Still mentioned as the Angelica III Engine, Perfect World has given it a rather heavy upgrade which changed Swordsman Online from a static isometric Diablo-like MMORPG to a full 3D one. The changes no doubt caused the massive delay in launch schedule.
No matter how negative the title may sound, the China gamers are still anxiously waiting for it. Game website 17173.com will be running exclusive articles over the next few days, and today’s piece talks about the improved game engine.
The environment details in the old version was not grand enough for a game of this magnitude, especially when it is an online adaptation of a classic novel. Using the feedback provided from the initial testers, Perfect World went ahead with the full 3D 360-degrees view.
Not only that, the sun will actual rise and fall according to the in-game time, shadows will change along with time and light positions, 4 seasons will affect how the overall world looks and there are even different types of rain, from drizzle to torrential ones. Other stuff include the water reflection effects, water movement, ripples and more. Skill effects has also been polished with the “ink” effect, which can be used to determine how fast the character is moving.
What about the Qing Gong system, which is perhaps the most important feature in martial arts MMOs these days? While the old version has just 1 statics effect for all clans, each clan now will have their own unique Qing Gong postures. The same abilities will be there, including running on walls, running across water surfaces, leaping from tree to tree, falling from cliffs and more. Of course, this is limited by the amount of stamina players have.
Qing Gong will have more uses now in combat than before. Players may now dodge attacks while using Qing Gong, at the same time given the ability to attack as well using moves involving grappling and blocking during PvP. In instanced dungeons, Qing Gong is heavily needed to avoid traps, escape from formations and to counter bosses. Mobs now will not just use skills at a fixed time or be punching bags, but will react according to players’ moves and health points.
Talking about PvP, other than the standard 1 Vs 1, there is also the PvP arena and DOTA-like instaned PvP mode. With all 10 clans having their own unique weapons and skills, battles will be really fun!
Similar to Age of Wushu, NPCs are no longer just quest givers or extras in the game world. In Swordsman Online, there NPCs will react based on players’ doings in the open world. Killing other players too often may get players being hunted down, but at the same time new options will be opened up as well. Knocking into random NPCs will not be just an ignored affair now, as players may be challenged to a fight right on the spot. Some of the single NPCs may eventually be smitten, where players may have a chance to propose and marry them…
That is all for the official report provided by 17173.com, along with all the screenshots seen in this post. Pretty sweet stuff eh?
