“Skyland” is an MMORPG developed by the Chinese studio Shanda Interactive Entertainment. Its alternative title is Feng Yun (in Chinese). The multiplayer project was so popular in its homeland (simultaneous online players reached 500,000) that Feng Yun was decided to be promoted somewhere in the West. Despite its Eastern flavor, Feng Yun successfully launched in various countries, including Russia. After localization, Feng Yun became “Skyland”, with the publisher being IT Territory, which is now part of Mail.ru Group. Russian players were able to fully appreciate “Skyland” in the fall of 2009.
This multiplayer game somewhat differs from most familiar Asian MMORPGs with a third-person view. The camera in “Skyland” is isometric, so players control their characters from above. For this reason, the game is often compared to the Diablo series, but a more illustrative example is Royal Quest—a fantasy MMORPG developed by the domestic studio Katauri Interactive. If you have a slight idea of what Royal Quest looks like, you can draw a parallel between these two projects in terms of camera and graphics. Otherwise, there is nothing in common between them—“Skyland” is a unique game based on Chinese legends and myths.
The plot of “Skyland” is based on a conflict that arose among various principalities following the death of His Imperial Highness. As it usually happens, this news caused turmoil among the masses and folk unrest. The Emperor is dead, long live the Emperor? Not quite. Once-great state broke into four separate territories: the Kingdom of Fiery Heavens, the Kingdom of Icy Winds, the Kingdom of Gray Clouds, and the Kingdom of Earth. Naturally, they began to fight over one another, with a life-or-death struggle. The bone of contention in their dispute became the territory located at the center of the game world. Formally, it belongs to no one, but the remnants of the Great Empire strive to take this land for themselves and reign over it forever. However, there exists a belief that someday a hero will emerge in Skyland who will be able to become the one true Emperor.
“Skyland” offers players mind-blowing battles, a multitude of quests, boss fights, an extensive crafting system, and much more—just like any regular MMORPG. But there are things that distinguish this multiplayer game from similar genre projects. Anyone who reaches the maximum possible level and fulfills certain conditions can become the Emperor of the region. The player who sits on the throne will receive universal respect and honor, but only as long as he works for the good of his homeland. A lazy Emperor is not needed by the people, so at a certain moment, he may simply be overthrown. Only a male character can become the Emperor, but women have not been deprived of power. The beautiful representatives of the Fairy class can try on the crown of Goddesses, but achieving this status (just like with the Emperor) will be very hard.