Twelve Sky 2 is the PvP-oriented massively multiplayer sequel that will soon join free to play publisher Aeria Games' popular selection. Developed by ALT1, it offers these three factions from its predecessor, and will also add a fourth, the Nangin, which characters join in an unusual way. After advancing to a high level within any of the others, they can sever all connections in order to join the exiles..Of course, the new title will have more notable changes and additions. For example, there will be more area where players, groups and guilds can test themselves against each other, with broader ranges of both objectives and level brackets. It's also easy to see that the new graphics are up to date and competitive. In order to learn more, we posed a set of questions to Associate Producer Thomas McKay.
Richard Aihoshi - 'Jonric' of IGN.com / RPG Vault performed this interview.
Jonric: To start with, how would you summarize the original Twelve Sky? How successful has it been, and why?
Thomas McKay: The original Twelve Sky is an oriental-style MMORPG with a major focus on player versus player (PvP) combat. There are three warring factions that compete for control of various zones in order to provide benefits for themselves or their respective factions.
New players will first have to pick among the Guanyin, Fujin, and Jinong... After that, they select one of three different starting weapons available for each faction. Each has a specific function - defense, range or damage.Twelve Sky has over a million registered users, and has been a premier title at Aeria Games. The major contributor to this success has been the continued support of its fans; without them, we could have never grown to such heights.
Jonric: As an introduction to Twelve Sky 2, what is its underlying premise, and how is it related to the first game?
Thomas McKay: The underlying premise of Twelve Sky 2 builds on the original game, except there are now a few major twists thrown in. The biggest change is the addition of a fourth faction, the Nangin, which is are comprised of players from each faction who have decided to leave their homelands in search of new beginnings. Players from the other three may join once they reach level 113, and fight against their former allies.
Another big improvement with Twelve Sky 2 is that there are PvP battles starting at level 10. This allows new players to get a taste for battle much more quickly than in the original.
Jonric: What differentiates this title from the ever-increasing number of choices available to fans of the massively multiplayer category?Thomas McKay: Twelve Sky 2 has a very unique blend of PvP and PvE. Being able to gain experience and items from the former is something that set the original Twelve Sky apart from the competition. Along with this, there are other rewards that only come from PvP, such as articles that allow you entrance into great PvE areas. This is an excellent way to keep the game fresh and get the players involved in the complete experience.
Jonric: Please introduce the developer of the game, ALT1. What led to the decision to make a sequel, and when did development begin?
Thomas McKay: ALT1 (formerly Gigassoft) has been working with us since the beginning of Twelve Sky 1. They have been active in providing feedback and additional content changes. They share our passion for making Twelve Sky 2 even more successful than its predecessor.
Our understanding is that the developer had originally intended to make a major update to Twelve Sky. However, the engine did not allow them change everything that they wanted. Eventually their idea evolved into a new game, and then, they began adding other new content and trying to improve on features of the original.
Jonric: In addition to the new faction you already mentioned, what are the main changes, improvements and additions?Thomas McKay: The most notable changes in Twelve Sky 2 are the graphic and quest systems. They have both received major overhauls. I was completely blown away when I first saw the visuals. The character models looked amazing, and the weapon designs had me pumped from the get go. I am sure anyone who has seen the new Marble weapon model will agree. =)
The original quest system was lacking, to say the least. It wasn't able to offer multiple tasks per level, and was not easy to follow. With that in mind, ALT1 was able to create a new, intuitive structure for Twelve Sky 2.
Jonric: What choices do players have when they create their characters? What steps are involved in this stage?
Thomas McKay: New players will first have to pick among the Guanyin, Fujin, and Jinong. Next, they will choose gender, face and hairstyle. After that, they select one of three different starting weapons available for each faction. Each has a specific function - defense, range or damage.
Jonric: Once they move out into the world and begin adventuring, what type of long-term advancement system applies?
Thomas McKay: At each new level, players gain skill points (the amount depends on the level) and five stat points. At later levels, they no longer receive either, but rather stat bonuses. Skill points can be spent to buy new skills or improve the ones you already have. If you make a mistake when assigning points or stats, there are items in both the game and the item mall that will let you redistribute them.
If you haven't gotten a change to try out the Twelve Sky series, there is no better time than now... your time will be well spent since you will have the opportunity to transfer your character from Twelve Sky to Twelve Sky 2.Jonric: Since we would naturally assume armor and weapons are important in a game that emphasizes PvP, what type of system is there for them?
Thomas McKay: All armor and weapons can be upgraded and enchanted to provide major boost to the item in question, increasing its damage or defense. When you enchant a weapon successfully, its appearance will also change, adding a glow depending on the level of the improvement. This allows other players to identify how strong it is without being able to see the specific number.
Jonric: Can we expect to see a pet or mount system in Twleve Sky 2, and what can you tell us about these elements at this time?Thomas McKay: Not only do the pets in Twelve Sky 2 look amazing, they also provide help in PvP and PvE. They can be obtained from both as well. A pet will level along with its master, and as it gets higher experience, the benefit increases and its appearance changes.
We also have a mount system coming soon, and we should have more details to announce about it in the near future.
Jonric: What happens when your character dies? Are there penalties such as the loss of items or experience points?
Thomas McKay: Depending on where or how the player dies, the death penalty is different. Those who die in PvP battles are teleported to the main town, with no other consequences. However, defeat when fighting a monster means losing a small amount of experience. There will be items available that will prevent this from happening.
Jonric: Since community is so critical for any MMOG, what are your key goals in this area? What kinds of support will you provide, both in the game and outside?
Thomas McKay: We are committed to providing players with the best experience possible. They will often see our GMs running in-game events, running contests, socializing with the community, and posting in the forums.
We also have formed a team of volunteers we refer to as Game Sages, who go farther to work directly with the fans, and report any problems they see back to us. The community is the heart and soul of our game, and without them we have nothing.
Jonric: Are there other notable aspects of the game you'd like to discuss? Do you have any final thoughts to wrap up the interview?
Thomas McKay: If you haven't gotten a change to try out the Twelve Sky series, there is no better time than now. We are running promotions and events every day, so hop in and give it a try. Remember that your time will be well spent since you will have the opportunity to transfer your character from Twelve Sky to Twelve Sky 2.
I would also like to thank all the members of the Twelve Sky community. Without them, this game would not have been possible, so thank you so much for your dedication to making it a success.
Aeria Games has succeeded in attracting significant numbers of massively multiplayer enthusiasts to play the range of titles that comprise its free to play lineup. As a result, it seems safe to assume that Twelve Sky 2 will also attract a sizable community. Indeed, the process is under way, with closed beta having started yesterday. So, our thanks go out to Associate Producer Thomas McKay for this timely query session introducing ALT1's sequel and a number of its key features.
original articles from : IGN RPG Vault
http://rpgvault.ign.com/articles/978/978790p1.html
http://pc.ign.com/articles/978/978773p1.html
Visit their Aeria's Main Site - Twelve Sky 2 still on its Closed Beta testing started April 31st
Aeria Games Official Website - Beta Sign Ups
Aeria Games Forum
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