What Unique Features Will Aion Give Players?

Only a few weeks away from it's US and European launch, Aion is a new MMO title from NCSoft, that has gained a large and loyal following in Asia, where it was launched last year. Aion has many similarities to World of Warcraft, but look a little close and you'll see it's a very different game! This is a highly unique and visually dazzling MMORPG that seeks to appeal to WoW fans while also competing to be better than that game, at least in some ways.

So what unique features does Aion have? Well, for one thing, you can fly--once you reach Level 10 and become a Daeva, no matter which one of the four human classes you are, you can fly. And--with your own wings! You don't need a magical steed or to hop a ride on some mandrake as inWoW. All characters have access to flight in Aion, and it's a key part of the game.

The basic premise of Aion is that there are "angels" and "demons" (actually both are factions of humans/Daevas who grew apart after the breaking of their original world of Atreia; so neither one is evil or good, but both factions readily believe that the other guys are indeed plenty evil and need to be obliterated) who are at war simultaneously against each other and against a third common enemy: a group of "fallen dragons" whose hubris started this never-ending war in the first place (yeah - it's Satan and the Fallen Host of Heaven). The evil dragons are computer-controlled NPCs; you have to choose an "angel" or "demon" human character to play.

Talking about characters, the character creation process is hugely detailed and has a dazzling array of options for customisation. In fact--do you want to see a Condoleezza Rice with a big bust flying through the air? Easily done. Want to make yourself in the image of your favorite super hero? Whatever you want.

Surpassing even graphically stunning games like EVE Online, the visuals in Aion have amazing detail, and are probably the best we've seen from any MMO to date. Yes, probably better than WoW. There is also a great soundtrack by famous Asian New Age music composer Yang Bang Ean. As far as movement and control, you get the feeling that you're some cyborg with a data-feed chip stuck in your brain who is otherwise looking out on a very real world. The game's Crytec servers even give you independently created and player-inspired storylines.

Finally, Aion introduces you to a dizzying "PvPvE" situation: Player vs. Player vs. Environment. You'll find yourself facing up against other player-controlled characters, while simultaneously fighting off NPC demons, and random AI monsters who will wander into the area.

Does this mean Aion will bring a massive change in MMO gaming? We'll have to wait and see!