En Masse discusses TERA westernization
Westernization.
It's a word that gets thrown around quite a bit in regard to TERA discourse. Whether it's the latest producer letter or a fan forum discussion, there's no getting away from the "W" word when it comes to En Masse Entertainment's work on TERA. As part of the latest Race and Class series update, En Masse spends a bit of time hinting at what westernization means before indulging us with some new info regarding the Baraka and Popori races.
We've also got a look at the Archer class, including a nifty new video, so join us after the cut for all the details.
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TERA Westernization: Thinking about audience
Some people hear the word "westernization" and think, "ohhhh...you mean translation." Others think it's just a matter of eliminating any sentence that begins with "All your base..." To truly westernize, though, we have to go deeper than that. Yes, there are times when funny translation mishaps drive us to change things, but as we westernize TERA, we're looking at the game as a whole and distinguishing what type of gameplay our players want and what kind of story will pull them in. Working with the development team, our bottom-line goal is to make sure that when you sit down to play, you feel that TERA was made for you.
Featured Races: Baraka and Popori -- Looks can be deceiving
Baraka
Knowing the Baraka descend from giants might lead you to the assumption that they share a similar personality, but you couldn't be more wrong. Though daunting in height and size, they have a gentle nature and deep intelligence. These are the scholars of the world, and they spend much of their time studying and researching.
This does not mean they would make a poor choice in combat, however. On the contrary, the baraka may be pacifists when it comes to matters of philosophy, but they are fierce in defense of the weak. It is never wise to cross someone who not only knows the proper way to crush a skeleton, but is strong enough to do it.
Popori
The Poporis are nature spirits-animals taken from the forest by the elin, who awaken them to sentience. They retain most of their animalistic qualities, including a childlike ignorance of common social niceties in favor of bluntness and brevity. They believe that communication should be simple so that everyone can get to carrying out their orders.
A common misconception about poporis is that their "cuteness" should be synonymous with "weakness"-though the foolish few who have acted on this assumption have quickly learned their error and, if they live, they are sure not to repeat it. Poporis are formidable foes on the battlefield, and they rarely feel guilt or shame at their actions.
Featured class: Archer
Archers are clever tacticians, studying the art of making their prey come to them. They must know when to engage at range and when to dash in for the close-kill. They rely on their skill and agility to keep safe. A quick archer can whittle down a foe before it becomes a danger to the party, using a combination of traps and weapons to manipulate a fight to their advantage.
Some take this manipulative tendency out of battle and bring it into their social circle, where they focus on controlling conversations and social situations to suit their needs or desires. It wouldn't be fair to say that you can't ever trust an archer's motives, but staying alert is always wise.
