Vortex Gaming

'RF Online Next', developed by Netmarble N2, is a sci-fi MMORPG that inherits the IP of the past MMORPG 'RF Online' released in 2004. The original RF Online featured a fairly fresh sci-fi theme at the time, with three unique races competing for scarce resources in PvP, and has been serviced in 54 countries around the world for over 20 years.

'RF Online Next', which Netmarble is developing as a mobile MMORPG, aims to inherit these core gameplay elements of the original, and boasts high-quality graphics using Unreal Engine 5. In addition, it plans to expand its user base by supporting the PC platform as well. The difference from the original is that instead of three races in conflict on one planet, it will show a wider scale through a worldview expanded to the space dimension.

The G-STAR 2023 demo version featured a story mode where you could get a glimpse of RF Online Next's core combat content, as well as an event mode where visitors to the event could compete for clear times. The intention is to introduce the game's story and basic controls using the story mode, and to convey the fun of full-fledged combat through the event mode.

First, before starting the story mode, you create a character, and the so-called 'job' is determined by the bio-suit, which is the exoskeleton suit that the player chooses. The job groups supported were of the kind that do not deviate significantly from the framework of a typical MMORPG, such as tankers, ranged dealers, and melee dealers specialized in PvP. Netmarble said that it plans to provide a total of 6 bio-suits at the time of service in the future.

After creating a character, you will learn the features of the game by following a series of events that take place on the planet Novus, along with a video cutscene depicting the protagonist's childhood. You can fight enemies using the skills of your chosen bio-suit, and you can also experience giant mechanic battles using 'Shingi', one of the main features of the game.

From this point on, the unique characteristics of 'RF Online Next', which are different from the original, are revealed. The three races that appear in the original RF Online had very distinct appearances and characteristics. The small and cute Bellato, with their hobbit-like appearance, were specialized in combat aboard machines instead of their small appearance, while the Holy Alliance Cora was a race with an elf-like appearance and specialized in magic. The Accretia Empire, which was the face of RF Online, was a completely mechanical race and was characterized by the use of heavy weapons such as launchers.

However, in the character creation scene of RF Online Next that I experienced through the demo, I could not find the function to select a race, and I was only allowed to select a different gender depending on the bio-suit. In addition, the mechanics, which were the specialty of the Bellato race in the original, have been changed to be summoned and ridden directly.

The demo was conducted using the PC platform, but I couldn't shake the feeling that the control system was more specialized for mobile. Rather than trying to convey the experience of playing a PC MMORPG, I felt like they were just trying to make a mobile game run on a PC somehow.

The awkward control system naturally led to a lower level of immersion in the game, and eventually I ended up choosing to automatically proceed by clicking on the quests that are everywhere in today's mobile MMORPGs. As a result, all I had to do to progress through the story to the last part of the demo build was click the auto button a few times.

The event mode was designed as content in which those who participated in the G-STAR 2023 site competed for the fastest clear time. If you wear the desired bio-suit and enter the event mode, you can proceed with the battle in the form of clearing the stage for a limited time.

Each stage clear allowed you to acquire high-grade buffs or bio-suit cards depending on your luck, which was similar to the experience provided by roguelite genre games. It's a system where you can develop your character in each stage and quickly clear the final stage to be ranked.

After completing a specific wave, you can summon a giant robot, and through this, you can experience the characteristic battle that RF Online Next boasts. There are types of giant robots that are summoned to fight alongside you, and there are also types that you can ride directly, and you can get a glimpse of both types of robots through the event mode.

In the story mode, I was able to rely on automatic progression for almost all activities, but in the event mode, it seemed that some manual operation was required. When you enter the boss section, there is a gimmick where the boss enters an invincible state unless you defeat the summoned machines around you, and if you just turn on automatic combat at this time, you can see that you are constantly attacking only the invincible boss. In addition, if you want to put your clear time on the leaderboard faster, feel free to enjoy the fun of manual operation.

In summary, I would say that this demo version of RF Online Next was more of a concern than an expectation. I felt uncomfortable with the controls on the PC, and the composition of the three unique races was diluted, which was supposed to be a continuation of the original IP. It was also a pity that I couldn't experience the RvR battle, which was touted as a major feature.

Of course, combat using summoning and riding mechanics contributed in part to conveying the unique color of RF Online Next, but in the end, it is necessary to keep a close eye on how these elements will actually be used in the actual gameplay. I can imagine everyone riding mechanics and fighting in a battle between factions with a large number of people, but in the end, I couldn't see it in this demo.

Webzine InvenKim Gyu-man, Reporter
2023-11-16