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Lost Ark’s China Beta Raises Concerns Over Increased Item Prices and Character Art Alteration

1K View2023-04-20

The MMORPG Lost Ark conducted a non-deletion Closed Beta Test for the Chinese server on April 12th, which was organized by Tencent, the game's Chinese publisher. As few new MMO games have been released recently, players have eagerly anticipated the licensed game's test and full release.

But some fans quickly noticed the differences between the Chinese server and other servers they have played on, such as the portrayal of female characters and the possibility of increased prices for items in its shop.

Regarding the storyline, there have been few changes, which fans are happy about. The game's version is believed to be the same as the initial version when the North American server launched. Fans have been enjoying the game's lovely combat, stunning scenery, and enhancing system.

However, players have reported that the designs for female characters in the Chinese version have been altered to be more conservative, with more clothing added to avoid sensitivity.

The current Chinese version (left) and original appearance (right) of female characters in Lost Ark.

Berserker in the Chinese version of Lost Ark has also undergone some modifications.

One of the advanced classes, Berserker, has undergone a modification where the color of an effect on the character was changed from red to purple. Fans have said that they are largely fine with the change as the character still exudes a powerful presence.

However, one change heavily criticized by players is the change in the color of HP potions from red to pink. Many feel that it takes away from the intensity of the game and makes it less immersive.

The HP Potion's color has been changed from red to pink in the China test version of Lost Ark.

Apart from these changes, players are worried about the potential for price increases in the game’s microtransactions and pay-to-win options. Many of them compared the item prices on the Chinese server with those on the North American and Russian servers. Although there are currently only a few items available for purchase, players are afraid that more items with increased prices are coming.

Bilibili game video creator Huoshui (祸水) found out that there is a price increase of around 20% on the Chinese server for certain items in Lost Ark when compared with the Russian server. He noted that the card packs on the Chinese server are also more expensive.

The monthly card is essential for repairing gear/tools on the go in the game. On the Russian server, the monthly card costs around 90 CNY, while on the Chinese server, it costs 55 CNY (~8 USD). However, the Chinese version does not have Ninav Blessing, which is available on the Russian server. So, on this item, the two servers seem to be relatively equal in terms of benefits for the cost.

The differences in Lost Ark’s shops between Chinese and Russian servers

However, according to a player on the game forum NGA, some fast travel on the Chinese server requires silver, which isn't the case on other servers. That and the limited access to some materials are the most significant changes on the Chinese server.

So far, the comparisons of item prices between different servers of the game are not mathematically strict, and the specifics of top-up incentives remain difficult to verify. For example, an important currency called Pheon has not yet been released.

The Chinese version's low latency and smooth network are expected to attract some old players, as claimed by fans. However, the current player attitudes have displayed a degree of polarization, with some expressing positive feedback while others remain dissatisfied with certain aspects of the game.

While the game's publisher Tencent has yet to address these issues, players are hopeful that their feedback will be taken into consideration before the game's full release.

Source: Bilibili

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