After years in development and even more years being delayed, Swordsman Online (笑傲江湖) finally entered its 1st test phase a couple of months back. With tons of bugs and errors, the experience was not really an enjoyable one for many, with developer Perfect World promising fixes for the 2nd test.
Other than polishing the game and upgrading animations, graphics and textures, 2 new features are explained in more details, the guild system and cross-server functionality.
Guild system – There are 3 stages of growth for all guilds, and at the 3rd stage, guilds can choose if they want to become escort agencies (guarding and transporting goods, not that kind of escort) or founding a bandit fortress to steal and wreck havoc in the game world.
Guild leaders can also create and trigger events exclusive to its members, and also quests such as raiding an execution ground or hunting down an escaped convict. Of course, challenges can be issued between guilds for some PvP sessions.
With several structures available, each with its own unique bonus, guilds must choose wisely which to build up first in the base. For example, more rooms will increase the number of member capacity, a treasure room providing guild-wide buff and more.
Cross-server functionality – Other than Realm Vs Realm (RvR), players may also trade and wed with others from a different server. Resources can also be retrieved from other servers, which may lead to major conflicts.
As there is a relationship system with NPCs as well, players can cross over and cause all sorts of trouble, eventually distorting the economy as well. Players are encouraged to participate in more cross-server conflicts and events, with much rewards awaiting them.
Swordsman Online enters its 2nd test phase on 17th April 2013, and I will be there to record some videos and screenshots. Do look out for my upcoming articles!
