Meanwhile, Trion Worlds officially announced that the mysterious new MMO is the highly anticipated Korean Online Hack-‘n’Slay Devilian.
When looking at the first Korean videos of the game, there isn’t much excitement initially. Devilian looks like a typical Diablo clone. In the role of one of four classes, you apparently hack through hordes of monsters, deal millions in damage points, collect vast amounts of items, and improve your hero. Everything seems familiar so far.
However, voices from those who have already been able to test Devilian speak a different language, as the MMO is said to be significantly different from Diablo and aim more towards an MMORPG – no wonder, as developers of the MMO TERA are behind the title.
But not a Diablo clone?
This can be noticed in several aspects. For example, those who do not want to deal with the isometric view from above can simply switch to a third-person view and play Devilian like you would in other MMORPGs. Another point where this action RPG MMO differs from Diablo and Co. is the huge open game world. There are no small levels, but instead very large zones into which the world is divided.
Those expecting a click-fest in battles based on the videos will also be surprised. Because the battles in Devilian unfold a bit differently. Many combat skills consist of multiple phases. Phase one deals a certain amount of damage, phase two increases the damage and also brings a debuff, and phase three makes the opponent explode. By holding down the attack button, these three attack phases are executed. This makes Devilian play differently in battles compared to the continuous clicking of a Diablo.
Diversity also comes into play as each hero can transform into the “Devilian Form.” When doing so, it’s like playing a second character. The Devilian Form can be customized alongside the regular form via an additional skill tree. Another customization option is the talismans that can be equipped and grant specific buffs.
PvE, PvP, and Guilds
On your journey through the world, you will explore many locations, including massive dungeons where you face boss monsters. There will be raids for up to nine players, as well as large PvP battles where 20 fight against 20 for control points. You can also participate in RIFT-like adventures. There should always be good opportunities to find other players. Typically, a group consists of three players. In addition, you may form guilds with other players and go to war against other guilds.
A criticism that many see with Devilian is that it looks very Asian. Trion Worlds is aware of this and is currently working with the developers to make the version that is supposed to come out later this year in the USA and Europe a bit more Westernized. Moreover, the company claims to have learned a lot from the experience with ArcheAge and promises to do better with Devilian.
The free-to-play model will adhere to typical models known from similar games, featuring an in-game shop where you can purchase certain items such as costumes, mounts, or EXP potions. However, this is not necessarily required to have fun, according to Trion Worlds. The company intends to reveal much more about the game in the coming months, including how crafting works and what exactly to expect from PvP.
Andreas says: There seems to be more to Devilian than just a Diablo clone. The involvement of developers who have previously worked on the MMORPG TERA raises my interest. Perhaps it will be possible to actually combine MMORPG and Hack-‘n-Slay. From a graphical style perspective, however, Devilian should be made a bit more Western, as many may be deterred by the anime-like figures. However, the new information about the MMO makes it seem significantly more interesting to me.
Soon you will be able to take a look for yourselves: On the official website for Devilian, you can now register for the beta.
