Started as a comics editor

Chapter 265: Mixed Reviews
As time went on, the popularity of Dungeon & Fighter grew like a snowball.

Three days after the promotional video was released, Avalon officially released a 15-minute gameplay demo video.

The video showcases the Ghost Swordsman's fluid combos, the Gunner's flashy shooting moves, and the Fighter's visceral, impactful blows...

Almost all gameplay elements have been revealed.

The full picture of this game has now been completely revealed to the players.

Its characteristics are still very distinct.

This is a very pure side-scrolling 2D game.

have to say.

This is somewhat like turning back the clock.

Back then, Lili's... no, Yu Lili's concerns were justified.

Nowadays, whether it's a licensed PC game or a self-developed PC game, they are basically all 3D games.

This is the general trend.

In the realm of PC games, it's been a long time since anyone has made a side-scrolling 2D game.

Are there any 2D games on the market?
Of course there are, and quite a few of them make money.

But before the rise of mobile games, most manufacturers had a consensus that the future of games was 3D.

2D PC games have no future.

Before the rise of mobile games, most major companies simply wouldn't have made similar games.

But now Avalon has released a 2D side-scrolling platformer.

and so……

Some criticisms have begun to emerge regarding "Dungeon & Fighter".

"This visual style feels so outdated, although the skills look pretty cool."

"I have to say, Avalon has really made a name for itself, but the direction of that name seems a bit off."

"To be frank, Dungeon Fighter Online is an outdated product! What era are we living in? Why are they still making this kind of 2D side-scrolling game?"

"The art style is too retro, and the character models are so rough, it looks like a browser game."

"..."

These criticisms were actually somewhat expected.

After all, the current level of discussion surrounding this game is largely due to a large number of players following the trend.

Some of these players hadn't even seen the trailer; they just heard that Avalon was going to make a PC game and then came to join the group.

Now, with the rising popularity, a gameplay demo video has been released.

They finally realized what was happening.

Is this a 2D side-scrolling game?
Then they started criticizing the game.

This was somewhat expected.

but.

Another thing happened that was beyond Tang Yao's expectations.

That means even industry media outlets have joined the group.

It's probably because Dungeon & Fighter has been so popular lately, and Avalon made its fortune through mobile games, so it's closely related to the current mobile game craze.

So they got involved too.

For example, the well-known domestic gaming media outlet "Game Frontier" published an article with the title: "Does the retro design of 'Dungeon & Fighter' signify a regression in the industry? In today's rapidly developing technology, is Avalon's return to 2D side-scrolling games a marketing ploy based on nostalgia or a lack of innovation?"

He wrote over a thousand words.

The final conclusion was—the game wasn't very good!

And as time goes by.

Gradually.

The reviews for "Dungeon & Fighter" went from overwhelmingly positive to mostly negative, and finally to mixed reviews.

Tang Yao had a feeling that someone had been paying out money to the gaming media.

But she had no evidence and eventually gave up on it.

She was just a little sentimental.

History always repeats itself.

In her past life, when Tencent was distributing this game, the overwhelming publicity, coupled with some pre-event activities linked to the Olympics, did attract the attention of a group of players.

But it was also at that time.

A number of domestic gaming media outlets and "high-end gamers" have begun to mock the outdated 2D graphics of games.

Tang Yao recalled that for a period of time, many players of this game were afraid to speak loudly in internet cafes.

And the final result... was that DNF was not viewed favorably by all media outlets.

However, Tencent successfully built its gaming business thanks to this game.

And it soared into the sky!
but.

Although Tang Yao was confident.

But she didn't do nothing either; after all, the recent public opinion has put a lot of pressure on Lili and her production team.

After all, it suddenly went from being overwhelmingly positive to receiving mixed reviews...

The joy lasted only a few days before I suddenly fell from the clouds.

Anyone would feel bad in that situation.

Especially given the sharp negative public opinion.

Don't assume that Tencent was calm in the face of negative public opinion. In fact... just as the original main storyline of DNF showed, those seemingly unrelated connections were actually huge gears of fate, slowly turning on their pre-matched tracks.

If Tencent, after being rejected by Neople in the first round, hadn't managed to secure the DNF distribution rights through Samsung again...

If Neople were to soften its stance and agree to the price-cutting requests from major domestic manufacturers...

DNF wouldn't be as popular as it is now. It might even have been abandoned by these big companies due to negative publicity within a week of its launch. For Tencent at the time, DNF was their only option to enter the high-end game market, which is why they persevered despite the negative publicity and ultimately witnessed the magnificent comeback of this 2D game.

The reason for the legend of the disconnected warrior is...

The reason is that Tencent at the time simply didn't have much experience in operating large-scale online games.

So now they face similar challenges to those in their previous life.

Tang Yao went to the Dungeon & Fighter project team immediately.

She didn't do anything special, just kept a close eye on the progress of the game's first test and played the game for a while.

As for other things, whether it's the recent controversy or the evaluations.

She didn't mention any of that; her main focus was still on the game's performance itself.

This is enough to slightly alleviate the pressure on Yu Lili and the others.

After all, the leader's attitude is sometimes very important... Although this project was proposed by Tang Yao, they were not the original group of staff who worked with Tang Yao on FGO.

It's perfectly normal for their former companies to be blamed.

It's important that Tang Yao had no intention of abandoning this game.

of course.

This is also related to the fact that when Tang Yao, the beautiful boss, tried out the game, she kept saying it was interesting and fun.

Ok.

Just a little bit.

In any case, the emotional value was adequately provided...

Under these circumstances, the game proceeded to its first test.

As for the results.

not bad.

Anyway, the feedback from the first batch of players was mixed. While it wasn't overwhelmingly positive, it was mostly positive reviews!

This immediately boosted the morale of the project team, who began to further improve the game based on the feedback.

at the same time.

The reviews of Dungeon Fighter Online have also quietly changed across various player communities.

The first batch of players who participated in the test, although they could not disclose too much detailed information about the game, generally gave it a positive review.

This is enough to change a lot for a game that currently receives mixed reviews.

Next.

The second test, the third test.

Gradually, more and more players started experiencing it.

The game's reviews have gradually shifted towards mostly positive ones.

However, the related buzz has indeed decreased slightly during this period.

Because at the same time.

Blue River Technology, Jiuxiao, and Yiyou are in cahoots... well, their cooperation has also made progress.

The effects of splash screen ads, homepage recommendations, and exclusive promotional activities are indeed enormous.

Through this series of actions, they finally achieved the corresponding result—being chased and criticized by a bunch of players.

but.

Criticism is just criticism.

Many people have been attracted to these splash screen ads, and the results are quite good.

For example, Jiu Xiao's "Eight Doors" was the first to try this approach, and although it was criticized, the increase in data was quite gratifying.

Shen Lun finally witnessed firsthand the benefits that the highest level of traffic support from the app store brought to Jiu Xiao!

Recently, due to its mobile game business, Jiuxiao's stock price has begun to rise steadily.

Furthermore, and most importantly...

Shen Lun looked at Yan Yun: "Is Dungeon & Fighter about to have its open beta?"

"Yes, tomorrow."

Yan Yun nodded: "There are quite a few people who have made reservations."

"It seems they spent quite a bit of money."

Upon hearing this, Shen Lun shook his head slightly and smiled, "They actually managed to get to this point despite all the criticism."

He was very panicked at first.

But after talking with Ji Zhuo of Blue River Technology, he felt relieved.

The mixed reviews that followed for "Dungeon Fighter Online" gave him even more confidence.

Because just as Ji Zhuo said... those guys at Avalon were actually gambling! Betting that players would pay for nostalgia!

2D side-scrolling game!

When the actual gameplay demonstration was released, he was astonished!
What era are we living in?!

At this moment, he seemed to have completely forgotten the anxiety he felt when he first saw the Dungeon & Fighter trailer.

can only say.

The success of their show "Eight Doors" during this period has indeed changed the direction of discussions and altered many things.

"There must be quite a few, otherwise there wouldn't be so many people making reservations."

Yan Yun nodded: "However, they are being naive to think they can get away with something with an outdated 2D game. Times have changed. Today's players want fragmented experiences and the convenience of playing anytime, anywhere."

"Yes."

Shen Lun recalled Ji Zhuo's words and sighed: "PC games are destined to be a sunset industry... especially 2D PC games."

He certainly had reason to feel sorry for himself.

After all, Jiuxiao's main revenue still comes from PC games.

"It's just a matter of nostalgia."

I sighed a little.

Shen Lun shook his head again: "Let's wait until this wave of hype dies down."

"Um... Boss, is the sniping event still running on the PC version?"

Yan Yun responded, then suddenly asked a question.

"superior."

Upon hearing this, Shen Lun twitched the corner of his mouth and laughed, "Since we've already prepared everything, let's give Avalon, and that leader named Tang Yao... a little bit of a shock from this veteran online game company!"

……

Tang Xun is about to start school.

However, Tang Yao couldn't pay much attention to her younger sister for the time being because Dungeon & Fighter was about to launch its open beta.

Although she doesn't have much work to do.

But right.

He was, after all, the boss, a pillar of strength for Avalon.

I'll have to stay at the company for the time being.

"What's wrong? Are you nervous?"

The Dungeon & Fighter project team.

Tang Yao looked at Yu Lili, who kept clenching her fists, and tilted her head to ask a question.

"Boss... Jiuxiao and Yiyou did this on purpose, didn't they?"

Yu Lili gave a wry smile, then looked at the computer screen: "Why are all these events launching tomorrow? Or are all the popular PC games having events?"

"It was definitely intentional."

Tang Yao also glanced at the screen. Just now, Yiyou and Jiuxiao's well-known PC games had all announced their holiday events.

Summer vacation is almost over... and they're only just launching some summer activities.

This is highly unusual.

It's quite obvious that this is specifically targeting "Dungeon Fighter Online".

After all, mobile gamers don't necessarily play PC games. And Avalon has always made mobile games... so you could say their player base is primarily mobile gamers.

By doing this, Jiuxiao and Yiyou can indeed effectively prevent their PC game players from migrating to "Dungeon & Fighter".

"That……"

Yu Lili looked at the pretty female boss standing beside her and asked, "Aren't you worried?"

"do not worry."

Tang Yao shook her head slightly, then asked in return, "Do you think this game is fun?"

Yu Lili nodded: "It's fun..."

"That's enough."

Tang Yao smiled and said, "Let's wait for the public beta test tomorrow."

Say it.

She waved her hand and turned to leave.

"..."

Yu Lili stared at Tang Yao's graceful back and was slightly taken aback.

Fun?

Is that enough?

My own boss is really something else...

Yu Lili took a deep breath, then chuckled and looked at the other staff: "Let's verify the server's stability again."

……

the next day.

noon.

Twelve o'clock.

Dungeon Fighter Online has officially launched its open beta, and pre-registered players are flooding into the game.

But Chen Yansheng, the first player to expose the game, never got to play it.

Because he's still working like a beast of burden...

He saw the public beta announcement in the afternoon, almost at the end of his workday.

Yes.

He also downloaded Avalon Game Assistant on his phone.

He's been fooled again... or to be more precise.

He initially downloaded Avalon Game Assistant out of curiosity, which ultimately became the catalyst that led him to fall into the mobile gaming rabbit hole...

And I played the mobile game Avalon.

He then realized! He had been fucking scammed! That piece of junk mobile game that cheated him out of 3000 yuan! Wasn't it exactly the same as FGO in Avalon?!
But the story isn't as good as FGO's! The character art isn't as good as FGO's! The gameplay isn't as good as FGO's! It's inferior to FGO in every way!

He just said!!!
In short.

During this time, he felt he had finally found his tribe! He had found the real deal in mobile games...

this afternoon.

It's almost time to get off work.

As usual, he took a break and opened the app to take a look, originally intending to see what useful support characters were available in the weekly gacha pool.

But as soon as he opened it, he saw the public beta announcement for "Dungeon & Fighter".

"It's in public beta?"

Looking at the announcement, Chen Yansheng recalled the promotional video he had seen when he first downloaded the software, and a thought struck him.

I kind of want to play!

And just then, it was time to leave work.

He tidied himself up, left the company, hesitated for a moment, and then headed to a nearby internet cafe.

...I do really want to play.

Although he has a computer at home, he's not sure about the game's hardware requirements. To be honest, his computer is a bit old, and he'd be in an awkward situation if it couldn't run the game.

So he decided to try going to an internet cafe first.

It's fun. If the hardware supports it, I'll go back and continue playing.

Is not fun.

Then there is nothing more to say.

soon.

He then went to an internet cafe.

Chen Yansheng looked around and found that there were still quite a few people in the internet cafe, coming and going, after all, it was Friday.

However, the seat he and his friends often sat in when playing FPS games was still empty. He quickened his pace, sat down, entered his card number to wake up the screen, and immediately opened Avalon's official website to download the game assistant.

Of course, internet cafes wouldn't have this software.

Compared to its mobile counterpart, Avalon is virtually unknown on PC...

Chen Yansheng noticed this when he was playing games with his friends.

Fortunately, the internet speed at the internet cafe was quite fast.

Soon, the software and games were downloaded.

Chen Yansheng double-clicked the game icon.

Game started!
After a brief loading period.

The page creation process has begun.

That's the good thing about Avalon Game Assistant: accounts are universal, so as long as you open the game with the software, it will automatically log you in.

Unlike other app stores, you don't have to log in again to launch the game.

As Chen Yansheng pondered this, he curiously looked at the game page and checked the character creation page.

Swordsman, Fighter, Gunner, Mage, Priest...

As Chen Yansheng selected roles, he listened to "The Warrior Like the Wind" playing through his headphones, somewhat hesitant...

of course.

The main reason is that the music is just too good.

And finally.

He chose the Ghost Knight class, entered his usual ID, created a character, and entered the game...

After entering the game.

Expected.

Instead of immediately entering the game, I entered the story, which, like the promotional video, adopted a comic-style panel layout.

The prerequisite storyline for becoming a Ghost Swordsman is actually quite simple.

A cursed boy, his left arm is cursed and severely mutated.

Then some unpleasant things happened.

But in the end, they were suppressed by chains and things returned to normal.

Ok.

It's practically a standard plot development from a comic book.

But I have to say, you can tell from the opening animation that the game is of really good quality!
The debate surrounding the game "Dungeon Fighter Online".

Chen Yansheng certainly knew, but he was personally quite interested in 2D games and didn't mind much, especially after seeing the quality of the opening animation...

While he was lost in thought...

The game begins.

Chen Yan snapped out of her daze, looked at the game screen that appeared in front of her, and immediately began to control her character according to the prompts.

Movement, skills...

"This really is a pure 2D side-scrolling game."

Chen Yansheng moved around, looked at the little goblins, smiled slightly, and then began to attempt an attack.

clap clap-

At the beginning.

The character doesn't have many attack skills, just an uppercut, a demon slash, and a backstep.

……like.

Chen Yansheng controlled his character to attack the little goblin.

For some reason, this game feels like an arcade game I used to play.

But the combat feels much better than in the old arcade games.

Ok……

Chen Yansheng quickly found the BOSS and easily defeated the initial level's stone-throwing goblin.

then.

He greeted Celia, the nightmare of countless warriors, and then cleared the deepest levels of Loran.

at last.

His character left the starting village and arrived in Huttonmar.

A lamentation began.

The next task for this area was to go to the Dark Forest and clear out the Minotaur.

have to say.

Once you're out of the tutorial level.

It's a bit tough, because many elite monsters and bosses can gain super armor and heal themselves, and they can also knock everyone back when they get up.

Anyway, it's pretty shameless.

But it's precisely because it's more challenging that the fun of playing...starts to increase!
With one hand on the directional keys and the other on the ASD area, Chen Yansheng controlled his character to move around and challenge different levels with great interest.

Cat Demon, Thunderous Ruins, Poisonous Thunderous Ruins, Frosty Dark Forest...

Many levels are too difficult to beat in a one-on-one fight.

no way.

The monster is too tanky, and has too few skills.

but.

Fortunately!

The game has just launched! There are so many people teaming up!

soon.

Chen Yansheng managed to get into a team.

Then... he felt that this game was more like an arcade game!

Four people!
Team up!

Side-scrolling beat 'em up!

This is just like an arcade game!

But I have to say, it's really interesting!

Especially the later levels.

For example, the Venomous Thunderous Ruins!

Chen Yansheng and his three teammates really wore themselves down through sheer hard work!
But the process... was so much fun! It felt like I was back in the arcade again.

Equipment selection, skill combinations, resource allocation, consumables...

Chen Yansheng followed the quests, constantly changing maps, and when his level wasn't high enough, he would team up with other players to farm low-level maps.

then.

He's level 15 now... and has learned a lot of new skills, like Mountain Crash and Wave Slash.

Although it's still a pain to work out the map.

But! He found the game increasingly interesting!

Chen Yansheng didn't even realize that he had been sitting in front of the computer for a full three hours!
His entire attention was focused on the swordsman wielding a sword on the screen.

Wait for him to react.

You can change jobs now.

And also at this time.

A voice sounded.

"Dude, what game are you playing? It looks pretty cool."

Chen Yan was startled and turned around, then was startled again.

Before anyone knew it, seven or eight people had gathered behind him!

Everyone was watching him play!

And then he turned around.

"Yeah, man, is it a new game? I've never seen it before, it looks a bit like an old arcade game."

"It looks like a lot of fun, much more fun than the old arcade games."

What game is it?

"Hey bro, what's the official website for this game?"

"Want money?"

"...?"

Chen Yansheng looked at the crowd of onlookers who were all asking him what game it was, and he was a little confused.

(End of this chapter)