On August 12, 2019, Zenith, which calls itself a Cyberpunk MMO, appeared out of nowhere on Kickstarter. But the game seemed to hit a nerve. In 4 hours, the campaign goal was reached. Now the game is set to launch in March into Pre-Alpha.
What is Zenith? Zenith is a cross-platform MMORPG that emphasizes playing and experiencing together. A special highlight is the VR support, which means the game offers an immersive and vibrant world where players can lose themselves. However, VR is not mandatory.
But Zenith also aims to provide a lot in terms of gameplay:
- a classless system where your equipment and skills determine your playstyle
- a dynamic combat system that is expected to flourish especially in VR
- Housing
- a crafting system
- epic raids and world events
The game relies on the “wonder technology” SpatialOS, which is supposed to create huge, dynamic worlds. The developers want to fully leverage the system, so there will be no loading screens in the open world.
When can you play Zenith? As the developers mentioned in a video, the Pre-Alpha will start on March 21, 2020, about 3 months later than originally planned. It is also expected to be very rudimentary and more like an early demo.
Everyone who purchased a corresponding package on Kickstarter or through the website can participate. The price for the Pre-Alpha is set at $79, while access to the Alpha is available for $39.
Initial Alpha tests are expected to take place about 3 months after the start of the Pre-Alpha. Approximately the same timeframe is set for the Beta.
Cyberpunk + JRPG, an interesting mix
Why a Cyberpunk MMO? By including Cyberpunk in the title, the developers of Zenith have certainly drawn attention. After all, many players are eagerly awaiting Cyberpunk 2077. A multiplayer mode is also being repeatedly requested, but that seems to be a long way off.
Visually, the MMO resembles a JRPG more than Cyberpunk, which the developers agree with. They claim to have been inspired by old anime and games like Final Fantasy and Sword Art Online.
What makes the game Cyberpunk? The trailer shows where the Cyberpunk idea comes from. It features things like:
- Steel airships with modern propulsion
- Futuristic cities
- Modern vehicles that look like they could fly
- An interface that evokes associations with the future
VR in MMORPGs is the exception
What else makes the MMORPG special? Virtual reality MMORPGs are still very rare. Rob Pardo, former developer of WoW, said in 2017 that it still has a long way to go before successful games of this type exist.
Currently, there is only Orbus VR, an MMORPG specifically developed for Virtual Reality. However, the game has not been very successful.
Ramen, the 3-person studio behind Zenith, wants to seize this opportunity. This is particularly evident in the description of the skills:
The combat system of Zenith fully utilizes the physical reality of VR to achieve satisfying gameplay.
Pull earth shields from the ground, draw creatures together with devastating gravity wells, or simply blast them away with the ultimate power of a chain lightning.
Mastering a class will feel like learning a sport or a martial art. The Essence Mage places a high value on long-range attacks and targeting and accuracy. The melee duelist, on the other hand, emphasizes timing and combos.
On which platforms will Zenith be playable? The new MMORPG will support the following VR offerings:
- Oculus Rift
- HTC Vive
- Valve Index
- PlayStation VR
Additionally, it should also be playable on PC and PS4 without VR.
However, Zenith is not the only “Cyberpunk MMO”. Mankind Reborn will be a huge sandbox and visually resembles Cyberpunk 2077 much more.
