The Secret World -The Best MMO Review
With the amount of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) being released and the amount of people flocking to play them, the MMO genre was beginning to feel quite dull.However, Funcoms “The Secret World” is an intellectual adrenaline shot compared to the mundane thinking required for most MMOs. As far as the genre goes, this is the most innovative and unique MMO since the original Everquest. Distributed through EA, "The Secret World" was released on July 3, 2012 and, as far as launches go for MMO’s, "The Secret World" has been relatively problem free. The game is meant to be played on a PC and requires the fastest internet connection available in your area."The Secret World" is relatively unique in that it takes place in the modern day. The world in the game is being overrun with darkness and the players discover that all of the urban legends and conspiracy theories are true. Players choose one of three factions to represent in the game – the Illuminati based in New York, the Templars based in London and the Dragon in Seoul. Each faction is fighting each other for control of the Earth as well as being united in driving back the darkness.
Unlike most present MMOs, and more like the early MMOs, "The Secret World" requires a lot of thought. The game is loaded with riddles and it rewards the people with the most perception and curiosity. The game has two different types of conflict – the player vs. player (PVP) and player vs. environment (PVE). The PVP factions fight among themselves in certain zones, when one faction holds a zone, then everyone from that faction gets a bonus. The PVE allows players from different factions to team up to fight the computer controlled darkness.
Unlike most other games in the genre, "The Secret World" does not go by levels. Advancing is based off of ability points and skill points. As long as you play, you can continue to get points and spend them on a very robust selection of skills. This is the first game that allows you to choose how to play the game without level restrictions.
An advantage of the games current time period setting is the ease in which maps and communication are explained. The mapping system is set up similar to modern GPS. When a quest is in your log book, markers pop up and tell you how far and what direction you need to travel to get to your quest point. You communicate with home base via phone for quest updates and directions.The questing system, for the most part, is a breath of fresh air from most of the questing systems in the genre. The questing system is refreshing; although it does have the tacky "go and kill five of these" creature-style quests. However, most of the quests appear plot driven and inspired by storyline. Quests make good use of various items that are spread throughout the game, such as phone books, broken down scooters and shopping lists.
The game does have some downfalls to it. The graphics seem a little on the dated side and the characters seem a little blocky and more minimal than necessary. Character customization is easier than most games, but does require you to pay more. Funcom allows you to trade real life cash for game tokens. You can log into the store and buy clothing with the game tokens. Anything you buy is delivered to your inventory shortly later.
Overall, I believe "The Secret World" should be the next big thing. The story is character driven, PVP is well thought out and the intellectual challenges are impressive. This is a game that will definitely keep consumers, like me, entertained for years. However, this game is not for children. It is well deserving of its “M” for mature rating. With so many potential ability combinations the game can be overwhelming and difficult for many adults.
"The Secret World" is the best thing to happen to the MMO world in the past five years, which is why I give it 4/5 stars.
The secret World game review
Unlike most present MMOs, and more like the early MMOs, "The Secret World" requires a lot of thought. The game is loaded with riddles and it rewards the people with the most perception and curiosity. The game has two different types of conflict – the player vs. player (PVP) and player vs. environment (PVE). The PVP factions fight among themselves in certain zones, when one faction holds a zone, then everyone from that faction gets a bonus. The PVE allows players from different factions to team up to fight the computer controlled darkness.
Unlike most other games in the genre, "The Secret World" does not go by levels. Advancing is based off of ability points and skill points. As long as you play, you can continue to get points and spend them on a very robust selection of skills. This is the first game that allows you to choose how to play the game without level restrictions.
An advantage of the games current time period setting is the ease in which maps and communication are explained. The mapping system is set up similar to modern GPS. When a quest is in your log book, markers pop up and tell you how far and what direction you need to travel to get to your quest point. You communicate with home base via phone for quest updates and directions.The questing system, for the most part, is a breath of fresh air from most of the questing systems in the genre. The questing system is refreshing; although it does have the tacky "go and kill five of these" creature-style quests. However, most of the quests appear plot driven and inspired by storyline. Quests make good use of various items that are spread throughout the game, such as phone books, broken down scooters and shopping lists.
The Secret World Flaming Shrine
The game does have some downfalls to it. The graphics seem a little on the dated side and the characters seem a little blocky and more minimal than necessary. Character customization is easier than most games, but does require you to pay more. Funcom allows you to trade real life cash for game tokens. You can log into the store and buy clothing with the game tokens. Anything you buy is delivered to your inventory shortly later.
Overall, I believe "The Secret World" should be the next big thing. The story is character driven, PVP is well thought out and the intellectual challenges are impressive. This is a game that will definitely keep consumers, like me, entertained for years. However, this game is not for children. It is well deserving of its “M” for mature rating. With so many potential ability combinations the game can be overwhelming and difficult for many adults.
"The Secret World" is the best thing to happen to the MMO world in the past five years, which is why I give it 4/5 stars.
