Blade And Soul: Hongmoon Rising Launches In China As A Mini-Client Game

Remember that Tencent-developed Blade and Soul prequel that we reported on earlier this year? The one that was said to be in development for both PC and mobile? It entered Open Beta in China on December 22nd as a pseudo-browser game. I say "pseudo-browser game" because the game makes use of a mini-client of the sort that many browser games offer these days, but, rather than allow players to play in-browser, as well, much like Dark Era, Blade and Soul: Hongmoon Rising requires players to use the mini-client. There is, however, a disabled "Recommended Server" button on the homepage, so a browser version may yet become available at a later time.

Honmoon Rising currently features three classes: Blade Master, Destroyer, and Kung Fu Fighter. Each class seems to be gender-locked, with the Blade Master being the only female class available at this time. A fourth class is on the way, but Tencent has yet to announce what that class is.

The game also features the Soul Shield system, battle pets, world bosses, the Tower of Mushin, and, much like other Chinese browser games, cross-server 1v1 PvP duels with a ladder. There is an auto-play system in place, as well, but you can always turn it off and, more importantly, it seems like you should, as combat actually looks fairly involved.

According to 2p, Hongmoon Rising's story takes place 40 years before the events of Blade and Soul, placing you in the shoes of an apprentice of Hong Sokyun. Your goal is to help bring Hongmoon back to its former glory.

As far as I can tell, Hongmoon Rising has practically launched. The game does not require a Beta key and Tencent is continuing to open new servers to accommodate those that want to play. That being said, it is currently designated as a "Tasting Test" and the cash shop has yet to be enabled. It remains to be seen if it will see a seamless transition into "launch" or if it will be taken offline for some time between the Tasting Test and the official launch.

Blade and Soul: Hongmoon Rising actually looks fairly impressive, featuring fairly high-quality graphics and combat mechanics that appear to be on par with Revelation Online. Are you planning to try it out?