by Roxane, Onrpg editor
Person interviewed: Peter Cesario, Director of Product Development at True Games Interactive.
True Games Interactive, an international publisher of multi-player online games, has revealed the first key features and game details for its highly anticipated Online action MMORPG, Warrior Epic. Developed by Austin-based studio Possibility Space, the game has already developed a growing community since the developer launched the Warrior Epic website earlier this year. With the new publishing partnership, True Games Interactive is now sharing new features, screen shots and game details as it gears up for the game’s spring 2009 launch.
Onrpg: Warrior Epic used to be playable, but is has currently returned into development phase. Can you give us some hints as to what to expect in April 2009 upon release?
Peter: The earlier Closed Beta was actually more focused on the technology in general as opposed to a heavy emphasis on gameplay. So for April of 2009, you can definitely expect tons of new additions to the game play itself, including skills, items, quests, PvP, and so on. There is a lot to get excited about as we march towards our launch date!
Onrpg: What are your current plans for improving your service to the community?
Peter: Even before True Games came on board, Possibility Space had already gotten off to a great start building a strong community around Warrior Epic. Naturally, we’d like to continue to build upon that solid foundation and provide even more interaction and community involvement from now through launch. Look for more specifics to be revealed once we launch the full website with forums, etc. in the next few weeks.
Onrpg: What new content will be added upon the re-release of the title?
Peter: Because the earlier beta was focused more on the technology, you can expect an enormous amount of new content to be added for launch. Entire new areas to quest in, new Warrior types with unique skill trees and items, and more PvP options will all be available starting with Beta around March 09’.
Onrpg: What are these different warrior classes, what can they do and what makes them special?
Peter: We’ll actually be revealing more information on each individual Warrior class throughout the next several weeks, but I can definitely tell you that there will be quite a variety of base and sub class types to choose from and each of them will have very unique skill sets and other specialties for both PvE and PvP. It’s this amount of variety and customization of the Warrior classes that helps make Warrior Epic so unique and compelling.
Onrpg: How does the unique Warrior Spirit System (where the spirit of a fallen warrior can be infused into items of other warriors still in combat) contribute to this?
Peter: The Warrior Spirit System is a big part of what differentiates Warrior Epic from a lot of games and the role it plays in grouping is no exception. For instance, a player that has put a lot of effort into strengthening their lineup of Spirits or using them to significantly power-up their items or weapons can be a tremendous asset to any group no matter what particular class they may be.
Onrpg: What can we expect with regards to PvP in Warrior Epic?
Peter: At launch, you can expect at least a couple of team based “battle ground” type scenarios as well as 1 on 1 dueling. We’re currently in the process of finalizing the specifics as well as tons of balancing for each of the battlegrounds and such, so expect more detailed information on PvP within the next several weeks.
Onrpg: How much is the world is customizable?
Peter: Players will actually have a wide variety of customization options available to them. You’ll able to heavily customize the look, skills, and items of each individual warrior as well as personalize the look of the various rooms within your Warrior Hall. Basically, there will be enough customization options to fit just about any play style!
Onrpg: How will the micro-transaction system affect the game play? What kind of items are for sale and how will this make the game play more appealing and entertaining?
Peter: The micro-transaction system will be a great option for any player looking to further enhance their Warrior Epic experience. None of the items offered through micro-transactions will ever be required, but for those who wish to either level up their warriors a bit quicker, gain some loot bonuses while questing, or simply want to stand out even more from others with unique vanity items the micro-transaction store will provide the opportunity to do so.
Onrpg: Are you planning to hold special events or campaigns in the game for the players once it’s launched?
Peter: Definitely! We can’t reveal our exact plans until closer to launch, but you can certainly count on some cool surprises at that time, and maybe even some special “thank you” rewards for those who helped out during Beta tests.
