TQ Digital, one of the Chinese leading companies in online gaming, revealed their first expansion New Dynasty, for Conquer Online 2.0 Conquer Online, which is a well-known MMORPG with lots of loyal players all over the world. As the most appealing feature of the New Dynasty expansion, the Ninja is upon our doorstep! Players also can find many brand-new features such as new interface, new character hairstyles, new equipment. Recently we had the opportunity to talk with Pan Deng, the chief Designer of Conquer Online again. Now let him give us more details about this new expansion and the new class Ninja.
MMOsite: First of all, could you give us a brief background of Conquer Online for those who are not familiar with it?
Pan Deng: Conquer Online is a free-to-play MMO published by TQ Digital Entertainment in 2003. The theme of Conquer Online is ancient China, where martial and magical arts battle with mythological monsters.
MMOsite: Published in 2003, Conquer Online has entered its 5th year. How is the game going now?
Pan Deng: Since its release, Conquer Online has achieved great success both in the domestic and international markets. Currently there are 6 different languages versions (simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, English, French, Spanish, Japanese) with millions players immersed in its world.
MMOsite: What makes Conquer Online different from other MMOs?
Pan Deng: Firstly, Conquer is a simply point and click MMO, easy to operate and with unfolding layers of complexity as one gets more powerful. Second, Conquer offers a string of special events, all in the theme of Chinese traditional festivals, adding extra cultural depth to non-Chinese players with the education of Chinese culture and traditions. Lastly, our players are not region-specific¡ªthat is, anyone from anywhere in the world can connect to any server, unlike other large commercialized games which read and restrict IP addresses according to location.
MMOsite: Soon to be released in your New Dynasty Expansion is a new class, the ninja. Will the Ninja fit in Conquer's Chinese style and lore?
Pan Deng: When development of the New Dynasty began, we decided to add a totally new class to the class roster. We considered several other classes as candidates but eventually had a consensus to choose the ninja. The ninja was perfect for the theme of Conquer Online's New Dynasty.
While ninjas were developed to their zenith in feudal Japan, they share oriental compatibility with the game's theme. Conquer Online is a world full of conflict. In such an environment of chaos, ninja's thrive. So, these stealthy assassins have arrived on the shores of the middle kingdom to pursue perfection in their art of ninjutsu.
From a game balance point of view, our goal was to add a new physical damage dealer to game's class roster¡ªone that could go toe-to-toe with the already dominant Trojan class in PvP. Also, the new class needed to be unique, in both skills and strategies. Again, ninjas seemed to fit the build,
and were the logical choice.
MMOsite: Can you give us a basic design concept of the new ninja class?
Pan Deng: Conceptually, our ninja is an expert of stealth, inspired by popular Japanese culture such as manga and anime, but not historical accuracy. Relying on agility and reflexes, ninjas frown upon the use of heavy armors. The Ninja is the second of Conquer's dual-wielding classes, with high attack, low defense stats. Stylistically, the ninja has been transformed and blended with the colorful Chinese palette of Conquer, to make a stronger impression on our audience.
