New World Final Review
New World has been out for a little over a month now, and I’ve had a hard time figuring out exactly how to summarize my experience in Amazon’s MMORPG. Sure, I’ve had fun in my almost 120 hours of gameplay in Aeternum. But I’ve also had countless hours of frustration and boredom that have made putting my thoughts down in digital ink a bit more challenging.
By and large, New World is an okay game right now, one that has good bones and potential to be really good with time. It’s definitely in its early stages going through typical MMO growing pains, and, as the largest game to release by Amazon Game Studios to date, it’s worth commending the studio on the launch. But the question lingering in my head is a simple one: does New World do enough for me to recommend it right now? The answer to that question is a bit complicated.
Setting and Story
Set during the twilight of the Age of Exploration, New World takes place on the enchanted island of Aeternum. While people have found Aeternum and sought to New World Gold make it a settlement all their own, many of the issues from the Old World can be found here: war, ideological differences and, of course, taxes. One thing that isn’t certain is death, as nothing on the Eternal Isle ever really dies.
Aeternum is a land of mystery and magic, filled with ancient ruins, supernatural forces, and a dark history waiting to be uncovered. The lore is rich and engaging, but the storytelling often feels disconnected and fragmented. The main questline, while interesting, is overshadowed by the sheer volume of side quests and activities available. This can make it difficult to stay focused on the overarching narrative.
Starting Zones and Exploration
Starting in one of four starting zones, an effort to spread out the population at the get-go (spoiler: it didn’t work - all hail Everfall), exploring New World’s, erm, world can be both incredibly beautiful and incredibly dull.
Dense forests give way to oppressive fog-covered bogs. Regions such as Ebonscale Reach evoke the cultural differences still flourishing in Aeternum, while Reekwater reminds me that humans will find a way to survive in any environment. Aeternum’s greatest asset is its beauty, its art direction a triumph.
The environmental variety is impressive, but the repetitive nature of quests and activities can make exploration feel monotonous. Gathering resources, crafting, and engaging in combat are all essential parts of the experience, but they often lack the depth and excitement needed to keep players fully engaged.
Visual and Sound Design
New World is a visually stunning game. The landscapes are breathtaking, with detailed textures and dynamic lighting that bring Aeternum to life. The character models and animations are also well-crafted, adding to the overall immersion.
This is coupled with stellar sound design. New World feels alive, even when another player isn’t around for miles. I never found myself too far away from a gobbling turkey running ahead of me, or the sounds of a deer fleeing my presence. The echo of a pickaxe hitting paydirt would often play in the distance, a subtle reminder that I’m not the only player in the area.
The ambient sounds and musical score enhance the atmosphere, making the world feel vibrant and inhabited. However, the lack of voice acting for most NPCs and the repetitive dialogue can detract from the immersive experience.
Combat and Gameplay Mechanics
New World’s combat system is one of its most talked-about features. The game employs a real-time, action-oriented combat system that emphasizes positioning, timing, and skill. Players can choose from a variety of weapons and abilities, each with its own unique playstyle.
While the combat is initially engaging, it can become repetitive over time. The lack of class diversity and limited ability customization mean that players often find themselves using the same tactics and abilities repeatedly. This can lead to a sense of stagnation, especially in longer play sessions.
The game also features a robust crafting and gathering system. Players can collect resources from the environment and use them to craft a wide range of items, from weapons and armor to potions and furniture. Crafting is satisfying and rewarding, but the grind for materials can be tedious.
Social and Multiplayer Experience
As an MMORPG, New World places a strong emphasis on social interaction and multiplayer gameplay. The game features a faction system, with players joining one of three factions and competing for control of territories. This adds a layer of strategic depth and encourages cooperation and competition among players.
However, the faction system is not without its flaws. The balance of power can be skewed heavily in favor of one faction, leading to frustration for players in the weaker factions. Additionally, the lack of meaningful incentives for participation in faction activities can reduce player engagement.
Guilds, or Companies, play a significant role in New World. Joining a Company can provide players with a sense of community and access to buy New World Coins shared resources. However, the Company system is still in its infancy, and many features and improvements are needed to make it a more integral part of the gameplay experience.
Technical Performance and Issues
New World’s launch was relatively smooth compared to many other MMORPG releases. However, the game is not without its technical issues. Server stability has been a recurring problem, with frequent queues and occasional crashes. The game’s optimization also leaves much to be desired, with some players experiencing performance issues even on high-end hardware.
Bugs and glitches are also common, ranging from minor visual issues to game-breaking exploits. While Amazon Game Studios has been proactive in addressing these problems, the sheer volume of issues can be overwhelming.
Future Potential
By and large, New World is an okay game right now, one that has good bones and potential to be really good with time. It’s definitely in its early stages going through typical MMO growing pains, and, as the largest game to release by Amazon Game Studios to date, it’s worth commending the studio on the launch. But the question lingering in my head is a simple one: does New World do enough for me to recommend it right now? The answer to that question is a bit complicated.
New World has a solid foundation, with beautiful visuals, engaging sound design, and a promising setting. However, the repetitive gameplay, technical issues, and lack of depth in some areas hold it back from reaching its full potential. The game is still in its early stages, and with continued development and support, it could evolve into a standout MMORPG.
Amazon Game Studios has shown a commitment to improving New World, with regular updates and patches aimed at addressing player feedback. If the studio can build on the game’s strengths and address its weaknesses, New World could become a must-play title in the MMO genre.
Final Verdict
New World is a game with a lot of potential but also a lot of room for improvement. It offers a visually stunning and immersive world, but the repetitive gameplay and technical issues can detract from the overall experience. For those willing to invest the time and effort, there is fun to be had in Aeternum, but it may not be for everyone at this stage.
If you’re a fan of MMORPGs and are looking for a new world to explore, New World is worth checking out. However, it’s important to temper your expectations and be prepared for some growing pains. With continued development and community support, New World has the potential to become a truly great game. For now, it’s an okay game with the promise of something more.