The Korea MMO Bless Online has completed its second Closed Beta phase. In this article, we take a look at the four classes that were playable there.
The development of Asia MMOs runs at a different pace than that of Western MMOs. In the West, it is common to develop the game behind closed doors for a long time and to gradually involve more and more players in closed and open beta phases towards the end. They want to present a good image of the game to create purchase incentives and wait a long time so that players can see a “complete” game.
In Asia, players are allowed to participate for a short period in Closed Beta 1 years before the target release date, then the gates are closed for a long time before a second and finally a third Closed Beta takes place.
It was similar with Bless. The action MMO had its second Closed Beta phase in December, since then it has been very quiet around the game, until it goes into a third Closed Beta later in 2015 and then probably into the final stretch.
Today, we take a look at the four classes that were already playable in the Closed Beta 2 of Bless. We refer to statements and videos from Asia MMO specialist Steparu, who was in the Korean Closed Beta 2 and tried out the heroes.
The Berserker, the man for the rough stuff
The Berserker is surprisingly mobile for a melee fighter wearing heavy armor. He builds up his rage slowly and can, when the rage meter is fully charged, switch to a berserker mode by pressing the “R” key. The abilities he uses do not consume rage, but generate rage points. Dodging is relatively difficult with him; it can only be done in the direction he is looking and forward.
Archer, following in Robin’s footsteps
The archer has a sort of “auto aim” and selects the target directly in front of him. He encourages mobility and shooting while running. However, some of the higher DPS skills require him to stand still.
The Paladin, with faith, mace, and the Smite
The Paladin in Bless is a hybrid between melee and caster. He can assume a defensive stance in which he regenerates life points faster. In attack, he can use his mace or typical “Holy” abilities like the Smite.
The Guardian, the tanky tank
The Guardian is a classic shield tank; he can not only block attacks coming straight at him, but also those from other angles. He chains his attacks together with combos.
For the future, Bless plans to introduce four more classes: Assassine, Mystic, Mage, and Warlock.
More about the races in Bless Online can be found here (South) and here (North).
