From time to time, I give some games a test run to see how it actually plays out. This is definitely not a review of any sorts, just my impression of the game during the first few levels and matching it with features found on the game’s website. This time round, I am giving a try at a Taiwanese game, HEVA Online. Developed by Korean studio Windysoft, the Korean server went down for a few months after being deem having a lack of content. The Taiwanese server then showed up, followed by the revival of the Korean server as HEVA Online Special Edition recently. Windysoft is also the developer of games including GetAmped, GetAmped 2 and Perfect World Entertainment’s upcoming action MMO, Rusty Hearts. The video below shows the starting tutorial guide, however note that the text is in Chinese while voice-over is in Korean.
The combat system was what attracted me to try the game, and I am at loss on how to categorize it. Point and click? Nope. Non-target action? Nope as well. You see, your character will automatically choose the nearest mob for you, hence you don’t really have to “target” manually by clicking on it. However, you still have to press the “TAB” button to switch target. Movement is by the WASD keys, with normal attacks depending on the mouse’s left click and skills by the macro numbers. Just to let you know, normal attacks will hit multiple targets close by as well, making it a nuisance in the low level passive mob areas. Is this a hybrid type of combat system? Well, NCsoft’s Blade & Soul seems to be using this from what videos are showing.
A major problem with combat will be with the ranged classes, like Archer and Magician. Normal attacks are ranged, but will not hit multiple targets compared to a Warrior’s normal sword swing. Really frustrating I am telling you, I was expecting some kind of splash effect when using my magician, followed by an awesome AOE spell when they come closer. I really had a hard time playing the character.
Other than what you see in the videos, there are, of course, storyline instances similar to the tutorial’s with various traps and obstacles. If you played Silkroad Online, there is also a berserker/ avatar system when the rage bar gets filled up, temporarily changing the character to a mystical elemental spirit and increasing overall stats. The pets in this game helps to fight too, but have its own HP bar and can be attacked. Another major setback for ranged characters, if you set your pet to attack mode (meaning to attack whichever mob you are attacking), one must not cast a spell on first hit. During the casting period, your pet will attack first and aggro the target… Sigh. I know that some games have this “problem” as well, but I had hoped for HEVA to take it away.
Last year, I heard about an English version being in discussions, although I never really probed into it. So, just a small preview here, and as you can see, I am very, very picky about the basic combat system. Nevertheless, HEVA Online is a pretty nice game, just avoid the ranged classes if you are tired of picking enemies up one by one.
