The MMORPG Skyforge is now also available for Playstation 4, which is why we took a look at this version. Read here our Skyforge PS4 review corresponding to the PS4 release.
Skyforge was already released in summer 2015 for PC as part of a so-called soft launch, during which the open beta seamlessly transitioned into the official version. We have already published a detailed review of this version online, therefore we will only briefly touch on the basics of the game here.
Skyforge – A rather unconventional MMORPG
Skyforge transports you to the world of Aelion, where fantasy and science fiction elements collide. The god of Aelion has disappeared, which extraterrestrial deities now utilize for invasions to conquer the world. You are an immortal who is supposed to fend off these attacks.
Through your actions, you gather power and followers and can even ascend to become a god. The game is not played in an open world, but in many instances of varying sizes – although there are also some open areas to explore. You regularly receive notifications about missions and invasions and decide which task to undertake.
Your hero is not restricted to a class; you may choose to switch before each quest, depending on which class is currently needed in the group. The individual missions follow a linear path. You fight your way through the area, occasionally talk to NPCs, and usually battle a boss at the end. The combat system operates in a familiar manner. Your character automatically attacks, and you select the skills they should use and when you want to dodge. Things get interesting when you have unlocked your god form and can wreak havoc among your enemies. You can find more information in our detailed review.
Skyforge now also on PS4 with successful controls
With the release of the PS4 version, the MMORPG is now also playable on the console. One should not expect significant changes to the PC version. The controller controls have also existed for PC for quite some time. So, if you have played Skyforge on PC with a controller, you will quickly acclimate to the console version. You use the R1 and R2 buttons to execute attacks and spells, and with a press of L3, you dodge attacks. You aim at enemies with L1. The controls work well and make you hardly miss the mouse and keyboard. This makes the battles feel more dynamic than on the PC.
Skyforge is largely suitable for solo players. Most missions are relatively short and scale well. However, there are also group content for up to ten players, featuring PvE and optionally PvP in various modes. Especially the endgame content, such as Pantheon Wars, is designed for groups. As a solo player, you cannot accomplish much here. Good groups can be formed through the group finder.
Weak story, but better PvP and group play
Skyforge is defined less by the story, as it never really picks up and serves only as a decorative accessory. A major appeal, however, comes from unlocking new classes, of which there are a total of 14 in the game. Since you can switch between the classes at any time, there is a lot of variety. Want to do mission A as a Paladin and mission B as an Ice Mage Cryomancer? No problem. Although it is possible to specialize in one class.
If you prefer to play solo, you will eventually find that certain boss fights are easier to master with specific classes. Each class can further develop through talents.
Graphically, Skyforge can certainly convince. You explore beautiful landscapes and battle interestingly designed monsters. Spectacular effects shake the screen during battles. This looks even better on a large TV than on a monitor. However, the story – as already mentioned – simply does not keep up with the graphical presentation. Although you occasionally admire longer cutscenes, the plot drags on, and especially the inconsequential and somewhat unmotivated (English) dialogues fail to generate the motivation to pay much attention to the story.
So if you prefer an exciting narrative in an MMORPG, you will not find it in Skyforge. Also in terms of loot and equipment, the online role-playing game does not offer enough depth. However, it is impressive in terms of scope. There is simply a tremendous amount to do, and the PvP modes as well as the group content are a lot of fun. Battling bosses together or fighting others in Payload, Deathmatch, or Capture the Flag is an extremely enjoyable experience. Additionally, the fact that the free-to-play model is quite fair makes Skyforge an MMORPG that can be enjoyed repeatedly – even on the console.
Skyforge PS4 Review: Not perfect, but fun
Conclusion:
Skyforge did not really engage me on PC. I am someone who places a lot of value on a cool story, preferably with visible consequences for my actions. And here the MMORPG from the Allods Team sadly struggles a bit. You can tell that the developers care about telling good stories. However, they just don’t ignite. Also in terms of loot and equipment, other genre representatives offer more. If you’re into loot orgies like Destiny, Skyforge will probably not appeal to you.
However, it convinces with its extensive content, which on console does not even reach the dimensions of the PC version, yet already offers months of engagement. The controller controls work flawlessly, and the group content and PvP system are also convincing. I did not feel pressured by the free-to-play model. I had no ambitions to buy anything in the shop. However, those who want to progress faster can splurge in the shop.
In general, it can be said that Skyforge provides new, free content for PS4 owners, which, while not perfect, is still fun.
