We recently had the opportunity to interview Steven Huynh about the
continuing evolution of Nexon's Dark Ages.
MPOGD> Can you describe your title and role with
Dark Ages development?
I am the Game Director for Dark Ages, and I head a small team that manages the
game. Some of our day-to-day responsibilities include answering community
emails, fixing bugs, maintaining the game server, and working on new projects
and development for Dark Ages.
MPOGD> What changes have you seen in Dark Ages since
you've been working on that game's development?
The style of Dark Ages has definitely changed. With the recent update, we've
improved most of the old graphics and changed the interface. The game has a new
look and feel to it. The community has also grown immensely in the last year.
Players have become more involved with the game because of the numerous changes
and improvements we've made.
MPOGD> As we know, there are many MMORPGs out on the
market now, and many more on the way. What differences do you feel there are
that distinguish Dark Ages from other MMORPGs?
There are many players who appreciate the style Dark Ages currently has, which a
2D fantasy anime world, similar to japanese RPG games for consoles. Dark Ages
also has some key features that help makes the community more involving. The
political system and the religious system are key examples. In politics, players
can become town officials and actively have power that allows them to shape the
town. They can write laws, enforce laws, and hold trials. They can also act as
representatives to communicate with us, the DA Team, to add or improve the
towns. In religion players represent 1 of 8 gods unique to Dark Ages. They can
hold mass or events for other players. That's just one side of what the Dark
Ages community has to offer players.
MPOGD> How important is the role (forgive the play on
words) for role-playing in Dark Ages?
Originally role-playing was strongly enforced in Dark Ages. By role-playing, we
mean speaking in character, behaving in character in the game. We found that
this deterred many players. So we have recently lightened up on the enforcement
of role-playing. However, role-playing is still moderately enforced, and we
strongly encourage role-playing. The majority of future events will be role-play
oriented, as well.
MPOGD> Last December, Dark Ages: Medenia was released.
What new features and changes did this bring to the game?
The new interface was a huge change. That alone gave Dark Ages a different look
and feel. There were also some new features to the interface which made playing
the game easier. Another big change were updates to the old graphics. What most
players are looking forward to is the release of Medenia itself which is an
entirely separate continent from the current one. There will be 5 new paths,
each with their own skills, spells, and items. There will new monsters with new
AI scripting. And of course there'll definitely be new quests and adventures for
players to participate in.
MPOGD> There have been a number of very high profile,
epic-style quests in Dark Ages. Can you describe the quest players are
experiencing as they try to open the way to the Medenia continent?
The current quest to open Medenia is completely new and the design has never
been done before, at least in Dark Ages. Players must form groups of 5 with each
path in a group. They must compete with other groups in defeating 10 boss
monsters. Only 1 group can fight 1 monster at a time and the first group to
defeat all 10 monsters will open the way to Medenia. In-game statues will also
be erected in honor of the 5 players who completed the quest.
MPOGD> Besides a new land area for exploration, what
else might Medenia continent bring to the table? Is there a new story after
Medenia is opened?
The main addition to Medenia is the new paths. This basically brings a new form
of game play to Dark Ages. Medenia will boast new towns, with new items, spells,
and quests. The background storyline is still being worked out, and there is
nothing definite as of now.
MPOGD> Player paths in Dark Ages have been a key part
of the role-playing and player development. What do the new paths mean to
players?
The new paths will give players a new experience. They will almost have to start
over learning the skills and spells, and figuring out new techniques and
strategies with the new paths.
MPOGD> What new developments are slated beyond Medenia
for Dark Ages?
There is much more to Medenia that will not be released instantly, there will be
more towns, hunting areas, items, and monsters that will be added throughout the
year. We also have updates for the original continent as well, so players can
expect to see many updates throughout the year.
MPOGD> Are there any last words you'd like to pass
along to our readers?
Visit http://www.darkages.com, download
and try the game for free. Take a look around, experience and see what Dark Ages
is all about. We don't believe you'll be disappointed.
I would like to thank Steven Huynh for taking the time for the interview. More Dark Ages info:
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