Fantasy Westward Journey Mobile
| Fantasy Westward Journey Mobile | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Netease |
| Publisher(s) | Netease |
| Platform(s) | iOS、Android |
| Release date(s) |
CBT: January 23, 2015 IOS: March 26, 2015 Android: March 30, 2015 |
| Genre(s) | MMORPG |
The Fantasy Westward Journey Mobile is developed by NetEase.Inc based on the PC version. The game began development in November 2013 under the guidance of Chen Junxiong who was also the chief developer of the PC version. The mobile version’s Alpha Test began on January 23, 2015, and the IOS version debuted on March 26, 2015 and followed by its full release on March 30, 2015.
Aim of Development
The mobile network industry has experienced significant development over the past few years, and it has gradually become an important part of the game industry. As a result, NetEase.Inc has started to engage in mobile game related operations since 2013. The Fantasy Westward Journey, PC version of Fantasy Westward Journey Mobile has won more than 300 million registered users [1] since its launch over 10 years ago. It has grown into a very important intellectual property (IP). Therefore, NetEase organized a team to develop the Fantasy Westward Journey Mobile, attempting to set foot in the growing mobile game market.
Development Process
The mobile version inherits the vast majority of gameplay from the PC version, but the development team refined the original version on some aspects. The mobile version’s graphics were improved compared to the PC version, thus providing the game with a more stylish appearance. The system of ghost busting and escort mission as well as the other gameplay elements were inherited from the original, but the mobile version also introduced some new elements such as “Demon Conquer” and “Bygone Dream” etc. As for controls, the development team simplified the way of play for the PC version so that the game can be suitable for mobile devices. For example, fewer players are allowed to enter the same instance zones and the team introduced the auto-matching system for PvP combat, auto-combat and voice chat, etc. The game developing program was established in November 2013. The mobile version’s Alpha Test started on January 23, 2015, the open beta test started on February 11, 2015, and the IOS version debuted on March 26, 2015, followed by the game’s full release on March 30, 2015.
Storyline
The Fantasy Westward Journey Mobile has borrowed the classic background of the Fantasy Westward Journe II, as a PC game. . It primarily tells the story that the apprentices of the three realms fight against Chi You for Tang Dynasty’s peace, and it also refers to the stories of the 5 characters that went on a pilgrimage for Buddhist scriptures. In contrast with the PC version, the mobile version takes advantage of popular time travel elements at the beginning of the in-game journey and also incorporated more humorous dialogues and elements. The development team also made minor modifications to some of the stories from the original version and introduced new stories and plot twists to the mobile version. For example, the level 50 storyline enable players to acquire the classic Green Spiritual Lady through challenges.
Six Playable Clans
In the mobile version, there are 3 playable races and 6 playable clans, including the Human Alliance’s Tang Government and Mt. FC, the Asmodians’ Ridge of Beasts and Nether World, as well as the Immortal’s Palace of Dragons and Mt. PT. Please refer to the table below for the unqiue features, spells and abilities of each clan.
| Clans | Features | Spells and Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| Dragon King Palace | Spell damage dealer to multiple enemies with high defense. | Dragon Howl: Inflicts magic damage on all enemies, while reducing their mana.
|
| Tang Dynasty Authorities | Top killer with violence Dpser.。 |
Total Annihilation: Strikes the target 3 times in succession, but the character will be idle the next round. There must be 50% or more HP remaining to use the skill. |
| Shituo Ridge | Physical damage dealer. Capable of inflicting the most damage to a single target in a turn than any other clan. | Eagle Assault: Transforms into an eagle and strikes a maximum of 6 enemies. The character will be idle the next round Elephant Assault: Transforms into an elephant, strikes and seals the target. The character will be idle for 1 round after the transformation ends. Magic Renewal: Continually restores the target’s mana. |
| Mount Fangcun | Excels at sealing enemies while attacking rapidly. | Lose Mind: Seals the target to prevent them from casting any spells, and reduces the target’s defense. Soul Distraction: Confuses the target, making them unable to distinguish between enemies and allies. |
| Mount Putuo | Able to wield the five elements. Excels at healing allies. Suitable for beginners. | Dual Healing: Immediately heals 2 allies at once and for a maximum of 6 rounds afterwards. Revival: Brings a dead ally back to life. Brightness: Increases the allies’ spell damage and spell defense. |
| Nether World | A versatile clan that is skilled at healing allies and inflict massive damage quickly. Suitable for beginners. | Zombie Venom: Poisons the target and heals an ally. Cannot be used on pets or monsters. Ghastly Sense: Increases multiple allies’ anti-sealing ability. |
Gameplay
The mobile version inherits the majority of gameplay from the PC version, such as apprenticeships, ghost busting, escort mission, chain quests, etc. However, most gameplay was simplified to make them more suitable for mobile device users. In addition, the mobile version also introduced popular gameplay elements such as formations, equipment creation and enhancement, guilds, etc.[2] Below are details of the common gameplay elements:
Ghost Busting Quests 3 or more level 20+ players can team up to start the quests. They are permitted to use auto-combat during the quests. Winners of the quest earn item rewards.
Apprenticeship Quests Every level 15+ player can accept 20 apprenticeship quests every day to earn experience, silver rewards and clan contribution points. Clan contribution points can be exchanged for various items and used to enter a contest for the top apprentice award.
Escort Missions It’s a solo game. Each player can talk to a certain NPC to start escort mission. There are 2 difficulty levels, the lower level with ordinary silver while the higher level with advanced silver. Different levels grant different rewards. After starting a quest to escort goods, a certain route will be marked for the player.
Figures
On March 25, 2015, a day prior to debut of the IOS version, the game was already ranked No. 5 in the free IOS app chart. On March 26, 2015, it was ranked No. 1 in the most downloaded IOS app chart, No. 3 in the revenue chart of iPhone apps, No. 1 in the revenue chart of iPad apps, and was recommended by the AppStore. On March 30, 2015, it was ranked No. 1 in the free app charts and best seller charts of both iPhone and iPad apps.[3] By April 4, 2015, the version has accumulated over 1,500,000 registered users. On May 20 April, there were over 2 million concurrent users playing the game and the version was ranked No. 4 in the revenue chart of all games. In addition, by May 20, 2015, the mobile version totaled over 20 million online users.[4]
Overview
High quality graphics. Although the game features cute characters, it possesses exquisite graphics. Both the in game scenery and characters are presented with amazing graphic detail. Excellent social interaction. Most quests require teamwork for players. Auto-matching members help reduce grouping time. In addition, the version introduces a voice chat system, which frees players from the troublesome typing work.[5] Abundant gameplay. The mobile version inherits most gameplay from the original so that veteran players can adjust to the game quite easily. The mobile version also introduces new gameplay elements such as partners and trade. In accordance with mobile user’ habits. Interaction with the environment and NPCs has been improved. For example, player characters can simply touch the screen to move around, switch to another zone, track the objective of quests, etc. In addition, the voice chat system can be very convenient to players.
References
- ↑ Fantasy Westward Journey Instantly Reaches the Top of Chinese Mobile Charts
- ↑ http://youxiputao.com/articles/4647 (Chinese)
- ↑ Fantasy Westward Journey testifies to the strength of China's leading game company
- ↑ 梦幻西游手游跻身全球收入榜前四 最高在线突破200万人Chinese
- ↑ 新征程，延续十载西游梦 《梦幻西游》手游评测Chinese