Ashfall DevBlog #7---About the beta
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Heya, it's Tree here. Glad to be back! This time, I've got three things I want to share with you.
First is about our test schedule. We're currently looking at starting our first open beta test in the second quarter, with the test lasting about 15 days. We look forward to your feedback! The test will likely be from late April to mid-May. But, well, you know how it is in this industry... it might get delayed a bit, hahaha. When we are ready, we will provide a more specific test timeline.
Secondly, we're still working hard to produce more game content and have made it to the next major city: Pearl City. This is a place run by gangs, with a storyline similar to The Godfather. Who knows? You might even be able to save poor Santino. We're still discussing whether or not to even have you leave a bloodbath in the Western District tbh, because one of those gangs is really just the worst. They really get under our skin, hahaha. In Pearl City, you'll also be able to unlock your own personal base and gain access to more PvE and PvP instances.
Last but not least is about the Secret Realm. We've finished a Secret Realm! It's a HUGE map rife with exploration and puzzles, stronghold battles, and mounts.
Check out some of the details in the GIF I've included. Conquering a stronghold requires a thoughtful strategy that takes into account the various elements of the battlefield, like where the firepower points, sniping points, and support points are. The key to victory is to carefully assess the situation and choose the right approach and tactics. The experience of stronghold battles is unique and stands apart from battles in PvE instances.
For mounts, only the first one will appear on its own. But the others? Well, you'll need to find the right bait to get their attention. Then, you'll play the waiting game until they appear and you can get sneak up close enough to tame them. It requires a bit of skill to be sure, hahaha. Hope you like it!
You can use the feed you find in the Secret Realm to cultivate these mounts and help them acquire abilities. We're currently planning some mount gameplay for later stages, like mount races or hunting competitions. We'll keep you posted.
Next, let me address some of your questions:
1. What is the core gameplay like? Can you tell us more about the game itself?
You got me! Our core gameplay is truly nothing more than killing monsters, grinding for loot, killing more monsters, grinding for more loot, killing even more monsters, grinding for even more loot,
ad infinitum. ;)
But seriously, we're an MMO so there's plenty of content, including tons of single-player storylines and single-player instances. We've got unique maps to explore, like the Secret Realm, lots of multiplayer instances and PvP gameplay. We've also got personal bases, mounts you can raise, companions you can cultivate, guilds you can join and develop, and of course guild combat. Basically, we're really hoping to take over your life, hahahaha. So, we'll definitely be rolling out more and more content.
2. What is the game's payment scheme like? Is it pay-to-win?
We're using in-app purchases, so you don't have to buy the game. We've carefully selected the items available for in-game purchases, all of which can also be obtained within the game. In-app purchases are there for convenience, but you can still have a fantastic time without buying anything.
The bulk of our game is PvE. Our PvP content mainly consists of randomized combat between teams in designated maps where you can really find some nice rewards. We're also looking into setting up player competitions across different servers, which would come into play later. Once our open beta test is over, we'll take your feedback into consideration and go from there.
3. Are there multiplayer modes in the game, like PvE instances or PvP modes?
Oh yeah. There's a lot! We're an MMO, which means we'll be offering lots of unique multiplayer content. For instance, players can all join the same guild and get this guild to a higher level to unlock an exclusive map to explore and share in its rewards. We're still planning even more multiplayer content. During the weekends, for instance, you may or may not be able to try your hand at winning a mount race.
4. Will this game have high PC and mobile configuration requirements?
No, not too high, all thanks to our big team devoted to optimizing the game. I had these fine folks come up with a working list of system requirements. It goes without saying that this list is not final.
5. Is the personal base system you mentioned like a room? Are we able to change the layout, or even visit other player bases?
Yep, it's a room. For now, you can just decorate it with your favorite furniture and accessories. You know, there are some actual real-estate developers out there really angling to get a piece of our game. I mean, they could design some nice waterfront properties. We may have to consider it, hehehe.
When the time comes, we'll be sure to roll out a base-visiting function. I mean, if I managed to get a real T-Rex fossil in my base, I'd sure want to show it off!
6. Can we have pets in our base?
Well, now, there's a thought! I think including pets you can raise in the base is something we ought to seriously consider. Interesting!
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