Aima
Aima is a 3D side-scrolling MMORPG that blends arcade-like brawling with traditional online progression. Players pick from more than five class-based characters and push through dungeon runs, combo-heavy combat, and party boss fights, all wrapped in a bright, stylized presentation.
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Publisher: Nexon Type: MMORPG Release Date: October 8, 2015 (KR) Shut Down: November 17, 2016 Pros: +Strong-looking 3D visuals for a side-scroller. +Plenty of instanced dungeons with multiple challenge tiers. +Deep customization for both appearance and build choices. Cons: -Did not receive an official Western launch. |
Aima Overview
Aima is built around fast, side-view 3D combat where positioning, timing, and chaining skills matter as much as raw stats. You start by selecting from over five classes (examples include Swordsman, Runeblader, and Assassin), each with a fixed gender but a surprisingly flexible set of cosmetic options such as colors and facial details. As you level, your toolkit expands with additional skills and passives that let you extend combos, control groups of enemies, and set up burst windows during boss encounters.
Most of the game’s structure revolves around instanced dungeon content. Runs are designed for co-op, and the most satisfying moments come from coordinating crowd control, juggling enemies, and stacking effects to keep pressure on tougher targets. Outside of PvE, Aima also leans into MMO staples like guild play and PvP, giving competitive-minded players a place to test builds and execution. A notable progression hook is the Guardian transformation system, which adds another layer of power and visual flair during combat.
Aima Key Features:
- 3D side-scrolling combat – Instead of the usual behind-the-back camera, Aima uses a side-view format that plays closer to an arcade action game while keeping MMO progression.
- Multiple playable classes – Choose from over five character classes, each gender-locked, with distinct skill kits and combat roles.
- Character appearance options – Personalize your look through selectable facial features and color variations to make your character feel less “off the rack.”
- Dungeon-focused PvE – Large instanced dungeons and tougher difficulty settings encourage teamwork, planning, and learning boss patterns.
- Polished 3D presentation – The game emphasizes smooth animations and readable action, standing out visually among many MMORPGs in the same era.
Aima Screenshots
Aima Featured Video
Aima Review
Aima’s core idea is easy to appreciate, take MMO progression and gear chasing, then package it in a side-scrolling action format where moment-to-moment play is about strings, cancels, and spacing rather than tab-target rotations. In practice, the game’s best quality is how immediately “gamey” it feels. Even early on, combat communicates impact through animation and movement, and it encourages you to stay active instead of waiting on cooldowns.
Class identity is another highlight. While each class being gender-locked can be a dealbreaker for some players, the kits themselves feel purpose-built for this style of action combat. Whether you prefer straightforward melee pressure (Swordsman), flashier blade play (Runeblader), or quicker, opportunistic damage (Assassin), the emphasis is on chaining skills and maintaining control of the screen. Progression supports that fantasy by steadily adding tools that make your combos longer and your decisions more interesting.
Dungeon content is where Aima tries to earn its MMO label. Instanced runs, escalating difficulty, and boss fights designed around coordinated play give groups something to learn and optimize. The most enjoyable sessions come from stacking party skills effectively, rotating crowd control, and recognizing when to commit to damage versus when to reset and play safe. That said, like many dungeon-centric MMORPGs, the overall experience depends heavily on population and matchmaking health, and the game’s regional limitation made that a persistent hurdle.
On the presentation side, Aima is arguably more ambitious than many side-scrolling online RPGs. Character models, effects, and the general smoothness of action help it stand out, and the camera angle keeps fights readable even when things get chaotic. Guardian transformations add a satisfying “power spike” moment, both mechanically and visually, and they give players another progression target beyond basic gear and skills.
The unfortunate reality is that Aima’s strengths were largely confined to Korea, and the lack of a Western release limited its long-term footprint. For players who enjoy action-MMOs with an arcade sensibility, Aima is a good example of how well the formula can work, quick combat, dungeon structure, and customization depth all pulling in the same direction, even if its lifespan and availability kept it from reaching a broader audience.
Aima System Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
Operating System: Windows XP
CPU: Intel/AMD Dual Core
Video Card: NVIDIA Geforce 8600GT
RAM: 2 GB
Hard Disk Space: 10 GB
Recommended Requirements:
Operating System: Windows 7
CPU: Intel i3
Video Card: NVIDIA Geforce 9600GT
RAM: 4 GB
Hard Disk Space: 10 GB
Aima Music & Soundtrack
Coming Soon!
Aima Additional Information
Developer(s): KOG
Publisher(s): Nexon
Servers(s): Korea only
Closed Beta Release Date: April 2013
Korean Release Date: October 08, 2015
Shut Down Date: November 17, 2015
Development History / Background:
Aima is a 3D side-scrolling MMORPG developed by KOG and published by Nexon. The project is notable as another action-focused online title from KOG, a studio recognized for Elsword and Grand Chase, with Aima aiming for a more modern visual upgrade while keeping the studio’s combo-driven identity. After entering closed beta in April 2013, the game later launched in Korea in October 2015 and remained region-limited. Ultimately, Aima closed on November 17, 2015, ending service before any officially announced Western release could materialize.