NCsoft announces martial arts MMO Blade and Soul

Given the news of titles in jeopardy, MMO cancellations, and title delays, it's always great to hear about another new game in the works. This past week NCsoft let slip information about an upcoming title aimed at the Asian marketplace. Called Blade and Soul, it looks to be a unique combination of fantasy MMO and fighting game. It's being developed by Team Bloodlust in the Unreal 3 engine, giving it the visual aesthetic of a high-quality console fighter and the persistence of any of NCsoft's numerous MMO titles.

Traditional swords and sorcery Western fantasy seems to be out the window as an Asian aesthetic permeates the game. Martial Arts are the focus, with the themes of justice and chivalry apparently very important to the games' practitioners. The world itself is based on the Korean myth known as 'Song of Genesis', with other mythologies from that country playing a part in the game's backstory. The title will allow players the opportunity to manipulate their environment, while the the environment around them also changes gameplay possibilities.

To really get a sense of what the game is like, check out the lengthy trailer below the cut for all your martial MMO needs. It's probably the only bit of the game we in the US will see for a long, long time. Thanks to Yin for the heads up!