Developed by Taiwanese studio X-Legend Entertainment (Grand Fantasia, Eden Eternal, Aura Kingdom), Dragon Slayer is the latest online game being churned out. Currently in the Alpha phase in Taiwan, I managed to get hold of an account, thanks to my reliable ninja. Read on!
More on character progression
Mentioned in Part 1, players get to choose a 2nd weapon at level 20, though you can still stick with the original. At level 30, which I did not reach, there will be a quest which allows players to choose 1 weapon to specialize in. This will unlock customizations for the skills, and it is up to players to choose and upgrade accordingly. There will be many different builds from level 30 and onwards!
Boss fights
There are a number of different bosses in Dragon Slayer, and not all are dragons. There are open world bosses, instanced solo quest bosses (spawns at random), and group party quest bosses. There is also the exciting PvE Arena, which can be read in more details below.
One major disappointment, up till level 28, I did not manage to see the “parts destruction” mechanic boasted, which is supposed to be somewhat similar to Monster Hunter. Perhaps it will appear on end game bosses, but for now, it is pretty much all about dodging boss attacks.
Crafting and upgrading gears
Crafting is pretty basic, using materials from monsters and mining to make new gears, with different percentage of bonus (100% is the lowest, 130% is the highest). The same crafting NPC provides upgrading and also changes the bonus percentage (if you are not happy with the crafted one).
For upgrading, the system similar to Aura Kingdom is used. Weapons do not break when upgrade fails, but added to an “experience” pool meter. Upgrading consumes scrolls, which is once again similar to Aura Kingdom’s system. As you might have guessed, many features are brought forward from it.
Dragon Jade is a strengthening stone which drops from monsters and bosses, each to imbue into a different gear part and with different bonuses. When placed inside a weapon, it will then start to glow, and the color will depend on the type of Dragon Jade inserted. Pretty cool.
Costumes
Unfortunately, the only gear which will have real-time looks will be the weapon. For characters’ overall outlook, it is still down to costumes. I have only gotten a couple from quests, but I am sure luckier players have made them dropped from boss monsters. It is a pity the armour pieces only adds stats and not looks.
Mounts
Almost all monsters have a chance to drop an egg upon death, and it can contain a monster mount or Dragon Jade. Thus far, the mounts I have gotten lasts for only 1 day. I am guessing there will be longer term ones, perhaps from bosses, cash shop or events. For now, they only add movement speed, with no mounted combat.
Popori
This default rabbit pet is really awesome. By level 25 after completing quests, players can switch the Popori’s class to 1 of the 4 currently available. As a melee character, I set mine to the Cleric, which has healing (based on weapon damage) as 1 of its skills.
Popori can also equip all gears and weapon, similar to the playable character. There will be costumes for them as well! The only problem I have with the Popori, is how random it casts skills. Popori will die, but will resurrect on the spot after a short period at no costs.
PvE Arena (Dragon Battle Arena)
There are 2 types of PvE Arena, solo and party, each currently with 2 difficulties, beginner and intermediate. Entry requires ticket vouchers, which can be obtain through quests as rewards. Players can pot and Popori will be there to help, hence the beginner mode seems pretty alright.
The real @#$! happens during the solo intermediate mode. In this, players really, really have to know their dodge timing well. Loads of potions and tons of defence helps as well, though I almost got my ass kicked even with a full defence build (all my points in defence).
I have yet to try the intermediate party mode, since I am afraid of cursing myself to death. Beginner mode here is a breeze, if everyone works together (the heals). This PvE Arena somewhat similar to the Infernal Abyss dungeon in Aura Kingdom, though without the little minions.
