Blade and Soul NEO Classic Divine Gems is bringing some systemic changes to the table in addition to its visual overhauls. The most immediately noticeable change is infinite windwalking: no longer held back by a stamina bar, players can windwalk endlessly. We witnessed players windwalking through the air for incredible distances from vantage points, while at other times they'd smoothly tread across large bodies of water. With the game's freeform wall-climbing, Blade and Soul NEO boasts mobility not often seen in MMORPGs.
There are also new elements related to the game's gear systems. The Weapon Core system enables players to slot Soulstones into their weapons to improve their stats and provide unique Soul Power abilities in combat. One example was the Infernal Lord Soulstone, which lets players unleash the same fire breath attack as the boss. Additionally, the Mantra system brings a new layer to itemization. Gear can be slotted with a combination of three color-coded Mantras. Depending on the combination, a random effect from that combination's pool can be rolled. Players looking to emphasize certain stats or playstyles can target those with specific combinations, and the UI handily lists each possible outcome.
A new Skill Book is also arriving. This Skill Book system enables players to fully customize their abilities, sometimes completely transforming how they work. In one example, the Blade Master's Take Flight ability could be transformed to Rising Dragon Isl. Rather than launching opponents into the air to stun them, this new form deals extra damage to already-stunned opponents a near-opposite effect. It'll be interesting to see how any two players from one Blade and Soul NEO class may differ thanks to this system.
So far, buy BnS NEO Divine Gems looks like everything an MMORPG remaster should be. It's faithful to its roots, while improved visuals, streamlined mobility, and added spice from new systems should please longtime fans and hopefully pick up some new ones along the way.