The developer NCSoft has presented its new MMORPG Project E in a video. The title not only has a name similarity to the already known Project TL, which has turned out to be Throne and Liberty. We at MeinMMO summarize.
What kind of game is it? Not much is known about the new MMORPG from the AAA studio NCSoft yet, but what we do know looks really good. Project E is set in an oriental setting in medieval times and adds a considerable amount of fantasy on top of that.
The general atmosphere of the world feels gloomy, and alongside Eastern sword fighters, zombies and magic can also be seen in the first trailer for the MMORPG. So if you’re eager to swing katanas and throw fireballs through the world, Project E might be something for you.
However, what type of game it will be, what mechanics await you in-game, or information such as classes and progression systems are still unknown. However, there is more to say about the setting.
Who is making Project E? To place Project E correctly, we first need to clarify more about who precisely produces the MMORPG. That is developer and publisher NCSoft, which we should primarily associate with Guild Wars 2 and Aion in the West.
In Asia, however, the publisher and developer is primarily known for the titles Blade & Soul and Lineage as well as for the numerous spin-offs of these IPs. Additionally, NCSoft is behind the exciting Project TL, which has already caused a stir here.
Behind Project TL hides the title Throne and Liberty, as recently clarified. This MMORPG takes place in the universe of Lineage, specifically on the planet Novcrea.
Project E shares this setting and also takes place on Novcrea, though you visit different continents of the planet in Throne and Liberty and Project E, which differ significantly.
The same events – different consequences
Where does Project E take place? The new MMORPG uses the continent Laisak as the setting for its story, while Project TL takes place on the other continent, Solisium. This means that while both games have parallels, they are supposed to be completely different.
In an interview, one of the developers explains that the world of Project E has experienced the same things as that of Lineage and Project TL. However, the two continents reacted to these events very differently, resulting in the formation of distinct cultures.
Hence, Laisak and the world of Project E are highly influenced by oriental themes, while Project TL focuses on medieval Europe. However, both MMORPGs are supposed to take place around the same time, as NCSoft reveals.
What can you expect in the world? Much of what you already know from Lineage and Project TL will also be found in Project E. Thus, the war between humans and the magic of elves plays a significant role in the world of Project E.
However, different names have even been formed for these races on the continent of Laisak; for example, elves are called Nirba in the new MMORPG, while orcs have taken the name Yacha. NCSoft further emphasizes that there will be more events that will affect both games.
E stands for East
Why have two MMORPGs in the same world? A developer explains in an interview about the two Project games that there was a long discussion on how to incorporate these oriental concepts into Project TL. Eventually, this led to the consideration of a second game.
Thus, they started developing in two different directions to better represent the beauties and mysteries of the East, as the developers reveal in their own blog. Hence, the name of the game, as the E in Project E stands for “East” – which means “Osten”.
In the released video, a character in Korean style is shown […] considering various historical, ecological, and visual references from the East. It does not entirely exclude the West but focuses on the beautiful convergence of different cultures in the fantasy world of Project E.
When will the game come out? At this point, NCSoft still leaves a big question mark. However, the development is still in a very early stage, which means we probably should not expect it any time soon.
Since Project E has emerged from the foundation of Project TL, one might assume that many mechanics could simply be adopted, which could lead to a faster development. Yet, this is merely speculation at this point.
Where can you play Project E? It is also currently unknown on which platforms the MMORPG will be released. However, NCSoft mentions in the interview that they aim to globalize and shift focus away from mobile games.
It is particularly emphasized that a new MMORPG has great potential on PC and console, and they would be willing to consider these platforms. Although this does not confirm that the game will be available on PC, it thus seems likely.
The community is cautious but excited
How is the mood? The mood surrounding the announcements of Project E is fundamentally positive. However, very little is known about the game itself and its mechanics, which is why many fans are still inclined to be cautious.
However, it is noticeable that the trailer looks very good, and the basic concept of both games coming together in one world is well received by players. Even Lineage fans say they are curious about how the events in the world have affected Project E.
However, some voices also express that the game might be years away, and it might be a mistake to praise it too early. In any case, the game is causing a stir, as the trailer managed to achieve over 625,000 views and collect 140 comments in less than 24 hours.
What do the fans say? We would like to summarize some of the comments under the video here for you (via YouTube):
- aceslg loves the trailer and says: ‘Oh man Korea, why don’t you finally make an animated film of Lineage? I love the realistic style of the characters!’
- Dammy also expresses enthusiasm: ‘This looks great, I can’t wait to finally see real gameplay!’
- Less impressed is Brekner: ‘Is this now a mobile game or not? Does it have gacha mechanics? Is it a MOBA? The trailer unfortunately doesn’t say anything at all.’
- A comparison for the setting is found by Dean Axel: ‘This looks like the Korean The Witcher.’
What do you think of Project E? Do you think the optimism due to the trailer is justified or are you still skeptical because we know almost nothing about the game itself? Are you more looking forward to Project TL or does Project E look more interesting to you? Feel free to let us know in the comments here on MeinMMO.
In a new trailer, there is now also a lot of gameplay from Project TL.
