The MMORPG Saga of Lucimia is currently in Alpha, under NDA. However, the developers have now showcased over 2 hours of gameplay in a livestream. Many viewers are convinced by the content presented.
What is Saga of Lucimia? The new MMORPG will be a PvE game focusing on role-playing and group content. There will be no PvP. Other features of Saga of Lucimia include:
- The game will emphasize many “old-school” elements.
- Quests are intended to be meaningful.
- There is no fixed class system; instead, there are different specializations.
- There will be a deep and crucial crafting system for combat.
- A subscription model will be used for funding.
The game is currently in the second phase of Alpha, which is still under NDA. However, this is expected to change in April.
What was shown in the livestream? The developers of Stormhaven Studios presented the first gameplay of Saga of Lucimia.
In a nearly 3-hour livestream, many systems of the game were presented in more detail, including the system regarding classes and death, which is unique in the MMORPG.
Viewers love old-school elements but criticize graphics
How did the viewers react? The livestream was very well received by viewers overall. Many are pleased about the return of old-school elements such as the absence of the minimap, traveling to the location of death, and the focus on groups.
As Twitch user stege99 noted during the livestream at minute 28:00:
[Looks like] Vanguard and Star Wars Galaxies. If even a small part of the promised content works, I’ll be a happy player. Let’s just hope the timeline is reasonable.
What was criticized? There was criticism for the graphics and the interface, both of which already look like the MMORPG has aged significantly.
However, other users defend this content, as the development team behind Saga of Lucimia is small and the game is still in Alpha.
Features regarding classes and death
How are the classes of the MMORPG structured? In Saga of Lucimia, you do not choose a class, but various masteries. Through these masteries, you obtain specific attributes and new abilities.
At the start of the game, you can choose from 12 masteries, including archers, knights, or mages with different focuses.
However, you do not have to stick with a mastery forever. Over the course of the game, you can change them, and new choices will be added. A character has in the endgame according to the livestream:
- 5 Combat Masteries
- 5 Utility Masteries
- 2 Complementary Masteries
Additionally, there are 2 crafting masteries.
What about levels and experience points? The MMORPG completely dispenses with experience points and thus a level system.
Instead, you progress through the use of your masteries, new equipment, and reputation with factions.
What is special about death? After about 2 hours in the livestream, the streaming developer dies and then explains the mechanics surrounding death. They differ somewhat from modern MMORPGs:
- Death is supposed to represent a kind of unconsciousness from the story’s perspective.
- If you die, you can be revived by teammates within 180 seconds. Then nothing happens to you.
- Otherwise, you awaken in a city, to which someone, according to lore, is supposed to have carried you. This person, however, has left your inventory lying in the landscape.
- You can now choose to go to the location of death and search for your inventory. However, during this time, you cannot pick up new items. Alternatively, you may release your items.
- Only collected items in the bags will be affected. Equipped gear will be retained.
Everquest and old MMORPGs as role models
What else was mentioned in the livestream? During the stream, it was emphasized that the developers have taken inspiration from old-school MMORPGs like Everquest. Systems that are not yet in the game, such as the guild system, are also planned to be built after this model.
Saga of Lucimia is intended to feature 3 regions, each with 3-4 zones at launch. Each region will have a regional auction house, so prices may vary.
Additionally, a housing system is planned for the PvE MMORPG. However, exact details cannot yet be shared.
What else do we know about the MMORPG? Early in the story, dungeons are supposed to play a role. They tell an important part of the story, which is otherwise mainly conveyed through quest texts. The open world is also designed so that you can play as a group.
Those wanting to play Saga of Lucimia solo should also be able to do so according to the livestream. The MMORPG is designed such that you can comfortably handle your tasks alone near cities. However, the further you go into the wilderness, the harder it gets.
What about crafting? Another unique aspect is expected to be the crafting system. Manufactured items are supposed to play an important role in dungeons and raids.
Tim Anderson, the head of the studio, already revealed that alongside tanks, healers, and DDs, crafters are also intended to have a place in groups. This is modeled after Star Wars Galaxies.
Currently, however, the crafting system is not fully implemented and was not shown in the livestream.
Release in 2021?
When is Saga of Lucimia expected to be released? In April, the MMORPG is set to move into development Phase 3. Accordingly, the shop has already been opened, so you can purchase founder packages and participate in the next test.
According to current plans, a release is scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2021. Whether this will be maintained remains to be seen. Some MMORPGs were supposed to be released in 2019, but did not make it.
