Lineage features 2D isometric-overhead graphics similar to those of Ultima Online and Diablo II.

[4] Lineage's stat, monster, and item system was originally largely borrowed from NetHack with MMO elements added.

Princes are the only class that can lead a blood pledge (which is Lineage's term for a guild or clan).

It features classic RPG elements reminiscent of Dungeons & Dragons, such as killing monsters and completing quests for loot and experience points, levels, character attributes (charisma, strength, wisdom, etc.

A ban on some Japanese imports until 1998 has been cited for delayed growth in its video game console market.

[10] In 2011, NC Interactive, the subsidiary of NCSoft in the United States began to shut down the Lineage servers (3 at that time) because of poor subscription revenues.

The game issued a major balance patch in January that offered improved rates for attaining certain in-game abilities and items, but then did a rollback four days later.

One player was sued by NCSoft after they spent 160 million Korean won (approximately US$141,000 at 2021 exchange rate) during the period the new patch was live then angrily protested the rollback by obstructing the NCSoft office parking lot with their car.