Only a few weeks away from it’s US and European launch, Aion is a new MMO title from NCSoft, that has gained a large and loyal following in Asia, where it was launched last year.Despite sharing many concepts with World of Warcraft, Aion is actually a very different game to play! The stunning graphics of Aion, as well as the many unique gameplay features, will appeal to existing WoW fans, while the gameplay enhancements offer to improve the gaming experience in many areas.

So what unique features does Aion have? Well, for one thing, you can fly–once you reach Level 10 and become a Daeva, no matter which one of the four human classes you are, you can fly. And–with your own wings! You don’t need a magical steed or to hop a ride on some mandrake as inWoW. Flight is an integral part of the Aion gaming experience for all concerned.

The basic premise of Aion is that there are “angels” and “demons” (actually both are factions of humans/Daevas who grew apart after the breaking of their original world of Atreia; so neither one is evil or good, but both factions readily believe that the other guys are indeed plenty evil and need to be obliterated) who are at war simultaneously against each other and against a third common enemy: a group of “fallen dragons” whose hubris started this never-ending war in the first place (yeah – it’s Satan and the Fallen Host of Heaven). The evil dragons are computer-controlled NPCs; you have to choose an “angel” or “demon” human character to play.

Speaking of character creation in Aion, it’s just incredible and extremely detailed. In fact–do you want to see a Rebecca Grant with a big bust flying through the air? No worries. Want to make yourself in the image of your favorite super hero? No problem.

The graphics and visuals of Aion are probably the most stunningly beautiful and amazingly detailed of any MMORPG ever. Yes, probably better than World of Warcraft. There is also a great soundtrack by famous Asian New Age music composer Yang Bang Ean. As far as movement and control, you get the feeling that you’re some cyborg with a data-feed chip stuck in your brain who is otherwise looking out on a very real world. The game’s Crytec servers even give you independently created and player-inspired storylines.

Finally, Aion introduces you to a dizzying “PvPvE” situation: Player vs. Player vs. Environment. You’ll find yourself facing up against other player-controlled characters, while simultaneously fighting off NPC demons, and random AI monsters who will wander into the area.

Will MMO gaming be revolutionised by the arrival of Aion? We’ll have to wait and see!