The Combat System – Precision PvP vs. Dodging Frenzy
Both games can definitely be seen as action-oriented, but they differ significantly in their ultimate play style. Blade & Soul relies on complex combinations of abilities, devastating combos, and a good dose of interaction in group fights. While certain classes knock enemies to the ground, others can take advantage of these weaknesses and unleash particularly devastating attacks. This results in challenging, yet highly skill-based action in PvE – but also in PvP – which is not easy to dive into.
Black Desert’s advantages in combat definitely lie in the presentation of the action. While lightning rains from the sky, time seems to pass in slow motion, and burning enemies scream to the ground, one can quickly forget that the fights often follow a very strict pattern. Groups of enemies are pulled together, and area effects are strung together, where players repeatedly have to retreat with dodging steps or charge forward. At least for the spellcasting classes, this could quickly become monotonous – if it weren’t for the positively distracting graphics.
Character development and long-term motivation
The continuous improvement of one’s character is one of the greatest motivational factors, and here significant differences between the two games become apparent.
The character development in Blade & Soul is extensive. Every player can choose from a variety of skills and pick their favorites to create devastating combos – two avatars of the same class will therefore rarely be identical. Unlike in traditional MMOs, the weapons of B & S level up by sacrificing other weapons to them. This is not only a lengthy process but also an incredibly satisfying one when one’s sword finally reaches the next level and grants new, exciting bonuses.
In Black Desert, while individual skills can also be improved when leveling up the character, the number of combinations is significantly lower, so characters of the same class often differ only slightly. Weapons can be upgraded, but this is noticeably simpler than in the comparison game and offers no lasting motivation.
Advantages here, disadvantages there, which game has the upper hand? Black Desert or Blade and Soul? Find out on the next page.
