Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, developed by Hanbitsoft and Joy Impact and published by Atlus Online in the US market, is a fantasy MMORPG set in a Steampunk setting. Steampunk may need some explaining. It is a sub-genre of science fiction combining science and magic, set in an era where steam power was still in use – often Victorian England – hence the “Steam” in Steampunk. It is an era of imaginary technological advances or advances of the “path not taken” of dirigibles and jet packs. Such is the setting of Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent.

History
In ancient times, the peoples of all races lived in harmony and abundance. Magic and Science co-existed on Chrysalis and the discovery of Neo Steam spurred the development of advanced technology. But the unregulated collection of Neo Steam from the world’s core disturbed the balance of the world until a shattering earthquake struck. The catastrophe felled cities. Centers of learning were destroyed and the world of Chrysalis was split into three continents. From those ruins, the Kingdom of Elerd, the Republic of Rogwel, and the Taxn Alliance grew over the centuries and began to war over the control of Neo Steam. The Taxn Alliance strove to remain neutral, but soon found themselves drawn into the war in one manner or another.

The Kingdom of Elerd is a kingdom of magic and mystery, governed by the Elves. The land is beautiful and green; while the Republic of Rogwel is a technologically driven society and much of its lands are stark and barren although they have advanced technology and machines.

Races & Classes
There are seven races to play in Neo Steam, each with its own racial characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. These range from Humans and Elves with their innate affinity for magic, to half human, half animal creatures such as the Lupines with their massive strength; and a unique, cute race called the Pom which are brilliant machinists – basically the tinkerers.

There are four base classes to begin: the Warrior, the Mystic, the Machinist and the Scout. The skill tree branches at level ten allowing players to specialize their characters into one of two specialist classes. Each warring continent’s classes have different flavors. For example the Mystic on Elerd can choose to be Arcanists – using fire spells, or Evokers, capable of summoning beasts to assist them in battle. The Rogwel Mystic in turn becomes a Sorcerer – using Ice spells, or an Animator, summoning machines to help them in battle.

Each character has four stat bars: HP, Mana, Stamina and Neo Steam. Hit Points is your health bar. Mana is used for some magic, Stamina for melee and Neo Steam is the common power used for certain skills. Travel on a dirigible for example will use Neo Steam, and the precious commodity can only be replenished on a 24 hour cycle, from a steam machine in town.