Steven-Elliot Altman, lead writer and loremaster of the Acclaim Martial Arts MMO, 9Dragons, had some interesting things to share about what's up with the game and just what we could expect come its release date. Yup, that developer journal was sure oozing with info and we are sure that this Altman interview is info-ridden too.

When asked of how historically-accurate the game will be, the lead writer mentioned that the Korean design team was given instructions that if it didn't exist in China's Ming Dynasty, it wouldn't have any room in the game. Every detail - the music, design of the cities, clothes, and weapons - are all historically based.

As for the writing part of the game-making process, he promises to bring ancient Chinese wisdom in English, but then again the writing team will balance familiar storytelling elements with historically accurate visuals. So don't expect this game to be your guide through that Asian History subject of yours.

Altman also says that beta-testing is virtually essential to them since community should be their strongest asset. He says that it is always fun and inspiring to see them testers discuss game details or report bugs. He also says that 9Dragons aims to be the world's best free-to-play game, supported solely by in-game ads. Which may be a bit confusing because if post-modern ads get mixed up with a Ming Dynasty setting, well, the game just wouldn't work. But as Altman said, they are working on it. They'll be asking what their players think and might even let their players create their own ads.

And since there are no live, fire-breathing dragons during the Ming Dynasty, you shouldn't expect for rideable mounts/ dragons here. But, he divulges that three advanced clans (The Union of Noble Families, Black Dragon Clan, and The Disciples of Iron Fist) will be user-controlled. As for physical representations, their "Epithet" system will get you covered. It is basically a title above your character's avatar that will tell others who you are and will also raise your stats.

If you want to read the word-per-word interview, click on the 'Read' link below.

The MMORPG created by Acclaim set in the Ming Dynasty has been updated with spanking new screens. 9Dragons allows players to choose from several clans like the Clan of Secret Shadows, the Clan of Death Valley, The Sacred Flower Clan and a League of Beggars, to name a few. Each clan has unique characteristics like as to their choice of weapons, fighting skills and mystical abilities. After entering a clan, a player must be able to survive the rigorous training from the great masters. 9Dragons has a reputation system and it is your duty to protect and uphold your reputation as it enhances your abilities in the game.

Boasting a cutting edge 3D graphics with scenic background of several distinct landmarks in China such as The Great Wall, this much-anticipated MMO will offer 450 quests and an additional 20-40 new quests every month. The game is expected sometime this fall, so for the meantime check out the new screenshots we have promised you by clicking the Full Article after the jump!

Martial arts is not just about hand chops and flying kicks, there's also the armaments. 9Dragons, the first authentic martial arts MMO, will showcase the weapons that reflect the period of the Ming Dynasty. Developers of the game have gone through laborious research to get as much authenticity as possible.

9Dragons has seven categories of weapons: Gloves and claws, staffs and staves, polearms, swords, sabres, axes, and spears, and daggers and wheels. Popular shurikens and nunchuks have Japanese origins, hence they have not found their way in China. But that doesn't mean they won't make an appearance in the game. Players who travel far and wide might just get lucky.

In the game, each clan uses the very same weapons that their historical counterparts used. 9Dragons is designed to reward you for thinking about your style of fighting before you decide to join a clan. The basis of the Chinese martial arts is unarmed combat (think Kung Fu). It's for this reason that all the clans have to use gloves in basic training. They're for protection and have very little additional attacking power. Staffs and staves, on the other hand, are used for fast variations and continuous attacks.

Polearms are used by Shaolin monks and are considered "the father of all weapons" because they are easier to handle for a beginner. They give a tactical advantage because they can be used further away from the arms. Of course, there's the familiar sword. Those obsessed with swordplay. like the Tai Chi initiates of Wu-Tang Clan, would agree that they're the most difficult weapons to master. Heroes of the Wu-Tang clan are considered great swordsmen. Giving swords a competition are the sabres. While a sword has two sharp edges, a saber only has one. Using it may give you less attack variations, but since it's heavier, it generates a more powerful attack

For more aggressive style of fighting, axes and spears come to play. Spears are used for longer range fighting. When used by capable hands, they can dazzle anyone.

The lesser known weapons of the period are the daggers and flying wheels, but in the hands of an assassin, they are among the deadliest. They're ideal for women because they are small and lightweight. They're the weapon of choice by the Sacred Flower. The best use for a dagger is when you throw it an opponent from a distance.

Now that you're armed with the knowledge, use it to choose your clan wisely.

Based on Chinese martial arts, 9Dragons takes players into the fantasy world of ruthless clans and epic battles set during a period of great turmoil. After 3 three years of development and $10 million in cost, 9Dragons is destined to set a new standard for MMORPGs with its cutting edge full 3D graphics. The game features actual Chinese geography and historical landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and Shao-Lin Temple.

Check out the newest 9Dragons Trailer featuring Mo-Jiao, one of the nine factions in the game.

Download [mo-jiao_s.avi]

9Dragons is an authentic martial arts MMO set in ancient China during the Ming Dynasty, which was a chaotic time to say the least. For those of you desperate to get an early shot at the action, the beta testing sign-ups have just been put up on the official 9Dragons website, so head on over there right away if you hope to snag yourself a slot. The beta testing, which will go live in late summer of 2006, will let you get an early chance to play the game before it's released so you can help the developers work out any last minute bugs. In 9Dragons, you can be a part of one of nine clans, each with a unique philosophy and martial arts style. Over time, you'll be able to craft your own fighting style using secrets and techniques you've learned throughout your training.