SUN Preview

E3 2006 Hands On Preview

Webzen is, perhaps, best known for it Mu massively multiplayer online title, but Mu has enabled Webzen the opportunity to expand dramatically with another MMO that should make a few waves of its own.

SUN is short for Soul of the Ultimate Nation and, according to the press release, “an epic medieval tale set in a rich world of emperors, armies, magicians and monsters. Under the reign of the Immortal Emperor, Schwarz, the Geist Empire has ruled the Blandis continent for 500 years. Possessing secret knowledge of the essence of nature known as Ether, Emperor Schwarz converted the precious Ether into dark energy, and used it to conquer the entire continent with his formidable armies. The continued extraction of Ether has impoverished the land, causing the Empire to turn its eyes to the rich lands of neighboring nations to continue its supremacy.”

Of course, a rebellion is afoot, and that is where players figure into the action of this MMO – they will take up arms as members of the rebellion.

Not only is this game graphically rich, but care has also been paid to the soundtrack, which was composed by Howard Shore (of the Lord of the Rings movie fame). The game is also trying to deliver more action quicker and has a deep skill system, and a nice crafting system. The game also will enable players to combine items and armor will take on a sheen as it begins to gather buffs beneficial to the player.

The missions are instanced, and players will be able to find party mates through the Battle Zone System.

Though the game’s hands-on moment was relatively small, the game controlled well, with a combination of keyboard and mouse for the controls and combat initiating movements. Skills are hot-keyed in the normal way and striking a number key launches the skill. It was not only easy to navigate, but combat was intuitive.

The graphics stand out, with wonderful details and textures. SUN shows a lot of potential and is an MMO to keep an eye on as it moves toward release in 2007.
 

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