Having established itself in Asia with a large and enthusiastic following, Aion is a new MMORPG which is set to launch in the US and Europe at the end of September.Aion has many similarities to World of Warcraft, but look a little close and you’ll see it’s a very different game! This is a very unique game, with stunning visuals and graphics that will appeal to the most hardened WoW fan – while also improving and innovating in many areas of gameplay.
What sets Aion apart from other MMOs then? Well, for one thing, you can fly–once you reach Level 10 and become a Daeva, no matter which one of the four human classes you are, you can fly. And–with your own wings! You don’t need a magical steed or to hop a ride on some mandrake as inWoW. All characters have access to flight in Aion, and it’s a key part of the game.
The basic premise of Aion is that there are “angels” and “demons” (actually both are factions of humans/Daevas who grew apart after the breaking of their original world of Atreia; so neither one is evil or good, but both factions readily believe that the other guys are indeed plenty evil and need to be obliterated) who are at war simultaneously against each other and against a third common enemy: a group of “fallen dragons” whose hubris started this never-ending war in the first place (yeah – it’s Satan and the Fallen Host of Heaven). The evil dragons are computer-controlled NPCs; you have to choose an “angel” or “demon” human character to play.
On the subject of character creation, you’ll find huge opportunities for customisation. In fact–do you want to see a Sarah Palin with a big bust flying through the air? Easily done. Want to make yourself in the image of your favorite super hero? No problem.
In line with other games from NCSoft, the graphics and visuals in Aion are breathtaking – probably the best we’ve seen so far from an MMO. Yes, probably better than World of Warcraft. There is also a great soundtrack by famous Asian New Age music composer Yang Bang Ean. As far as movement and control, you get the feeling that you’re some cyborg with a data-feed chip stuck in your brain who is otherwise looking out on a very real world. The game’s Crytec servers even give you independently created and player-inspired storylines.
Finally, Aion introduces you to a dizzying “PvPvE” situation: Player vs. Player vs. Environment. Unlike normal PvP environments, while you’re slugging it out against players from the opposing faction, you’ll also be trying to fight off random NPCs who wander into the area.
Will MMO gaming be revolutionised by the arrival of Aion? We’ll have to wait and see!
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