Developer Q&A

MMORPG.com:

Give us an overview of Pandora Saga. What can players expect?

Jeffrey Hong:

Pandora Saga is an upcoming PvP-centric, strategy-based MMORPG from Atlus Online. Players create their character and join one of three nations in an epic war for control of the ancient artifact known as ‘Pandora’. Pandora Saga combines hardcore PvP elements, as well as a strategy-based combat system to make an experience where players will have to closely manage their characters in order to achieve victory– taking it far from your ordinary point-and-click MMORPG.

MMORPG.com:

Talk about the system of the three nations, how does this work with game play and any PvP in the game.

Jeffrey Hong:

Players begin in the independent nation Astir, after reaching a certain level they are able to decide between the three nations of Latuga, St. Pfelstein, and Varik. Each nation has its own characteristics as well as its own territories in the Pandora Saga world. Once a player picks a side, the other two nations become the enemy in the various modes of PvP – including the weekly warzone and special PvP areas.

MMORPG.com:

There are a wide range of classes. Can you just give us a run-down of the class arch-types we will see in the game?

Justin Guthrie:

Upon character creation, players have the option to select one of the four basic classes: Warriors, Acolytes, Mages, and Scouts.

From there, players will be able to further specialize their character as it advances. Each core class has two distinct paths they can choose, and within each of those they can specialize in one of the four end-game jobs for a total of 28 different classes.

Players who choose the Warrior have the option to be a hard-hitting melee combatant as a Juggernaut, or a defensive shield that excels at mitigating damage and protecting their comrades as a Warlord or Paladin.

Mages are typically known for theirability to master offensive spells. This is true in Pandora Saga as well, but, the Mage class can hold several diverse roles, too. A player can become a Warlock that focuses primarily on spell damage or a Corruptor that is equally skilled with a blade as they are with the magical arts.

The Scout class is extremely versatile; their jobs have a wide range of abilities including melee and range damage , confusing and disorienting foes, passing unseen by their adversaries, and placing traps for the unsuspecting. Scouts can deliver deadly blows at range as a Sniper or blindside and take an enemy by surprise as an Assassin!

Acolytes have abilities and magical spells to provide restoration and recuperative effects as well as enhancing character attributes. Along with the other classes, depending on the job ,the abilities you can choose can also take an offensive route such as the close-quartered melee-centric Monk.

Pandora Saga gives players a wide range of choices to customize their character’s class to take on several roles without while still having each class play a unique role within the group dynamic.

MMORPG.com:

Closed Beta is coming up soon, how has the game been developing as you prepare for testing?

Justin Guthrie:

The internal beta has been making amazing progress! We have gone to great lengths to completely localize the game to appeal to a western audience while still retaining the context and flavor of the original Japanese dialogue.

Along with the localization efforts, our team has been designing some immersive in-game events and activities. Part of the Pandora Saga experience will be participating in regular Game Master driven events and tournaments.

MMORPG.com:

What sets Pandora Saga apart from other MMOs? What is something unique that you love about the game?

Justin Guthrie:

The grand scale of the player versus player system and activities!

From guild versus guild castle sieges to the 200 vs. 200 vs. 200 nation wars, we feel the sheer number of different PvP options and encounters within the game is what really sets this game apart from other MMOs currently on the market.

MMORPG.com:

The game trailer shows a lot of mounted game play can you talk about player mounts, what can we expect?

Justin Guthrie:

Mounts will be more than a speedy means of transportation . Players will be able to engage their enemies on horseback which is a key strategic element in combat. Additionally, certain jobs excel at dealing damage and engaging enemy lines while mounted! Players will be able to have a stable that can hold a number of horses, each with their own individual characterstics, and will also have the option of equipping their horses with different saddles and other armor.

MMORPG.com:

What plans does Pandora Saga have for 2011?

Jeffrey Hong:

We are launching the game in early 2011, but that’s all we can say for now. We don’t want to give everything away so be sure to keep updated by going to http://pandorasaga.atlusonline.com !