Much Room for Improvement with the Good MMORPG
Where are the problems? Although the developers emphasize the importance of the PC version, the mobile foundation of Aion 2 is felt. From the beginning, there were complaints about too rigid animations that cannot be interrupted and are described by veterans as wooden and stiff.
The trend in Asian MMORPGs toward endless currencies and overloaded menus continues with Aion 2. After an hour of gameplay, players are left to sift through dozens of menus to check points, only for them to reappear after a few minutes.
While Aion 2 does not focus on endless grinding, some tasks such as daily resource gathering feel more like busywork than exciting challenges.
PvP players also find that not everything is rosy. Due to the removal of the PvP compulsion in the open world, the constant danger that some veterans appreciated in Aion (1) is missing. Thus, players in Aion 2 no longer have to worry when farming in the open world.
In the Abyss, where PvP is always active, tactical depth has taken a back seat. Instead, battles consist mainly of zergs, or mass groups overwhelming anything that cannot compete in size.
Another major criticism is the bots that have plagued the new MMORPG since its first week. They make it increasingly difficult for regular players to engage with the game’s economy as the necessary amounts for purchases can hardly be farmed individually anymore.
Regarding gearing, there is also criticism that players reach a point in the endgame where they can progress little further, which may be an incentive for professionals but feels frustrating for others.
The Pay2Win Problem
What about Pay2Win and monetization? The Pay2Win issue is arguably the biggest criticism of Aion 2. The MMORPG offers not one, but three ways for players to spend real money.
While the MMORPG itself is free to play, players consider the so-called “Comfort Membership” almost mandatory to play the MMORPG properly. This optional subscription unlocks account trading and grants access to the auction house, among other benefits.
For those who want to be more than just casual players, the “Content Membership” also becomes essential. It increases the daily limit for dungeons and the time a player can spend in the Abyss. This provides a strong gameplay advantage, even if you miss nothing content-wise.
The second pillar of Aion 2’s business model is the premium battle pass, which lasts not a month but only 28 days, meaning you need to buy it 13 times a year instead of 12. It provides not only skins and cosmetics but also resources needed to enhance your gear.
The third pillar is the cash shop: here, Aion 2 sells not just cosmetic items but also revival stones and buffs that provide advantages to your character.
If you buy all passes and subscriptions to optimize your character, the package costs a hefty 47 € per month. This is almost the price of a new game. It is currently unclear how the developers will adapt this payment model for the West.
Is Aion 2 Pay to Win? Similar to Throne and Liberty, Aion 2 has an indirect Pay2Win mechanic. Players buy the premium currency Quna with real money, which can be exchanged for gold (Kinah) in the game. With this currency, players can shop in the auction house.
The so-called whales quickly buy up all upgrades with real money, while regular players must painstakingly work for them. Thus, whales quickly reach the maximum level of their gear, while free players spend the whole season upgrading their items.
Although real money investments are not necessary to see all of Aion 2’s content, they definitely provide a clear advantage when comparing two characters, which is why the term Pay2Win comes up repeatedly in the context of Aion 2. However, those who want to raid and experience the game with friends or their guild can enjoy Aion 2 without worrying about who has the longest sword.
What Needs to Change Before Release in the West
Analyzing the past years and their MMORPG successes and failures shows a clear picture. MeinMMO expert Karsten Scholz has done just that and identified 5 mistakes that Aion 2 must avoid.
Unfortunately, Aion 2 currently makes many of these mistakes. Real money trading is permitted in the auction house, the mobile framework is noticeable even on PC, and gear upgrades are determined not only by loot luck but also upgrade luck and stat combination luck.
Above all, though, Aion 2 must work on its memberships before the MMORPG comes to the West. With monthly costs of €47, the WoW subscription almost seems like a bargain. What Western players really dislike: having to pay more and more just to have fun.
With Aion 2, the developers have created a good MMORPG that many genre fans in the West are rightly looking forward to. However, the monetization needs to be adjusted for the West as the price-performance ratio does not fit. At the same time, this could also be part of its significant success: The MMORPG Aion 2 becomes a big hit for its developers, generating over 58 million euros and bringing joy to NCSoft
