How does this grab you: control multiple characters at once in a 17th century styled fantasy MMO? If that sounds interesting, then this game could be just your thing but there are some definite barriers between you and fun in this popular Korean title. Is this a worthy title to prove that cultural differences don't exist in gaming or is there one barrier that can never be crossed? Only one way to find out!
I like the write up by Jarno Kokko, but in my opinion it seems a little bias towards any imports from Korea. Yes, I do agree that the Korean concept of playing online MMO's are little towards grinding rather then the playing a game. The fun factor takes a back sit, and the endless grind factor is set in, well that is their mind set.
The problem is that when they port the games over they never realize that player outside Korea, don't have the stomach or the bloody time in their hands to grind forever. I would really blame the publisher for their short sightedness and not the developer.
The one thing which drew me into playing this game from close beta to retail is that you can actually play the game like a console game. MCC or multi character control, is fun and its really great if you are a solo player. For completing special quest you need to form alliance with other players and form squads. The nature of the game makes it a little difficult to find other players to participate in your quest. The problem is that most of the players are rather playing AFK or simply not interested in your request. Thats very sad, apart from that its just another mindless MMORPG. [rofl]
Well, the apparent bias is probably because as far as I can recall, *every* korean MMO imported so far has failed to fly in the west, mostly because the gameplay has not been altered (and in most cases it really can't be altered without fundamentally breaking the game). I tried to keep an open mind and when it became apparent it's Yet Another Korean Grind, I tried explaining why the game is what it is - so those who like such a game know what's on offer here - even as I didn't like it myself.
I did mention that K2 Network actually *tried* to add changes here (extra outfits, some changes to the cash store), but sadly it's not enough as the underlying combat mechanics and grinding is untouched.
MCC is a good idea, no doubt. I've myself dual boxed in the past (DAOC, Eve Online) and running 2-3 characters is good fun in some games. It's just that in this case the AI is "too good" and lets you play without actually playing :)
this game might look like a grind grind, but the truth is that the grind grind stops until you hit lvl 100 (1 or 2 months of regular playing), plus, you can do it AFKING, doing it over nights, cuz of the special system that allows the player to leave their characters in auto attack mode (with a scout that will also auto heal you), after you're lvl 100 the game is more focused in the items you have and not much by your level, when a person there is lvl 100 gets a promotion to Veteran (wich is also the "Newbies level" in there), so, it really starts until you reach lvl 100, there's also the option to countinue grinding to hit lvl 110 (Expert, wich is harder than going from lvl 1-100) and then there's the option to hit 120, to hit the promotion Master. wich is not needed at Sotnw at moment, since that promotion got released in the korean version not long time ago.
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