Back in August 2021, the company unveiled Lineage W. The presentation, billed as the 'last Lineage,' featured CEO Kim Taek-jin standing front and centre—a scene that remains etched in our collective memory. Titles like Trickster M, which was cheekily dubbed 'cute Lineage', or the monetization model of Blade & Soul 2, had sent the company's reputation into a downward spiral. It was clear that NCSoft was desperate to pivot toward a 'post-Lineage' policy to clear the air. They rebranded the project formerly known as 'The Lineage' to Throne and Liberty, and showcased Aion 2, which briefly suggested a change in direction. Yet, the sudden announcement of 'Lineage Classic' to ring in the New Year was met with a chorus of weary, "Well, of course they did" from the gaming community.

While that collective sigh was universal, public opinion was sharply split. Some cling to the hope that a subscription-based model—priced at a relatively modest 29,700 won per month—will recapture the magic of the past without the convoluted progression systems we suffer through today. Others, however, see this as the company’s final desperate stand.

Sceptics argue that history will repeat itself, pointing to the precedent of Blade & Soul Neo, where the original server suffered from neglect following the spin-off. There is also the lingering fear that the in-game economy will be compromised; unlike the wild west of third-party trading sites of old, the shift toward a self-managed exchange and potential direct item sales leaves many wondering if the soul of the game will be lost in the process.

Can NCSoft find stability with this subscription-based Lineage Classic, especially while juggling the rapid decline of the Blade & Soul IP and the breathless management of Aion 2? We shall see if this version differs from the 2021 reveal, and more importantly, whether this move can finally steady the ship for a company that has been hitting some rather turbulent waters.