WTF?!? Yes, my sentiments exactly. The reaction stems from the fact that Zhu Xian, obviously Zhu Xian 2’s predecessor, has been in circulation in some countries for less than a year. Oh, yeah, for those who are unaware of what Zhu Xian is, it’s called Jade Dynasty in North America.

My WTF Moment came earlier today while I was searching for a screenshot of the online game Fantasy Zhu Xian. Imagine my surprise when a stray click landed me on the website of Zhu Xian 2. Both Zhu Xian 2 and Fantasy Zhu Xian are products of China-based online games developer Perfect World Co. Ltd.

What saved the day for Zhu Xian 2 is the fact that it’s totally different from its predecessor. Never mind the regular features of the game like non-location specific player kill zones and new races. I’m looking forward to experiencing one feature in particular.

Perfect World claims Zhu Xian 2 has a server-independent and player-controlled storyline. What this basically means is that the experience of one player can be different from that of another player. This feature reminds me of EVE Online’s gameplay, where the actions of players impact heavily on the game world.

Let me leave you with that thought for now. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll do a little digging and see what more I can find out about Zhu Xian 2.

Post from: MMOtaku

Yeah, yeah, it’s nothing new. Turn-based combat is, after all, staple in most role-playing games. As I write this, several successful RPGs with turn-based combat come to mind: Final Fantasy, Golden Sun, and Pokemon.

So what does this bode for the future of MMORPGs? It seems Perfect World has taken the cue from Atlantica Online, one of the first to introduce turn-based combat in MMORPGs, or maybe the company sees merit in bringing online games, through Fantasy Zhu Xian back to their humble roots.

Well whatever its reasons are, I’m glad Perfect World is coming out with a turn-based MMORPG. I just wish they give the game another title as this may cause confusion. Fantasy Zhu Xian is very different from Zhu Xian, or what Westerners know as Jade Dynasty.

Bah, enough of my prattle. Check out the announcement story on Fantasy Zhu Xian’s impending closed beta test:

Perfect World Co. Ltd., a leading online game developer and operator based in China, has announced that it will launch the closed beta testing for its first 2D turn-based MMORPG Fantasy Zhu Xian on September 10th, 2009.

Fantasy Zhu Xian is based on a popular Internet fantasy novel and represents the world of Zhu Xian in a refreshing cartoon style. The game is run on the company’s proprietary EPARCH 2D engine and can exhibit such special visual effects as reflections, particle effects, and translucency effects. It also features a flying system that introduces a concept of altitude into a 2D game, which is very creative and advanced in terms of technology.

In the closed beta testing of Fantasy Zhu Xian, players will not only experience the excitement of fighting in player-versus-player turn-based battlefields, but they will also enjoy the multitude of experiences within the many instances available to the players throughout the game world. The players will also be able to engage in various round-the-clock activities in the game during the closed beta testing.

Post from: MMOtaku

What better way to whet the appetite of massively multiplayer online role-playing game fanatics than to release a high-definition trailer of Jade Dynasty. Here’s a copy of the trailer:

Magnificent, eh? Too bad I didn’t enjoy playing Jade Dynasty, er, Zhu Xian when it was launched by E-Games in the Philippines. It’s a wonderful game, but I just didn’t feel its wonders during closed beta.

Fortunately, the North American version of the game is being handled by Perfect World. That, at least, is an assurance that quality will always come first. Hope you guys have a great time playing Jade Dynasty. Wish I could join you.

Post from: MMOtaku

Perfect World may be far from giving Blizzard and World of Warcraft a run for their money, but with the entry of spectacular titles in North America it may soon prove to a force to be reckoned with.

Going back to the topic, here’s an excerpt from the announcement story on Zhu Xian from Perfect World:

Perfect World to Launch Closed Beta Testing for Zhu Xian in North America

Perfect World Co. Ltd., a leading online game developer and operator in China, has announced that it will launch closed beta testing for Zhu Xian in North America on May 26, 2009. The game will be released as Jade Dynasty through its wholly owned US subsidiary, Perfect World Entertainment Inc.

Based on a popular Internet fantasy novel Zhu Xian, Jade Dynasty is a 3D MMORPG localized to cater to the North American market. The game has a multitude of special features and systems. A player will obtain different skills and tools to develop a story that is unique to him or her. Gamers’ choices between good and evil will shape their game experience.

“I am pleased with the progress of our development in the North American market. The introduction of Jade Dynasty there will help further strengthen our international reputation as a comprehensive online game developer and operator.

I’ve done a couple of stories on and reviews of Zhu Xian in the Philippines, foremost among which states my disappointment with the game. I’m not sure if it’s relevant to gamers in North America. My suggestion is for you guys to give it a try by keeping an open mind. Who knows, Zhu Xian, or rather Jade Dynasty, might be your cup of tea.

Wallpaper courtesy of Perfect World Co. Ltd. Download a copy from the Zhu Xian official website.

Post from: MMOtaku

After getting a taste of a good massively multiplayer online role-playing game like China-made Perfect World in the Philippines, I’m starting to wonder what my “brothers and sisters” back in the mainland are cooking up for the neighborhood and other MMO-crazy Asian countries.

A well-placed clicks have done the trick. Aha! Apparently, the folks down in Beijing at the office of Perfect World Co. Ltd. are indeed firing up the wok in preparation for a sumptuous feast, MMO style. The company has just launched Unparalled Battlefield, an expansion for Zhu Xian, one of the Top 10 Most Popular Online Games in China.

Here’s part of the official announcement:

Perfect World Co. Ltd., a leading online game developer and operator in China, has announced the launch of the Unparalleled Battlefield expansion pack for Zhu Xian. Unparalleled Battlefield has been one of the most anticipated expansion packs for the game and contains new quests, items and battlegrounds.

Unparalleled Battlefield is another large-scale update closely following the company’s successful launch of the Sanjie Tianshu expansion last September. As Zhu Xian has recently won the “Best Self-Developed Online Game” award and “Top 10 most Popular Online Games” award in the ChinaJoy Jin Ling Awards, the company believes the launch of Unparalleled Battlefield will be another example of demonstrating strong technology and creative game design capabilities.

So how good does Zhu Xian look that news of a new patch leaps right out of a webpage? Take a gander at this video I dug up.

All I can say is arrrrgh! MMO players in China have all the luck! There they go, trotting across a new virtual world and I’m stuck here in the Philippines playing Perfect World, which, as it turns out, is the prototype of a way better—and I mean waaaaaaay better—game. It makes me just want to shout UPGRADE!

Post from: MMOtaku