I definatly consider myself an Aion fan... and you know your a fan when you find that an 3 hours have gone by while the only thing you've managed to do is find a single new review about the game, and only one cause you read all the other ones already(likewise with screenshots videos etc.). (Yes I'm on aionsource hit me up if you need something).
I will however say in all honesty, not only are you guys(majority) being unhelpful, but you are being asses about it.(pardon the grammer). Ok, so ther's a skeptist... nothing wrong with that, every game forum has them. The original post may not have been real "discussion" material, but with his second post, Oben did ask what there was Aion had to offer. The trruth is we can't honestly say until it's released. However we can make some statements based off of what we have seen heard and discussed.
Lore- It is indeed at first glance a 2-sided conflict-Elyos(angelic) and Asmodians(demonic)-a rather boring concept if you ask me. However, if we look further, we see that nothing is so cut and dried. That the world was created by the god Aion and the Tower of eternity to hold it together(or as far as I can tell). AIon created two races, the Balaur and the Deava. -THis is where I start to get fuzzy on the details as I've heard some different versians- suffice to say the Balaur ended up being evil and in a titanic struggle, shattered the tower of eternity. Now I could be wrong, but the asmodians and elyos may have been at one point a singular race. THe only reason for the difference in appearences now is the need to adapt to their individual surroundings(the elyos, a light filled zone and vice versa with the Asmodians) recently with the discovery of the abyss(the center between the two halves of the world containing chunks of the shattered tower), the asmodians and elyos have rediscovered each other and each side now blames the other for the breaking of the Tower of Eternity. The balaur an ever looming threat is also present making it a three way struggle. You yourself are one of the deavas(asmodians and elyos) . You follow your own linear storyline which is your own characters development from the moment you get wings, through the introduction of the abyss. This includes cutscenes and instanced areas.
The combo based combat system is by no means new-it is revamped and smoothed along with fluid combat animations. However, combine it with flying combat and you have something totally new(in addition to the concept of flying combat). This is on top of the "CryEngine(1)" graphics and wonderful score.
The character creation system is definatly top notch. If you've played Perfect world, you'd recognize the POTENTIAL for such a system(it was good but the ingame was lacking), and Aion truly brings it out. In addition to the superior graphics, Aion also has a much easier to use system (or as far as I can tell). The system is complex enough to let you create pretty much any human form(within reason-this includes the body) from an Anime schoolgirl to a wrestler from WWE.
Stigma system allows for a much improved class customization. To take a WoW example- You couldn't have an "Arms warrior" with "Pyroblast" or "Death Coil" but the stigma system will allow for the transference of certain abilities-like a basic heal, or the ability to wear better armour-the downside being you have only 5 stigma slots so you would need to pick your stigmas carefully IE A spellcaster wearing plate.... however, in order to do so they would need to also get a stigma for leather and mail before getting plate taking up three stigma slots which could be used for something else.
Dynamic world and PvP- the World can change depending on what players do- for example. A faction might kill X numbers of a certain animal... proceedingly, this animal may go "extinct" which would change quest content and shift around certain availiable items, but in it's place a different mob appears(this is only an example-it may or may not work like this-this is just from my understanding) This "extinction would be server based so server A might have a roaming boar while server B might have a poisonous raptor in it's place.
------Dynamic PvP being that all PvP is open world( I think at least... unless fortresses are instanced-which I read something that said they are not) so your guild "Saviour" might be attacking an NPC controlled fortress, but a guild from an opposing faction "Deathdealers" might wait till your players are weak, then come in from behind, kill your guild off and take the fortress. THis is in addition to the constant threat from the balaur-an NPC controlled faction-who may interfere-and do so in unpredictable ways IE kill your guild, kill their guild, kill both at the same time.... who knows
There are of course other features such as an armour customization system(dyes, stat transfers etc.) and the professions, but I think I covered some key points.
I would also like to say that NCsoft is beta testing the hell out of Aion.. I might not like waiting but itwill mean a more complete game when it comes out and from what I read, It could be released today and be called "finished" as far as mechanics goes, but the mre bugs they get out now the less to worry about later.
To respond to your original post. NCsoft is taking examples from the most popular MMO's of today, using what makes them popular and throwing them together in addition to improving-
-wings very attractive as ideas but AIon uses a strategic based flying system with a timer that can be increased based on gear or location- IE low armour gear with no defense but allowing for an additional minute in flight-great for damaging spellcasters or Rangers
-A leveling system catering to all sides- leveling in the Abyss where PvP is very prevalent, Quests all the way up to lvl 50(max) and of course, you can grind
-A pvp system including MANY different forms incorporated into world pvp.... Individual-being abyss points accrued by the individual which may allow for the purchae of more powerful weapons and gear, Guild standing which will allow for the purchase of guild equipment(IE a guild shield to help stand out or a catapult to make fighting fortresses easier) and faction vs faction-which is pretty self explanatory, elyos kill asmodian asmodian kill elyos and Balaur slaughter both.
-a Complex character builder(explained previously)
-Class modifiability-but not to an extreme(explained earlier)
-Professions(self explanatory)
-Engrossing music
-Familiar control system(WASD or click to move-both are useable)
-Average system requrements-To run on max, you might want something decent but if you don't have $1000 to upgrade your computer you can still get by with last generation (or earlier) equipment.
On a last note, I understand that there will be a full divison dedicated to taking care of gold farmers, botters and advertisers (susanexpress ) . I have also read that in addtion to basic translating, emphasis will be placed on cultural references. For example-there might be a korean story about "more than meets the eye" which may involve a turtle... when it is translated to english, it may instead have a reference to the story of the "frog prince".
To the developers who read this... if anything I said was blatantly innacurate please let me know...
It's almost 2010, and I am just not wiling to tolerate clunky graphics while being told that "gameplay is more important than graphics". That excuse won't wash with me any more. I expect my games to have both good graphics and good gameplay. -Quote Isoke(VN boards)
and graphics are l2 graphics... u know it... i know it... we all know it... thats a fact...about gameplay i hope its not as l2 because i hate it...
Lineage 2 uses the War/Seige engine from Epic 2 , aka Half Life .. Lineage 2's graphic was best graphics on the market for years , maybe still are in some eyes. Most games which launched Eq2 and DAOC to name two , thier graphics got tired after about 2 years , maybe less.
L2 still has high end graphics , maybe second only to FFXI , and it defined the 2nd Generation era with knock offs , clones and every korean wanting to be them.
Aion is doing about the same , though its eye of the beholder , Conan has great graphics if you got high end machine , and like blood. Nothing much else is launching with crisp graphics , and the L2 style.
You should read the wiki they have , it covers the new elements and classes well enough.
To bad L2 uses the Unreal Engine version 2.5 (heavy modified by NC themselfs btw) donno where u got that HL crap from..
HL1 uses the (GoldSrc) engine
After that it was called the Source engine (Hl2)
Another dweeb that open his mouth and only crap comes out..
Think the only MMO that uses the HL source engine is Mabinogi II and thats not even out yet.
Ubisoft and NCsoft are deffinetly friends, afaik ubisoft will also take care of the distribution in France for Aion. Hope that translates into the best usage of cryengine.
Honestly, read up on a game before you form an opinion of it. All the bashing is based on assumptions, which is why you're getting bashed in return. If you want people to take you seriously you need to make an informative post. Here's a quick run-down of Aion's factors for you:
1. Not Angels, Not Devils. One side resides in darkness (the northern half) because the world is shaped like a hollowed out apple, thus the light from the sun does not reach that portion of the world. The side that looks 'demonic' is all based on your views on what constitutes a demon; in the natural world, creatures adapt to their surroundings. Meaning, a rocky, craggy, ugly world would have creatures with claws to help them climb, large ears to hear, etc. This isn't based on christian mythology, it's actually trying to incorporate some realism. Just look at how "ugly" all those fish are that reside so deep under the sea, where there is no light.
2. To expand on the above point, neither side is good or bad. This has been stated countless times.
3. Wings are very limited. Yes, you get them at level 10, like everyone else, however there are still some downs to your point. If you had taken the time to do research, you would know that you don't get only one set of wings. Wings are like equipment, and you will gain more as you play the game, some of the stronger and more rare ones will have different skins and additional bonuses that come with using them. Furthermore, the amount of time you can use the wings is dependent on both the inherent flight time and the area you are in; every portion of the world comes with an Ether-like system, basically magical energy which enables flight, meaning you will be able to fly longer in some places than others. The Abyss, for example, has an extremely long flight timer...might even be infinite, I don't remember exactly. This is to allow for longer battles in mid-air, since the Abyss is the PvP Zone.
4. Lineage 2 is a beautiful game, but it's not the only game with nice graphics and frankly I'm getting as annoyed with people comparing every pretty game to L2 as I am when people compare every enjoyable game to WoW. Compare screenshots of both games, they look NOTHING alike. Lineage 2's armor style, for one, is very dark and brooding, and metallic; Aion's is more flamboyant and also doesn't go out of its way to make chicks more naked as they level up. Furthermore, the amount of texture in armors for Aion, especially in cloth, leather and fur armors, completely out-does any other game I have seen so far (though I will admit that SUN looks like an extremely pretty game and could give Aion's engine a run for its money).
5. Battle is more than just a combo system. Each of your skills interconnect to form more than just combos, they have actual effects. If you look at some gameplay videos, you will see mages using a mix of melee and magic spells in quick succession, followed by the teleport skill to get to a safe distance. Archers can be seen doing the same. There is more than just attacking involved; the system incorporates both melee and magic, dodging, blocking, running, and even flying. Aion is doing everything it can do to make sure people aren't just tab F1ing all day. That deserves props.
6. This is NOT a korean grinder. I don't believe the OP said this, but others have. Aion's leveling system is best comparable to City of Heroes, another of PlayNC's games with the lvl 50 limit cap. No one grinds in City of Heroes, EVER. No one will grind in Aion either, EVER. It has already been officially stated that, while grinding is possible, it is a very slow process and generally unnecessary. The game is being created around an in-depth quest system that will allow character progression as you play. The levels will just kind of happen, just follow the story, save a damsel or two, collect some spider legs for the nice man's potion, and you'll level. So no, no grinding.
7. Quests are being created that break from the mold. One very, very good example are the Polymorphic potions. One of the examples given by an independent reviewer of the game is when he undertook a quest and was polymorphed into a parrot, where he had to spy on some pirate or something and get information, but the pirate's actual pet showed up and ratted him out, and he had to escape. I'm sure there will be some "go kill 20 of [blah] and come back" quests, but that won't be the beginning and end of your questing.
8. Stop comparing the character creation system to Perfect World. City of Heroes has an EXTREMELY in-depth creation system and it was up and running long before Perfect World was, including yes...wings. Wings have long been in staple in plenty of MMORPGs, Perfect World did not corner the market. Think outside your boxes, please. Oh and furthermore, the flight-and-fight system in PW blows. If you're flying and attack a land-bound monster, your damage gets negated. And unless you're a Wing Elf, you don't even get to fly till lvl 40, almost half way through your character's levels. So yeah...no.
There's plenty more, but I've written enough. I encourage everything to think and research before they speak. Otherwise, no one is going to take you seriously.
"Forums aren't for intelligent discussion; they're for blow-hards with unwavering opinions."
Ubisoft and NCsoft are deffinetly friends, afaik ubisoft will also take care of the distribution in France for Aion. Hope that translates into the best usage of cryengine.
a man who knows what he is talking about i like it :P Aion is nice gaeanprayer but what i am waiting for is another game again from the L2 team. Called "Blade and Soul" but until 2010 Aion will be OK :P
Actually I saw the video for that and am also very excited about it. The artist behind the concept look of the came is Hyung-Tae Kim, an artist I've practically idolized for many years now, ever since I saw his designs for the Magna Carta games. That alone makes me interested in the game, plus the gameplay video looks interesting. Kind of a mix of martial arts MMO and Fighter. I wish it the best, and I'll probably be there to give it a try when it finally does arrive.
"Forums aren't for intelligent discussion; they're for blow-hards with unwavering opinions."
Comments
I definatly consider myself an Aion fan... and you know your a fan when you find that an 3 hours have gone by while the only thing you've managed to do is find a single new review about the game, and only one cause you read all the other ones already(likewise with screenshots videos etc.). (Yes I'm on aionsource hit me up if you need something).
I will however say in all honesty, not only are you guys(majority) being unhelpful, but you are being asses about it.(pardon the grammer). Ok, so ther's a skeptist... nothing wrong with that, every game forum has them. The original post may not have been real "discussion" material, but with his second post, Oben did ask what there was Aion had to offer. The trruth is we can't honestly say until it's released. However we can make some statements based off of what we have seen heard and discussed.
Lore- It is indeed at first glance a 2-sided conflict-Elyos(angelic) and Asmodians(demonic)-a rather boring concept if you ask me. However, if we look further, we see that nothing is so cut and dried. That the world was created by the god Aion and the Tower of eternity to hold it together(or as far as I can tell). AIon created two races, the Balaur and the Deava. -THis is where I start to get fuzzy on the details as I've heard some different versians- suffice to say the Balaur ended up being evil and in a titanic struggle, shattered the tower of eternity. Now I could be wrong, but the asmodians and elyos may have been at one point a singular race. THe only reason for the difference in appearences now is the need to adapt to their individual surroundings(the elyos, a light filled zone and vice versa with the Asmodians) recently with the discovery of the abyss(the center between the two halves of the world containing chunks of the shattered tower), the asmodians and elyos have rediscovered each other and each side now blames the other for the breaking of the Tower of Eternity. The balaur an ever looming threat is also present making it a three way struggle. You yourself are one of the deavas(asmodians and elyos) . You follow your own linear storyline which is your own characters development from the moment you get wings, through the introduction of the abyss. This includes cutscenes and instanced areas.
The combo based combat system is by no means new-it is revamped and smoothed along with fluid combat animations. However, combine it with flying combat and you have something totally new(in addition to the concept of flying combat). This is on top of the "CryEngine(1)" graphics and wonderful score.
The character creation system is definatly top notch. If you've played Perfect world, you'd recognize the POTENTIAL for such a system(it was good but the ingame was lacking), and Aion truly brings it out. In addition to the superior graphics, Aion also has a much easier to use system (or as far as I can tell). The system is complex enough to let you create pretty much any human form(within reason-this includes the body) from an Anime schoolgirl to a wrestler from WWE.
Stigma system allows for a much improved class customization. To take a WoW example- You couldn't have an "Arms warrior" with "Pyroblast" or "Death Coil" but the stigma system will allow for the transference of certain abilities-like a basic heal, or the ability to wear better armour-the downside being you have only 5 stigma slots so you would need to pick your stigmas carefully IE A spellcaster wearing plate.... however, in order to do so they would need to also get a stigma for leather and mail before getting plate taking up three stigma slots which could be used for something else.
Dynamic world and PvP- the World can change depending on what players do- for example. A faction might kill X numbers of a certain animal... proceedingly, this animal may go "extinct" which would change quest content and shift around certain availiable items, but in it's place a different mob appears(this is only an example-it may or may not work like this-this is just from my understanding) This "extinction would be server based so server A might have a roaming boar while server B might have a poisonous raptor in it's place.
------Dynamic PvP being that all PvP is open world( I think at least... unless fortresses are instanced-which I read something that said they are not) so your guild "Saviour" might be attacking an NPC controlled fortress, but a guild from an opposing faction "Deathdealers" might wait till your players are weak, then come in from behind, kill your guild off and take the fortress. THis is in addition to the constant threat from the balaur-an NPC controlled faction-who may interfere-and do so in unpredictable ways IE kill your guild, kill their guild, kill both at the same time.... who knows
There are of course other features such as an armour customization system(dyes, stat transfers etc.) and the professions, but I think I covered some key points.
I would also like to say that NCsoft is beta testing the hell out of Aion.. I might not like waiting but itwill mean a more complete game when it comes out and from what I read, It could be released today and be called "finished" as far as mechanics goes, but the mre bugs they get out now the less to worry about later.
To respond to your original post. NCsoft is taking examples from the most popular MMO's of today, using what makes them popular and throwing them together in addition to improving-
-wings very attractive as ideas but AIon uses a strategic based flying system with a timer that can be increased based on gear or location- IE low armour gear with no defense but allowing for an additional minute in flight-great for damaging spellcasters or Rangers
-A leveling system catering to all sides- leveling in the Abyss where PvP is very prevalent, Quests all the way up to lvl 50(max) and of course, you can grind
-A pvp system including MANY different forms incorporated into world pvp.... Individual-being abyss points accrued by the individual which may allow for the purchae of more powerful weapons and gear, Guild standing which will allow for the purchase of guild equipment(IE a guild shield to help stand out or a catapult to make fighting fortresses easier) and faction vs faction-which is pretty self explanatory, elyos kill asmodian asmodian kill elyos and Balaur slaughter both.
-a Complex character builder(explained previously)
-Class modifiability-but not to an extreme(explained earlier)
-Professions(self explanatory)
-Engrossing music
-Familiar control system(WASD or click to move-both are useable)
-Average system requrements-To run on max, you might want something decent but if you don't have $1000 to upgrade your computer you can still get by with last generation (or earlier) equipment.
On a last note, I understand that there will be a full divison dedicated to taking care of gold farmers, botters and advertisers (susanexpress
) . I have also read that in addtion to basic translating, emphasis will be placed on cultural references. For example-there might be a korean story about "more than meets the eye" which may involve a turtle... when it is translated to english, it may instead have a reference to the story of the "frog prince".
To the developers who read this... if anything I said was blatantly innacurate please let me know...
It's almost 2010, and I am just not wiling to tolerate clunky graphics while being told that "gameplay is more important than graphics". That excuse won't wash with me any more. I expect my games to have both good graphics and good gameplay.
-Quote Isoke(VN boards)
I'm a shallow fuk, just ask me wife. HA!
Graphics are everything to me when it comes to my video games.
I just built a new computer, the best one I cud affor.
E8400 / 4gig 800ram / 260 gtx. so bring on the grafix. conan looks awsome! plays like crap though.
Lineage 2 uses the War/Seige engine from Epic 2 , aka Half Life .. Lineage 2's graphic was best graphics on the market for years , maybe still are in some eyes. Most games which launched Eq2 and DAOC to name two , thier graphics got tired after about 2 years , maybe less.
L2 still has high end graphics , maybe second only to FFXI , and it defined the 2nd Generation era with knock offs , clones and every korean wanting to be them.
Aion is doing about the same , though its eye of the beholder , Conan has great graphics if you got high end machine , and like blood. Nothing much else is launching with crisp graphics , and the L2 style.
You should read the wiki they have , it covers the new elements and classes well enough.
To bad L2 uses the Unreal Engine version 2.5 (heavy modified by NC themselfs btw) donno where u got that HL crap from..
HL1 uses the (GoldSrc) engine
After that it was called the Source engine (Hl2)
Another dweeb that open his mouth and only crap comes out..
Think the only MMO that uses the HL source engine is Mabinogi II and thats not even out yet.
Here a list of games using the Unreal engine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Unreal_Engine_games
Ohh what we got here "# Lineage II — (2002~2007) NC Soft"
And yes Vanguard Saga Of hero's
And the upcomming "The Chronicles of Spellborn" is on the list to :P
BTW Aion uses the CryEngine from Farcry1 (witch is btw now owned by Ubisoft not by Crytec)
Ubisoft and NCsoft are deffinetly friends, afaik ubisoft will also take care of the distribution in France for Aion. Hope that translates into the best usage of cryengine.
Honestly, read up on a game before you form an opinion of it. All the bashing is based on assumptions, which is why you're getting bashed in return. If you want people to take you seriously you need to make an informative post. Here's a quick run-down of Aion's factors for you:
1. Not Angels, Not Devils. One side resides in darkness (the northern half) because the world is shaped like a hollowed out apple, thus the light from the sun does not reach that portion of the world. The side that looks 'demonic' is all based on your views on what constitutes a demon; in the natural world, creatures adapt to their surroundings. Meaning, a rocky, craggy, ugly world would have creatures with claws to help them climb, large ears to hear, etc. This isn't based on christian mythology, it's actually trying to incorporate some realism. Just look at how "ugly" all those fish are that reside so deep under the sea, where there is no light.
2. To expand on the above point, neither side is good or bad. This has been stated countless times.
3. Wings are very limited. Yes, you get them at level 10, like everyone else, however there are still some downs to your point. If you had taken the time to do research, you would know that you don't get only one set of wings. Wings are like equipment, and you will gain more as you play the game, some of the stronger and more rare ones will have different skins and additional bonuses that come with using them. Furthermore, the amount of time you can use the wings is dependent on both the inherent flight time and the area you are in; every portion of the world comes with an Ether-like system, basically magical energy which enables flight, meaning you will be able to fly longer in some places than others. The Abyss, for example, has an extremely long flight timer...might even be infinite, I don't remember exactly. This is to allow for longer battles in mid-air, since the Abyss is the PvP Zone.
4. Lineage 2 is a beautiful game, but it's not the only game with nice graphics and frankly I'm getting as annoyed with people comparing every pretty game to L2 as I am when people compare every enjoyable game to WoW. Compare screenshots of both games, they look NOTHING alike. Lineage 2's armor style, for one, is very dark and brooding, and metallic; Aion's is more flamboyant and also doesn't go out of its way to make chicks more naked as they level up. Furthermore, the amount of texture in armors for Aion, especially in cloth, leather and fur armors, completely out-does any other game I have seen so far (though I will admit that SUN looks like an extremely pretty game and could give Aion's engine a run for its money).
5. Battle is more than just a combo system. Each of your skills interconnect to form more than just combos, they have actual effects. If you look at some gameplay videos, you will see mages using a mix of melee and magic spells in quick succession, followed by the teleport skill to get to a safe distance. Archers can be seen doing the same. There is more than just attacking involved; the system incorporates both melee and magic, dodging, blocking, running, and even flying. Aion is doing everything it can do to make sure people aren't just tab F1ing all day. That deserves props.
6. This is NOT a korean grinder. I don't believe the OP said this, but others have. Aion's leveling system is best comparable to City of Heroes, another of PlayNC's games with the lvl 50 limit cap. No one grinds in City of Heroes, EVER. No one will grind in Aion either, EVER. It has already been officially stated that, while grinding is possible, it is a very slow process and generally unnecessary. The game is being created around an in-depth quest system that will allow character progression as you play. The levels will just kind of happen, just follow the story, save a damsel or two, collect some spider legs for the nice man's potion, and you'll level. So no, no grinding.
7. Quests are being created that break from the mold. One very, very good example are the Polymorphic potions. One of the examples given by an independent reviewer of the game is when he undertook a quest and was polymorphed into a parrot, where he had to spy on some pirate or something and get information, but the pirate's actual pet showed up and ratted him out, and he had to escape. I'm sure there will be some "go kill 20 of [blah] and come back" quests, but that won't be the beginning and end of your questing.
8. Stop comparing the character creation system to Perfect World. City of Heroes has an EXTREMELY in-depth creation system and it was up and running long before Perfect World was, including yes...wings. Wings have long been in staple in plenty of MMORPGs, Perfect World did not corner the market. Think outside your boxes, please. Oh and furthermore, the flight-and-fight system in PW blows. If you're flying and attack a land-bound monster, your damage gets negated. And unless you're a Wing Elf, you don't even get to fly till lvl 40, almost half way through your character's levels. So yeah...no.
There's plenty more, but I've written enough. I encourage everything to think and research before they speak. Otherwise, no one is going to take you seriously.
"Forums aren't for intelligent discussion; they're for blow-hards with unwavering opinions."
Aion is nice gaeanprayer but what i am waiting for is another game again from the L2 team.
Called "Blade and Soul"
but until 2010 Aion will be OK :P
Wish Ubi did WAR to Ephi and not GOA :P
Actually I saw the video for that and am also very excited about it. The artist behind the concept look of the came is Hyung-Tae Kim, an artist I've practically idolized for many years now, ever since I saw his designs for the Magna Carta games. That alone makes me interested in the game, plus the gameplay video looks interesting. Kind of a mix of martial arts MMO and Fighter. I wish it the best, and I'll probably be there to give it a try when it finally does arrive.
"Forums aren't for intelligent discussion; they're for blow-hards with unwavering opinions."