GAMERS DECIDE - bless online

Gamers Hope New MMO Bless Online Will not Be Pay to Win

MaxwellDenton — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 21:01:00 +0000

Bless Online is a fantasy MMORPG developed by Neowiz Bless Studio and published by Neowiz Games. The story centers around two factions that have been at war for decades: the Northern Holy Empire of Hieron or the federation of the south known as the Union.

The race you choose determines which side you will fight for. Based on that same choice, players are given special race dependent scenarios to aid in character progression. And with 7 different classes to choose from, players can outfit their avatars to suit your very own play style. Warriors will also have a chance to prove their mettle in massive 100v100 siege battles. Will your strength match up to the mightiest of foes?

Music is composed by Hanz Zimmer and Lorne Balfe, two artists well-known for their contributions to movies and other games.

But what's the problem?

Despite the projected success of Bless Online, fans have voiced concerns over what business model creators have chosen to go with. But why are fans so concerned and what does this mean for Neowiz Bless Studio and their project?

The biggest issue with any MMORPG is when devs implement a “Pay to Win” model. It is this that worries those looking to play Bless Online. But what do those fans have to say about this major issue?

One user on Reddit let the community know they wouldn’t be surprised if it’s p2w:

When games by a previous developer ruin the reputation of a new team, the game stands to lose users:

Another concern is the forced pvp, adding to the possibility of p2w:

What Do the Developers Have to Say?

Neowiz Bless Studio released a statement in their official FAQ to reassure fans:

“What is the monetization plan for Bless Online? (Is it a Pay-to-win game?)

While we are still determining what the right monetization plan is for Bless Online, you can be assured that we heard everyone’s feedback loud and clear to avoid P2W elements. We promise to continue to solicit and gather your feedback and choose the business model that works best for Bless Online.”

Despite assurances by the devs that they want to avoid the P2W model, not everyone is convinced that Neowiz will stay away from it. While there is in some ways a lack of support, the people looking forward to the game outnumber those who don’t believe the above quote.

There is no official release date for Bless Online, but devs are optimistic about releasing the game this year. Check out http://blessonline.net/ and subscribe to the newsletter so that you can stay update on the soon to be released MMORPG.

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"Are you sure we have enough men for this?"

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3 New MMORPGs We Are Anxiously Waiting To Play

Nick_J — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 17:24:34 +0000

Like MMORPGs? You'll love these three that will arrive soon!

Although some consider them a genre of video games that’s on the decline, MMORPGs are pretty much still alive and well. Dozens of them are released each year, pushing existing borders in graphics and innovative gameplay. The Korean MMO scene has given us some great games over the years; creative, stunning and beautiful experiences that any avid gamer should try. The three games we’re about to show are shaping up to be smash hits, and you should definitely keep an eye out for them in the coming months.

Lost Ark

The Warlord class.

Diablo meets Vindictus in this pretty package of outstanding visuals, cool game mechanics and a world that promises to completely immerse you in its rich world. Developed by Smilegate, the hack&slash MMORPG Lost Ark is set to release somewhere in 2017, with a precise date not set yet. In Lost Ark, players are given the opportunity to play as one of eighteen classes, a staggering number when compared to other MMOs. There’s a unique skill system in Lost Ark, where players combine ranks of spells in order to create unique combos that are useful in different situations.

An example of the spell combo system.

One of the pretty awesome features is the sea exploration, where you are able to take control of a boat and given free reign over where you want to sail, discovering hidden areas and treasures in the process. The developers have gone on record as saying that they think MMORPG endgame shouldn’t be just PvP and raids; they want to incorporate exploring and professions into max level content as well, which is a step in the right direction. So far, players in the closed beta have nothing but positive things to say about Lost Ark, stressing the fact that although it is free to play, the game is definitely not pay to win. Make sure you pay close attention to this gem in the works.

Lineage Eternal

Lineage Eternal gameplay.

Lineage is arguably the most famous MMORPG to come from a Korean studio, and the franchise has a strong fan base that Lineage (1998) and Lineage II (2003) have established worldwide. A direct sequel to the original Lineage produced by NCsoft, the Korean MMO giant, Lineage Eternal is packed with sweet features.

A Sage Guardian.

The crown jewel of the game is definitely the Eternal system, only recently revealed to the public. In most MMOs, you usually take control of only one character and improve his gear and stats as you level. The Eternal system provides you with up to 13 characters you can freely play at any time based on a tag-team scheme, meaning only one character can be active at once. By leveling up your Eternals, your Eternal Team level rises, unlocking new abilities and features.

The Forbidden Graveyard dungeon.

Complimented by beautiful graphics, a randomized, dynamic dungeon system and an iOS and Android port which is in the works, Lineage Eternal is shaping up to be an incredible action MMORPG.

Bless Online

A tamed wolf and its master.

Bless Online gameplay trailer.

Out of the three MMOs in this article, Bless Online has probably come furthest in terms of development, and a lot is known about this game, with it having recently entered open beta in Russia. In the world of Bless Online, the factions of Hieron and Union battle it out for control of the land through a unique PvP system, with castle sieges, guild-controllable areas and the truly huge 200 versus 200 battlegrounds!

Realm vs Realm battlegrounds.

Ten races and eight classes are available for the player to choose from, although not every race can be any class. The game world is seamless, huge and with no loading screens. Any remote corner of the world can be explored and any house can be entered, providing the player with a level of freedom we’ve rarely seen in video games.

The beautiful cities of Bless Online are inspired by European architecture.

Neowiz, Bless Online’s developer, intends to satisfy both the PvE and PvP crowd. At max level, PvE enthusiasts can expect raids and open world bosses. To travel across the vast world of Bless Online, players will use both independent modes of transportation, similar to World of Warcraft’s zeppelins and boats, as well as their own flying and ground mounts. On the visual side, the game boasts almost photorealistic graphics and an incredibly detailed character customization system.

To top this all off, the game will be absolutely free. Of course, there will be an optional cosmetic cash shop for those looking to add a bit more swag to their character. Check out the full length article we’ve done on Bless Online. Bless Online, Lost Ark and Lineage Eternal look like they’re going to be great hits and entries into the MMORPG genre. Which one are you looking forward to most? Let us know in the comments.

If you’re thirsting for more MMO action, check these articles out:

15 Awesome New MMOs Coming in 2016 and Beyond

10 Best Free MMORPGs to Choose From

The Best Free MMOrpgs

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Bless Online’s Ice Mage class.

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Top 10 Most Anticipated Adventure Games Coming in 2017

Rurella — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 23:59:16 +0000

Adventure awaits in 2017!

When someone says adventure, so many things come to the mind. It can be a journey to new lands, exploration of old lands; a desire to change the world, the quest to save it. May it be becoming superheroes, fighting with the magic and might of epics, reliving history, or exploring new worlds, they are all adventures waiting to be had.

With that said, here is a list of 10 most anticipated adventure games coming out in 2017.

1) Mass Effect: Andromeda

ME: Andromeda Trailer

Set hundreds of years into the future of the other three Mass Effect games, this new game takes place in the Andromeda Galaxy. You, alongside your sibling and a trusted crew will pioneer the way to new planets and worlds in order to find a new home for humanity. A new world and a new future!

The ship that carried you into this new galaxy

You will travel through a suspenseful galaxy filled with alien lifeforms and potential enemies. Made for a 4K screen, the game has increased its graphic capacities to amazing realism. Unlike its predecessors, Andromeda will be an open-world for you to explore.

One of many new planets to survey

Bioware announced that the game will come out in March, 2017.

ME: Andromeda Tech Video

2) Scalebound

Scalebound Trailer

As a twenty-year-old average-joe, Drew is torn from our modern world into the epic-fantasy life within Draconis. Meet and bond with the last of a sacred race of dragons, Thuban. Experience this new world alongside the protagonist as sinister forces threaten the world of Draconis.

Feel the rush of an unique partner dynamic between Drew and Thuban

Learn the legends and culture of a world unlike any we have lived before. Fight against enemies larger than life. Flatten entire encampments as you please. As the quests progress, the mysteries of the world will unravel into an exciting story of heroics and adventure.

Modern guy needs his modern music, especially when killing monsters

If you like your epic-fantasies, then Platinum Games latest creation is a must-play when it comes out mid-2017.

Scalebound Gameplay Trailer

3) Bless Online

Bless Online Trailer

A world divided into two factions, this Korean MMO takes you through the jarring differences between these two ways of life. In this open world of elaborate landscapes and lore, you will journey and quest through the land while experiencing an immersive life through the variety of daily quests, NPC interaction, crafting, life skills and mounts.

Gorgeous cities filled with details and quests

Through eight extremely customizable races in Neowiz’s graphically advanced game, you can travel through cities, battle through fields of monsters, siege and raid godly creatures and fight against other players in a power scramble. No barrier or walls can stop you from going where you please here.

Field raids that will either be the most epic battle ever or a complete massacre

Look forward to this incredibally detailed game coming to North America in 2017.

Bless Online Gameplay

4) Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Kingdom Come: Deliverance Trailer

Taking place in medieval Europe, you will experience a story-rich game filled with everything an open world game can offer. As you shape the world through your actions and decisions, you will cross both peaceful lands and places of conflict; rural towns, noble cities and warfronts.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance, are you a conqueror or just a soldier?

A game reflecting history in the making, every move you make will have consequences. You heroics or villainy builds the foundation of how the game will treat you back. See first hand how people will regard you, hailing you as their savior or fearing you as a cold-blooded rogue.

Realistic battles of melee and strategy

If you hunger for medieval experiences, this game that is coming in 2017 will sate your appetite.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance Gameplay

5) Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves Trailer

Within a vast ocean of mystery and treasure, you and fellow players set out to explore and plunder! Your enemies are the other crews and players but you must also face the difficulties of a temperamental sea and manning of a ship. Overcome these difficulties to gain infamy, treasures and riches beyond imagination.

Not even the ocean depth is out of reach!

When you think of adventure, one of the first things you think of is adventure on the high seas. So, channeling all your fantasies of living the Pirates of the Caribbean life, this Rare Ltd.’s 2017 game will allow you to experience a life of piracy like no other pirate game ever had. It is a fantastic mix of light-hearted adventuring, intense battles against other players, cooperation among friends, and drunken messes.

Not just on the ocean but even the islands are filled with adventures to be had

Sea of Thieves Gameplay

6) State of Decay 2

State of Decay 2 Trailer

In a post apocalypse world of survival against zombies, you will face choices that can result in life or death. Will you search for food today or build up on your homebase defenses? Traverse this open world while changing between a whole community of characters to live to see another day.

Explore an open world empty of civilization

In this sequel to Undead Labs’ State of Decay, you will control a group of survivors, each unique in skills and abilities to help the team carry on as a whole. Each character will only have one chance, one life to live as you explore the wastelands of what was once humanity, bringing an intensity to this survival game. There will be the option to co-op with up to four people or play alone in this 2017 release.

Fight and live another day besides your crew

State of Decay 2, game explained

7) Shenmue 3

Shenmue 3 - Lake of the Lantern Bugs

In a game that’s been awaited for since 2001, you will play as Ryo Hazuki, a teenage martial artist from Yokosuka, Japan that has traveled to Guilin, China. In a new environment, you must seek your target, Lan Di, the man who killed your father.

Travel with Ryo Hazuki and Ling Shenhua

Holding the world record of fastest game to reach $1 million dollars on Kickstarter, Ys Net brings you the third installment of Shenmue. The anticipation and hype runs high in this game where the nostalgia of Shenmue 1 and 2’s success had never faded. With plans of making this an epic follow up open-world action-adventure game, the developers have announced the release to be in December of 2017.

Explore China with Ryo as he searches for his father’s killer, Lan Di.

Shenmue 3 Kickstarter Trailer

8) Divinity Original Sin 2

Divinity: Original Sin 2 Trailer

Living with the stigma of having the disease of magic, you will have to choose your path. Will you live a life remaining in the shadows or will you embark on the quest to change the very foundations of your kingdom? Travel through this RPG where you can team up to resist a crushing regime or betray your allies in each conversation and action.

Magic or melee? Or will you co-op and utilize many combat options?

Making four times its kickstarter goals, Larian’s Studios’ follow up to Divinity Original Sin takes you across an open world of player choices and world challenging quests. With more interactive features and options than the first game, multiple races, 4-player co-op, well designed atmosphere and strategic turn-based combat, there is no question if fantasy lovers should play it.

Will you complete the quests as requested or will you destroy everything instead?

Currently in early access on Steam, the game will be officially release in 2017.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 Gameplay

9) Syberia III

Syberia Saga - Road to Syberia 3

In this sequel to the Syberia series, play as Kate Walker, an American lawyer in the midst of her journey away from her previous life in fast-paced New York. Your chosen travel companions are the Youkol people, a nomadic and traditional race of people. The land is fraught with dangers from both enemies and nature as you guide them to their destination.

Learn the ways of multiple cultures and peoples as you travel across the land

Despite the success and positive feedback of the first two Syberia games, this steampunk game from Microids have been under development for many years, experiencing delays and problems since its initial release date in June 2010. With more and more information and game mechanics revealed, it seems like the game will finally release in 2017.

Gain Simon Steiner’s trust and help in order to continue being with the Youkol people

Syberia 3 - E3 2016 Gameplay

10) South Park: The Fractured But Whole

In the crime infested city of South Park, you must protect the streets from evil. As the new kid, prove your worth in turn-based battles against adults, villains and even other heroes to reach the ultimate goal of a billion dollar movie franchise.

Watch over the city of South Park under the guidance of Coon

In this Ubisoft sequel to South Park: The Stick of Truth, once again experience an adventure filled with more raunchy satires of superheroes than ever before! If you love South Park, if you enjoy superhero parodies, this will for sure be the game for you when it comes out early 2017.

Money and fame, the catalyst of of South Park: Civi- ahem, I meant The Fractured But Whole

South Park: The Fractured but Whole Gameplay Trailer

That concludes our list of adventure games. Have they caught your interest(if you aren’t already sitting at the edge of your seat in anticipation)? Well, here’s a few articles on games that you should play while waiting: 10 Best Free Adventure Games for PC, 10 Adventure RPG Games You'll Love, and last but not least 11 Best Adventure Games to Play in 2016.

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11 MMORPGs with the Sexiest Female Characters

MichaelLogarta — Sun, 29 May 2016 12:57:21 +0000

They’re strong, brave, and bold… we introduce MMORPGs’ sexiest female characters!

The best MMORPGs sure have a lot to offer. From hours of questing to near-limitless character customization options, it’s no surprise our favorite online universes continue to serve as our secondary homes.

You’ll have to admit, though, that one of reasons you play these games is because of the sheer physical beauty of its characters. And we’re not talking about merely good-looking NPCs or avatars… we mean drop-dead gorgeous, sexy, and sublimely elegant 3D humans (and in many cases, humanoids) who are so beautiful you’ll often find yourself wishing they were the real thing.

In this article we’re calling 11 MMORPGS with the Sexiest Female Characters, we list the games boasting the most alluring, most captivating of these ladies. So turn your air conditioners on at full blast, because things are about to get real hot!

11. Final Fantasy XIV

We all know what the Final Fantasy series is about: gorgeous-looking teens with fabulous hair, and ridiculously oversized swords.

Well, in Final Fantasy XIV, everyone gets to live out their, uh, fantasies. Not counting the creepy Lalafell (seriously, they look like evil, demonic dolls – Annabel would be proud!), all the races in Final Fantasy XIV are beautiful. So you can be as stunning and sexy as you want to be, impossibly high cheek bones and all.

And if you’re a gamer guy just looking for cute 3D girls to admire, you can’t be in a better place. There’s even the Miqo’te race for all you furries out there!

10. Vindictus (Mabinogi Heroes)

Vindictus, also known as Mabinogi Heroes, is an action-packed MMORPG offering ten playable characters – five of whom are dangerous women so dazzling their enemies will be too busy admiring them to realize there’s a blade headed for their throats.

There’s Arisha, a tough battle witch who is as deadly with her sword as she is with her spells; Fiona, who will stick a sword into you, then bash your skull in with a shield; Vella, who won’t introduce you to her parents, but probably will to her dual swords if you misbehave; Evie, a young noblewoman known for her magic, and whose classy style will make you feel like a pauper; and Lynn, an agile lady whom you’ll probably never get close to, thanks to the very, very large spear she’s wielding. These lovely ladies may be delightful to the eye, but watching them make short work of their opponents on the battlefield is even more entrancing – it’s like watching a beautiful dance of death!

An exhilarating game, and one with some of the sexiest female characters in gaming!

9. Bless Online

We’ve been keeping an eye on Bless Online, a spectacular-looking MMORPG set in a medieval fantasy realm. It’s got an amazing world, a fascinating story, and cool-looking races. Not to mention its ladies are looking mighty fine.

It’s got everything from sexy elven badasses to sexy cat girls. But Bless Online has something that other MMORPGs don’t have – something that we’re sure will get the furries doubly excited: sexy wolf people!

Yes, despite probably being related to canines, the Lupus are quite attractive. Their men are hulking, handsome beasts, so there’s a lot of eye candy for the women, as well!

8. Continent of the Ninth Seal

The world of Glanheim is in peril. The evil Nefer is bent on opening a rift to the Netherworld. Should he succeed, demonic armies shall swarm the peaceful lands.

Bah, who cares? Nefer can go kill himself, because we’ll be too busy admiring the magnificent beauties of Continent of the Ninth Seal to care about some pesky demonic legions.

While we’re loving the setting and the action-packed combat system, what we’re really digging is the game’s bevy of alluring women. From foxy vixens wielding fire and ice to elegant ladies brandishing blades large enough to split you in half, Continent of the Ninth Seal is packed with eye candy. This game has some of the sexiest female characters in the MMORPG, which makes us all the more excited to play it!

7. Kingdom Under Fire II

Kingdom Under Fire II blends MMORPG elements with the real-time strategy genre. Imagine having your own hero, and also being able to command your own troops. Will you go solo, cutting through hordes of enemies like some rage-fueled god of death? Or will you engage in massive battles, throwing your soldiers against the enemy like a furious tidal wave smashing against the beach?

War is great and all, but after the dust has settled, there’s nothing better than sitting back and enjoying the sight of Kingdom Under Fire II’s extraordinarily beautiful people. We’re telling you, this game has some enticing lookers.

Admittedly, some of the costumes for the women lean towards the “WTF” end of the spectrum. And certain… body parts... behave in ways that would make you think they have their own set of lungs and central nervous system. Questionable taste aside, this game has some of the sexiest female characters you’ll ever see in an MMORPG. So if that’s what you’re looking for, this is your game.

6. ArcheAge

ArcheAge is a fantasy MMORPG that aims to give players everything they want in an MMORPG, and then some. In addition to standard stuff like excellent combat, PvP, crafting, housing, etc., the game also boasts naval combat, farming (as in, gardening and planting tomatoes and stuff), a criminal system that allows players to become members of the jury and punish player criminals, and even using a glider to soar through the air.

As if the game can’t get any better, it’s also home to some of the most marvelous sights in game. And by “sights” we mean hot women (and men!). There are four races, including the charming Firran, who are, well, humanoid cats, and the exquisite Harani, who are this universe’s East Asians. The costumes range from the ravishing to the divine, and we’re glad to say they’re not all too ridiculous (although you’ll still spot a number of female knights with their bellies totally exposed).

5. Skyforge

Ever wanted to be a god? Well, in the free-to-play science fiction fantasy MMORPG Skyforge, you can be.

And what decent god would you make without followers? Skyforge allows you to gain followers, have as many classes as you want, and journey across a grand world filled with danger, mystery, and entrancing beauty.

Yes, the immortals of Skyforge are gorgeous. And for the most part, they’ve got a slick fashion sense, too. You want to look like a super hero? There’s a costume for that. How about a tough-as-nails soldier? There are clothes for that, too. You can make a character who looks like they’re going out for the night to some fancy-schmancy club, or one that resembles a knight. There are plenty of choices for every taste.

Sexiest female characters in MMORPGs are rarely as appealing as those found in Skyforge!

4. TERA Rising

Free-to-play TERA: Rising has all the elements of a classic fantasy MMORPG – hundreds of quests, crafting, grinding, and of course, warrior women in skimpy armor so ridiculous they’ll leave you wondering: how do they keep those tiny straps from peeling off? Glue and duct tape?

Developer Bluehole Studio went nuts designing the looks of the game’s female avatars. Its bevy of beauties range from the busty, long-legged, and statuesque, to the tiny and adorable. And yes, while the costumes for the women are not always sensible, many retain an artistic charm that makes up for the more off-putting ones.

Thankfully, TERA: Rising is more than about visuals – its real-time combat is also quite impressive! In fact, it was one of the first few MMORPGs to do away with the “click on enemy till it dies” gameplay. In TERA: Rising, you have to actively dodge strikes, and your attacks need to be timed correctly to land.

It’s among the games with the sexiest female characters, and it’s fun to play!

3. Elder Scrolls Online

You’ve wandered the frozen tundra of Skyrim and travelled the dusty wastelands of Morrowind. You’ve been a Nord, a Redguard, a Dunmer, even a hairy cat-person.

Now, you get to do all that while playing with thousands of other people online. Welcome to Elder Scrolls Online!

Elder Scrolls Online continues the venerable series’ winning formula: enormous environments, diverse cultures, frightening monsters, and of course, lots and lots of beautiful people. From the dusky Redguards to the fair Nords, there’s plenty to like. There’s even the Khajiit race for the furries out there. And for those of you who are into… weirder fetishes… there’s the reptilian Argonian race. Watch out for those spikes, though!

2. Blade & Soul

This fantasy martial arts MMORPG from South Korea has been wowing gamers all over the world with its stunning visuals. And by that we mean its exquisite CG environments.

Okay, we also mean the character models, specifically the women and their ludicrous but stimulating wardrobe choices. Unreasonably revealing costumes? Check. Skin that glistens as if they’ve just emerged from a tub of oil? Check. Thick eyelashes, and elegant hair? Check. You have to wonder: are they getting ready for a battle, or a Victoria’s Secret fashion show?

It’s a good thing Blade & Soul’s gameplay makes more sense. Its battle system is in real time, and employs a combo system that brings to mind the fighting game genre. Yes, it’s got some of the sexiest female characters in gaming, and it’s also absolutely fun!

1.Black Desert Online

Everyone’s heard about this one – the game with a character creation tool so amazing you can shape the MMORPG avatar of your dreams.

You know what that means. You can either create the most jaw-dropping supermodel of a character for yourself, or one with a face that’ll make you bleed tears of despair. Thankfully, most people would rather be running around as handsome hunks or beauteous babes than Deadpool sans his mask.

Of course, Black Desert Online also has an exciting, combo-fueled battle system, a spectacular open world influenced by time and weather, and challenging enemies. Even more unique is its parkour system, which allows characters to navigate the environment a la Assassin’s Creed.

An excellent MMORPG, and one with the sexiest female characters!

Thus ends our article of the 11 MMORPGs with the sexiest female characters. Did we leave your favorite game out? Tell us about it in the comments section below!

If you enjoyed this article, check out the following!

Ranked 33: Hottest Babes From Fighting Games

11 RPGs with the Hottest Babes

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15 Video Games That Use Sex to Boost Sales

10 Sexy Video Game Babes With Guns

10 MORE Video Game Babes With Guns!

10 Sexy Heroines That Will Sell You Games

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Metal Gear Solid 5: 10 Sexy Pictures of Quiet

10 Sexy DOTA 2 Babes Who You Would Love To See In Real Life

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Bless Online: 10 Interesting Facts About This Awesome MMORPG

Smac — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 15:53:38 +0000

Even Though It's A Modern Game, Bless Manages To Bring Back That Old, Nostalgic MMO Feel

Does the name Bless Online ring a bell? The game has managed to fly under the radar for quite some time now. Its developers are keeping a low profile, concentrated on working on their title rather than spending resources on advertising it and keeping the hype alive.

Yet there are lots of things you should be hyped about in Bless. The title is already well-polished, developers have a lot of endgame content ideas and most of all – even though it is a Korean MMO (a combination of words that usually makes a lot of people wince), it looks indeniably Western. A deliberate move on the part of the dev team, who wanted to make a “game for the Western audience” from the start, and the least one can say is that it looks quite promising.

1. A Mix Between World of Warcraft and Lineage 2

Bless portrays the struggle between two factions with a graphical style very similar to Lineage 2.

The basic premise of Bless is really similar to that of World of Warcraft. Two factions are locked in an ongoing struggle, vying for the domination of the world they live in. Two different sets of values, ideals and visions of the future.

At the same time, the players can feel a strong underlying feel of Lineage 2 that permeates everything, from model designs to the cities and their surroundings. Lineage 2 is a game that is praised by many for its focus on player versus player content, and that focus is undeniably back in Bless.

This is not surprising since many of the game's developers had formerly been working on Lineage 2 and TERA and, although you can clearly feel the influence from these two games in Bless, team Neowiz has decided to create something very different by Korean standards. Let's see everything that Bless promises to offer so far – it looks good.

The fearsome Berserker, one of the classes that were available in Closed Beta 2.

2. A Huge Explorable World

You can actually explore every nook and cranny of this immense city.

The seamless world of Bless is absolutely huge and filled to the brim with details. There are very few places that you can see but cannot go to.

The graphical team actually went to Europe to research European medieval architecture as well as Middle-Eastern and some other cultures. The result looks amazing: towns and villages are very lifelike and taking a walk through them actually feels like you've been transported back in time.

The world is so big that exploring it on foot would take ages. In addition to mounts, which we will cover below, players can use several means of transport to travel between locations. Traveling is done in real time – you don't just get teleported around but must physically board a boat, for instance, then wait for it to set sail and arrive at your destination.

If there is a door, you can pass it. Every house is populated with NPC that can have some pretty funny conversations, but also provide the player with tips and hints about certain aspects of the game.

3. Interesting Factions And Races

All races are very charismatic, albeit nothing out of ordinary.

Featuring a struggle between two alliances that fight for the domination of a continent, Bless seems to have adopted an approach to its factions taken straight from Wildstar. They are indeed very symmetric, almost mirrored in many aspects.

Unlike the classic period in WoW where there was a stark contrast between the graphical styles of the Horde and the Alliance (a “monstrous” faction and a more human-looking faction), Bless seems to do everything not to push players away from a specific faction or, on the contrary, encourage everyone to join a specific faction. They both have roughly the same appeal: both factions have a human race, an elf race, an animal race and a demonic race, so no matter which faction the player ends up choosing, they can play a character whose looks or story they like.

The Union, whose races live in the south of the continent, flies red colors with a dragon emblem. They value liberty and trade, and fight against their enemies, the Hieron, to remain free from the influence of their empire. The Union is very inspired from city-states that existed during the Italian Renaissance .

The Union is comprised of a human race, the Amistad, as well as the Aqua Elves, the beast-like Panteras and the Iblis, a demonic race that looks a lot like the Castanics from TERA. The Union also has a fifth race that does not have an equivalent in the Hieron: the mystical Sirens.

The Hieron, established in the north, flies blue colors with an eagle emblem. They prize loyalty, courage and honor. The Hieron fights to unite the continent under their banners in order to usher in a new era of peace and prosperity. Unlike the Union, they take the form of a medieval kingdom based on vassalage and religion.

The Hieron is comprised of four races that mirror those of the Union: the human Habichts, the Sylvan Elves, the Lupus and the demonic Fedayin. Just like the Union, they also possess a fifth race that is unique to the Hieron: the Mascu, cute little creatures that are excellent scientists and engineers.

The fall of the empire divided the continent into two.

4. Tried-and-Tested Yet Interesting Classes

Meet the devout Paladin, one of the classes that were available during Closed Beta 2.

Bless is based on a class system, and when you look at the available classes, you could say that they are a little unimaginative. That is not true, however, as there is an unexpected depth under this apparent simplicity.

Bless will have 8 classes in total, with more possibly being added later. They aren't really anything out of the ordinary: there is the Guardian, the Berserker, the Paladin, the Ranger, the Assassin, the Mage, the Mystic and the Warlock. They do just what you expect them to do: the Guardian is a resilient, shield-bearing tank, the Berserker swings a two-handed axe and the Mage hurls fireballs.

The unique thing that Bless brings to the table is that, despite being a tab-targeting MMO, the developers tried to incorportate some action-based aspects in their combat. For instance, the Berserker uses a non-targeting system because all of his attacks can hit several targets, but you will need to aim with your camera where his hits will land. As for shield-bearing classes, the Guardian and the Paladin, they can use an active block system to completely deflect incoming damage with their shields.

Each class has three stances that affect their gameplay on a deeper level. For example, the Paladin is a battle healer class. They have healing and support spells, and may adopt a stance that increases their healing capabilities, but they may also switch to a more offensive stance where their attack skills deal more damage, or to a defensive stance that takes full advantage of their heavy armor.

5. Exciting, Faction-Based Open World PvP

A skirmish between the Union and the Hieron.

Just like World of Warcraft, its Korean spiritual child boasts a faction versus faction conflict, and because Bless promises to focus a lot on PvP, it will be a key aspect of the game.

PvP in Bless has several aspects. First, there is the realm versus realm war, which can take place in open world and in instanced battlegrounds. Killing enemy players and winning battlegrounds rewards honor points which a player can use to progress through military ranks, much like the old ranking system in Classic WoW.

However, honor points aren't a mere currency you exchange for fame and rewards. They are also earned by the player's guild, and while the players rise in military ranks, guilds posess a similar prestige ranking based on their overall might. The guilds at the top of the ladder earn the right to own a castle back home... which opens up the second aspect of PvP in Bless.

The war between the two factions is brutal. Only one shall remain.

6. Epic Castle Sieges

Each side has 7 fortresses that players may conquer.

The political struggle within a faction is the second key aspect of PvP in Bless. Each faction has 7 key fortresses on their territory. The seven guilds that perform the best in realm versus realm PvP may acquire these castles, which give the owning guild members benefits and allow the guild master to interact with the surrounding land, for instance raise taxes which then go to their guild's treasury.

Of course, the guilds that do not own a castle are not going to stand idly by. Similarly to Lineage 2, Bless boasts epic castle sieges, where guilds or entire alliances are vying for the control of these fortresses and the benefits they confer to the members of the owning guild. It is the feature that many people are looking forward to the most in Bless, as they expect these confrontations to be every bit as epic and meaningful as they were in Lineage 2.

An explanation of how inter-faction and intra-faction PvP (RxR) are tied into each other.

7. Cinematic Storytelling

Questing cutscenes are like a movie.

Bless is a story-driven game. The developers have taken the stance not to create too many “filler” quests that only exist to reward players with items and act as a means to level up. Instead, they're focusing on making questing in Bless a memorable experience.

The game is filled to the brim with awesome cinematics that play at key moments in the story, but numerous smaller cutscenes also happen on many occasions. In that aspect, it is very similar to the way Final Fantasy XIV handles questing (the game definitely draws a lot of inspiration from the excellent games we've seen in recent years, which can only be a good thing).

The plot is complex and intricate. It involves political struggles, treason and sinister ploys. It can be really heavy, and even very mature at times (some cutscenes are franky not safe for work).

The story-driven Aqua Elf starting zone.

8. Raiding And Other Endgame Content

You may encounter dangerous world bosses during your travels.

PvP players have faction war and castle sieges, but what about other forms of content? Luckily, Neowiz did not forget about its PvE playerbase.

Bless has several instanced dungeons you can take on with a party, starting at around level 15 and all the way to the level cap. Once you reach the endgame, you can continue your epic adventures in raids, which are promised to be difficult and rewarding.

There are also world bosses that you can encounter in the wild. They're big, nasty and they will prove to be a challenge even when faced with dozens of players that want to bring them down. And as Neowiz has people from Lineage 2 working on Bless, we can expect that hunting worldbosses will not only be a worthy challenge, but also meaningful and worth one's time.

Low level dungeon gameplay.

9. There Are Flying Mounts!

Scouting the area on dragonback, so to speak.

Mounts are a really interesting aspect of Bless. Of course, just like in other games, they provide a fast and convenient means of transport to quickly travel from one location to another.

But it does not stop there. Mounts provide bonuses to their rider, and these bonuses also change depending on where the mount is ridden. Bonuses will be greater when you ride a mount in its natural habitat: for example, a horse will be faster on plains, and obviously not a good choice to explore a smoldering volcano.

Some of the animals you encounter in the wild can be tamed. You can ride not only spirited mustangs, but also more exotic creatures, like huge wolves and even unicorns, if that's your thing.

And a question that players often ask is: are there flying mounts? The answer is yes! Several mounts in Bless are of the flying kind, and apparently can even carry one or two passengers along with the rider, but presumably obtaining them is going to be quite difficult.

Meet the agile Ranger, one of the classes that were available during Closed Beta 2.

10. It's Going To Be Free

So after all this goodness, surely you must be asking yourself just how much is the monthly fee that you must pay in order to be able to experience all of this?

The answer is: it doesn't cost a dime if you so choose. Developers want to make Bless a free to play MMO, with the usual cash shop that will presumably contain things like cosmetics and mounts; however, the game should be free to play for anyone.

What do you think of Bless so far? Leave your impressions of the game in the comments below.

Did this article spark (or re-ignite) your interest in online gaming? Check out our list of 10 Best Free MMORPGs to Choose From!

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Featuring familiar fantasy races and gorgeous-looking armor.

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