After listing the things I didn’t like about the upcoming Selective Multiplayer RPG Shroud of the Avatar last time, I want to talk today about what I already like quite a bit.
Shroud of the Avatar is an unusual game, and perhaps because of that, many aren’t quite sure where it’s headed and what to make of it. Is it an MMORPG or a single-player RPG? Is it a sandbox or more of a theme park MMO? Shroud of the Avatar is something new, and new things are always viewed with skepticism.
MMO and Single-Player
Even though it’s not entirely clear how both a single-player experience and an MMORPG will work together, the concept behind it is very interesting. Many have surely imagined experiencing these adventures and exploring the world online with others in a good single-player RPG. In the Elder Scrolls series or in Fallout, you often read that fans wish for this.
However, one still wants to adventure alone and feel like THE hero who just slayed the evil dragon. Shroud of the Avatar could succeed in this balancing act – provided that it can truly combine a real single-player experience with a proper MMO.
In SotA, heated discussions are almost part of the daily routine.
Imagine being alone in an old ruin and defeating the evil undead king. On the way back to the city, you hear about a group of bandits that are robbing traders. You ask some friends from your friends list if they want to help take down the robbers. Together, you save the traders and walk to the city, where a big festival is taking place.
You switch to open online mode and see all the other players, celebrating together with them, before you can again set off alone for the next adventure. The idea behind this concept is simply exciting, new, and very appealing.
The Overworld
The world map is a very controversial topic within the SotA community. I like it – a lot. Yes, the feeling of being in an open game world is limited by it, but traveling on the “world map” offers some advantages. On one hand, it gives you the feeling of being in a very large world. Because everything is zoomed out, the game world has a different depth and size. Furthermore, the developers can add new game areas or change existing ones at any time.
A city is being attacked by an undead army? Then this game area has changed. Houses are destroyed, others are burning… Or a meteorite impact causes a new and interesting area to suddenly appear that can be explored.
Additionally, the developers have some plans for the overworld. You will encounter monsters that you can fight, merchant caravans that meet the players, or interesting NPCs. It should also be possible to find secret places depending on the time of day and year as well as the weather. There is also the nostalgic aspect, as the Ultima games from parts 1 to 5 also featured such a world map.
Usage-Based Skill System
The newly introduced skill system, where the skills improve as you use them, is very interesting. In other systems, for example, you can freely distribute points – but then also on the skills that you don’t actually use. Why should a hero get better at casting fireballs if he only fights with a sword? With a usage-based system, you enhance the skills that you actually employ. This is significantly more realistic and also more tactical, as you sometimes have to think about which skill to use.
The PvP System
I admit, I’m not a fan of forced PvP systems. I don’t want to be forced to fight with other players. Because that often leads to frustration for me. A “non-consensual” PvP system would not work in Shroud of the Avatar. Because if you are in the midst of experiencing a story and completing quests, while constantly being attacked by other players, you eventually lose the fun. And that’s not the point. That you are only forced into PvP in certain areas in SotA, or if you are, for example, smuggling goods, but otherwise have to agree to PvP, is a good compromise in my opinion.
The Community
Shroud of the Avatar has an incredibly dedicated and open community and here I include the developers. They work very openly and together with the fans, listen to concerns, and are not shy about making significant changes when they see that the community is not satisfied with an element. This is very commendable and should be maintained. If you are looking for a truly good community, you are definitely in the right place with Shroud of the Avatar.
As you can see, there are already some things in Shroud of the Avatar that are good and fun, showing the potential of the game. This just needs to be fully utilized now.
