T.E.R.A.

[Foxer]

Massively ran an instance as Berserker and interviewed Knox about it

The Brian Knox interview

After successfully surviving the Smuggler's Hideout run (of which you can see two videos at the end of this piece), we sat down with En Masse producer Brian Knox for a Q&A that strayed off the beaten path and away from TERA's exhaustively analyzed combat system.

Massively: Much has been made of TERA's action combat. What can you tell us about the game's non-combat activities? Are there any aside from crafting? Is TERA a traditional MMO with multiple gameplay avenues or more of a combat-heavy game like Vindictus or DCUO?

Brian Knox: We always try to talk about certain pillars of the game, what are we better at, what are we different at. The action combat is by far one of those, and of course we've talked, and talked, and talked about it. I think community is really our other big differentiator; we're not a faction-based game. You're not forced onto a specific side. You're all part of a united federation, but within that, you can have your own political intrigue and drama. You'll be able to run for office, elect your peers, compete in battles to earn points to help put yourself into office -- and with that comes certain responsibilities.

So I think our political system/community is going to be really strong because it's going to be determined by the players. It's a lot more of a sandbox environment. You're going to have servers where everyone knows who this person is or "oh did you hear, that guy defected out of the guild and now he's part of the enemy guild," so there's not a pre-determined enemy that you have to run against. That's going to be a really big part of the game.

Many of our readers have mentioned the fact that En Masse has yet to actually define the term Westernization despite giving many interviews on the subject. What, specifically, is Westernization, aside from text and context translation issues? Does it involve any reduction of the progression grind from the Korean client?

It's an interesting term. It can be a lot or it can be very little. In the end, is the game going to appeal to the Western gamer, and what aspects of that are going to or not going to [be appealing]? So, it could be that Bluehole makes a completely Westernized game from the beginning and we don't change anything, but there's going to be certain aspects where we have to go through and say, "Is this going to fit our audience?" There are a lot of easy examples, whether it's text or localization, but there are more difficult ones when it comes to how people play the game.

People play the game differently in Korea than they play the game here. A lot of that has to do with the social situation; they're at cafes and we're all at home by ourselves, and that affects the gameplay in a pretty big way. Then there's also art and style. We have one of the more controversial races, the Elin, which is the cute little girl, so we're going to be modifying the art on that to make it more appealing to the Western audience.

So it is a hard term to define; we struggle with it here. We keep talking about Westernization, well what does that mean? Let's put out the bullet points, let's do this and that. In the end, we just keep working on stuff. A lot of the things that we do end up just being integrated into the client in general. The game just launched in Korea, and there are lot of things in there that we've added that are now in their game. They have controller support, for example. It's not like we're holding specific things for the Western market. It is a hard term to define, so I can understand why that might be frustrating, but in the end, Westernization is making the game fun for a western player. That's probably the best definition.

We were at G-star in November, and we wanted to see the game, but the Korean team said, "Well, don't see our version -- it's not really the same, and we don't want you to report on that." Massively's not an "American" website per se, but we are English-speaking, and that was kind of a concern. So there is definitely a distinction between the Korean client and the English-speaking client?

Yeah, they're so pumped to get the game here and make it successful. It just hasn't been done here -- there hasn't been a Korean game that's just been a breakout success. Yeah, there have been some games that have launched and done OK, but over time, people have realized that they just weren't for the American market. So they're really motivated to make that happen. That's part of the reason I took the job -- their enthusiasm for being successful here.

A recent dev interview intimated that En Masse came up with the idea for controller-based functionality and then presented it to the Korean devs, who approved it and began the implementation process. Are there other examples of the American team influencing game design in this manner?

The achievement system is a big part of that. There have been a lot of little things here and there, like what if you did this or this. Simple things that [Bluehole] may not have considered because they've played the game a little bit more or because we play it in a different way... whether it's reducing the cost of this or that or making travel on foot a bit faster. The major ones for now are the achievement system and the controller support. Those are the big things that people see. There are a lot of little things, though. I've got this giant spreadsheet that has all the pieces, and we're at about 30% of those implemented into the game, signed off, and done. You'll start to see more of those come out later.

Are you concerned at the short amount of time it took for Korean players to hit the level cap once the game released?

Not really. I think the people that are playing here in the West already are really the hardcore audience. That's not the general populace. You want the game to be great for the hardcore players, but that's such a small subsection of the entire audience. We really have to go through our betas and our processes to see what happens.

If you're going to take the time to get on the Korean servers, play in Korea, and go through the hassle of paying a foreign currency, then you're kind of in a hardcore minority. There is some concern about [the speed], but I think the bigger concern is the endgame and what's going to be happening at endgame. We've got some big things coming up for that, and you know the way they launch games in Korea is completely different from the way we do it here. For them it's a gradual process whereas with the western market we have to have everything done from start to finish, so they can roll things out a little bit slower. So that will come over time.

Do you anticipate a short North American beta phase given the fact that the client has already undergone extensive testing prior to the Korean release?

Our beta will be a different focus. It will be a lot about raising awareness and hype for TERA, making sure the word gets out about all the cool stuff we have. En Masse is also building an entire platform, and that's all the stuff behind the scenes. It's the data centers, the customer support tools, the forums, the website, the billing integration, all of this stuff that we have to make sure works for day one, and you don't really think about it until it fails. So there's a lot of that type of testing that will go on.

At the same time, we'll be gathering feedback, and when that feedback is implemented, whether it makes it at launch or a month after, that will kind of depend. We feel like we've got a lot of solid feedback from our previous focus group testing, but the game doesn't end, so we've got to continue taking feedback over time.

Sawce

DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNN

[Katlan]

I'll be saddened if they change Elin.. I didn't plan to roll on for my mains since I am gonna be a healer (which means I'll be a high elf), but i'll be surprised if its anything drastic... or anything other then.. i dunno lol. armor is revealing on all females, so will Elin be the only race that doesn't have "as" revealing armor? lol

[Rulke]

I was actually going to post something on the Elin thing on the main forum, but Scapes closed the thread in the 60 seconds it took me to write it.. anyway..

I was going to say that the term "westernize" groups both NA and EU together. Perhaps EME will be modifying things for both audiances, or perhaps just one over the other. Who knows? For example NA will have blood options while I remember reading that might be a problem in a country like Germany (I think... was older news) Anyway, so you you get some clowns who read a statement about blood being removed for "western" audiances and all of a sudden its "NO BLOOD IN TERA?! WTF EME! DIE IN A FUCKING FIRE"

Seriously.. /sigh. So changes will be made, maybe they will be drastic, maybe they won't. Maybe only Country "x" will get those changes but EME can't just say now. Would it ruin the overall gameplay if Elin wore different panties or something? /shrug. Remember when SE changed the Mithra /sit command? There was uproar over it then, but 6 months later no one gave a shit.

Guess I am just tired of all this fucknig whining about tiny little things that are still mostly guesses. No changes have been fully displayed or implamented yet. Peopel are blowing up over an interview- which I might add, is just as general as all the other interviews they gave.

[ChairmanMeow]

I'm sure they're just making the thighs smaller.

[Foxer]

^ That's madness.

[Katlan]

I'm sure they're just making the thighs smaller.

LOL. I wouldn't be too concerned.. this isn't the first game to be censored for EU and not have the NA version touched.. one of the best examples of this is the GTA franchise. So if Westernization means both NA and EU (w/I didn't know), then I'm not really concerned. I doubt they would censor anything because of ppl on msg boards complaining.. would prolly be more inline w/ the government and what you can/can't get away it. And as its been seen in the past, NA gov doesn't care, but EU does over certain things

[Charismatic]

I'm sure they're just making the thighs smaller.

I would rage if they did that cept for the fact that PC = mods.

[Foxer]

I'll be saddened if they change Elin.. I didn't plan to roll on for my mains since I am gonna be a healer (which means I'll be a high elf), but i'll be surprised if its anything drastic... or anything other then.. i dunno lol. armor is revealing on all females, so will Elin be the only race that doesn't have "as" revealing armor? lol

The Baraka race would make a better Priest IMO. The fact that you can't go below 20% heart means no negative HP/MP after you die. Being able to hit max bonus from fires is a huge plus and the 20% advantage you'll always have is nothing short of amazing. The amount of auto refresh in this game, not to mention the -massive- MP regeneration spells, buffs, and stones makes it very easy to stay with a more than healthy amount of MP. The bad thing about being Priest is that more than likely, any PT Elite or WB/DB higher level than you will one-shot/two-shot you or close to it, especially with the amount of aggro you pull during spells. If you get hit with a potential one-shot/two-shot move, that usually means it has an attack link or debuff connected to it, which is most likely weight. Having the 100% HP heal is like a benediction and I don't believe it pulls aggro when I use it either. Having the resist weight passive trait is nothing icing on the cake. To me, that's more important than the MP regeneration from Elves, which would make for a killer tank/sorcerer.

Edit;


But as Baraka, you can't so any of that^.

So yeah, the way Asians want breasts to work pretty much beats out any racial trait really. :3

[Foxer]

The the people over at EME did say it was more of an EU regulation, which they classify as western too I would imagine.

[Foxer]

[Contest] Lonely Male Baraka LF Wife


http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/8...ry24451107.png

Poor, old, Alfonsus. By all accounts he had led a successful life, working hand in hand with the Valkyon Federation to protect the lands of TERA for as long as he could remember. He had slain creatures three times his size, been honored multiple times among his peers and even dabbled in the politics of Velika. But as he lay out on the pier of Cutthroat Harbor, accompanied by the plentiful sounds of the shores and wildlife, flipping through an old photo album, he felt strangely alone.

The album contained pictures of all his achievements yet inspired little pride in the old Baraka's heart. As he scanned the pages, turning the book to check the pictures from every angle, he could not wrap his head around what this pathetic feeling of loneliness was about. What could he possibly be missing?

Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image


Regarding each picture he went over a list in his head. Heroic stance? Check. Victorious? Check. Famous? Indeed. ...Alone. In each and every picture he stood completely solo-- one on one with nothing but his surroundings. As though a lightning bolt had hit him he quickly sat up, eyes wide.

"That's it! The feeling of loneliness exists because.. well... I am entirely alone!"

The booming voice of the baraka startled a human dockworker, who after stumbling, stood straight and raised his eyebrow towards him.

Alfonsus regarded the human, head tilted, "AH! HUMAN! What do humans do when they are lonely?" The baraka's question was delivered as truthfully as one could ask; he honestly did not know how to cure loneliness.

It surprised him when the dockworker's answer was no more than uproarious laughter. The baraka shook his head and asked again with evermore sincerity, "What? Really, how does one cure loneliness?"

Another chortle and the human resumed his work, cleaning the dock and responding with a shrug, "I dunno, man. Could try a wife?"

Another lightning bolt struck Alfonsus' head, "A wife! I have never considered that!" He picked his massive stone body up off the old boat he had been leaning against and headed for town, head held high.

Posted Image


Description
Alfonsus needs your help! The poor old baraka has been alone his whole life and could surely use some female companionship. In town, he's put in a classified ad-- if you choose to answer you could win a community play test invitation! Read on to find out how.

The contest will be divided into two categories, Story and Image Editing. Each category will have two winners, the prizes being an invite to the upcoming NA community play event.

Rules

* Each participant must choose to enter only one of the two categories. Only one entry per participant will be allowed.
* The contest is open to both NA and EU, but these play test invites are for the NA test.
* Female Barakas are FAIR GAME and ENCOURAGED but not required!
* The contest will be judged by TERAFans.com staff.

* Entries should be in this format:
- Participant's TERA-Online.com forum handle and associated e-mail.
- Category (Story or Image Editing)
- Entry



Categories
As stated above, there are two categories for this contest and you may only choose to enter one! Below are the descriptions for both categories!

Story
Participants who choose to enter the story category are to write a descriptive story of a potential ladyfriend for our bachelor, Alfonsus. The story should be no less than 250 words and no more than 450 words long. No pictures should be included in a story entry. The story will be judged on creativity.

Two winners for this category will win community play test invitations!

Image Editing
Participants who choose to enter the image editing category are to produce a picture of a potential ladyfriend for Alfonsus. As stated in the rules, female barakas are encouraged but not required! The image should be in some way edited and should not be an un-edited character creator image. Image editing entries should not contain text (other than the required entry information!)

Two winners for this category will win community play test invitations!

Timeframe
The contest will run from March 3rd to the morning of March 8th. Winners will be announced on March 9th!

Good luck and have fun!

Right outta TF.

[Trocian]

6 months ago I would have sworn I'd play a Slayer (rolled at one for both FGTs) but more and more Berserker is really pulling me in. Guess I'll find out this month.

To me, Slayers and Berserkers look kinda similar, big brawlers with a 2-handed weapon. Is there a difference in playstyle, or are both just about the smashing of things?

[Foxer]

Axe works as shield but doesn't mitigate damage. Shield does in a cone shape behind you. Slayer's quicker and more evasive and wears leather as opposed to Berserker, which wears plate. To me, Berserker rapes Slayer.

[Artemicon]

I'm getting really antsy over these "Elin" changes I only really want to play because of the aesthetically pleasing big thighs and revealing outfits... oh and the innovative real action gameplay but thats just an addition. I hate waiting especially when I have a hunch its going to be waiting on a let down.

[Rulke]

I'm getting really antsy over these "Elin" changes I only really want to play because of the aesthetically pleasing big thighs and revealing outfits... oh and the innovative real action gameplay but thats just an addition. I hate waiting especially when I have a hunch its going to be waiting on a let down.

I'd wait until you can get concrete answers from players over here. You should see the mad damage control the Community Mods are having to do over on the official forums. Its sad/hilarious at the same time. People are taking that interview posted above and running the rumor mill/doom train full force.

[Foxer]

I only really want to play because of the aesthetically pleasing big thighs and revealing outfits...

Good to see not -everyone- hides the fact that we play female characters partly or mostly because of the way they look. I'd stare at Elin ass and Elven breasts all day over any guy at all.

[Katlan]

I'd wait until you can get concrete answers from players over here. You should see the mad damage control the Community Mods are having to do over on the official forums. Its sad/hilarious at the same time. People are taking that interview posted above and running the rumor mill/doom train full force.

Even if they are changed slightly, as was mentioned earlier, there will be mods out there rly fast to change it back

[Burningthought]

The Baraka race would make a better Priest IMO. The fact that you can't go below 20% heart means no negative HP/MP after you die. Being able to hit max bonus from fires is a huge plus and the 20% advantage you'll always have is nothing short of amazing. The amount of auto refresh in this game, not to mention the -massive- MP regeneration spells, buffs, and stones makes it very easy to stay with a more than healthy amount of MP. The bad thing about being Priest is that more than likely, any PT Elite or WB/DB higher level than you will one-shot/two-shot you or close to it, especially with the amount of aggro you pull during spells. If you get hit with a potential one-shot/two-shot move, that usually means it has an attack link or debuff connected to it, which is most likely weight. Having the 100% HP heal is like a benediction and I don't believe it pulls aggro when I use it either. Having the resist weight passive trait is nothing icing on the cake. To me, that's more important than the MP regeneration from Elves, which would make for a killer tank/sorcerer.

Edit;


But as Baraka, you can't so any of that^.

So yeah, the way Asians want breasts to work pretty much beats out any racial trait really. :3

So when is this seeing a NA release again? <_<

[Rulke]

^ No listed date, but strongest rumor on release is Sept. Official word is only that our beta will begin after Japan Tera release this summer.

[Artemicon]

I can wait heh I'm going to be following this thread with a fine tooth comb and watching for official updates on their site. The only real hope I have is that they will leave the korean client alone (which I have no doubt that they will) so we can import the files from the KR client to the NA and just play it the way we want. Its not the first time I've done that and probably won't be the last.

I forsee wardrobe changes they'll probably give her boyshorts or something dumb like that and if so that won't take much to change. W/e hope I'm wrong.

[Foxer]

Yup. Frogster rep said it was minor wardrobe change with nothing done aesthetically and EME rep said it would be something for EU regulations. Either way, you're right; it's nothing we can't change in a quick minute. Gotta love PC games.