MMOsite: Today we're going to do a short interview with Mr. Craig Beers to talk about Ether Saga Online, particularly its unique transformation system. OK, first off, would you please introduce yourself and your team to our readers?

Craig: Hello, I am Craig Beers, the product manager for Ether Saga Online. Everyone at Perfect World Entertainment - QA, engineers, designers and our community management team - has been working hard at a successful open beta launch. We think we've hit that, but we'll continually be working to improve ESO for our players.

MMOsite: ESO GOLD is a 3D MMORPG based on "Journey to the West," one of the four great classic novels of Chinese literature. How would you perfectly combine classic and modern elements together?

Craig: In Ether Saga, we didn't want to alienate players who weren't familiar with the storyline, but wanted to make it extra special to those who did know it. The story acts as a prequel to 'Journey to the West.' After a chaotic heavenly banquet ends with two holy artifacts broken or missing and a General banished to the mortal realm, players will be tasked with solving one of these three problems. Players will find many classic influences, including the music and many of the characters (including Journey to the West author Wu Cheng'en!). However, the game has bright, anime-like graphics and fun, innovate game systems. These classic and modern elements, we think, tie together to make a really fun game.

MMOsite: This title was originally named Pocketpet Journey West. Why did you decide to rename it to ESO GOLD? And how will you interpret the new name?

Craig: Ether Saga Online is the localized name that the staff here decided on. The majority of the US audience is not familiar with Journey to the West, so its name does not have the same branding power as it does in China. The term ether (or aether) is a term for heaven, so it was a perfect fit for ESO since a large focus of Journey to the West's story is the interaction between Heaven and the mortal realm.

MMOsite: The characters in ESO GOLD can transform into monsters. That sounds interesting. Can you tell us more about the transformation system?

Craig: The transformation system is one of the main game systems we think players will really enjoy for a variety of reasons. This system allows players who acquire a monster card to then transform into that monster. First of all, it's just fun to take on new personas. Cards are pretty rare, so it's just another way that you can differentiate your character. The second reason is functional, and can be very important for experienced MMO players. There are nine monster types in the game. Each monster type will be strong and weak against another. For example, the Florax (or plant-like monsters) are very strong against Haunten monster types but weak against Beastkin types. This can be especially effective during a high level instance—transforming to the type that is strong against that type of monster will make your attacks stronger, better and more effective. Not only that, many transformations will give players extra stat bonuses, like add HP or strength points to stack upon your own. Players looking to get the most out of their gameplay experience will maximize this paper-rock-scissors style system.