Aion: Daeva Interview

Is earning your wings or becoming Daeva something like a rite of passage?

Becoming a Daeva is something every child of Atreia dreams of. Ascension can be sparked by a traumatic event, or might happen in a moment of dire need; no one is sure exactly how or why it occurs. However, once it happens you realize you were meant for something greater.

What does earning your wings open up to you, game play wise?

Once you earn your wings the game really takes off. You'll have access to new zones, access to new materials on land and in the sky, as well as aerial combat and two flight-centric stats. You can begin to buy gear, potions, or food that increase your flight time or flight speed, which becomes a statistical balancing act.

How does combat with wings differ from combat without? How do wings factor strategically in PvP?

Aerial combat is a new experience for the user -- no longer can they take their position within the gameworld for granted. They'll have to manage their time in the air along with a full 360 degrees of possible enemy activity. Players will be much more vulnerable in the air, as their physical defenses will drop. The smart player will know when to take to the air and when to stay grounded.

Would you say that the player with flight ability has an advantage over the player without or are there methods to combat that?

Everyone has the ability to fly, but it is up to the player when and how they use it. There will be players that choose to use their flight only as an escape effort, and there will be players that use it as an ambush tool to catch their prey off guard. There are skills that will literally rip players out of the sky and smash them to the ground. If you are fighting a foe that has that skill, it may serve you best to land. On the other hand, you may be able to pick your enemy off before they even realize which direction the attack came from. Every situation will be unique.

Besides combat. How does earning your wings affect gameplay? For example, are there quests that require some flying?

You will come across many quests that take you to the skies. Some are simple collection quests in the sky and others will test your flight skills in timed obstacle courses! We built flight in as a mechanic that effects all areas of the game from combat to questing, and even crafting.

Are there different skills that are employed only while in flight mode?

Yes, there are skills that can be used only while in the air but also skills that can be used only on the ground. Some skills require certain conditions as well. For instance, the Gladiator has a skill that can only be used on an enemy in the air, as it inflicts massive damage and then throws them to the ground. You will also have different flight buffs and aids to assist in speed and time recovery.

When you first earn your wings, how much flight time do you have and what's the cool-down period before you can use your wings again?

You initially start with 1 minute of flight time. There is a 10 second cool down before you can take off again, and while grounded you regenerate your flight time. As you level up you'll come across food and armor that will increase your flight time--you'll be able to achieve anywhere from 3-4 minutes at the higher levels.

Would players be advised to save their flight time because certain tasks and quests might require them to use their wings?

No. Players can fly so long as they have the duration and the area permits. Now, of course if a player is told to hop from one floating isle to the next and decides to take a detour and runs out of time, that situation could end up badly...