Probably the most famous sidescroller MMO out there is maple story, even though not the first 2D MMO it did introduce the genre within the western world. Two others, namely Windslayer and LaTale are to come later on this year expanding the genre of sidescroller MMOs.
In this first video we can see Wind Slayer, in July the doors are opening to the public as open beta will hit off. When the final release of the game will be after that is something on which I couldn’t find any real details. The beta period just lasts for less than a week though, so in case you want to try it out you have to do so within that short timeframe.
My first impression based on the video of the game is that it’s graphically a bit outdated, the fact that it’s 2D of course adds to that but it all looks rather plain. The gameplay looks similar though the various other 2D side-scroller mmo’s on the market today.
LaTale is the second game to mention, rumored to become available in Q3 2008 this game will be brought to the western world by OGPlanet.
Graphically the game looks quite good, the fast paced action also definitely fits the side-scroller style and is usually forgotten in more generic mmo’s.
Although it’s not yet the fast-paced 3D games which are available in Asia which are being transported towards the western world it’s definitely a start. The demand for games which aren’t exactly your generic EQ, WoW, LOTRO or whatever styled appears to be becoming bigger even here.
