NC America has announced Blade & Soul NEO, an Unreal Engine 4 remaster of the classic Wuxia-themed MMORPG, originally launched in 2016. The game will soon be released in Europe and North America via NCSoft's PURPLE platform. Pre-registration is now open on the official website, offering rewards like a visually enhanced character outfit and in-game currency.
Key Features of Blade & Soul NEO
Here's a breakdown of the features as outlined in the press release:
- Remastered Graphics and Animations: Utilizing Unreal Engine 4, the game boasts enhanced textures, improved lighting, refined animations, and more environmental details while retaining the original game’s unique visual charm.
- Infinite Windwalk + Limitless Exploration: "Windwalk," previously limited by stamina, is now infinite and enables high-speed travel, higher jumps, and dynamic acrobatics.
- New Skill Customization: Players can customize their combat style by acquiring Skill Books with unique benefits, creating distinctive combat techniques.
- Unique Action-Based Combat: The combat system emphasizes skill-based action with combos, counters, and flexible party roles, akin to those in fighting games.
- Competitive PvP: A variety of PvP activities are offered, including:
- Field Combat: Designated open areas where players can engage in PvP (excluding party members).
- Faction Combat: Players choose a faction early in the game and can engage in PvP with opposing faction members when wearing their Faction Costume.
- 6v6 Battleground: Organized PvP battles played at scheduled times.
- Highly Customizable Character Creation: Offers a high degree of customization for hair, facial structure, eye color, height, and body type, with the option to export and share character templates.
Although the game was previously updated to Unreal Engine 4 three years ago, this remaster includes new features and improvements. It remains to be seen if this will be enough to bring renewed interest to the MMORPG.
