There’s been a lot of talk about Age of Wulin (Age of Wushu in the US – thanks for opting for 2 names for the SAME GAME, publishers, it makes it so much easier for we gamers to keep track of the BILLION MMOs on the market today…) in the past months, most of it created by the buzz that a Free to Play MMORPG has been developed in Asia that doesn’t completely suck.
In the short time I’ve spent playing it myself; I can confidently say that the rumours are, at least for now, true. Age of Wulin doesn’t suck. In fact, it manages to capture the flavour of the East like never before, utilising multiple forms of Martial Arts and abandoning the traditional levelling system for something more fluid and natural.
It still ‘feels’ Asian, which is a huge disappointment (seriously guys, there’s more than one game engine on the market – hell, you can even make your own!) and it looks Asian too (though, given the style, that works in its favour) – but, it’s forgivable because, believe it or not, it manages to innovate like no Asian MMORPG before.
The combat and PvP mechanics, parkour environment navigation, skill and weapon development and a host of other rad features make this one of the most anticipated Free to Play MMORPGs of the year: and today, we had the chance to take a peek at a little more of the awesome in store: Sects.
More importantly, Sect alignment: Good, Evil and Neutral. Evidently, your choice of martial art school and weapon will determine your sect alignment; Good Sects are composed of the Shaolin, masters of ranged combat, the Wudang, a well-rounded and balanced style, the Emei, known for their handiwork when it comes to daggers, and the Beggar’s, who fulfil the role of the Monk using staves and bare fists.
Evil Sects are composed of the Blissful Valley, favouring all things dark and stealthy, and the Royal Guards, who offer a balance between DPS and defence.
Finally, the Neutral Sects offer the Tang Clan, known for their ability to absorb magic and hide weapons, and the Scholar’s Academy, who use fluidity and yin swords to deliver swift death to their opponents.
We’re assured that success in PvP in Age of Wulin will rely heavily on your ability to master your favoured style, utilising its strengths and avoiding its weaknesses. And we couldn’t be happier to hear it.
