As mentioned in my first post about the game (link), Storm Warriors Online is an online game remake of the classic comic franchise from Hong Kong. I am guessing part of the Western world would have read or heard about this title as well (or Wind and Cloud). Having taken the chance to play the game’s very first test phase, I took a quick look at the game.
With Diablo III currently being of an unknown release date status, many online game developers have taken the chance to label themselves as the “China Diablo”, which Storm Warriors Online did as well. Due to the isometric view and perhaps the game design, it does look slightly similar to Diablo, but in terms of gameplay there are quite a number of differences.
For example, players will get to enter portals which randomly spawn in open field maps. I have entered 2 so far, 1 being a PK-enabled public dungeon with more mobs inside and the other a secret scenario quest instance. Randomness in content is something pretty much missing in most MMOs right now, and I feel it is a good thing in this case.
The skill system is kind of new to me as well. Players do not need to learn skills as they will open up once the level is reached, but will have to do quests to obtain enhancements for that skill. Some skills will have 2, 3 or more enhancement slots, and once the level is reached and quests completed, the enhancement may then be used. Mix different enhancements wisely for different situations!
The beginning gameplay does not offer much in terms of PvP, but there will be massive guild wars and castle siege later into Storm Warriors Online. My major complain will be the usage of the right mouse click as the movement key, not the left. The game looks promising so far compared to most of the self-proclaimed “China Diablo”, but I still must question why are the companies riding on this wave instead of showing how different they are from the Blizzard franchise.
