks and unique cyber skills to bring down cyber terrorists in a connected world.

Community Announcements - CM Lumos
We will be performing an unscheduled maintenance on July 28, 2016 at 2:00 AM Pacific (5:00 AM Eastern, 11:00 AM CEST). We anticipate the maintenance to last approximately 3 hours, concluding around 5:00 AM Pacific (8:00 AM Eastern, 2:00 PM CEST). This is to address crash and latency issues.

Please note that the estimated length of time for each maintenance is subject to change without notification.

TIME:
Thursday, July 28, 2016

Pacific: 2:00 AM – 5:00 AM
Eastern: 5:00 AM – 8:00 AM
CEST: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Thank you for your patience during the update.

-The First Assault Team
Community Announcements - CM Lumos
Greetings, Operatives! Join us this Thursday as we kick off our Open Beta with a special Q&A livestream with your very own dev team, Team Waffle! Be sure to leave your questions in this thread, we'll pick out some of the most frequently asked questions and take questions live from the chat.

WHO
Community Manager – Lumos
Team Waffle

WHAT
Be sure to tune in with us as we kick off our Open Beta! Team Waffle will be joining us on stream to answer some of your burning questions.

We will be giving away some amazing prizes, so don’t miss out!
- 1x Motoko: 2nd GIG Signature Skin
- 1x Togusa Signature Skin
- 1x Ishikawa Signature Skin
- 1x Team Waffle developer hoodie (Medium or Large sizes available)

WHEN
Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 2PM PDT/ 5PM EDT/ 11PM CEST

WHERE
http://www.twitch.tv/firstassault
Be sure to follow our Twitch channel to be notified of when we go live!
Community Announcements - CM Lumos
Greetings, Operatives. Welcome to the sixth episode of content updates from the First Assault team! We are incredibly excited to kick off Open Beta with this new update, which welcomes a new member to Section 9 – Kuro! We’re also introducing a new game mode unlike anything in the game thus far called Ghost Assault.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’re also adding two new maps, introducing four highly anticipated SEBURO weapons, a new melee weapon, Signature character skins, new systems, and so much more!

Before you dive into these patch notes, we want to thank our operatives for all of your support throughout Early Access. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we are grateful to continue this journey with you through Open Beta!

GAME MODE
Ghost Assault Mode (ALPHA VERSION)



Section 9 is being put to the test with Ghost Assault mode. Pulled into one of two locations (Headquarters and Geofront), the team must survive a timed assault against Cyborg enemies whose only function is to terminate the Section 9 operatives.

Stay in Camo mode and out of the Cyborg’s sights until the timer runs out. Luckily for you, the Chief feels generous today and will be dropping in ONE weapon crate to help your odds against the Cyborgs. Beat the clock and survive to win!
*Ghost Assault mode is unlocked at level 7.

CHARACTERS
Kuro – New Operative



Hailing from the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, Kuro quickly racked up commendations for his combat skills. His career was nearly cut short by catastrophic injury, but he elected to undergo full-body prosthesis in order to remain combat-ready. A specialist in electronic warfare to rival even Ishikawa, Kuro can shut his enemies down with focused EMP devices. It was for this talent that Chief Aramaki, also a JSDF veteran, brought him into Public Security Section 9.

Kuro’s cyberskill is the EMP Shockwave, which places an EMP Generator that disables skills and electronics of nearby enemies.
- Tier 2 of this skill will increase the duration of the effect and the health of the generator.
- EMP Generators can be destroyed by enemies.

MAPS
Headquarters (ALPHA VERSION) – Ghost Assault
With a new game mode comes a new map, Headquarters! This map, much like Ghost Assault, is in its Alpha stages, so be sure to test it out and leave us your feedback on the forums!

Underground Base – Terminal Conquest
Thanks to your help and feedback from the prototype testing phase, we are happy to introduce Underground Base in its final form. This is the first map from prototype testing to be officially released, and we hope that you enjoy the map in all of its glory.





WEAPONS
We are now introducing the iconic Seburo weapons from the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex universe. These specialized weapons are used by members of Section 9 to go beyond normal combat capabilities. In this patch, we are adding the four variants below in addition to the new melee weapon.

SEBURO C-26A – A personal defense bullpup weapon chambered for a 5.45x45mm rounds. The standard for Section 9 combat ops.



SEBURO C-30 – A sturdy bullpup rifle with an extended barrel, reserved for Section 9’s heavy assaults.



SEBURO SR – A lighter, personal version of Seburo’s anti-tank rifle. Designed with cyberized targets in mind.



SEBURO MG – This bullpup machine gun is rarely seen in Section 9 operations, being more suited for front line work.



DOUBLE KATAR – Requiring extensive training to master, this weapon is brutally effective in large melees.



WEAPON ADJUSTMENT
An overall weapon adjustment was made, giving the weapons an even better feel for the novice and experienced operative.
- Weapon stat values have been updated
- Increased maneuverability and control of shooting
- Recoil response is now faster (30% faster)
- Response firing is faster
- Added 3 "cyberbrain connector" attachments to the AIM ASSIST section, which syncs to the user’s cyberbrain to estimate range to target and land precise shots at set ranges
Cyberbrain Connector: Displays a weapon's valid range upon aiming / Applies additional damage at certain distances
- The following weapons’ stability have been changed:
USS 12: 26 → 31
KSG-G1: 22 → 27
KRIS-SV: 64 → 62
MP5K-S3: 62 → 61
SC-AR 45: 44 → 45
ACR1-G2: 50 → 49
S25-R: 49 → 48
SA50: 18 → 21

CHARACTER SKINS
Introducing the first set of Signature Skins! These new skins were inspired by the original series with a First Assault twist, to show off some of the more classic looks of Motoko, Batou, Ishikawa, and Togusa. Some of these are available in the market for NX while others are only available in DLCs.











SYSTEMS
Permanent Chipsets
You asked and we listened – identical chipsets (physical and cyberbrain) are now stackable, and we’re introducing permanent chipsets! Permanent chipsets can be purchased in the Market with GP and have positive and negative attributes. IMPORTANT: This also means that existing timed chipsets in your inventory will be converted to this new iteration of chipsets. Permanent and timed chipsets can also be sold back to the market for GP. Please view our blog for an in depth explanation of chipset changes: http://playfirstassault.tumblr.com/post/147853920676/

Daily Missions
Players are now given three daily missions. Each daily mission has three tiers of completion, and each tier of completion will reward the player with additional GP. Daily missions reset on a daily basis regardless of how many or few you have completed.

Event Missions
All ongoing in-game events can now easily be tracked with our new event mission system! All events will now be rewarded automatically once completed.

Achievements
We have added a new achievement system, which can be accessed through your profile screen. This includes an initial 34 achievements, which can unlock name cards and emblems. You can now use name cards and emblems to customize your username placard located at the bottom right of your screen. Head over to the MY INFO / ACHIEVEMENTS section of your profile to check them out!

Tachikoma (ALPHA VERSION)
In Terminal Conquest, players can now summon their own Tachikoma! Rather than a Tachikoma automatically summoning when a terminal is captured, players will collect Tachikoma points by completing various objectives. Once a player collects 100 Tachikoma points, players will be able to summon their Tachikoma. Tachikomas can also be customized in the Tachikoma menu. The various different parts can be changed to fit your personal wants and needs. Please note that this Tachikoma customization system is in Alpha and has been made free for testing purposes.

Spawn Invulnerability
Now lasts a total of 6 seconds, however, only the first 3 seconds are guaranteed. If a weapon or ability is used during the last 3 seconds, Spawn Invulnerability will be immediately dropped.

Voice Chat
Back end system has been implemented and is currently being tested. We will look to enable voice chat shortly after Open Beta.

BUG FIXES
- Changed the Maven, Ishikawa skin manufacturer from AT to CSA
- Multi-language string fixes
- Fixed the silent sprinting bug

UI UPDATES
- Steam users can now access DLC from inside the game
There is a new DLC tab in the market that shows the DLC available for purchase, and should you choose to buy one, you will be taken to the Steam DLC page in the Steam overlay.
- Revamped various UI icon design & graphic effects
- Level rewards can now be accessed from your profile name card at the bottom right corner of your screen

MISCELLANEOUS
- Section 9 Pass - These long term +100% GP boosters can be purchased for 15 or 30 days with NX
- Join Friend – You can now join a friend in a game room by clicking the Join Friend button
- Changed dive options to Quick Dive and Ghost Assault
After experimenting with multiple dive search strategies, analyzing data, and considering our goals for the future of competitive play, we have concluded a single Quick Dive mode to search for multiplayer matches is the best option for creating the highest quality matchmaking. We will be constantly monitoring the matchmaking process and iteratively improving on the system to create enjoyable experiences for everyone.
- Removed “walk” section from the movement tutorial
- Adjusted in-game default FOV value to 90
- Released the game on Steam to be available in Latin America

REVAMPED LOGIN AND LEVEL UP REWARDS
We have revamped login and level up rewards. There is now a leveling tier and the rewards have been adjusted to accompany that. The leveling curve has decreased and players will be able to level up much faster. Due to this, as well as the new level up rewards, we have reduced the 50,000 GP you receive per level to 20,000 GP. The login rewards have also been changed to offer a chance at higher tiered rewards. Please view our blog for an in depth explanation of these changes: http://playfirstassault.tumblr.com/post/148058661996/
Community Announcements - CM Lumos
DOUBLE KATAR LOG IN EVENT
Earn the new melee weapon, Double Katar! Simply log in on the day of Open Beta to receive this weapon for free!

EVENT DATES
STARTS: July 28th 10AM PDT/ 1PM EDT/ 7PM CEST
ENDS: July 29th 10AM PDT/ 1PM EDT/ 7PM CEST
*This event will be rewarded the following week during maintenance.

MISSION: GHOST ASSAULT
Play 3 Dive Matches of the new game mode, Ghost Assault, and earn GP! Reward can be achieved daily.

Mission: Ghost Assault: Seek and Destroy
Objective: Play Ghost Assault
Count: 3 Dive Matches
Reward: 2,000 GP
Type: Daily

EVENT DATES
STARTS: July 27th 10AM PDT/ 1PM EDT/ 7PM CEST
ENDS: August 10th 10AM PDT/ 1PM EDT/ 7PM CEST
*Player must join a Dive Match from the lobby and complete the match until the end to count.
*Play count is based on a full Dive Match.
*Play count resets at 10AM PDT/ 1PM EDT/ 7PM CEST daily.
*Max reward that can be given for the event is 28,000 GP.

RECRUIT OPERATIVE TRAINING
Calling all operatives! Your next mission has arrived. Complete your recruit training below and earn GP!

Objective: Skill Sync of Love
Count: 150
Description: Skill sync share with other operatives
Reward: 5,000 GP

Objective: Brain Hunter
Count: 100
Description: Instantly kill enemies with a headshot
Reward: 5,000 GP

Objective: Two Birds With One Stone
Count: 25
Description: Eliminate an enemy with a grenade
Reward: 5,000 GP

ObjectiveGoddess of Victory
Count: 20
Description: Win a Match
Reward: 5,000 GP

Objective
Demolitionist
Count: 3
Description: Plant and defuse a bomb in a Demolition match
Reward: 5,000 GP

Objective: Mission Complete
Complete the above missions for the max reward: 25,000 GP

EVENT DATES
STARTS: July 27th 10AM PDT/ 1PM EDT/ 7PM CEST
ENDS: August 17th 10AM PST/ 1PM EST/ 7PM CEST
*Max reward that can be given for the event is 25,000 GP.

NX ITEM SALE
Enjoy 20% off all NX items during the event!

EVENT DATES
STARTS: July 27th 10AM PDT/ 1PM EDT/ 7PM CEST
ENDS: August 3rd 10AM PDT/ 1PM EDT/ 7PM CEST

50% BONUS
Earn 50% bonus GP and XP at the end of every match during the event!

EVENT DATES
STARTS: July 27th 10AM PDT/ 1PM EDT/ 7PM CEST
ENDS: August 3rd 10AM PDT/ 1PM EDT/ 7PM CEST
PC Gamer

Nexon's Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex First Assault Online, which for the sake of my fingers and sanity I will henceforth refer to as simply First Assault, is about to enter open beta. Beginning July 28, all players will be able to access the game at no charge as it heads into the final stretch before full launch.

First Assault a multiplayer FPS that sets players up as operatives of Section 9, an elite force of cybernetically enhanced combat operatives tasked with protecting society and fighting terrorists on the bleak streets of a futuristic Japan. It currently offers eight unique classes, three modes of play, and several different maps, but the move into open beta will also include an update adding a new operative, new systems and optimizations, and an an innovative mode inspired by the classic The Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex series that brings a new hacking element into the game.

The game is free-to-play, but players have the option of purchasing different tiers of crates, which come with various sorts of character and weapon skins, unlocks, and other handy bits of stuff. First Assault is available from Steam, or through the Nexon Global Platform. More info is up at firstassault.nexon.net.

Community Announcements - CM Lumos
We will be performing a scheduled maintenance on July 27, 2016 at 5:00 AM Pacific (8:00 AM Eastern, 2:00 PM CEST). We anticipate the maintenance to last approximately 5 hours, concluding around 10:00 AM Pacific (1:00 PM Eastern, 7:00 PM CEST).

Please note that the estimated length of time for each maintenance is subject to change without notification.

TIME:
Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Pacific: 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Eastern: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
CEST: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Thank you for your patience during the update.

-The First Assault Team
Rock, Paper, Shotgun - contact@rockpapershotgun.com (Steven Messner)

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex – First Assault Online [official site] is a long name. Too long, in fact, so I’m going to call it by the more palatable acronym GITS-SAC-FAO for the rest of this article. Anyway, GITS-SAC-FAO has left paid Early Access and is in free-to-play open beta ahead of a full free-to-play launch this week.

… [visit site to read more]

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