The newest update to Perfect World International includes Genies, fresh from the Elemental World. Jonathan Bellis reveals all the details.

With the newest Perfect World International update coming to live servers, we sat down with Jonathan Belliss, Product Manager of Perfect World International, to talk about the introduction of Genies into the PW universe. Join us as I attempt to rub his lamp of infinite exclusives!

ZAM: Hello. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us about the newest Perfect World International update.

Jonathan Belliss: Thanks for having me!

ZAM: The newest update introduces player owned Genies. Can you tell us the storyline behind this update?

Jonathan: In the PWI universe, there are three worlds: the realm where players live, the Perfect World, the Underworld and the Elemental World. These worlds exist in a delicate balance with one another - an imbalance in one wreaks havoc on the others.

There are five elements that originate from the Elemental World: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. These elements create the basis of life in Perfect World. While the creatures evolved in Perfect World into the races they are today, the Elements have also evolved, eventually becoming Genies. The Genies have a natural understanding of the elements and have an innate instinct to maintain the elemental balances. In the past, the Genies lived only in the Elemental World, but the recent rise of the denizens of the Underworld in Perfect World has drawn them out.

ZAM: What are the benefits for players who gain access to a Genie?

Jonathan: With a Genie, players unlock a new set of skills that can be changed and customized to fit their play style. Many are character buffs and enemy debuffs. There are basic ones like Adrenaline Surge, which makes a character immune to sleep, to more complex spells like Wind Shield, which will reduce the amount of damage you take for a time as well as increase your attack rate and evasion.

There are other spells that are location specific, meaning they can only be used on the ground, in the water or in the air. The spell Aiding Ripple of Luck can only be cast in the water, but will increase the critical rate of yourself and friendly targets around you.

There are also class specific spells, that either help to overcome a class weakness or further strengthen an attribute. The spell Mage Star, which is limited only to Wizards, will increase your HP recovery rate and absorb incoming magic damage. In PWI, Wizards are huge damage dealers, but have low hit points. This spell will help to strengthen one of their class weaknesses.

One thing to note about this skill is it absorbs only magic damage. So for example, this spell would not be nearly as effective in a PvP duel against a Barbarian, as it would be another Wizard.

It's these kinds of little tweaks that can be made with the Genie system, adjusting skill sets for any occasion. And players aren't stuck with a Genie skill, they can be learned and unlearned as needed.
 
ZAM: We understand that your Genie levels up with you. Is leveling a genie easier than leveling your character? Give us a frame of reference if you can.

Jonathan: Genie's require a fraction of the experience that player's need to gain a level, so in a sense, yes, it is much easier to level a Genie than your character. However, since they are non-corporeal beings, and don't directly participate in combat, a player will need to share their experience points with their Genie.

There are a couple of ways to level a genie: players can either give them their own EXP or they can alternatively level them with Spirit points. They can also use EXP cubes which obtained through quests.

Currently, the maximum level for Genies is 105. Genies will not be able to out-level a player.
 
ZAM: Can you explain in detail how random stats and titles work for Genies?

Jonathan: Every 10 levels Genies are given a few random stats based on their existing statistics.  Each type of Genie also has a specific stat that starts out higher than other stats.  The primary statistic of each Genie determines its title or initial name.  For example, one Genie starts with a lot of Dexterity.  Dexterity governs Genie buffs, primarily their duration.  Hence, the Dexterity Genie is named Longevity.

ZAM: Lastly, what else can players expect to see in this latest update? Any other goodies?

Jonathan: There are a slew of new features included in the Age of Spirits expansion, one being the new Supply Box System.  Supply Boxes are items you get at level 1 that require you to level up in order to open them.  Every five levels you are able to re-open the box and find something new for your character.  The rewards in these boxes range from sample cash shop items, to functional items, to weapons and equipment to aid you in your progress.

ZAM: Well that's all the questions we have for you. Thanks for letting us rub your Genie lamp. Do I get three wishes?

Jonathan: I don't remember consenting to any sort of rubbing, but thanks for having us on ZAM.  We hope our fans enjoy the Age of Spirits, and we hope that gamers not yet familiar with Perfect World International will give us a shot.

Chris McGraw
Editor
ZAM.com