And it will also utilize a buy to play business model with an in-game cash shop. There are three pre-order pricing tiers (discounted) for players to choose from (until December 8th).
At the current exchange rate, the basic package is $8.75, the premium package is $26, and the special package is $61. Pre-download of the client will be available from December 4th. Pre-order purchasers can create their character on December 9th.
Formerly known as Ascent: Infinite Realm (A:IR), the game underwent major changes including the removal of the aerial combat system and a move away from the Line of Sight combat to action combat similar to TERA (Bluehole/Krafton’s original MMORPG). The two faction focus seems to remain intact.
I really wasn’t a fan of the world environment; it lacked character, diversity and color. Given the original had degrees of verticality due to the aerial combat aspect, the game world lacked any sense of real exploration (besides some of the post main story quests) I’m not sure how much of those closed beta game systems are still in place though since I didn’t pay attention to the most recent KR beta test (under the new moniker).
No word yet on the western release (which will also be handled by Kakao) and whether it will use the same business model.
