WonderKing Online Exclusive Interview

WonderKing Online Exclusive Interview

WonderKing Online is a South Korean 2D MMORPG already released in Korea and Japan a few years ago, and now getting ready to make its North American debut. Let’s learn more about it.

FreeMMOGamer: Can you introduce yourself and your role on WonderKing?

My name is Alex Kim and I am the Product Manager of WonderKing.

FreeMMOGamer: WonderKing is a cute Japanese-style 2D MMORPG. Do you think the artwork will appeal to American players as much as it did to the Asian crowd? And it will be played mostly by what demographics, in your opinion?

The Eastern culture has had a big breakthrough in America. Anime and Asian comics are one of the biggest influences in artwork and design today. In addition to that, we believe that the colorful displays of WonderKing appeals aesthetically to users of all ages who appreciate a vibrant 2D environment.

FreeMMOGamer: In a time when 3D is used in most MMOs, do you think the 2D is finally ready to make a comeback?

More than making a comeback, I feel as if 2D has not tapped into its full potential. When comparing a 3D environment to a 2D one, it is incorrect to say one is better than the other, but that they have their individual strengths and controls. For example, 3D has the edge in 360 surroundings, but 2D has the edge in expert control and exciting elements of game-play that the current generation of gamers has not been exposed to.

FreeMMOGamer: What are the biggest challenges you’re facing in the conversion process, and are you introducing any relevant changes?

There are a few challenges such as communicating with our overseas team. There have been really long nights trying to coordinate with them. It is safe to say that our current version of WonderKing is vastly different from the previous versions. There have been relevant changes in everything from character skills to some map design. There are also additional features in our version of WonderKing that have never been seen before.

FreeMMOGamer: What are the biggest features in WonderKing, the things that, in your opinion, will charm players?

WonderKing boasts one of the most sophisticated PvP experience on a 2D environment. WonderKing PvP has proven itself to be similar to intense chess matches. Waiting for your opponent to show an opening or triggering a status effect through use of correct skills, and accurate targeting when launching one’s attacks are few of the many elements of WonderKing PvP.

WonderKing also has a combat combo system that is unique for each character class. These combos are unlocked by tapping into a class’ skill tree. As you level higher into the game, character control becomes more and more advanced. What’s even better is that you can bring your skills and put them to the test by challenging other players to a PvP duel. Soon, we will introduce one of the most hyped features that WonderKing has to offer: The Castle Siege.

WonderKing features a story that players can be immersed in. WonderKing puts the Role-Playing back into RPGs with many key features such as the “Monster Book” system that we currently have in place. It transforms players into the monsters that they’ve encountered and may even boost stats to bolster fighting capabilities.

WonderKing is on Closed Beta. Are you getting a lot of feedback from it?

We are getting incredible feedback from our Closed Beta community. We have been very interactive with our users and they have responded with a passion that surpassed our expectations. We know that the WonderKing Closed Beta community really wants to push the game to great heights, and we assure them that we will not fail them.

FreeMMOGamer: When do you expect the Open Beta to begin, and when is the final WonderKing version due?

Currently, we have announced that the WonderKing Closed Beta III is coming to an end soon. We have Open Beta scheduled for the later part of November and official launch sometime during the remaining part of 2009.

Thank you for your time.

And thank you for yours!