I’m starting another section—or subsection or whatever you call these things—on MMOtaku called WTF Moment for those rare occasions in MMOdom when you feel the need to do a double take. In this first installment, I present you with a short piece on my surprise at finding out that there is such an animal as Zhu Xian 2.
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, …read more

With the North American closed beta test for Zhu Xian, er, I mean Jade Dynasty in full swing, it’s only prudent for the game’s developer and operator, Perfect World Co. Ltd., through its US-based subsidiary Perfect World Entertainment, to release marketing collateral in preparation for its commercial launch.
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 …read more

The entry and launch of Zhu Xian, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game from the developer of Perfect World and Ether Saga, in North America were inevitable. Perfect World Co. Ltd. has been on the prowl in the Western world, seeking a niche in its MMORPG market long dominated by powerhouse Blizzard’s World of Warcraft.
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 …read more

Whew! What a year! Indeed, it’s been one hell of a ride for me and, hopefully, for MMOtaku’s loyal followers. What started out as a mote of light in fellow b5media Technology Channel blogger Jayvee Fernandez’s brilliant mind is now a good—not yet great (that has yet to come)—source of news for massively multiplayer online games in Asia and those made in Asia.
First off, I’d like to thank MMOtaku’s avid readers, those who visit the blog every day, those who come and go for a dose of MMORPG news, reviews and what-have-yous, and those who have dropped in just to …read more

If you’ve read the comments on my last post, the one about Zhu Xian’s great character path-find system, and are a fan or player of Granado Esapada in Southeast Asia, then you probably already know that pioneer NineMoons, also known as PJ Punla, is quitting, not only from playing the online game she adores but also from blogging about it.
Okay, yeah, so a player is quitting a game, it’s nothing new. Does it really merit a commentary from MMOtaku and other blogs that talk about massively multiplayer online games?
The answer is a resounding yes. Here’s the reason why:
With this blog, …read more

Like I said in an earlier post, Zhu Xian isn’t such a bad game. With tons of features even the most stalwart MMORPG will envy, Zhu Xian seems deadset to give its competitors in the Philippines, where the online game was recently launched, a run for their money.
What is perhaps one of the best features of Zhu Xian is the automatic go-to-monster or non-player character system. With a click of a mouse, your character will seek out the monsters you need to kill or the NPC you have to talk to. It’s automatic navigation at its best, despite the minor …read more

No, I’m not lashing out at Zhu Xian again. I’ve said my piece and my only aim now is giving my readers some tips on how to survive Zhu Xian and all its, uhmm, wonders.
I’ve been meaning to write this post in such a way that it will appear a bit humorous, but the experience of getting stuck in between two virtual buildings inside a supposedly safe place such as an MMORPG town is harrowing, and is not in the least bit funny (at least for the player whose character is stuck).
Let me explain. In Zhu Xian, there are quests …read more

Mental note: Don’t play closed beta if you’re not up for big bumps and bruises that might disappoint you faster than you can say “Ugh.” So much for the excitement.
And excited I was, to play Zhu Xian Online, the latest MMORPG import to the Philippines of IP E-Games from Beijing-based Perfect World Co. Ltd.
Now, my excitement’s gone. Find out why after the jump.

Now, before you panic, I should tell you that the delay won’t be overly long—at least I hope it won’t take long. What’s so kooky about the delay is that the countdown timer to closed beta (you can view a screenshot I took a couple of days ago here) is counting backwards. Don’t know what the hell I’m talking about? Check this out:

Fortunately, Zhu Xian Philippines community manager Mei Yan quickly added this line to her official CBT announcement on the ZXOnline Philippines Community Blog: “Servers will be up by 5:30 p.m. Stay tuned for further announcements and updates.”
MMORPG players, …read more

Yes! Two more days before massively multiplayer online role-playing game fanatics in the Philippines get their first taste of Zhu Xian. For those who have been living in limbo this past few months, you might want to check out MMOtaku’s announcement story on the deal between Perfect World Co. Ltd. of China and IP E-Games for the launch and operation of Zhu Xian in the Philippines.
For those wondering what the hype is behind the launch of this online game in this little tropical country, you may want to check out my post on why I think Zhu Xian rocks.
The good …read more