May 7, 2008

Edward Huang talks about the world of Wonderland
By Michael Lafferty

“I think Wonderland Online offers players many chances to learn while giving them fun to play the game.”

When Wonderland Online is first launched, the massively multiplayer online title is reminiscent of the throwback games that were so simple in design as to attract a wide range of players. True, those titles were not for the hardcore players, but they had charm nonetheless and because they did not have much of a learning curve, they were simple to jump in and have success at the start.

The same can be said for Wonderland, but what seems simple masks a game that is a bit deeper than expected. The game sports a two-dimensional look, though the camera is set at an isometric vantage point, with sprite-like characters running about a world that is lush, colorful and home to a variety of imaginative characters. But continue on the journey and you will find a game that has a robust crafting system and a wide variety of quests.

GameZone got a taste of the game and wanted to know a bit more, so we got in touch with Edwin Huang, the product manager for Wonderland, who answered our questions.

Question: When you go about creating an MMO, what do you consider to be the most important factors? How does Wonderland fit into that ideal?

Edward: We usually focus on the features and gameplay. Obviously, WL excels in both. Wonderland Online has a great quest system, capture system, fishing system and ride system. In addition, it also has a very unique manufacturing system.

What have you done with Wonderland that you consider to be unique to the MMO field?

Edward: One outstanding system in WL is the manufacturing system. Players can make various items including: furniture, food, weapons and even vehicles. Just think about it, you will have a house in the game, which can be decorated as you wish. It can be carnie style, like a rustic cabin or even a private supermarket. And also if you want to take a round-the-world tour in your own private plane, simply use the manufacturing system to make one for yourself.

What type of graphics engine have you used and what did it allow you to do to bring Wonderland to life?

Edward: Wl used the renowned graphics engine Directdraw in the game, which made the colors of the characters and environment much more realistic and bright. This kind of engine definitely enhanced the overall quality of the game. In addition, players have the flexibility to choose between three kinds of color modes. Overall, DirectDraw has been a perfect fit for the bright, cute game that WL sought to be.

Wonderland is the type of game that should appeal to gamers of all ages. Why do you think that is important?

Edward: I think Wonderland Online offers players many chances to learn while giving them fun to play the game. Compared with other MMO games, Wonderland Online has a friendlier playing environment. Players communicate with each other to strengthen their communication and cooperation abilities. They have to think out a way to collect materials and make various items. During this process, they can learn a lot. We have learned that many parents join their kids in playing our game.

Tell us a bit about the combat system?

Edward: Fights in WL are turn-based. Players can join in battle as a party or individually. Each party can at most have four members. Character’s attributes in WL are divided into four categories - water, fire, earth and wind. Different attributes require players to master different skills and spells. To learn as many skills as the different attributes require will help players level up quickly.

How many quests do you have the game? Do the quests build on one another to create deeper storylines or are they mostly just to move players through levels and zones?

Edward: So far, version 2.0 contains over 200 quests. Generally there are three kinds of quests: main branch quests based around the storyline, Human pet quests, and the quests based on adventuring on the island. In addition there are various mini-games for players to enjoy.  

What do you like the most about Wonderland?

Edward: Well, there is so much stuff in the game that I like, but the human pet and manufacturing systems attract me most. The human pet has various skills, and players will not feel alone in the game anymore when venturing out with him. The manufacturing system is an indispensable part of the fun in WL, when you are tiring of fighting, you can take some loot you obtained from battle to make a lot of fancy stuff such as a fine sofa, a nice bathtub, an AK47, a UFO, etc… totally surpass your expectations and use your imagination!

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