With only a few weeks to go until the US and European launch, Aion is a new MMO which is set to built on it’s reputation as a popular and involving game in Asia.Despite sharing many concepts with World of Warcraft, Aion is actually a very different game to play! The stunning graphics of Aion, as well as the many unique gameplay features, will appeal to existing WoW fans, while the gameplay enhancements offer to improve the gaming experience in many areas.
So what makes Aion so special? 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. Flight is a key component of the game, and winged combat features heavily in Aion.
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 Lucifer and the Fallen Host of Heaven). The evil dragons are computer-controlled NPCs; you get 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 Condoleezza Rice with a big bust flying through the air? Easily done. Want to make yourself in the image of your favorite super hero? No problem.
The graphics and visuals of Aion are probably the most stunningly beautiful and amazingly detailed of any MMORPG ever. Yes, probably better than WoW. 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. You’ll find yourself facing up against other player-controlled characters, while simultaneously fighting off NPC demons, and random AI monsters who will wander into the area.
Will Aion bring a revolution in MMORPG gaming? We’ll have to wait and see!