E3 2010 First Look: Dragon Nest

Another Nexon free-to-play MMO that will be showing at E3 will be Dragon Nest. Recently, Dragon Nest launched its open-beta in Japan.

The biggest feature that Dragon Nest claims is its 8 classes and the interesting promotion system. In DN, players must reach level 15 and complete special quests before they can be promoted. Once promoted, the player chooses which of two paths he wants to follow. For example, the Warrior class upon being promoted can choose from a Sword Master (becoming a combo-heavy, faster version of the Warrior) or the Mercenary (a slower class that makes up for its shortcoming by having higher defense). This system seems to be somewhat akin to Final Fantasy Tactics, where once players reach a certain level in a certain class, paths open up and they can choose where to take their player from there.

The other premotions are as follows:

Archers can become a Bow Master (long range killers mixed with AOE and debuffs) or an Acrobat (using kicks and short to medium ranged weapons to deal out the DPS).

Clerics can become Paladins (high attack/defense with heals) or Priests (top-notch healers).

The Sorceress can become an Elemental Lord (AOE, high damage fire and water based attacks) or a Force User (stronger attack power than most mages and uses debuffs to slow down enemies).

Dragon Nest has a very Japanime-style to it and seems a little kid-centric. This may deter some hardcore gamers. However, the graphics and animations look breath-taking as shown in this trailer.

Dragon Nest is part of what Nexon are calling the “Future of Free” – Dragon Nest, Vindictus and Dungeon Fighter Online, all free-to-play, hectic action/RPG MMO’s that are set to change the make up of free-to-play MMO’s.

For a plethora of screens and more information on the promotion system, click here.

For Dragon Nest’s official website, click here.

For all your E3 2010 Preview news and MMO news, continue to check back with us at MMOCrunch.com as E3 nears.