Gameplay
This interface is shown for the user to select a character when the user log in to the game. My charcter is "Priestess" where magic and spirit are her main power. A user can have more than 1 character.
At the bottom of the picture, we can see the interface which will be present throughout the whole game play. I have zoom in to get a better picture of my character.
This screenshot shows a scence whereby my character casts a magic(divine lightning).
A scence where my character is interacting with an non-playing character.
The website provide detailed explaination about the game such as the step by step instruction to install the game, information about the characters, how to trade and party and how to teleport etc.. Thus, it will be quite easy for new player to learn how to play the game.
Not only that, when the player started playing, he can communicate with other players that are in the same server. If he faced any problem, he can type a message and it will be relected a bubble box above the player. Helpful players around will be able to assist in one way or another.
At the bottom of the screen, the user will be able to see all his statistics such as HP(life), MP(magic), STM(stamina), his inventory and a map of where he is located. From that, the user will be able to know his current status.
There are mission assigned to the character when they reach level 20. This is called the "level-up quest". Upon completing the mission, the character will level up and learn more skills.
There are also shortcut keys such as "V" which allow the user to see his inventory, "C" to see the character attribuutes etc. There are also a lot of non-playing character in the game such as magician, wap gate inventor and blacksmith, which the user can easily gain access to. Thus, the game is rather user friendly.
The game interface is fixed and cannot be changed. However, the user can zoom in and out and also rotate the angle to get a better view of the surronding.
Aims, Cause and Effect of Game
It is not stated in their official website as to what is their target audience. In my opinion, they are targeting children and adult between the age of 13 to 40. Having played the game for quite some time, I have communicate with user of youngest 13 and oldest 37.
As the story is totally created based on the designer creatively and it does not refer to any countries or names, I do not think that the game will offend anyone. The game allows people from different countries to play together and player in the same server can communicate with the other players in the same server. Thus it promote culture exchange. Players can form a party and the experience earned when anyone in the party killed a monster will be shared by the rest. This in turn promote friendship and enhance unity and team spirit.
Graphics, Animation, Sound and Music
I must say that the game meet my expectation in all areas. The animation and graphics are mesmerising as every non-playing charcters and background are well-designed. Different music will also be played when the character are at different places. When the player are not engaged in any battle, the music will be soft and smooth. On the other side, when the player are fighting some monsters, the music will be faster and more "Exciting".
Conclusion
Pristontale is definately a good online game which I will recommend. Player will not get bored in long term play as new maps and mission will be added by the administrator occasionally. Abilities of the monsters also varies at different places. Thus the player can go to the places they are comfortable in to train up their character. Competition such as "Best Screen Shot" are also been introduce to enhance the player interest in playing the game.
The only disadvantage about the game is that it is not totally free of charge. Free play is allow till level 39 and beyond that, the player will have to pay to play.
In my opinion, I do not think that the game will help to solve and social issue that we are facing today. However, when I am playing the game, I get to know some friends which are from countries like Paris and Europe. To me, this game acts like a "communication channel" for me to get to know more about the cultural of other countries and background of people from all walks of life.