Tell us about the Monk class. How did the ideas for this class come about?

Well, the decision to add a new profession was made right after the release of the Ninja, our first new class, back in 2008. Considering the Ninja is a specialized class to play solo, we wanted to make a new class which could bring people together. Speaking of the original concept of Monk, it was first inspired by the legendary Shaolin Monastery, which has always been considered a sacred and powerful order in the oriental world.

It's a holy warrior with strong spiritual powers (also known as Chi Kung) and fighting abilities. The Monk is a master of the power of "Chi", which controls the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. It is a very special profession, different from any other melee class in CO. It's a perfect combination of skilled hand-to-hand combat and back-line support. The Auras can help keep your other fighters in the game, while still being able to take out a few of their own! And the ability to stop the fallen enemies from coming back quickly can turn the tide of the hardest battle.

What style of game play does the class offer to players?

I think it is more about the cooperative & strategic play. It's for group benefits, rather than having a muscle-bound brawler solo class. What makes monk unique is its special role in a team when a bunch of players is engaged in large group PVP or PVE battles. A Monk will add different attributes to his teammates, in order to boost their Attack or Defense against giant monsters or strong opponents. Therefore, in a group PK competition, protecting your Monk becomes vitally important to winning the battle. The Monk could be your enemies' NO.1 target. Players have to specially look out for him. Strategies and positioning is the key. Players need to strengthen their cooperation and keep adjusting their strategies, if they hope to stand victorious against the opponents!

Besides, the newly added Kung-fu style Monk garments, weapons, and even the Monk's specially designed running & fighting motions and animation will change how you see things, and bring you an incredible, new gaming experience.

Are there any updates to other classes that the Monk will compliment in a party or group?

We hope with the arrival of the new class, players will find more of what they enjoyed when they started; the fun of playing with others. It will certainly change up how people are doing Guild Wars, not to mention making more runs against bosses and enemy groups. A skilled Monk would be a great back-line supporter, and would greatly enhance your teamwork. It should definitely make group PKing more engaging and fun. That's probably the biggest benefit a team could receive. Take the Tyrant Aura, for example. Once activated, all your teammates' critical strike rates will be increased immediately, which would be very helpful in group PK battles. And Compassion, it will instantly dispel all adverse status effects on the teammates.

How will Monk perform in 1vs 1 PKing?

Monks have their own combat skills, just like the Trojan's Fast Blade and Hercules, so they can go for the straight and powerful attacking style. With these skills, they could be inflicting great damage on the opponents. They have some different Auras, as well, which add various attributes on the teammates so their attack or defense will be enhanced, or to remove hurtful curses. Generally speaking, the Monk is a class with comprehensive abilities, but not overpowered. The skill combination or you could say strategy is the key. You have to apply the skills wisely.

Tell us about the idea of prayer beads as weapons. What can players expect?

In this regard, one of the things we've talked about with the Monk is that a lot of his skills don't really use his weapons. But the Monk will have their own class specific items, like a Frock and Monk's Cap, while Prayer Beads are their only weapon. The Monk looks more like a bare-handed Kung Fu master, rather than the portly friars of English lore. Far more fitting to a game about combat, wouldn't you say?

What plans do you have for Conquer Online once the Monk is added to the game?

In addition to Monk, the new expansion also includes a new Boss, an exclusive new map for monk class, new skills for the Warrior class and a full set of new level cap armors and weapons.

What other updates do you have planned for Conquer Online?

We are currently working on the Achievement System, which contains lots of different achievement goals that cover almost every aspect of gameplay. These self-contained goals will offer new challenges, and help satisfy our more goal-oriented players. The achievements will also come with in-game rewards! We are also designing a new function for Guild members, so that they could build an in-game life together. And we will soon launch an inter-server, skill based PK tournament. It's a competition completely based on skills and absolutely fair to play, so we're really looking forward to seeing that in action. Players have been expecting this for years and we're finally able to bring some of these great ideas to life!

Do you have any Holiday plans for the game?

Oh, we've planned a lot of things for our players. You won't be disappointed. The event season includes a Promotion Sale and some holiday events for the upcoming Christmas. Meanwhile, to celebrate the arrival of the new expansion, which is set to be released on Dec. 16th, we'll be launching a series of grand celebrations for both the returning and the new players, and the guild players, as well. It will be a lot of fun.