Picked up my copy over lunch, went home and uninstalled the beta, and reinstalled the new version from the CD's. Don't know if you have to do that, but I thought it would be best. The game comes on two CD's and didn't take long to install. With the art, levels, models, etc. installed on your hard drive, there should be fewer things to stream from the servers, and make for a smoother, faster game to play.
After I logged in I noticed that all my characters from the Beta were still there, but wiped back to level 1, no skills, only the starting items, and back in Pre-Searing Ascalon. I clicked on the account management section and added my new, retail access code. I also noted that it said that I was authorized for early entry, which basically means I can play today before the non-beta purchaser jump in tomorrow. It also listed the free item you get for pre-ordering. Mine was a "War Pick" which I didn't even glance at. Once the code was entered, it listed me as having the retail version, and everything was good to go.
I jumped into the game with my primary character, and started back at the beginning. I ran out to do my first quests, and entered Lake Side County. It may have been my imagination, but it really did seem like the level loaded up a lot quicker. I completed the first couple of quests and logged off. Had to get back to work.
Guess I'll give it more of a run through tonight before my main group gets together on Friday Night.
So far, no major changes that I could see.
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