This is a story about perseverance and one company which was seemingly on it way down barely a 2 years ago. China MMO developer and publisher, The9, was at risk of going down after losing the rights for World of Warcraft China with no other major games to support the revenue WoW brought it. In comes a group of Koreans led by current Vice President, Tony Park, who revitalized the company with various shrewd acquisitions.
Era Zero is one of the upcoming online games of the new era for The9. The game’s storyline depicts humans leaving Earth to avoid some catastrophe, only to return and find out Earth is being swarmed with robotic thrash. Hence, the battle begins between magic and technology. There are 4 basic classes in the game, each with 2 further unrevealed advancements. First being Warrior, Magician, Priest and Gunner.
One of the game’s main features is the ability to command any unoccupied mechanical machines on the open field maps simply by clicking on it. This will greatly enhance a player’s attack abilities. While that is the technological part, there is a magic part as well. Players will be able to enter Spirit mode by fusing with their accompanying spirit partners. This is sort of like a berserk mode, with stats all drastically increased and taking a new look as well temporarily.
One of the many games currently in development for The9, with Tony Park claiming 2012 will see the company shine like no other, Era Zero will be starting its Closed Beta on 15th September, with the long forgotten MUX (link) still in active development as well.
