MMOEXP: Its multiple new releases and is still one in Blade and Soul
NC America is taking the term "remaster" seriously with free-to-play BnS NEO Divine Gems, revamping virtually every aspect of the game while preserving its unique kung fu action-based MMORPG gameplay. Blade and Soul wasn't a half-bad-looking game by 2012 MMORPG standards, but this remaster has propelled the Wuxia-themed Korean MMO's visuals beyond some of today's most popular genre offerings. Beyond the obvious graphics update, Blade and Soul NEO has also built upon its predecessor's gameplay features. There's a reworked new player experience, a drastic enhancement of its traversal, and several all-new systems that add depth to the game's build expression.
Game Rant was given a hands-off preview of Blade and Soul NEO comprising about 20 minutes of footage highlighting the remaster's key additions. It's a remaster, not a full-blown sequel, so fans of the original should have no trouble acclimating. There are no new classes or races, the combat system is largely unchanged, and, aside from some added systems, itemization should be familiar to seasoned kung fu MMO gamers. Meanwhile, the reworked onboarding experience should help new players effortlessly windwalk their way to success.
Naturally, the big ticket item of this remaster is Blade and Soul NEO's substantially upgraded visuals. Side-by-side comparisons in the footage viscerally demonstrated just how much work NC America put into giving the decade-old MMORPG a makeover. Lighting and shading have seen a noticeable facelift, with more accurate shadows adding greater depth to geometry and enhanced lighting emphasizing the buy BnS NEO Classic Divine Gems game's vibrant color palettes. Overall, it's brighter, more colorful, and holds up strongly to modern graphics standards. The geometry of static objects has seen improvements and a healthy injection of grass and foliage livened up spaces that were once merely green floor textures.