To coincide with the launch of Perfect World International: Genesis, Staff Writer Paul "LockeColeMA" Cleveland talked with Product Manager Clifton Chu to find out what the expansion brings to the game.

Perfect World International's Genesis expansion launches today, March 2, and brings all sorts of changes to the game, such as new classes, a new race, guild bases and more. We got the chance to sit down with Product Manager Clifton Chu to talk about the expansion's features, so keep reading after the jump to learn why this is a new beginning for old and new players alike.

ZAM: The world is set to change dramatically in Genesis. What are some of the changes players will first notice?

Clifton Chu: Perfect World International: Genesis is one of our most ambitious expansions to date and players will witness the fulfillment of the ancient Pan Gu prophecy that will change the game as players know it today. There will be a new race called the Earthguard with two new classes for players to check out, as well as a new starting zone. New features include guild bases, one of the most requested features from players and a new crafting system called Runescrafting.

ZAM: What was the reasoning behind Genesis? We heard it had something to do with the 2012 prophecies?

Chu: Yes, originally Genesis was named 2012 in China and the inspiration for the expansion came from the idea that the world will come to an end in 2012 as the Mayan calendar expires; however, we really wanted to emphasize that this is a new beginning for both old and new players alike. During the naming process when Genesis came up, it really felt right for the game.

ZAM: Can you give us a short history of the Earthguard? Where have they been this entire time, and why do they appear in Genesis?

Chu: The Earthguard is one of the oldest races and had previously kept to their own affairs deep underground. With the ability to foresee the coming Apocalypse, the Earthguard have now emerged to fight alongside their fellow races through the disaster.

ZAM: What roles will the two new classes, Mystic and Seeker, play in the game?

Chu: They are hybrids of some of the existing races in Perfect World International.

For example, the Mystic class has the ability to cast nature-based auras. In addition to being able to heal themselves and allies, they can summon elemental guardians to fight by their sides.

Seekers are the ideal damage dealers and have skills that allow them to focus their energy on immobilizing one or many enemies at once. In a party, Seekers have the ability to tank with crowd controlling AoE abilities that ensure that enemies focus on them and not on their fellow team members.

ZAM: It seems that PvP will undergo a pretty big change in Genesis. Could you tell us what's happening with the territory war maps?

Chu: For the most part, the PvP mechanic will stay the same; however, we are resetting the entire Territory War system, which means all territories, including the four new ones, will be up for grabs to any guild.

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