Aion – Hands On Preview

The world in which Aion is set, Atreia, was once a picturesque realm. However all is not well here. The God Aion, who created Atreia, also made the Draken – a race of great power whom were sent to protect Humankind. However, this was not to last as the Draken became obsessed with cruelty and the subjugation of the worlds races, as well as the destruction of Aion himself. As the war raged, Aion made the twelve Empyrean Lords and over time lifted humans into the divine form known as Daevas, whom he gifted with the powers of flight. These Daevas and the Empyrean Lords would forever protect The Tower of Eternity, and such conflict would rage until the world itself was split, with its two hemispheres held together by the great Tower. Combat within the game is one of the strongest features that is on offer. Although comparisons can be drawn between the battle styles of World of Warcraft or Warhammer, Aion adds a slight twist. The game uses a chain of combat abilities, each level increasing the amount of damage caused.

As the game progresses this unique story is continued through traditional questing that gamers will be familiar with, interjected with lush well designed cinematic cut scenes. It is not only the stunning cut scenes that are visually impressive, Atreia is a most pleasing sight to behold. The game uses a modified version of the Crytek engine originally seen in games such as FarCry, with some spectacular lighting and environmental effects. The games greatest graphical strength however is within its monster and character texturing, which are incredibly rich and are the graphical high point of Aion.