Dungeon Fighter Online

Nexon treated us to a first look demo of their upcoming side-scrolling action game, Dungeon Fighter Online. Nexon has a history of very successful free-to-play online games, such as MapleStory, Mabinogi and Combat Arms. They have excelled at the microtransaction revenue model and major retail outlets now sell Nexon Game Cards which are prepaid cards that players can use to purchase in-game items.

Dungeon Fighter Online is a an online, side-scroller that offers more arcade-style action than their other titles. The title takes place in Arad where players can choose one of five unique character classes. Each class has it’s own abilities and attack combinations. Players will be able to have extensive customization to their players from costume to weapons, armor and skills. There are four sub-classes to choose from to make their character even more unique.

Players can go through quests in Dungeon Fighter Online alone or with three other teammates. Teammate composition is very important because talents of the team can assist with benefits to the entire party. Nexon discussed that players will be able to create Guilds, or they can create an “Entourage”. In the Entourage system, players receive experience points from everyone in their entourage as they play. They compared it to a pyramid scheme. The challenging part is when someone has enough experience, they might leave your Entourage to start their own.

The controls for Dungeon Fighter Online are completely customizable. At the demo we used keys A-H for skill attacks, C to jump, X to attack, and F1-F6 for more skill attacks. Skill attacks have a cool-down period, so it’s important to learn how to combo skills for the most efficient attacks. While the keys in the demo seemed overwhelming, it was only because we were playing advanced level characters. After character creation the game goes into a short story mode about that character and then into tutorial type quests. To help the player get familiar with the controls. A goal for Nexon is to make Dungeon Fighter Online “a game that is extremely approachable” to all types of gamers.

Each day players will receive a certain number of coins. The coins are used to revive the player when he/she dies. One can either play each day until their coins run out, or he/she can purchase more coins.

Although this is a free-to-play game, in true Nexon style, the experience will be extensive. There is a main quest line that will conclude, but Nexon promises updates with additional storylines and lands. Nexon also plans to encourage and host tournaments as well as support a ranking system. Another mode that will be a part of Dungeon Fighter Online is the “Tower of Death”. In Tower of Death, players are unable to use potions or coins as waves of enemies come at them.

Dungeon Fighter Online is set for a release this year for PC only. Nexon is looking into adding support to user a joystick instead of the keyboard as the game does play like an arcade. Below are images from the game as well character art.