Throne and Liberty, the highly anticipated MMORPG, has finally arrived, promising a dynamic world where weather and time of day impact gameplay. Does it deliver on this ambitious vision? Let’s dive in and see what we seen in the latest open beta for the western version.
The Good
- Stunning visuals: The game’s graphics are undeniably impressive, with detailed environments, captivating weather effects, and lifelike character models. The seamless transition between day and night cycles adds to the immersion.
- Dynamic world: The core concept of a world influenced by weather and time is executed well. Rain, snow, and storms create challenges and opportunities, while day and night cycles impact enemy behaviour and resource availability.
- Engaging combat: The combat system offers a decent balance between action and strategy. The ability to switch between different stances keeps things interesting.
- Large-scale PvP: For those who enjoy player-versus-player battles, Throne and Liberty delivers with epic sieges and territory control. I did not have a chance to experience it.
The Bad
- Repetitive quests: While the world is visually stunning, the quests often feel generic and repetitive, lacking the depth and creativity found in other MMORPGs.
- Grinding: Like many eastern style MMORPGs, Throne and Liberty requires significant grinding to progress, which can become tedious for players who prefer a more story-driven experience.
- Performance issues: Players have reported performance issues, particularly in crowded areas or during intense combat. Optimization could be improved a lot more. These issues extent to more than lag including crushing on loading, crushing in entering dungeons and and many more situations.
- Premium Currency: The game features a premium currency that can be purchased with real money. “While the developers have made efforts to address these concerns and have promised a less pay-to-win model compared to the Korean version”.
- Market System: The presence of a market system where players can buy and sell items using real money.
- Battle Pass and Microtransactions: The game will likely include a battle pass and other microtransaction options, which could offer advantages to players who spend money.
- Time Gates: Some content is behind time gates. Events on a schedule, Quests only available day or night, PVP on schedule.
Why Play Throne and Liberty?
- You enjoy visually stunning games with dynamic environments.
- You prefer MMORPGs with a focus on large-scale PvP and open-world exploration.
- You like the challenge of adapting to changing weather conditions and time of day.
- You’re looking for a game with a strong emphasis on player interaction and community.
Why Avoid Throne and Liberty?
- You prefer story-driven games with engaging narratives.
- You dislike repetitive gameplay and excessive grinding.
- You have a low tolerance for performance issues.
- You’re looking for a game with a more unique combat system.
- You don’t like to compete with people that have bigger wallets than yours.
- If your real life schedule can not align with the games events schedule.
Critical Reception
- Metacritic: 78/100
- IGN: 8.5/10
Availability
Throne and Liberty is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It can be purchased from the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and various PC gaming platforms including steam.
Conclusion
Bottom line for me is that if there is anything that you can do with money in a game besides cosmetics, is not a game for me. I don’t see any difference between Pay to Win and Pay to Progress especially when PvP is involved. Throne and Liberty is a visually impressive MMORPG with a strong foundation in dynamic world design and it feels goods when you start the game. However, repetitive quests and performance issues, and cash shops dampen the experience. If you’re a fan of the genre and can overlook these shortcomings, you might find enjoyment in exploring this expansive world. Ultimately, the decision to purchase depends on your personal preferences and priorities in an MMORPG.