Onrpg: How do the two new maps integrate into the Angels Online storyline?

Angels Gold: Once, thousands of years ago, a vast forest blossomed south of Eden. When the war between Angels Gold and Demons came to the land, fierce battles and brutal conflict left the forest ruined and ravaged. After a time, the souls of the fallen Angels Gold nurtured the rebirth of a lush and verdant jungle that became the birthplace of the Beast faction. However, this was not the gentle forest that had flourished before the war. This one had grown from the souls of the fallen and within it a dark swamp festered. 

As time passed, this swamp grew, encouraging growth of a different kind. Evil monsters soon began finding their way in, followed by the terrifying Half-Beast Hamlet. The Beast faction found itself being forced ever northward by the slow progression of the swamp and its inhabitants. Disregarding the objections of scared Angels Gold, the courageous Beast Leader, Sharker, declared war on these monsters and vowed to retake the Holy Land that they had peacefully occupied for generations. He organized the South Pioneer Army and ventured back into the swamp. Sensing opportunity, the Evil Lyceum Leader Belia allied herself with the Half-Beast Hamlet and cursed the advancing Army. Upon discovering her treachery, Michael, Leader of the Angel Lyceum, ordered all available Angels Gold to help the Army and protect this holy land from evil.

Onrpg: Of all the new instances and monsters that were added, which one is your favorite?

Angels Gold: I love the Giant Wooden Stairs very much. Where most games have players fighting and journeying through mostly level or hilly terrain, these redwood-sized stumps add an amazing fully 3D feeling to what would usually be a simple forest scene. Its details like this that make AO really stand out among all the RPGs out there.

As for new BOSS, the Lion Knights are probably the best. After all, battling in the sky is pretty cool!

Onrpg: Why did you decide to add the house system?

Angels Gold: In the first several game versions, players had to level up by either killing a lot of monsters or challenging instances. However, this can get boring and repetitive and we found that players were leaving in search of other games that offered more than this. Seeing an opportunity to inject an aspect that didn't involve simple point and click battles, but actually got players involved creatively was something that we felt was important. Players have always been able to customize their character's wardrobe, equipment, and weapons, we felt letting them customize their character’s “house” was the logical next step.