Gaming Union hooked up with Trion World Network for a look at their new in-house fantasy MMO, Heroes of Telara. The game uses a different approach than most MMOs, using the client’s computer to perform the rendering and user interface, while the server is in control of the game’s events. This allows them to easily update content in the game, such as timed events. These updates are distrusted in cores, and those cores are available on every server.
Most other MMOs have to push the update to each and every server, where as Trion’s method allows them to dynamically change the game with one click. This was shown when the initial town, Smithshaven, fell under attack. Although the demoer saved the town from burning to the ground, they could have easily let it burn. Trion said that over time, the town would eventually come back to life, so there is no issue with groups of players destroying towns permanently from the game world. Different servers have been confirmed, such as a server solely for Player vs Player (more commonly known as PvP).
Unlike most MMOs, which force you to have a number of alternate characters (known as alts) for each class, Heroes of Telara allows you to switch between classes at will, so you can keep the same character and identity. Subclasses are also available, some of which are unlockable by beating certain missions, such as defeating a summoner to get the summoning subclass. Subclasses will also have specific abilities, such as the Whirlwind ability for the Beserker subclass of the Warrior class, which is better suited for attacking multiple enemies at once.
Even though the build we saw was likely an alpha build, work needs to be done on detailing the graphics, which were clearly still be worked on. 2010 is the estimated release date for the game, although a specific quarter was not specified. The level cap, as well as the pricing scheme (pay per month, one-time buy, etc), were not revealed. Trion says they are planning to release more information about these aspects later this year.
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