History VideoGame / Vindictus

** Crafting skills (known as "Expertise" in-game) used a similar mechanic prior to the Season 2 release. Aside from the grinding required to earn sufficient experience and [[RandomlyDrops randomly dropped items]] to level the skill, certain special items (known as "finishes") were required for the final "test" crafting. These items were available only from specific NPCs, who provided a maximum of 2 per real-time day, and only in exchange for a number of quest items. 20 of these special items were required for the first level alone, with higher levels requiring more. This was dropped in favour of a simple "recipe" unlock system.

* WhatDoYouMeanItsNotCosmetic: Prior to Season 2, most of the titles earned by a hero granted stat boosts, ''whether or not they are equipped''. Seasonal titles, though, were pure bragging rights. As of the Season 2 release, these appear to have become purely cosmetic.

* WorldOfBuxom: Notably averted with both player characters and [=NPCs=]. Even the bustiest character, Shayla, is still well within the realm of realism.
** A few armour and clothing sets noticibly enhance female characters' bustlines, most infamously the "Homebound" clothing set, putting them within reach of this trope. Most of these are uncommon, however, as they're essentially low-level gear that can only be aquired with high-level crafting skills or by paying exhorbitant amounts of gold in the marketplace.

** Crafting skills (known as "Expertise" in-game) used a similar mechanic prior to the Season 2 release. Aside from the grinding required to earn sufficient experience and [[RandomlyDrops randomly dropped items]] to level the skill, certain special items (known as "finishes") were required for the final "test" crafting. These items were available only from specific NPCs, who provided a maximum of 2 per real-time day, and only in exchange for a number of quest items. 20 of these special items were required for the first level alone, with higher levels requiring more. This was dropped in favour of a simple "recipe" unlock system.

* WhatDoYouMeanItsNotCosmetic: Most of the titles earned by a hero grant stat boosts, ''whether or not they are equipped''. Seasonal titles, though, are pure bragging rights.

* ZettaiRyouiki: Evie's outfits frequently have short skirts or hotpants, often with stockings reaching from mid-calf up to mid-thigh (or higher). Some premium shop female underwear sets also have stockings, which can create this effect for armour sets that feature short skirts (common at higher levels for both Evie and Fiona).

** Crafting skills (known as "Expertise" in-game) used a similar mechanic prior to the Season 2 release. Aside from the grinding required to earn sufficient experience and [[RandomlyDrops randomly dropped items]] to level the skill, certain special items (known as "finishes") were required for the final "test" crafting. These items were available only from specific NPCs, who provided a maximum of 2 per real-time day, and only in exchange for a number of quest items. 20 of these special items were required for the first level alone, with higher levels requiring more. This was dropped in favour of a simple "recipe" unlock system.

* ThighHighBoots: The Succubus boss has 'em. Several equipment sets for Evie and Fiona also feature these.

** Crafting skills (known as "Expertise" in-game) used a similar mechanic prior to the Season 2 release. Aside from the grinding required to earn sufficient experience and [[RandomlyDrops randomly dropped items]] to level the skill, certain special items (known as "finishes") were required for the final "test" crafting. These items were available only from specific NPCs, who provided a maximum of 2 per real-time day, and only in exchange for a number of quest items. 20 of these special items were required for the first level alone, with higher levels requiring more. This was dropped in favour of a simple "recipe" unlock system.

** Not necessarily true. If you look at all of her attack animations, you will see that all of her main spells shoots out from her staff. Even though she is not whacking things with the staff itself, it is definitely the means by which she attacks.

** For Lann and Fiona it's "Sticks to the Hip".

** Crafting skills (known as "Expertise" in-game) used a similar mechanic prior to the Season 2 release. Aside from the grinding required to earn sufficient experience and [[RandomlyDrops randomly dropped items]] to level the skill, certain special items (known as "finishes") were required for the final "test" crafting. These items were available only from specific NPCs, who provided a maximum of 2 per real-time day, and only in exchange for a number of quest items. 20 of these special items were required for the first level alone, with higher levels requiring more. This was dropped in favour of a simple "recipe" unlock system.

** The release schedule of players has alternated boy-girl, and there are currently the same number of both; with Tanks, DPSers and Rangers (much of Evie's magic is ranged attacks) in both male and female forms.

** Crafting skills (known as "Expertise" in-game) used a similar mechanic prior to the Season 2 release. Aside from the grinding required to earn sufficient experience and [[RandomlyDrops randomly dropped items]] to level the skill, certain special items (known as "finishes") were required for the final "test" crafting. These items were available only from specific NPCs, who provided a maximum of 2 per real-time day, and only in exchange for a number of quest items. 20 of these special items were required for the first level alone, with higher levels requiring more. This was dropped in favour of a simple "recipe" unlock system.

** The release schedule of players has alternated boy-girl for the most part, so there is only ever one more boy or girl than the other. Currently, there are two girls and three boys in the North American version, but Korea is releasing another female character.

** Crafting skills (known as "Expertise" in-game) used a similar mechanic prior to the Season 2 release. Aside from the grinding required to earn sufficient experience and [[RandomlyDrops randomly dropped items]] to level the skill, certain special items (known as "finishes") were required for the final "test" crafting. These items were available only from specific NPCs, who provided a maximum of 2 per real-time day, and only in exchange for a number of quest items. 20 of these special items were required for the first level alone, with higher levels requiring more. This was dropped in favour of a simple "recipe" unlock system.

** By contrast, defensive characters Fiona and Karok are harder to solo with at low levels, particularly once bosses start using powerful "smash" attacks. Once they've had time to gain and level-up their defense and counter-attack skills, they can stand up to later game bosses much more easily than Evie, and Karok's special attacks can cause massive amounts of damage. Lann is pretty much the only linear character in the game.

** Crafting skills (known as "Expertise" in-game) used a similar mechanic prior to the Season 2 release. Aside from the grinding required to earn sufficient experience and [[RandomlyDrops randomly dropped items]] to level the skill, certain special items (known as "finishes") were required for the final "test" crafting. These items were available only from specific NPCs, who provided a maximum of 2 per real-time day, and only in exchange for a number of quest items. 20 of these special items were required for the first level alone, with higher levels requiring more. This was dropped in favour of a simple "recipe" unlock system.

* GuysSmashGirlsShoot: Fully averted. Lann, Fiona and Karok smash, while Evie and Kai both shoot.

** Crafting skills (known as "Expertise" in-game) used a similar mechanic prior to the Season 2 release. Aside from the grinding required to earn sufficient experience and [[RandomlyDrops randomly dropped items]] to level the skill, certain special items (known as "finishes") were required for the final "test" crafting. These items were available only from specific NPCs, who provided a maximum of 2 per real-time day, and only in exchange for a number of quest items. 20 of these special items were required for the first level alone, with higher levels requiring more. This was dropped in favour of a simple "recipe" unlock system.

* FiveManBand: Deconstructed. There are six very different hero characters to select from, but very little personality is known about them. Aside from Karok being TheStrongMan and Evie being either TheChick or TheSmartGuy, the other three characters don't fit the classic five man band definition. Plus, all non-raid missions have a four player limit.

* ChargedAttack: All characters receive "Special Points" ([=SP=]) skills which can be used to use powerful attacks caled SP skills (or smash attacks). These are of the "Collect" type, and require damaging enemies and stealing their life-force to fill up an [[ChargeMeter SP gauge]], either partially or completely. Once the gauge has been filled to a certain level (there are 5 levels), SP skills become available. Using a SP skill depletes a certain portion of the gauge, requiring it to be re-filled. Evie, Fiona, and Lann also can also aquire skills that give them "Hold" type charged attacks.

** Crafting skills (known as "Expertise" in-game) use a similar mechanic. Aside from the grinding required to earn sufficient experience and [[RandomlyDrops randomly dropped items]] to level the skill, certain special items are required for the final "test" crafting. These items are available only from a specific NPC, who will provide a maximum of 2 per real-time day, and only in exchange for a number of quest items. 20 of these special items are required for the first level alone, with higher levels requiring more.

** [[BraggingRightsReward Titles]], most of which grant nominal improvements to stats, typically require large amounts of grinding of some sort -- killing mooks with [[CherryTapping weak attacks]], using skills, picking up random drops, MassMonsterSlaughterSidequest, and so on.

* {{Fanservice}}: Both male and female characters get to be this once they start earning higher-level gear. Particularly strong with female characters Evie and Fiona. Further, armor can be (temporarily) destroyed in combat, leaving characters to fight in their underwear until it's repaired.

* FiveManBand: Deconstructed. There are five very different hero characters to select from, but very little personality is known about them. Aside from Karok being TheStrongMan and Evie being either TheChick or TheSmartGuy, the other three characters don't fit the classic 5 man band definition. Plus, most boats only take 4 players at a time.

* DangerouslyShortSkirt: The [[DarkActionGirl Succubus boss]] has one, though she wears pantyhose to prevent a real PantyShot. Fiona and Evie also have armour sets that feature these, but in their case, {{Panty Shot}}s are [[MsFanservice relatively common occurrences]], depending on what underwear they're wearing. A few are see-through as well.

** Vella: The HotterAndSexier dual-wielding girl who can counterattack projectiles even Fiona can't block, and has an attack style reminiscent of a cross between Lann and Fiona, where she dash attacks around the enemy. A bit slower and more durable than Lann, Vella is still ax GlassCannon [=DPSer=].

** Some of the higher level Raid missions limit players to a single victory per day. Even low level missions have a max limit to the number of daily runs, but this is so high as to be effectively unlimited for all but the most serious grinders.

* AprilFoolsDay: The April Fools 2011 event involved a MassiveMultiplayerCrossover with various {{Valve}} series such as VideoGame/TeamFortress2 and VideoGame/{{Portal}}. Event rewards included equips and titles featuring those games.

* BossRush: Several missions in several regions. Notable mention goes to ''Prepare for Counterattack'' in Hoarfrost Hollow, as it is the first BossRush mission. Other notable BossRush missions are ''The Blood Prince'' (Ainle), ''The Unveiling Truth'' (Ainle), and ''Proof of Courage'' (Hoarfrost Depths).

* BreathWeapon: The Blood Lord and Irukul are the most notable examples.

** Though almost all of these things can be gotten by any player, they just have to work a bit harder. The only exceptions are "Goddess Grace" (since you can just keep on paying to revive til you win) and the NX cash tokens. Fortunately, the token system was removed.

* {{Combos}}: Lann, Fiona, Karok, and Vella all have combo attacks, known as "Smashes", which enables a special, high-powered attack to be triggered after a sequence of normal attacks are made. The type and power of the smash attack depends on how many normal attacks are made before triggering the combo. Some of Evie's "focus" magic attacks, and Kai's high-powered ranged attacks, also effectively act as smashes (and are treated as such for game purposes).

** Vella: The HotterAndSexier dual-wielding girl who can counterattack projectiles even Fiona can't block, and has an attack style reminiscent of a cross between Lann and Fiona, where she dash attacks around the enemy. A bit slower and more durable than Lann, Vella is still ax GlassCannon [=DPSer=].

** Some of the higher level Raid missions limit players to a single victory per day. Even low level missions have a max limit to the number of daily runs, but this is so high as to be effectively unlimited for all but the most serious grinders.

* AprilFoolsDay: The April Fools 2011 event involved a MassiveMultiplayerCrossover with various {{Valve}} series such as VideoGame/TeamFortress2 and VideoGame/{{Portal}}. Event rewards included equips and titles featuring those games.

* {{Combos}}: Lann, Fiona, and Karok all have combo attacks, known as "Smashes", which enables a special, high-powered attack to be triggered after a sequence of normal attacks are made. The type and power of the smash attack depends on how many normal attacks are made before triggering the combo.

** Vella: The HotterAndSexier dual-wielding girl who can counterattack projectiles even Fiona can't block, and has an attack style reminiscent of a cross between Lann and Fiona, where she dash attacks around the enemy. A bit slower and more durable than Lann, Vella is still a GlassCannon [=DPSer=].

** Some of the higher level Raid missions limit players to a single victory per day. Even low level missions have a max limit to the number of daily runs, but this is so high as to be effectively unlimited for all but the most serious grinders.

* AprilFoolsDay: The April Fools 2011 event involved a MassiveMultiplayerCrossover with various {{Valve}} series such as VideoGame/TeamFortress2 and VideoGame/{{Portal}}. Event rewards included equips and titles featuring those games.

** A number of high-powered or unique skills seem to fall under this trope for all character types. However, as of the Episode 7 expansion, all skills are capped well below maximum. The current highest rank achievable for any skill is 6 (skill ranks range from F at lowest to 1 at highest, in what appears to be reverse hexadecimal notation), with many of the flashier skills capped much lower (typically A, but as low as C in some cases). New episodes are expected to raise or remove the caps, allowing many of these skills to move from AwesomeButImpractical to AwesomeYetPractical, or at least DifficultButAwesome. For example, raising the skill rank on Karok's Boss Bash (currently capped at rank A) may allow him to use it on some higher-level bosses which are currently immune.

** Vella: The HotterAndSexier dual-wielding girl who can counterattack projectiles even Fiona can't block, and has an attack style reminiscent of a cross between Lann and Fiona, where she dash attacks around the enemy. A bit slower and more durable than Lann, Vella is still a GlassCannon {{DPS}}er.

** Some of the higher level Raid missions limit players to a single victory per day. Even low level missions have a max limit to the number of daily runs, but this is so high as to be effectively unlimited for all but the most serious grinders.

* AprilFoolsDay: The April Fools 2011 event involved a MassiveMultiplayerCrossover with various {{Valve}} series such as VideoGame/TeamFortress2 and VideoGame/{{Portal}}. Event rewards included equips and titles featuring those games.

** Vella: The HotterAndSexier dual-wielding girl who can counterattack projectiles even Fiona can't block, and has an attack style reminiscent of a cross between Lann and Fiona, where she dash attacks around the enemy.

* AnyoneCanDie: Late-game story is really starting to veer this way.
* AprilFoolsDay: The April Fools 2011 event involved a MassiveMultiplayerCrossover with various {{Valve}} series such as VideoGame/TeamFortress2 and VideoGame/{{Portal}}.

** Tieve's Oracle dress in the prologue also seems designed to be this.

** Kai (Kay in the Korean version): Kai is a lightly to heavily armored Ranger wielding a [[TheArcher bow]]. He starts with a fast, low-powered, short-range short bow, but can alter it to longer-range, higher-powered, but slower long bow. His arsenal consists of multiple-arrow-firing, rapid-firing, and power-damage skills similar to certain bosses (Jagged Tooth and Singleshot).

* ChargedAttack: All characters receive "Special Points" ([=SP=]) skills after levelling up and/or completing certain quests. These are of the "Collect" type, and require damaging enemies and stealing their life-force to fill up an [[ChargeMeter SP gauge]], either partially or completely. Once the gauge has been filled to a certain level (there are 4 levels), SP skills become available. Using a SP skill depletes a certain portion of the gauge, requiring it to be re-filled. Evie, Fiona, and Lann also can also aquire skills that give them "Hold" type charged attacks.

** Ranger Kai, although not yet released, is expected to use a ChargedAttack mechanic similar to Evie's Focus skills. Ranger bosses already use this type of ChargedAttack for high-powered and multiple-arrow ranged attacks.

** As of the Titan expansion, [[RevenueEnhancingDevices cash shop]] "dye ampoules" have been added. These provide a semi-random selection of colours, and include far more vibrant colour than the dye shop, partially averting RealIsBrown. One side effect of the brighter colours is that players can now deliberately create seriously clownish-looking RainbowPimpGear.

* BloodierAndGorier: The dev team makes full use of the physics engine to render realistic blood splatter effects. Killing mooks, and especially bosses, often leaves persistent blood splatters on the scenery, and some parts of Ainle have large bloodstains already. Achieving a critical hit with certain skills can cause temporary blood splatters ''on your screen'', literally PaintingTheFourthWall.

* DefrostingIceQueen: Gwynn. Well, [[ItGotWorse early game anyway.]]

* ItGotWorse: As the Vindictus storyline goes on, this is one of those things you can very much count on, especially later on.

* PowerFist: Karok's Cestus weapon class are all massively huge, one handed stone or metal Fists

While set in the same world, this is a [[DarkerAndEdgier darker]] and [[BloodierAndGorier bloodier]] version, using [[Creator/ValveSoftware Valve]]'s Source [[GameEngine engine]]. Although it maintains some of the original's skill-based system and titles, gameplay is far more combat-oriented -- it is being promoted as an "[=Action RPG=]" -- and the game mechanics are simplified. The gameplay is like a mix of ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriors'' and ''VideoGame/MonsterHunter'', with just a pinch of ''VideoGame/DemonsSouls''. Also differing from ''Mabinogi''; ''Vindictus'' is far more story-driven; and at least half of the missions advance the main story. There is almost none of the WideOpenSandbox quality that dominated the original game; and most of the side missions are in some way related to the main storyline, typically providing more detail, character development, or a different perspective.

While absent up to this point; as of the the "Rocheste Royal Cadet" expansion some of ''Mabinogi'''s "life skills" have been added to the game. These are predominantly crafting skills such as blacksmithing and tailoring; and are only available in the city of Rocheste, where they are obtained and trained similarly to combat skills. Despite this, combat is still the dominant focus of the game, and the crafting system is rudimentary by comparison to the original game.

Unlike the first game, and most {{MMORPG}}s for that matter, there are few common areas outside of towns; and no common combat areas. All fighting takes place in instanced dungeons that allow only small player parties of 1-4 to enter (though there are also raid instances such as the White Tyrant mission in Hoarfrost Hollow that allow for parties of up to 6-10 people).

** Fiona: A versatile warrior type, heavily to very heavily armoured, wielding a sword and [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe shield]]. Essentially a Paladin without the healing ability; and a strong counterattack skill. Fiona eventually develops the ability to wield a [[DropTheHammer warhammer]] instead of a sword. Her shield remains extremely important regardless of what weapon you choose. Can emphasize damage and CounterAttack skills (Jack), or defensive skills (Tank). With the Karok update, the Hammer Fiona (Jack) can almost match Spear Lanns in DPS.
** Lann (Lethita in the Korean version): A highly agile [=DPS=]-oriented character who uses devastating combo attacks. Lightly to heavily armored and wielding [[DualWield two swords]] or a [[BifurcatedWeapon bifurcated spear]]; Lann [[FragileSpeedster relies more on evasion than armor]], and is the fastest character. Can emphasize high-speed high-damage skills, making him something of a GlassCannon; or build for a comparatively slower, lower-damage, but more survivable LightningBruiser.

* AntiHero: Due to the setting's BlackAndGreyMorality, player characters are definitely anti- rather than traditional heroes. At early levels, they appear to be somewhere around Type III; but as the story progresses, it's quite clear that they're much more Type IV, and leaning toward Type V. Most of the [=NPCs=] range from Type III (Kirstie) to Type V.
* AntiPoopSocking: Originally, "silver tokens" were required for all missions outside Perilous Ruins. Players received a very limited supply of "silver tokens" per real-time week; and after running a certain number of missions in one real-time day, the token requirements start increasing. This was partially subverted by the availability of [[RevenueEnhancingDevices "crimson" and "platinum" tokens in the cash shop]]; which were used in place of silver tokens, allowing players to continue playing (platinum tokens [[BribingYourWayToVictory granting boosts to experience gain and drop rates]]). The token system was phased out with Karok's release; people with remaining tokens were compensated with NX cash.

** A number of high-powered or unique skills seem to fall under this trope for all character types. However, as of the Episode 7 expansion, all skills are capped well below maximum. The current highest rank achievable for any skill is 6 (skill ranks range from F at lowest to 1 at highest, in what appears to be reverse hexadecimal notation); with many of the flashier skills capped much lower (typically A, but as low as C in some cases). New episodes are expected to raise or remove the caps, allowing many of these skills to move from AwesomeButImpractical to AwesomeYetPractical, or at least DifficultButAwesome. For example, raising the skill rank on Karok's Boss Bash (currently capped at rank A) may allow him to use it on some higher-level bosses which are currently immune.
* AwesomeYetPractical: Two mutually-exclusive transformation skills are available to players: Paladin, which turns the character into a scion of holy strength, emphasizing defensive ability; and Dark Knight, a demonic engine of destruction that emphasizes damage.

* BaitAndSwitchBoss: The White Tyrant battle starts off with a small battle against few of the Kobolds you've been fighting in previous missions. Once you defeat them, a group with a big boss-style Kobold sitting around a campfire appears; which looks at first like a typical mini-boss fight (at least half the missions have mini-boss battles). When you approach him, however, the camera zooms in on the group, they give a battle roar, and then a giant bear crashes through the wall and mauls the Kobolds.

* BifurcatedWeapon: Lann is eventually able to wield what's called a Twin Spear; a double tipped spear (though for some reason, most look like swords) that has been separated down the middle, but is able to be reattached for most of his Smash attacks.
* BlackAndGrayMorality: Starts with FridgeHorror, below; and goes rapidly downhill from there once you unlock Ainle and Nyle's storyline missions.
* BloodierAndGorier: The dev team makes full use of the physics engine to render realistic blood splatter effects. Killing mooks, and especially bosses, often leaves persistent blood splatters on the scenery; and some parts of Ainle have large bloodstains already. Achieving a critical hit with certain skills can cause temporary blood splatters ''on your screen'', literally PaintingTheFourthWall.

* BribingYourWayToVictory: Mostly averted during the Beta period, compared to the first game; use of this trope has substantially increased for the official release. The main exception during beta was the "Goddess Grace", which is free only up to level 10, not available through an in-game source, and ''still'' the only option for solo players to revive in dungeons. Since then, a number of additional items have been added that provide boosts to player or equipment stats (the former expiring after 30 days). Other items are available which are greatly improved versions of in-game items (such as healing potions), protect equipment from breakage during upgrading/enchanting, or give ability points for improving skills.
** As of Episode 8, a new item has been released which really plays up this trope: "Blessing Stones". There are 4 types, and they are available mainly through the cash shop, although there are ways to get them in game with much more difficulty. Used for "missions" (aka dungeon crawls), three different types increase your experience point gain, ability point gain, and item drop rate; with a fourth that increases all three.

** As of "Labyrinth", inner armour no longer grants stat boosts, but while it did, it fully invoked this trope. For example, one set of female underwear consists of a full shirt and pants that resemble a padded motorcycle suit; while another set consists of a skimpy bikini top and bottom. Guess which one gave the higher stat boosts.

* ClothingDamage, BreakableWeapons: Armor can be damaged after taking successive hits, lowering your defense. It can be repaired using a repair kit; and automatically restores after the dungeon is completed, unless the damage is too great. Weapons can also be damaged, but do not break until after the dungeon is complete. All equipment has a "durability" statistic, making armor more likely to break the lower this stat is; any equipment with 0 durability must be repaired before using.
* {{Combos}}: Lann, Fiona, and Karok all have combo attacks, known as "Smashes"; which enables a special, high-powered attack to be triggered after a sequence of normal attacks are made. The type and power of the smash attack depends on how many normal attacks are made before triggering the combo.

** The friendly fire actually seems to have some kind of logic system. Mobs of the same species and average size (such as gnolls) will not be able to hurt eachother with melee attacks, but ranged attacks can still hurt. Small AnkleBiter mooks like spiders and toads will not hurt one another, but larger enemies can accidentally hurt them. This entirely averted with bosses, though, which hurt everything smaller than them regardless of species. Bosses in [[DualBoss multiple boss]] missions can also hurt each other; mainly with ranged attacks.
* ContinuityNod: Fergus, the clumsy blacksmith that players of the first game loved to hate, is the blacksmith in the starting town of Colhen; and the ''only'' option for upgrading equipment and crafting certain materials, namely Ores. There are a number of side-quests involving him, and especially his [[TheAlcoholic penchant for iced strawberry brandy]].

* CutAndPasteEnvironments: All combat is in instanced dungeons, known as "missions," set in specific regions. Each region has a limited number of landscape/room/landmark features. Each time a dungeon is generated, it uses a semi-random selection of available features. Certain missions will invariably have certain features every time, and the boss rooms are always the same for each mission; but there will also be a few randomly-generated features as well.
** This is played straight/averted with some later areas. The Ruins of Sanctity are pretty much the Perilous Ruins, with noticeable changes. Same with Hoarfrost Hollow and Depths, Prairie Entrance and the Fomorian Base. Some of the other areas are truly unique, namely Ainle, The Sewers, and Ortel Castle; but each of those reuses features for their individual missions.

* DangerouslyShortSkirt: The [[DarkActionGirl Succubus boss]] has one, though she wears pantyhose to prevent a real PantyShot. Fiona and Evie also have armour sets that feature these; but in their case, {{Panty Shot}}s are [[MsFanservice relatively common occurrences]], depending on what underwear they're wearing. A few are see-through as well.

* DeflectorShields: The magical version of this is Evie's main defense. The shields only seem to extend to the surface of her skin, however; since attacks can still damage her armour. (Underwear still can't be damaged; but that's most likely a result of the developers aiming for a PG-13 audience.)
** As of the "Labyrinth" expansion, Evie acquired a skill, Mana Amber, that creates a large, octahedral, crystalline shield that offers complete invulnerability for a short time. Casting time is instant, but casting cost is high. Unlike most personal shields (and her normal magical shield), the character is fully immobilized inside (curled up in a ball); although the shield itself can be knocked around by enemies. It can also be shattered by higher tier enemies.

** Spear-using Lann characters can use the "3960 Hurricane" skill; becoming a whirling dervish of death, and gaining the highest DPS in the game. The skill is highly effective at clearing a room of mooks, but against challenging bosses that aren't easily stunned, the skill is considerably less effective.
** Evie's high-powered Focus skills, such as Blind Arrow, can deal a great amount of damage at longer range than her lower-level skills or basic attack. However, the long charging time makes it very difficult to use against higher-level LightningBruiser bosses; unless in a party with a Tank to draw aggro, or combined with a "trap" skill to hold the boss long enough to set up the skill.

* AnEntrepreneurIsYou: While players cannot hold individual businesses as in the original game; they can make a lot of gold by selling high-quality-crafted, upgraded, and enchanted armor and weapons, food, and high-demand drops at the marketplace.

* FakeLongevity: As with many MMORPG games, there are a few examples of this; although some may be more appropriately classed as FakeBalance. To be fair, some examples may be intended as AntiPoopSocking devices.

** Crafting skills (known as "Expertise" in-game) use a similar mechanic. Aside from the grinding required to earn sufficient experience and [[RandomlyDrops randomly dropped items]] to level the skill; certain special items are required for the final "test" crafting. These items are available only from a specific NPC, who will provide a maximum of 2 per real-time day, and only in exchange for a number of quest items. 20 of these special items are required for the first level alone; with higher levels requiring more.
** Multiple side quests involve [[TwentyBearAsses collecting a large number of rare item drops]]; some of which can only be obtained from [[RewardingVandalism randomly smashing up the scenery]]. There is [[GuideDangIt nothing in the game that tells you this]]; although it's easy to find out from other players.
** Other side quests involve collecting items from creatures (typically minibosses) that also spawn extremely rarely. Few of these are necessary for advancing the main storyline; but some are the only way to acquire higher-level equips.

* FragileSpeedster: Lann starts out as the GlassCannon version of this, having the highest DPS in the game; but he relies almost entirely on his dodge skill for defense, as he only gets [[WithAHerring weak cloth armour]]. He can develop the ability to wear heavier armour fairly quickly, becoming more resilient; but still remaining fairly fragile. With the right skill build; can develop into a LightningBruiser at high levels.
* FreewareGames: Unlike some {{Allegedly Free Game}}s, ''Vindictus'' is truly free to play; with all game content available to free players. Fancy underwear and other cosmetic avatar goodies are only available in the cash shop. There are also a number of play-enhancing items and equips available in the cash shop which can give players significant advantages; but none of them are [[GameBreaker game breakers]] or otherwise necessary. See BribingYourWayToVictory above, and RevenueEnhancingDevices below.

* {{Griefer}}: Although the game is designed to prevent most forms of it (you can't attack other players, and NinjaLooting is impossible,) one particularly insidious design oversight is the inclusion of instant death traps that can be activated by monsters ''or players''. In theory, players can activate them to kill the monsters; or their fellow group members who have foolishly run under that spiky ceiling, thinking it's safe now.

* ItemCrafting: Since gold dropped from enemies is negligible compared to loot drops and quest rewards, the vast majority of weapon and equipment aquisition revolves around giving your hard-earned leather and ores to {{NPC}}s. As of the Labyrinth expansion, players can craft their own equipment. The cost (in items and gold) to craft individual pieces is lower than for NPC-crafted gear; but takes a whole lot more of both to improve crafting skills enough to make higher-level gear, making it more expensive in the long run. Player-crafted gear does have the advantage of being higher quality (better durability and stats), so YMMV whether it's worth the effort.

* KnightTemplar: Gwynn is the first you meet; and most of the rest of the Royal Army you meet are even moreso.

* LightningBruiser: WolfPackBoss Black Breeze in Perilous Ruins is the first example of this, although he and his buddies can be easily stunned with spears or {{Improvised Weapon}}s. The first really nasty example is the Blood Lord in Ainle; who is not only very fast, but also [[TeleportSpam teleports constantly]] as well.

** Evie's quick evasion skill, [[DeflectorShields magic shield]], slow-but-powerful ranged magic attack, and healing ability make her the strongest starting character against the early game's MightyGlacier bosses. Later, once LightningBruiser bosses begin to dominate, the slow casting time of her more powerful skills becomes a major handicap, as does her inability to wear heavy armour when faced with bosses who can destroy half or more of her magic shield in a single blow. She does have some skills to compensate; but they're tricky to use, and cost a huge amount of stamina.
** By contrast, defensive characters Fiona and Karok are harder to solo with at low levels, particularly once bosses start using powerful "smash" attacks. Once they've had time to gain and level-up their defense and counter-attack skills; they can stand up to later game bosses much more easily than Evie; and Karok's special attacks can cause massive amounts of damage. Lann is pretty much the only linear character in the game.

* MarathonLevel: Resenlian's Labyrinth; which also features CopyAndPasteEnvironments.

* NostalgiaLevel: Mabinogi fans are greeted by a quite familiar enemy in Episode 8. One of the raid bosses of the episode is none other than [[spoiler:Glas Ghaibhleann, Generation 1's final boss from the original game.]] The Succubus also returns; although there's only one of her this time.
* NoticeThis: Evil cores and [[RewardingVandalism drops from smashed scenery]] have [[{{Anvilicious}} big yellow arrows]] that say "'''Get!'''"; and enemy corpses that you can knock an evil core out of have red arrows that say "'''Finish!'''"
* OneHitPolykill: Heaving a big rock at a cluster of low-level mooks. Nearly all of Evie's magic attacks can do this; and at higher levels, some can take out large groups of more powerful mooks. One of Karok's smash attacks can do this.
* [[OnlySaneMan Only Sane Woman]]: Shayla is a definite Type 3; being the only one who truly understands what's going on; and isn't obsessed with politics, religion, conspiracies, personal issues, or booze. Rather than fighting to change things, she just sits back and uses the situation to her own financial advantage.

* PaletteSwap: Although common in ''Mabiniogi'', it is mostly averted in ''Vindictus''. Low level mooks in Perilous Ruins and Hoarfrost Hollow are divided mainly into melee, strong melee, and ranged damage types; but there are significant differences in their AI patterns. From Ainle onward, additional mook types are added, with substantially different attack styles (including suicide bombers). By contrast, spiders and wisps are essentially identical throughout the game.

* PsychoSerum: Two kinds. Night Shade is an herb that can be distilled into a potion to make whoever drinks it FeelNoPain. There's also a more potent variant called [[ThePowerOfBlood Bloody Shade]], which some of the bosses eat to [[TurnsRed significantly upgrade all of their attacks until it wears off]]. You get to test out the stuff yourself at one point; using it doubles your attack power, letting you plow through enemies like no tomorrow...[[AwesomeButImpractical until you bleed out from the constant hemorrhage it inflicts on you.]] And that's not the worst of it: in Episode 8 you end up fighting [[spoiler:Ingkells and his men, who [[PowerIncontinence overdosed on Bloody Shade]] and [[BodyHorror mutated into berserk, mindless monsters.]]]] The Bloody Shade plant itself also qualifies as nightmarish: it's grown by watering Night Shade with [[AlienBlood Fomorian blood]], looks like a misshapen fetus [[EyesDoNotBelongThere with one eye]], and [[HighPressureBlood bursts into a blood-like liquid at the slightest touch.]]

* RainbowPimpGear: Unlike ''Mabinogi'', there is no function for choosing colours for equips during crafting. All colours are generated randomly. There is a dye function that uses in-game currency; but it's also completely random, and gets very expensive to use for higher-level gear. Fortunately, there are limits on available colours for any particular equip, combined with RealIsBrown as noted below; which means you won't end up looking ''too'' clownish.
** As of the Titan expansion, [[RevenueEnhancingDevices cash shop]] "dye ampoules" have been added. These provide a semi-random selection of colours, and include far more vibrant colour than the dye shop; partially averting RealIsBrown. One side effect of the brighter colours is that players can now deliberately create seriously clownish-looking RainbowPimpGear.

* RealIsBrown: This is more due to the Source engine than an artistic choice; although being set in a CrapsackWorld, this may be at least partially deliberate. And, in the case of Rocheste, real is apparently a sort of sickly green.
** As noted above, the new dye options allow for much brighter colours; making some characters look almost cartoonish against the gritty background.

* RevenueEnhancingDevices: Although all of the main game content is available for free, items granting stat bonuses, better-quality versions of game items, additional storage slots, and cosmetic items are available in the premium cash shop. Most of these are time-limited, expiring in 30 to 90 days; but a few can be taken permanently, for a higher cost.

** There are even several titles available that depend on smashing a large number of certain items; or picking up a large number of drops from smashed items.

* SchizoTech: The entire world seems to be in a pre-medieval state; except for quite a number of suspicious examples, below. Possibly justified as AWizardDidIt and/or {{Magitek}}. {{Lampshaded}}, as the player is given several quests to investigate the various out-of-place technologies.

* SquishyWizard: Averted by Evie at low levels, thanks to her strong magical shield and fairly weak bosses. At higher levels, when bosses start using more high-powered special attacks, and {{Lightning Bruiser}}s become more common, she gets substantially squishier. Building skills that allow her to use heavier armour reduce her squishiness; but she has to sacrifice attack power to do so, as she gets substantial boosts to her damage from [[StatSticks her cloth armour]], and she's still weaker on defense than FragileSpeedster Lann.
** As of the "Labyrinth" release, her magical shield was made into a passive skill which can be levelled, dramatically improving her defense at higher levels; but still leaving her weaker than other characters, due to her reliance on cloth armour for stat boosts.

* TheSmurfettePrinciple: Notable aversion: the first three characters released include two female and one male, so there were more female than male characters in the game. Further averted by the fact that the two female characters consist of a mage who is easily the most powerful character at low levels; and a ''tank''.
** With the release of Karok, the ratio is roughly equal. The release of Kai will provide an additional male character; but, as noted, this trope is still fully averted.
* StatSticks: Most of Evie's armor. As of the Labyrinth expansion, Evie can no longer use her staff as a melee weapon (magic attacks only); so the staff becomes a literal [[StatSticks stat stick]].

* UnusableEnemyEquipment: A whole hell of a lot of it. Only a tiny handful of enemy equipment drops are actually usable; and those are commonly weaker than similar-level crafted equipment. However, enemy equipment drops are necessary for crafting new player equipment.

* WhatMeasureIsANonCute: Subverted with the Guardian Spider in the prologue; and Tieve's love for spiders in general. There is even a quest to aquire a spider egg for Tieve to hatch and raise as a pet.

* WolfpackBoss: Most notably, the "Revenge" mission from Perilous Ruins; which involves fighting two bosses, one melee and one ranged, at the same time. Another unlockable mission in that region has you battling Black Breeze and his two buddies, who are LightningBruiser werewolves that define ThatOneBoss.

** A few armour and clothing sets noticibly enhance female characters' bustlines, most infamously the "Homebound" clothing set; putting them within reach of this trope. Most of these are uncommon, however, as they're essentially low-level gear that can only be aquired with high-level crafting skills or by paying exhorbitant amounts of gold in the marketplace.

* ZettaiRyouiki: Evie's outfits frequently have short skirts or hotpants; often with stockings reaching from mid-calf up to mid-thigh (or higher). Some premium shop female underwear sets also have stockings, which can create this effect for armour sets that feature short skirts (common at higher levels for both Evie and Fiona).

While set in the same world, this is a [[DarkerAndEdgier darker]] and [[BloodierAndGorier bloodier]] version, using {{Valve}}'s Source [[GameEngine engine]]. Although it maintains some of the original's skill-based system and titles, gameplay is far more combat-oriented -- it is being promoted as an "[=Action RPG=]" -- and the game mechanics are simplified. The gameplay is like a mix of ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriors'' and ''VideoGame/MonsterHunter'', with just a pinch of ''VideoGame/DemonsSouls''. Also differing from ''Mabinogi''; ''Vindictus'' is far more story-driven; and at least half of the missions advance the main story. There is almost none of the WideOpenSandbox quality that dominated the original game; and most of the side missions are in some way related to the main storyline, typically providing more detail, character development, or a different perspective.

While set in the same world, this is a [[DarkerAndEdgier darker]] and [[BloodierAndGorier bloodier]] version, using {{Valve}}'s Source [[GameEngine engine]]. Although it maintains some of the original's skill-based system and titles, gameplay is far more combat-oriented -- it is being promoted as an "[=Action RPG=]" -- and the game mechanics are simplified. The gameplay is like a mix of {{Dynasty Warriors}} and ''VideoGame/MonsterHunter'', with just a pinch of ''[[DemonsSouls Demon's Souls]]''. Also differing from ''Mabinogi''; ''Vindictus'' is far more story-driven; and at least half of the missions advance the main story. There is almost none of the WideOpenSandbox quality that dominated the original game; and most of the side missions are in some way related to the main storyline, typically providing more detail, character development, or a different perspective.

[[redirect:Main/{{Vindictus}}]]