On May 22, the MMORPG Perfect World International received its fourteenth expansion. This was released without any prior announcement. The surprise is all the greater at how extensive the update was.
What kind of MMORPG is this? Perfect World is from the namesake development team from China, which is also responsible for the more well-known MMORPG Neverwinter here. It was released in China in 2005, with the Western release following in 2008. However, it failed to make a significant breakthrough here, even though it briefly drew attention in 2008.
That was the initial situation: In recent years, it has been very quiet around the MMO. Updates appeared only rarely, and it took almost a year for this one to arrive. Accordingly, the surprise at such a large expansion coming out of nowhere is considerable. It seems likely that the PC version is inspired by the recently released mobile version, which is currently making big waves in China and is very successful.
What are the highlights of the expansion? The focus of the “Wings of Rebirth” expansion is on the two new classes, Technician and Ranger, as well as an engine update and improved graphics.
Since the update, a 64-bit client and many more detailed graphics are available. Additionally, a new instance, a system for newcomers, and a couple mode have been added.
Many of the changes therefore aim to re-engage players with the MMORPG with wings, improve the graphics, and simplify the entry into the game.
How was the update communicated beforehand? There was no information or announcement regarding the latest expansion.
This is unusual because the developer Perfect World usually makes the content known several months in advance. However, there was no communication regarding “Wings of Rebirth”, even though the new content is impressive.
New Classes with Gender Lock and Better Graphics
What can the new classes do? The Technician focuses on traps and cannons and is meant to control the battlefield. It is available only to humans and can only be created as a female character.
The Ranger is a winged fighter with sword and shield. He uses both physical and magical attacks and was specifically created for the race of the Winged Elves. Here too, there is a gender lock, but only male characters are allowed this time.
Even before these classes, there were some guidelines regarding genders, with some classes also having access to both genders.
What changes were made to the graphics? Perfect World received the “Detailed Model” option with the update. When this option is activated, new art resources are utilized for certain character models, equipment, hairstyles, and other visual elements.
However, not all content has the new graphics. However, everything around the new classes is supposed to be more detailed.
Apprentice and Master, Couples and Divorce
Is it easy for new players to get started? Anyone starting with Perfect World International now can benefit from the new Apprentice and Master system.
With this system, experienced players can find and train up to three apprentices. Inexperienced players can find a master through the social menu and get tips from him.
This allows them to earn points for activities:
- Complete educational quests together
- Have joint teaching sessions
- Complete master-and-apprentice instances together
- Defeat instance bosses together
Points can be converted into currency. Additionally, there are leaderboards for the best masters on a server.
There is also a new growth guide that aims to better introduce beginners to the game systems.
A new couple tree: Perfect World has a couple system that rewards players for playing together as a couple. Now there is also a Karma tree. This tree can be watered once a day.
If this tree is consistently watered for a year (at least once every 5 days, otherwise it wilts), then the couple receives special rewards.
Additionally, a divorce system has been introduced, allowing couples to separate again.
What is the state of Perfect World?
How is Perfect World doing? The MMORPG Perfect World International is currently not very popular in Europe and America. Interest in the game was especially high in the years 2009 and 2010.
The mobile version is so successful: In March, the mobile version of Perfect World was released with a big bang. This has made the Perfect World franchise very successful in Asia. The mobile game even took second place in the statistics for the world’s highest-grossing games in April, earning more revenue than Pokémon GO. And this is what it looks like:
Another old MMORPG is being relaunched:
