Blade & Soul: Revolution released globally this year on March 4th, slated to launch with a full cinematic story, robust combat, and five exciting classes. We had the opportunity to ask Mr. Hyun Jin Jang, the Development Lead at Netmarble F&C, a few questions about Blade & Soul: Revolution, covering development, the game as players will experience it on launch, and what players can look forward to in the future.
MMORPG: Blade & Soul: Revolution will feature a lot of the exciting features and gameplay that Blade & Soul brought to the PC 5 years ago. What differences can players expect between Blade & Soul: Revolution and Blade & Soul?
Jang: The game stays true to its PC roots with a high level of full 3D graphics and large-scale content that has been revamped to perform flawlessly on mobile devices. We focused on delivering the story from the original game, and enhancing it with more than 150 kinds of cinematic videos - all voiced by the original voice actors. When players experience the story, it will feel highly immersive, like if they were watching a movie. But we will also added our own unique story and attractive characters for Blade & Soul Revolution, so players will be able to experience them as updates continue.
MMORPG: Blade & Soul: Revolution is going to start with 5 classes, the Blade Master, Kung Fu Master, Summoner, Force Master and Destroyer. Can players expect to see other classes headed to the game? If so, are there release windows you have planned?
Jang: Yes. We are planning to add new classes soon. We cannot disclose exact date yet, but please look forward to it.
MMORPG: One of the major draws to the Blade & Soul franchise is its exciting combat. B&S:R managed to create a tiered combo system that factors in a lot of cool combos and ability variants. Will we see more variants and combos added post launch to keep classes fresh?
Jang: Yes of course. We paid a lot of attention to the combat and combo system. When the Ultimate Skill gauge reaches 100% during battle, you can inflict a lot of damage to the opponent through a combo that links the skill of a player’s normal stance, and the skill of their Special Stance, while switching from the normal to the Special Stance. The play that creates a situation where this skill combo can be successful is the core of the battle and the part that creates depth, which is different from the PC version. In addition, we wanted to let the player have fun by manipulating the use of two Evasion Skills – Shadow Dance and Retreat.
MMORPG: After a certain point the game opens up options to mostly automate combat, if players choose. Will there be encounters where players can’t use auto-play?
Jang: We put a lot of effort to balance both auto-play and manual play. We accounts for players using auto function on parts which do not command the player’s full attention, while considering the unique characteristics of mobile platforms. However, we also allowed players to experience Blade & Soul Revolution’s core mechanics with manual player, which are dungeons, battles and Arenas.
MMORPG: There are a lot of detailed systems in the game, such as enhancing. With so much going on aside from combat, it could be easy for players to get lost. Are there features in place to help players that may not be familiar with these systems?
Jang: For new players not used to MMORPGs, there is a in-game ‘guide’ section that allows players to easily learn the game’s mechanicals. We also recommend players check out our forums, as Netmarble will actively communicate there, and offer tips so that players could get familiar with the game.
MMORPG: Blade & Soul: Revolution has a tremendous following in Korea. Did you change any design principles when you decided you wanted the game to transition to a global audience?
Jang: We mostly focused on adjusting play pattern and systems within the game. The overall design is similar to the Korean version.
MMORPG: Many players worry about the cash shop in mobile games. What can players expect to see in the Blade & Soul: Revolution cash shop?
Jang: The shop consists mainly of items that can be purchased in the game, which allows to reduce the time required for character growth. Blade & Soul Revolution will feature Black Crystals, which players can purchase with real money, or collect as they play Blade & Soul Revolution. Black Crystals can be used to purchase equipment, pets, redeemable tickets, and other items that will be available for a limited time, or as part of special bundles. However, purchases made for premium items and bundles are entirely optional, with equipment items being strictly cosmetic, while other items are used to speed up progression in the game.
Blade & Soul: Revolution is an Open World Mobile RPG, built in an eastern-inspired fantasy world. It is availble now on iOS and Android in their respective app stores.
