WAR (Warhammer Online)

Because WAR is;

1. ... a quality mmo

I have played quality games like WoW, EvE and LOTRO and disappointments like Guildwars and AoC. Disappointments for example by game worlds having multiple instances of public zones and other restrictions. To me WAR fits right between the quality games in that it is polished, fun to play, has a vast, open gameworld, plenty of things to do and is highly addictive, gameplay wise.

2. ... setting a new benchmark in exactly how stable and smooth mmo's can be launched.

And it feels complete. Even after deciding not to put 4 major cities and some classes in and even when there are still a few things to improve on, for instance; an annoying 20 second cooldown on using the mailbox, the inability to link items in chat, lack of tooltips here and there, etc.

But all minor issues considering some of the basics that were lacking at other mmo launches, not to speak about client instability; I had only one CTD so far (while using a flightmaster / loading a zone) and encountered one minor bug. All in all the game is as stable as the effing Mount Everest.

3. ... next-gen in gameplay focused design.

Mythic focused on gameplay, gameplay and some more gameplay, with a good scoop of immersion sauce. Victim here is of course the next gen graphics department; WAR doesn't have any in order to remain a smooth running game even in mass RvR.

Though I agree that things could have been prettier here and there, it didn't bother me at all while playing the game. The world and characters do have a very nice atmosphere to them. All in a war theme however ... not many sunny meadows and blue skies in WAR.

Gameplay, as in; doing away with time sinks that are too obvious like 'kill 20 mobs here, get 15 Boar Intestines there' with awful droprates. There are kill quests in WAR but they are quick with guaranteed drops. Another timesink would be the traveling which is less in WAR compared to many other mmo's. Achieved by smarter zone design with tactically placed quest hubs and flightmasters. (Flying means a cut scene followed by a quick load; allot quicker but not as real as WoW's "Real Flight TM" system which I preffer myself).

Time sinks are needed in every mmo however, so what did Mythic put in it's place? Where will you be spending time on instead of grinding, hoping for drops and walking your butt off? Fun stuff like RvR and Public Quests. What is so genius about those? Mythic took two main elements from mmo's; pvp objectives and grouped pve and spread them out in a thick layer over the entire gameworld; you can get your pve or pvp kicks in every zone instead of behind closed doors in an instance or battleground. (And for good measure they have put in instances and battlegrounds in as well; so pick your poison.) This results in a gameworld with zones which feel much more diverse and alive compared to those of many other games.

4. ... a blast.

The things to do and to discover in this game are myriad. The pvp is quickpaced and without a hassle. Teamwork and tactics will always win over gear in equally large groups.Classes are very diverse and allot of fun, as are the many, many public quests and RvR opportunities out there.

Also the game takes away many annoyances from other mmo's; bagspace scales with you every 10th level, your standard bank measures 80 slots. Everyone has a sprint ability. You are able to dye many of your armor pieces and in two color combinations if you like. Etc, etc.

Character development is diverse and interesting; you get your new skill every level, you can specialize with the use of tactics, buy skills with points earned by gaining renown (pvp) levels and use different morale abilities which are available when you stay alive after a while in any fight (pve or pvp). It's done in such away that you won't be utterly limited to your spec but are always able to compensate or adjust to the situation.

Conclusion; I am really impressed so far and it would really amaze me if WAR let's me down like AoC did at later levels. It is a quality mmo and here to stay with us for a long, long time.

^_^
 

EDIT: The reason I left professions out is because I totally forgot about them. Just like I forget about them in game all the time; crafting and gathering is in many mmo's a very important thing in that it makes you spend hours and hours of grinding mats and leveling it to reap the benefits. And there you have it; another timesink. Professions in WAR however, are way more casual, which is good, because you will have plenty of other, FUN stuff to do.

the game is awesome, i think about it when i am not plating, wishing i could play. very addicting. sad peopl dont even leave the starting zone and give these bogus reviews.

I agree witht he above poster I haven't been playing much though and I am not sure why. I haven't felt in the mood to level a character lately but the game will be there when I get ready I think WOW kinda sucked some life out of me I played the beta and had a blast. One hard thing is leaving my friends because I love playing with others and I started WOW with someone years ago and just stayed and the games I have been into since I have had a good time with.

I am really looking forward to the siege warfare and the tactics that will be required for Higher Tier Raids on keeps.  I find it refreshing to se siege engines at almost every Tier camp incase of invasion.  Even at end game the war will never end.  I havent had this much fun in an MMO since Everquest. I also enjoy the "i can join any group at will option".  I have been burned badly by trying to get groups in World of Warcraft, I enjoyed the game myself.  However I had huge problems when trying to join heroics or raids, everyone always required the best gear even for something easy.  So I am thankful to say that this game makes you feel that your all on the same side.

Originally posted by Wakygreek

I am really looking forward to the siege warfare and the tactics that will be required for Higher Tier Raids on keeps.  I find it refreshing to se siege engines at almost every Tier camp incase of invasion.  Even at end game the war will never end.  I havent had this much fun in an MMO since Everquest. I also enjoy the "i can join any group at will option".  I have been burned badly by trying to get groups in World of Warcraft, I enjoyed the game myself.  However I had huge problems when trying to join heroics or raids, everyone always required the best gear even for something easy.  So I am thankful to say that this game makes you feel that your all on the same side.

Ohw yes ... the siege engines are awesome. I have been practicing with the ballista's to see how much that wind arrow is a factor in calculating where the stone lands ...

I can't wait untill endgame when everyone is attacking everyone in tier 4 ... damn, I'm looking forward to that. :D

combat animations are too boring for me much like WoW. the game does have some cool features but combat to me is numero uno and that just didnt cut it for me. I do agree the game is here to stay. Im sure many others will like this game. I guess im gonna go back to AOC till something else comes along

So, after reading the OP, you're saying the game is easy, right?

Thanks, I think I'll be sticking with MMORPG's with some challenge to them.

But hey, to each their own.

You encountered one bug? Are you serious? The game is full of bugs. I am not saying that it is bad, but saying that you encountered only one minor bug means that you either have not played past the character creation screen or that you are biased and your review is rubbish. Also, what is this thing about "next-gen gameplay design"? Give me a break. WAR does not have a single innovative element in its gameplay. What it is, is a good made, quality ripoff of the successful games that preceded it, mainly WoW and DAOC. And by the way, there is no such thing as "next gen gameplay design". Its just a failed attempt of yours at showing off to the less experienced readers of this forum.

Some of you WAR fans are from another planet i think. The game is fun, but, honestly, lets not get delusional about it!

Originally posted by mcburly

combat animations are too boring for me much like WoW. the game does have some cool features but combat to me is numero uno and that just didnt cut it for me. I do agree the game is here to stay. Im sure many others will like this game. I guess im gonna go back to AOC till something else comes along

Aye, WAR is certainly not the prime example of fluid, swift and awesome animation combat animations. It looks allot like wow with the static moments in between animations,

Maybe moves and skills improve allot for you at higher levels, though.

Personally as a shaman I don't have that problem so much, and I've read about classes like witch elves which are  more fast paced. Maybe try another class? :)