As one of those folks who played the original Korean betas and soft launch (on top of Amazon Games prior closed technical alpha), these are some of the most obvious changes I noticed off the bat; character customization has been pared down dramatically with some of the granular settings (like there are no longer sliders for changing things like ear type and size for the mage class as one example), and the entire starting sequence has been modified with a new singular prologue (skippable) in a new starter area (Trua).
Rather than playing through the class specific prologue (or choosing to skip it once you already have a prior character that went through its own prologue first), you get thrown right into the training room (Trixion Gate aka Trision Gate) where you can test out and then select your advanced class. Once that selection is made, you are then sent to the prologue (where you have the option to skip it). Playing through it starts your character off at level 10.
This common prologue is now very much an in-your-face tutorial going over the very basics. For new players, it is a good change because it does cover things a lot more clearly compared to the prior prologues (which weaved in story and a lot more tasks and combat together, where someone completely new to the game or even this particular genre, could get confused and lost). The basics of the games story (the Arks) are also briefly covered as you play through the tutorial (the option to end the tutorial is always available). As far as the production value, it is still very high quality (graphics, visual effects, cut scenes, and voice acting) with a story line to draw the player in (since this is effectively the first impressions a player will get).
The old prologues were very specific to each class (they started on their home continents in starter areas which you eventually revisit as you play through the game). I do understand the design rationale for the change; it’s part of the usual streamlining process along with most veteran players desire to mainly cut past these initial tutorials, and to get right into the game. However, the original prologues made that early game play feel unique (environment setting and story). Basically, it was a core part of the story aspect which the original design team (most of whom are no longer working at the studio) had put a lot of time into over the years that the game was in development. I guess this is just a reaction to the most noticeable immediate changes; on that I’ll get used to (but also always recall with how it used to be).
I believe the rest of the game is mostly untouched and will reserve comment until I’ve played through the part of the starter continent.
UPDATE: the primary change I’ve seen is acquiring your mount happens much earlier (around level 12) in the main story quest. Everything else seems to be the same so far, pre-level 30.
