By Danny
"Ralsu" Gourley
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The frosted
look does not please Ralsu.
Luckily, players can change the settings so that the graphics are
crisper and have better shadows.
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Graphics
Changes: The
biggest change in the graphics of Perfect World International is that
the game has more settings to control the look. Click the right boxes,
and gamers can make the game look like a stereotypical Asian game with
extra bloom and a weird sort of frosted look. By contrast, click a
different set of boxes and the game looks stereotypical Western in its
lighting and contrast.
What stayed the same: The graphics overall are better than
average. The textures used on the ground are a little lazy and make
every piece of land seem like a bed of different-colored straw, but
beefy machines can turn on some thick vegetation that makes the
landscape more realistic. Expect a little draw in when entering new
areas, but the horizons should look pretty. Spell effects start off
weak but get better as your character levels. Melee animations are
smooth. Everyone swims like a fish. It's really a mixed bag but mostly
positive.
Gameplay
Changes: The translation is light years better in
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Being able to understand the story removed some of
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being trapped in a grindfest
that I encountered when playing the first incarnation of the game. In
the version of the beta I tested, the sound on combat was barely
audible. I played with settings and even turned off music but could
still barely hear the sound of my weapon striking the enemy. Hopefully
this will be fixed for launch.
I encountered more quests that
involved meeting non-player characters and training my skills in the
new iteration. Again, being able to read what is going on really helps
players feel like they are a part of the story.
What stayed the same: Quests are still mostly of the kill
10 beetles variety, but the motivation for them is clearer with the
improved translation. The monsters are still big and impressive.
Character development is still up to the player, too. Players get to
place points into attributes at level up, and they can find trainers to
increase their skills in the order they see fit provided they meet the
requirements and have the funds.
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Spell
effects start out somewhat mundane but improve with levels.
The quest tracker remains in
place, too, and gamers can enable arrows that lead them to the right
location. Finally, the five elements (wood, water, fire, earth, and
metal) still factor heavily into combat.
Parting Thoughts
Even though Perfect
World International
is essentially the same game I tried months ago, the improved
translation made it play like a very different game to me. New players
who try this version will not be disappointed the same way I was with
the old version. The translation here allows gamers to enjoy the lore
of the Chinese creation myth and features of the game without feeling
resentful about the lazy attempt to port the game to the West. At its
heart, Perfect World
International
will still have players grinding out kill quests, but they will know
why they are doing it and enjoy it because of deep character
customization and better than average graphics. Beijing Perfect World
recognized the mistake of trying to introduce its game to Westerners
the quick way and took the necessary steps to get it right. Now the
title is worth trying for anyone looking for a solid free-to-play game.
To read the latest guides, news, and features you can visit our Perfect World International Game Page.
