The Closed Beta of Lost Ark has begun. Some videos show first scenes from the game. Can it deliver what the trailer promised?
Cinematic, but somewhat linear introduction to Lost Ark
It seems beyond question that the next “big thing” in the action MMO scene will likely be “Lost Ark”. Currently, the first Korean beta of the game is taking place, and Steparu has taken a pretty accurate look at the game.
In the videos, Steparu also addresses some concerns that players have. There were pre-release worries that the game would feel more like a single-player action-adventure rather than an MMO. Steparu dismisses these concerns, although he acknowledges that particularly the start of the game feels linear and the early levels leave little room for exploration. However, this choice was made mainly to tell the story cinematically and to make the introduction as epic and impressive as possible.
He says:
“During the first day of testing, it felt like I was watching a movie. Players can encounter each other both in the capital and in the outskirts, but it may be necessary to switch channels, as particularly busy areas are instantiated.”
Steparu also praises the quest design, as there are even story-relevant decisions. In one quest, he could decide the fate of an NPC, who either meets his death or is spared. Whether this really has long-term consequences remains to be seen. Unlike many other games, Lost Ark seems to do without boring grind quests, where you have to defeat hundreds of enemies of the same kind.
Fortunately, most of his experiences were captured on video. It’s best to get your own impression of the first days from the Closed Beta.
