Fairweather Pure wrote:I think I need to see it in motion. The pics you posted are a bit bland.
Screenshots aren't that great but the game is visually very good.
It's an EQ clone not a WoW clone! I haven't spent much time with this as it's a double XP weekend for the MMO I do actively play which is Aion. Aion's come a long ways. They've been actively making improvements, cutting down on the grind, enchancing the PvE parts while keeping the PvP active. Basically, they are pretty much limiting the PvP to the Abyss as it should have been to start with so the PvE players can go about their business doing quest, leveling, etc, without being ganked constantly. Sorry, there's no skill in waiting for someone to be 10% health while fighting a challenging PvE mob and then dropping in and killing the player that's more than 5 levels below you (or any level for that matter). Aion's been much more enjoyable since the adjustments. It's still the best looking game out there. I've played them all. Guild War 2 should be the game on everyone's list.
As for Rift. It's growing on me. It's your standard MMO but does most things very well so far.
Some more screens.
It has a solid achievement system for those that like filling all the squares.
My Soul Tree. I've picked two of my three specialties. There are about 9 to chose from for the Ranger class. I'm going all ranged so far but there are close combat, traps, stealth, support builds, etc. As you put points into the trees above, you automatically get the skills below.
Pretty views. No complaints about the environments.
Ding! The quest system is pretty standard. It's polished but familiar to anyone that's played recent MMOs.
Some examples of the collections system which is different than achievements. Not sure what you gain from completing them. There seems to be a ton which add on as you first discover an item belonging to a group.
Some more of the pretty scenery. It looks great at full resolution. Same area. Second picture isn't night, it's a Rift rolling in which leads to...
Mapping system works well. With random Rifts from multiple planar factions reigning down in random locations, the map does a good job of showing you where the rift is and the general invasion plan. So you can join in the defense.
Me approaching a new Rift.
Things start out well enough. Stage two complete!
Unfortunately, this one has 4 stages and this is me about to die. Btw, yes the hair is the worst part of the characters. I picked the ugly Blue. There's a wide open two tone color picker for hair and other stuff (gradient picker, not sliders)
Another look at the screen with UI. It's customizable, movable windows, etc.
Summoning my pet.
Some infested crop field location.
I like being able to COD stuff. Pay up! I need to click the CoD button still!
Pets are well done IMO. I'm really liking the Ranger class with it's pets. They tank well. The top bar is the pet bar. Pets have a few abilities and your standard aggressive, defensive and passive modes. I'm not big on pets but am having no trouble controlling mine.
Me using cover while my pet tanks for me. (jk, I don't think cover does anything in this game)
Also, the ranger smoothly switches from ranged to close combat. You'll notice the sculls. As you use certain skills (like Warhammer Online) you build up points and then can release those points using a closing move. I can easily switch to blades if a mob closes in on me and the points continue into the close combat finishing moves so they are not lost if you don't use them if the mob gets by/through your pet.
I'm using a gun but you can just as easily use a bow. Most quests give you the option of choosing similar stat bow of rifles.
I originally tried the Necro type class. It's completely different as it should be. There are three races (six total, two factions), four major classes with each class having 7-9 ish subclass soul tree areas to specialize in (which you choose three, adding the other two early on in the game) No restriction on where you put your points between the three. Seems like a lot to work with for customizing your class and play style with some re-playability in there for sure.
Anyway. It's going to be a solid offering that some people will enjoy that already like this style of MMORPG. Looking forward to playing more. My beta invite is only for this weekend so far so I may not get to play again. I'll be back in the beta pool again for the next event.
