Aion is a MMORPG that at the time of this writing is only days off from being launched on servers in the U.S. And Europe after earning itself a wonderfully good reputation in Asia where it's been played for two years now.Aion is obviously based totally on World of Warcraft, but make no mistake--this is not a WoW imitation! This is a very unique and visually blinding MMORPG that tries to appeal to WoW fans while also competing to be better than that game, at least in many ways.

What's unique about Aion? Well, for one thing, you can fly--once you reach Level 10 and become a Daeva, no matter which one of the 4 human classes you are you can fly. And--with your own wings! You do not need an enchanting steed or to bounce a ride on some mandrake as in WoW. Flight is an integral part of the Aion gaming experience for all worried.

The basic premise of Aion is that there are "angels" and "demons" ( actually both are cliques of humans / Daevas who grew more and more apart after the breaking of their original world of Atreia ; so neither one is malevolent or good, but both factions enthusiastically accept that the other blokes are indeed plenty evil and must be obliterated ) who are at war at the same time against one another and against a third common enemy : a grouping of "fallen dragons" whose hubris started this never-ending war in the first place ( yeah--it's Lucifer and the Fallen Host of Heaven ). The malevolent dragons are AI-controlled NPCs ; you get to select an "angel" or "demon" human personality to play.

Talking of personality creation in Aion, it is just incredible and highly detailed. In fact--do you want to see a Rebecca Grant with a huge bust flying thru the air? No problem. Wish to make yourself in the image of your fave super hero? No problem.

The graphics and visuals of Aion are possibly the most stunningly stunning and incredibly detailed of any MMORPG ever. Yes, possibly better than WoW. 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 impression that you are some cyborg with a data-feed chip stuck in your brain who is otherwise looking out on a very real world. The game'sCrytecTM servers even give you independently made and player-inspired storylines.

Finally, Aion introduces you to a dizzying "PvPvE" situation : Player vs. Player vs . Environment. You're up against the player-controlled characters of the opposing human camp, and you are up against theNPC "dragons" and whatever other AI animals who don't like you come along.

Will Aion bring a revolution in MMORPG gaming? It just might!