Legends of Aria – Grade 4
Developer: Citadel Studios Inc. | Platform: PC | Release Date: March 21, 2019 | Model: Free2Play
What is Legends of Aria? Legends of Aria is a sandbox MMORPG inspired by the classic Ultima Online. It features open PvP, many freedoms, and has been Free2Play since December 2019.
How is the grade determined? Legends of Aria is difficult to play on the official servers. Many players there seem to enjoy hunting newcomers. Additionally, many design decisions moved the game away from its original model, Ultima Online.
However, on private servers, the rules can be customized. There, the old “Ultima” feeling can be experienced more. However, you have to pay for that.
Even 10 months after release, there are still technical issues. This is also criticized in Steam reviews. Currently, the average player count on the platform is 121 players in the last 30 days. Too few for an active MMORPG.
Therefore, I believe that Legends of Aria is one of the MMOs that will die in 2020:
Talion – Grade 4
Developer: Gamevil | Platform: iOS, Android | Release Date: May 28, 2019 | Model: Free2Play
What is Talion? Talion is a mobile MMORPG from Gamevil. You play a hero who became a “Talion”, a kind of super fighter, through the consumption of dragon blood. With this, you intervene in the war between two factions.
How is the grade determined? Talion is a solid mobile MMORPG, but it loses points due to gender lock and technical problems. Additionally, like many other mobile MMORPGs, it features pay-to-win content.
Talion is fun as a casual game and has a solid fanbase, but it is not the strongest mobile MMORPG on the market.
Perfect World Mobile – Grade 3-
Developer: Perfect World Games | Platform: iOS, Android | Release Date: August 22, 2019 | Model: Free2Play
What is Perfect World Mobile? This game is a mobile version of the popular MMORPG Perfect World, which was released 14 years ago.
It features many contents that were present in the PC version, such as the iconic flight and air combat system.
How is the grade determined? Perfect World Mobile is a very good mobile MMORPG, but it comes with a significant limitation: there is a daily cap on experience points. This can only be bypassed with real money.
Also, in terms of class diversity, there is a bit of a compromise compared to the PC game. Therefore, it receives a slight downgrade to 3-.
WoW Classic – Grade 2+
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment | Platform: PC | Release Date: August 26, 2019 | Model: Pay2Play
What is WoW Classic? WoW Classic is the re-release of World of Warcraft from 2004, before the first expansions were released. With this, Blizzard fulfilled a wish that many WoW fans have long cherished.
How is the grade determined? WoW Classic is a re-release of an existing MMORPG; however, the implementation is successful and has been well received by me and many players.
While there were occasional problems, many are currently complaining about the significant time investment, overall, WoW Classic was a success. Therefore, it receives a grade of 2+ and thus the highest rating in this ranking.
Astellia – Grade 2-
Developer: Barunson E&A | Platform: PC | Release Date: September 28, 2019 | Model: Buy2Play
What is Astellia? Astellia is a theme park MMORPG that claims to connect with traditional games of the genre. It offers a linear story, a tab-targeting combat system, and many dungeons and open-world challenges.
How is the grade determined? Astellia is not a game that reinvents the genre or brings groundbreaking innovations. However, it is solid in many areas. Thus, it actually deserves a 3+.
The good communication and plans for future updates have led me to slightly adjust Astellia’s rating upward. After all, most MMORPGs lack a plan for the future.
ArcheAge Unchained – Grade 3
Developer: XL Games | Platform: PC | Release Date: October 15, 2019 | Model: Buy2Play
What is ArcheAge Unchained? Unchained is a re-release of ArcheAge, where the pay-to-win content and optional subscription are removed, replaced instead by buy-to-play and cosmetic season pass.
Otherwise, the MMORPG relies on the same sandbox content as ArcheAge, including life as a pirate, open-world PvP, various professions, and very good housing.
How is the grade determined? I rate Unchained with a 3 because the basic MMORPG is well done. I have a lot of fun with the diverse class system and the good combat system.
However, if you want to be among the best or wealthiest players, you will have to grind a lot and invest additional money in more accounts. Moreover, it is already nearly impossible to be among the best players, as they have a significant head start.
Therefore, if you approach an MMORPG very ambitiously, ArcheAge may not be suitable for you. However, if you want to enjoy a PvP/sandbox MMORPG, it is a solid 3.
Kingdom Under Fire 2 – Grade 3+
Developer: Blueside | Platform: PC | Release Date: November 14, 2019 | Model: Buy2Play
What is Kingdom Under Fire 2? Kingdom Under Fire 2 mixes MMORPG and RTS elements, creating a very unique yet interesting game. You fight alongside your character, whom you can equip and teach skills, alongside units you command.
Then you engage in missions, dungeons, and raids for many players. In the West, the game is published by the German publisher Gameforge, but developed by Blueside in Korea.
How is the grade determined? The MMO offers significant challenges in the endgame, and the various troops provide great long-term motivation. However, the RPG elements are somewhat weak.
For those who enjoy tactical games combined with MMO characteristics, Kingdom Under Fire 2 is a good choice. It targets a niche, but does well in it.
Black Desert Mobile – Grade 2-
Developer: Pearl Abyss | Platform: iOS, Android | Release Date: December 11, 2019 | Model: Free2Play
What is Black Desert Mobile? The mobile version of Black Desert fully exploits the nostalgia factor, bringing you into the same world but telling a slightly different story.
You will encounter some familiar NPCs, bosses, and the Black Spirit. However, some systems have been simplified, and the selection of classes has been significantly reduced. The character editor has, however, retained its strength.
How is the grade determined? Black Desert Mobile is one of the best mobile MMORPGs on the market. It runs smoothly, has a vast scope, and even offers content not found in the PC version.
However, there are also deductions for the option to buy advantages with real money. Those who do not want to be among the best players can still enjoy a lot of fun in this MMORPG.
Inferna – Grade 5+
Developer: Inferna Limited | Platform: PC (future consoles, Mobile) | Release Date: December 21, 2019 (EA) | Model: Free2Play
What is Inferna? Inferna is a fantasy MMORPG that, due to its visuals and content, is referred to by some players as Metin 3. It focuses on PvE with an open world and dungeons, while various PvP content is planned.
How is the grade determined? Inferna started quite ambitiously on Steam, but in its current version, it cannot convince. It feels unfinished, the combat is sluggish, and the quests are extremely boring.
The slight upgrade to the “+” is due to the developers creating a fair Free2Play game, releasing many updates, and communicating with fans on Discord. There is potential, but it is not being realized.
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