Dragon's Nest CB Impressions.
So, after basically wasting yesterday to slow-as-hell Nexon download speeds and work, I got to play a bit more today. Overall, the game's pretty fun and "fast-paced" as Nexon so touts. Combos are fun but can be difficult to execute on occasions. Of the games I've played, this reminds me of Vindictus crossed with Iris.
There are four classes: Archer, Warrior, Cleric and Mage. Each class branches out in two directions at level 15 and are gender set. The games does not offer much in the way of initial customization, but different hair styles, 'costumes' and etc are to be available via Cash Shop later on.
I haven't really tried PvP, but basic missions and PvE takes place in instanced dungeons which have thus far consisted of 2-4 areas followed by a boss room. Monsters will drop random items which offer the player buffs, heals and occasionally death(eating the wrong item can take your HP/MP or otherwise disable the player).
Dungeons have levels from Beginner to Abyss, in a step-up system. Maximum Party size: 4. At the end of a dungeon, you will be given a rank based on speed and points, gained from killing monsters and other destructible items. You will them be awarded a chest containing an item at random.
The NA release of Dragon's Nest does away with the "Fatigue" system which previously limited the use of Instanced Dungeons, instead replacing it with a point system where a certain amount of these points(allotted daily and weekly) are consumed upon creating a dungeon. Once these points run out, players will still be allowed to dungeon, but with reduced EXP gain. I believe I ran out of daily points after dungeoning for nearly 2.5 hours straight.
NPCs with quests are clearly marked on both the map and mini-map. NPCs with quests will have an exclamation point above their head. The left side of your screen has a quest tracker as well as a compass making finding your objective fairly simple. The Main quests, thus far, are quite sufficient to keep you leveling without being too "grindy" despite them being mostly requests for items obtained in various dungeons.
The game is fairly entertaining and well-paced. The graphics are simple, skills are easy to come by, available via items(books)or can be purchased from the class "trainer". "Set" items offer various stat boosts along with titles, and if you're feeling rich or adventurous you can always take some of those more common items to the Blacksmith and try your hand at upgrading.
Difficulty: Easy
Graphics: B-
Music: C (Standard RPG fair)
Customization: C+
Story: B
Overall: B. A solid experience that will keep you playing for quite a while.