Age of Wulin hasn't gotten a lot of press in western markets as of yet, but the free-to-play martial arts title is one that bears watching. Aside from its appealing visuals, ancient Chinese setting, and Wuxia-style story elements, the game boasts quite a few departures from the standard MMORPG formula.
The most obvious is a progression system that lacks traditional levels, but according to a preview at MMO Culture, that's not Age of Wulin's most interesting feature. The title reportedly makes use of a life skills system which includes gathering, fortune-telling, crafting, fishing, and begging (as well as 12 other skills that have yet to be revealed).
Yes, we said begging, and the mechanic apparently involves a degree of anonymity when dealing with fellow players. Age of Wulin also features epic quests tied in to something called the miracle system, as well what looks to be a fairly deep guild and territory control minigame. Click past the cut to view a few gameplay videos including footage of combat, training, miracle, begging, and guild systems, and keep an eye out for players involved in unusual MMO activities including drawing and Chinese chess.
Reader Comments (33)
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 11:18AM dudes said
"Copper piece to spare guv? I've got 10 kids and a wife to feed. And a disabled dog."
Kaching
Begging skill increase by 1. Congratulations.
"Silver piece to spare guv?..."
Kaching
Begging skill increase by 1. Congratulations.
"Silver piece to spare guv?..."
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 11:34AM Marekh said
Actually the game seems quite interesting, aside from the chinese background, which you may like or not.
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 11:50AM Kitanishi said
@Marekh
ACtually what is different with this game from others is that the lore is centered and built by players, with the goal of players developing the world and BECOMING its lore and history.
You have basic wuxia setting with immortal kungfu masters, main types of clans and chinese cities. EVERYTHING else is up to players in terms of lore and history.
Reply
ACtually what is different with this game from others is that the lore is centered and built by players, with the goal of players developing the world and BECOMING its lore and history.
You have basic wuxia setting with immortal kungfu masters, main types of clans and chinese cities. EVERYTHING else is up to players in terms of lore and history.
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 11:45AM Kitanishi said
This article forgets to mention that the game does not have exact classes(every "clan" can learn all the skills) or levels(there are no levels) and that its less of themepark and a whole lot more of sandbox, with player-run governments, etc and contains no "kill ___ of ____" type of quests.
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 11:48AM Kaoss said
Why do the Asian's get all the good games? >:(
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 11:54AM Marekh said
Sometimes it seems to me that, ironically, most recent western games are resembling more and more to the asian grinder cliché, while some asian developers are trying to propose something innovative, possibly evolving the genre which is stagnating after the WoW bubble.
Am I crazy??
Am I crazy??
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 12:55PM Randomessa said
@Marekh
It's not just you. I think the Korean and Chinese developers are innovating more and more with each gen of MMOs they create (the differences between PWI and Forsaken World for example are palpable). I don't know how they're doing it so quickly compared to their Western counterparts, but I welcome it.
Reply
It's not just you. I think the Korean and Chinese developers are innovating more and more with each gen of MMOs they create (the differences between PWI and Forsaken World for example are palpable). I don't know how they're doing it so quickly compared to their Western counterparts, but I welcome it.
Posted: Jul 28th 2011 10:04PM Nepentheia said
@Marekh
Nope, its definitely not just you noticing this.
I really hope western developers will start to realize (and most importantly--actualize and implement into their games) that more 'living-in-the-world' gameplay really is something players here are starving for!
Reply
Nope, its definitely not just you noticing this.
I really hope western developers will start to realize (and most importantly--actualize and implement into their games) that more 'living-in-the-world' gameplay really is something players here are starving for!
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 12:08PM Liltawen said
I like those side games and the housing thing at the end.Seems very non-liiar and interesting.
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 12:10PM BubleFett said
Is this game coming to North America?
I only see EU website.
I only see EU website.
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 8:26PM alucard3000 said
@paterah I think you can buy a closed beta kit from snailgames for around 23 dollars,15 of which you get back in the form of a cash shop voucher hehe.
http://www.mmoculture.com/2011/07/age-of-wulin-cn-rage-over-closed-beta.html
Reply
http://www.mmoculture.com/2011/07/age-of-wulin-cn-rage-over-closed-beta.html
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 8:27PM alucard3000 said
@alucard3000 http://news.mmosite.com/content/2011-07-15/age_of_wulin_closed_beta_is_buy_to_play_in_china.shtml
Reply
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 12:28PM paterah said
I've been waiting for this game since it was announced.
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 12:55PM WyattEarp89 said
Not bad, never heard of this game before. I might check this out when it comes over to North America. I like the non-liniar look of the and how the players run and develop the history for the game.
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 1:02PM Saker said
This looks like it could be fun! Only martial arts MMO game I've seen yet that really looks like the good Wuxia movies!
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 1:11PM Vorender said
Huh...I feel something unexpected....I think.....I think I'm...impressed? Doesn't look bad at all.
Posted: Jul 27th 2011 1:21PM real65rcncom said
I'm sorry, but there's just no way I'm giving a Chinese company of anything on the planet my credit card number.
I know exactly where that's going to end up.
I know exactly where that's going to end up.









