First Ward

Looks cool but I can't help but feel that it is another cityscape. Jungle, desert, frozen tundra, space, under water are just a few types of zones that this game lacks and really could use...

To be fair, we only have limited images of the whole zone. I'm picturing an Arcane-ified Steel Canyon, surrounded by 'Eden' with random Devouring Earth structures throughout the central city area. But who knows?

While I whole-heartedly agree that outlier zones based in extreme environments would be awesome, the game is called "CITY of Heroes" so naturally the majority of zones will be city-like.

While it's "just" another cityscape, from the few pics it seems like it may have a more natural vibe to it. Bare minimum I expect water to be located differently.

There are a few more shots here:

http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showthread.php?t=263674

It looks like a less overgrown Hive to me at first glance. Could be interesting.

For what its worth, when there was talk about a new zone in I21 I did state is was going to be another cityscape. Right now, I'm about 70% right based on the screenshots.

Next bit of speculation - they devs said the First Ward is the next stage of the Praetorian storyline - does this mean it's only available for Praetorian avatars, does it use the Resistance/loyalists contact set up, and is it a 20+ zone? Or is this the part of the story where the forces of Primal Earth start to get invovled in Praetoria in a more permanent way?

The thing is, the GR storyline is kinda firm about having to exit at 20 - plus, as First Ward is a co-op zone, it's quite possible it'll be 35-50, like the previous co-op zones have been.
It might be easier for them to set it up as a return/entry zone for everyone.

I'm asusming Diabolique lives in that central tower, as she's one of the few magical origin Praetorian AVs.

Is Tunnel Rat doing the spezial effects on Time Manipulation?