G-Star 2025 finally arrived, and this year’s event felt bigger than ever. Crowds packed the venue from early morning, many lining up hours before opening just to try a few upcoming titles. But let’s be honest: most RPG fans came for one thing. Aion 2 dominated the show floor, and based on the lines alone, it’s clear that anticipation for the game is sky-high.
I spent the day navigating the crowds, joining the massive queue at the NC booth, and finally securing a chance to test the game. After roughly ninety minutes of waiting, I got a full thirty-minute playable session. Even though that time flew by fast, the demo still offered a solid look at class design, movement flow, combat feel, and overall gameplay direction.
Below is a breakdown of what stood out—both the good and the parts that still feel rough around the edges.
The First Steps: Character Creation and Early Impressions
Right from the start, the character creation system left a strong first impression. The freedom was high, with enough customization options to shape your character exactly the way you want. It’s the kind of flexibility long-time Aion players will probably appreciate.
Once I got into combat, though, things became more mixed. My first pick was Assassin. While flashy and fast, the overall feel didn’t fully match the sharp, precise, high-risk-high-reward style I remember from the original game. I didn’t have enough time to break down every skill mechanic, but the initial vibe was more visual impact than raw lethality.
That said, it’s still too early to judge. With more time, there’s a good chance the depth will show itself. And of course, the moment-to-moment combat still felt responsive, which is always a good foundation.
This kind of hands-on testing also helps players think ahead about in-game prep. Currency farming, for example, will definitely matter once the game launches. Many players who tested the demo were already discussing future routes for materials and upgrades, especially those familiar with Aion 2 Kinah, a resource that will likely remain central to progression.
Rediscovering Familiar Classes with a New Twist
After Assassin, I switched to Mage. This one clicked with me almost instantly. Damage felt solid, movement was smoother than expected, and free-form casting while moving added a lot of fun. If you enjoy kiting or keeping enemies guessing, you’ll probably enjoy this class right away.
Then I tried Gladiator, but the experience was different from what long-time Aion fans might expect. The weapon may look massive, but the attack speed was surprisingly fast, almost too light when swinging. It removed some of that heavy-impact flavor that made the original version special. Of course, this is just the G-Star build, so tuning may still change.
The boss fight provided a simple pattern-focused challenge. It wasn’t difficult, but it helped show one of the game’s strengths: movement. Aion 2’s dodge system seems unlimited as long as stamina remains, and being able to weave dodges into offense felt exciting. With enough practice, players will be able to pull off some really stylish plays.
While watching other testers, I also overheard discussions about future trading systems and markets. Some players mentioned external services or shops they used in previous games. One person even referenced an Aion 2 Kinah shop online while comparing early progression routes. This kind of talk always pops up around launch windows, but it’s better to wait for official confirmation on how trading and exchanges will work this time around. Every new MMO has surprises, and systems may change before release.
Spiritmaster, Cleric, Ranger: Fast Takes from Limited Time
I spent the remaining minutes checking out more classes. Spiritmaster felt more like a single-pet version of Mage rather than the DOT-heavy control class from older Aion. It still has personality but seems more streamlined.
Cleric surprised me. The audio design was heavy, almost sacred and dramatic, making every heal feel impactful. It didn’t immediately resemble the classic healer identity, but it had a strong style of its own.
Ranger shared a bit of DNA with Mage, especially in how satisfying its basic attacks felt. The downside? Every major skill had pretty long cooldowns during this demo, which left me auto-attacking more than I wanted. With tuning, this class could hit the sweet spot.
One thing many players agreed on is that Aion 2 still needs clearer balance and smoother cancel mechanics. There is a form of auto-canceling now, but it’s miles different from the intentional timing-based canceling the original game was known for. The demo version feels easier but also less skill-expressive.
Outside the Demo: The Atmosphere, the Crowd, and the RPG Community Energy
After finishing the test, I stuck around the booth. A few Korean creators showed up, and the surrounding crowd got excited. Later, I explored other booths—Google, Gravity, Krafton—and the whole event kept that noisy but warm RPG-fan energy.
People talked about future class choices, potential servers, and community plans. Some even discussed guild groups forming early, not unlike the way MMO veterans organize before launch. It reminded me of how players prepare resources, make plans, and compare experiences with friends. Communities like U4GM, which some players mentioned when talking about previous games and their early-game prep strategies, often come up during these pre-launch conversations.
Overall, G-Star this year delivered a ton of excitement. Even outside of Aion 2, the booths, creators, and crowd energy made the event worth the trip.
What Aion 2 Players Should Expect Moving Forward
Based on the demo, Aion 2 has a strong foundation: smooth movement, slick animations, energetic skill effects, and a fast, modern action feel. Some veterans may miss the weightiness and precise cancels of the original game, but it’s too early to make final judgments. The real depth will show in the full version, when PvP, dungeons, and long-term class identity become clearer.
For now, the demo suggests that NC is aiming for accessibility, visual clarity, and high-mobility combat. If the developers refine class flavor and improve skill cooldown pacing, the game could land in a sweet middle ground between nostalgia and modern design.
FAQ
1. How long was the Aion 2 demo session at G-Star?
Each player had 30 minutes to test any class they wanted, including combat and light exploration.
2. Which classes felt strongest in the demo?
Mage stood out due to strong damage and smooth movement. Ranger and Cleric showed potential but need tuning.
3. Is there trading or currency exchange in Aion 2?
NC has not fully revealed the trading system yet. Details on Kinah exchange, market features, or player trading are still subject to change.
4. Are class mechanics similar to the original Aion?
Some are, but many have been simplified or modernized. Classic timing-based canceling is less prominent in the demo version.
5. Will the game have stamina-based dodge mechanics?
Yes. As long as you have stamina, you can dodge freely, which makes combat more dynamic.
6. How crowded was the line for Aion 2?
Extremely crowded. Some visitors were lining up as early as 4 AM to secure a spot.
7. Are customization options similar to the first game?
Yes. Character customization remains flexible and detailed, one of the strong points of the demo.