WC: Please introduce yourselves and give readers a bit of information about the development team.
My name is Charles 'kieron' Dane and I am Aion's Community Relations Manager. Also supplying answers is Brian 'Xaen' Knox, Aion's Associate Producer. We are two of many members of the international Aion Development team dedicated to the release of a great game with global appeal.
WC: What, in a nutshell, is Aion and what sets it apart from other MMOs?
Aion is a visually and aurally stunning fantasy MMO with broad market appeal due to the integration of the features and gameplay considered to be the best in the industry, as well as innovative features such as the Player versus Player versus Environment, class customization via the Stigma system and full freedom flight. Players can participate in Player versus Player and Faction versus Faction combat as well as simply enjoy the rich mission content.
WC: Aion has had the 'another MMO developed in Korea' label slapped on it by 'western' MMO purists. How do you respond to that? What sort of gamer is Aion attempting to attract?
We would recommend they take a look at the feedback from the recently completed third Closed Beta Test and at message boards of fan sites such as Aion Source before forming an opinion based on preconceptions. Aion is being developed with the intention of appealing to a global market and an international community, not just focused on a particular player demographic.
WC: How do you answer the thought that Aion is "just another grind fest"?
That is another misconception based on where the development team is creating the game. Aion players will be able to participate in a number of activities to advance their characters and not just killing NPC after NPC in a mind-numbing fashion. The missions and quests available are more than sufficient to keep players engaged and leveling up without resorting to repeats or grinding endless mobs for experience.
WC: Please give an overview of the unique flying combat system in Aion.
In the Abyss and faction-based zones, players will be able to experience full freedom flight. Movement is in 360° and controlled by keyboard or keyboard and mouse look. Newly added is the ability to Glide in many areas where flight is not available. Both of these flight features will introduce a new tactical element to all aspects of combat; be it PvP, PvE or the new PvPvE system.
