*Brief update: My key finally came in from Direct2Drive. And by came in, it means I had to go to the site and try to download again, luckily getting the correct page this time. Next time, can you just send me an email and say, “Here is your key?” Thanks! Now I just have to deal with NCSoft’s website being down. Oh fun, fun MMO launches!

As typical with most launches of games, Aion has not been able to avoid their fair share of criticism and mixed emotions early on. Granted, the game is not “officially” set to come out until Tuesday of this week; however, the game offered early play from specific pre-orders.

This early play has led to a lot of confusion and disappointed gamers due to high server queues with Aion only launching 12 initial servers. Along with long queues for getting onto the servers, players have had to deal with lack of keys for their pre-orders, as well as NCSoft servers and the web site being down. I, myself, was never able to even receive my key for upgrading my account from Direct2Drive, effectively allowing me to be unable to get my headstart.

This isn’t a huge deal and I wasn’t even certain I’d pick up the game, but please read the below email I received from Direct2Drive convincing me to buy the game online instead of visiting a brick and mortar store for a hard copy of the Collector’s Edition (we’ve discussed the advantages and disadvantages previously on this site). You be the judge if I should call Direct2Drive on their tomfoolery and shenanigans, please read below:

“The official launch of Aion isn’t until Tuesday, but you can download it and play EARLY at D2D now! Get Aion or the Aion Collector’s Edition today!  … No lines. No sell-outs. No shipping. So what are you waiting for?”

I’ll tell you what I’m waiting on, my freaking game Key from you, Direct2Drive, because otherwise I can’t update my account and even get in the game, let alone start downloading the slot-fragging 9+ Gig game download… This is the below note when trying to download from Direct2Drive that I have received for the past 18+ hours.

“We are currently restocking keys for Aion CE, and they will be available shortly. Please check back later. Thanks,”

Well, that just about makes up for the fact that their customer service department doesn’t answer emails… I’ll update this post once I get my key and are able to begin downloading, but until then, everyone on the planet may have the “headstart” on me.

Have any of you had any problems with Aion yet? How are the queues today? Keep us updated, as we aren’t able to check them ourselves.

Related posts:

1. NCSoft announces North American Aion launch servers
2. Aion lights it up
3. The Official MMOMFG Aion Preview
4. Aion is heating up
5. Left 4 Dead 2 demo pre-loading available now