Friday, 1 Nov 2024

Aion

It’s no secret that Aion is a game that has its sights set on capturing World of Warcraft’s audience. And it’s not hard to see why. From its interface to its combat and quest design, Aion feels like a familiar home for WoW players. But why try to reinvent the wheel? After spending some quality time with the closed beta, we were impressed by the game’s high production values and promising endgame design.

A Refreshing Newbie Experience

One concern many gamers have with Korean-developed titles is that they can be too grindy. But Aion is different. Like successful Western games such as WoW, Aion guides players from quest hub to quest hub, gradually introducing them to its many concepts along the way. It’s a familiar journey through stunning, Asian folklore-inspired settings and tales that is both enjoyable and engaging.

The Abyss Beckons

Once players reach level 25, they unlock Aion’s main gameplay feature: the Abyss. In this unique realm, two player factions, as well as the neutral Balaur, battle for control over prime locations. The Abyss is filled with minor objectives that serve different purposes, but the ultimate prize lies in conquering the Fortresses. These impressive structures provide powerful faction-wide buffs, access to unique vendors, and even special dungeons. To make things more exciting, Fortresses can only be attacked at certain times, creating a concentrated and thrilling experience for players. No more abandoned PvP objectives with no one to fight!

Recently, NCsoft gave us a guided tour of the Abyss, as well as a high-level PvE dungeon. Although playing with a max-level character is different from the journey to level cap, we were pleased with the experience. Our Templar class made use of chain attacks, a popular mechanic in Aion. The UI seamlessly supported this playstyle by automatically changing the button for the next attack in the sequence, simplifying the combat. Additionally, alternative moves like stat-buffing shouts branched off certain attack paths, adding depth to the gameplay.

Assaulting an objective in the Abyss feels like being in a public PvP dungeon. Players must fight their way through enemies before facing off against a boss, just like in any other setting. Minor objectives can be conquered by a single unopposed group, but Fortresses require a concerted effort from multiple players and feature larger layouts and tougher NPC guardians.

More Than Just the Abyss

For those who prefer a more relaxed approach, Aion offers safe zones where players can remain until reaching the level cap. Here, they can still find dungeons and raids to keep them entertained. However, the rewards might be less enticing, and the world won’t be as dynamic.

A Promising Adventure

While the PvE dungeon we experienced was somewhat average, it’s important to remember that it’s just one of many in the game. Aion is a beautiful and rich game that has the potential to succeed. It doesn’t try to revolutionize the MMORPG genre, but instead combines many of its best ideas from the last decade. With its familiar gameplay and exciting endgame content, Aion offers a compelling experience for MMO enthusiasts.

FAQs

  • Q: What is the Abyss in Aion?

    • A: The Abyss is a unique realm where players from different factions battle for control over prime locations, with the ultimate goal of conquering Fortresses.
  • Q: Can players focus on PvE content instead of PvP in Aion?

    • A: Yes, Aion offers safe zones where players can find dungeons and raids to enjoy PvE content. However, the rewards and dynamic nature of the world might be less enticing compared to engaging in PvP activities.

Conclusion

Aion may not reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to. With its captivating gameplay, stunning visuals, and promising endgame content, Aion is set to captivate both World of Warcraft players and MMO enthusiasts alike. So why not embark on this exciting adventure and experience the best ideas from the past decade of MMORPG gaming? Visit Wqaindia to learn more about Aion and start your journey today.