Rank 2: Project TL – The third Lineage
Platform: PC
Release: 2019
Publisher: NCSoft
Monetization model: Unknown
Genre: Action MMORPG
What is Project TL? Project TL, which is essentially Lineage 3, is set to be a fast-paced action MMORPG. The game looks in early gameplay scenes as if Diablo 3 had even more action and a new glossy graphic.
Warriors carve through orc hordes and throw green enemies off cliffs or cause terrain to collapse, which crushes the opponents.
Wizards teleport quickly around and unleash area effects. Elves sit like snipers on horses and take down pursuing creatures.
As the crowning achievement, there are cool combos between the classes, epic boss battles, and massive siege battles. Project TL looks stunning thanks to the fancy Unreal 4 engine and the gameplay promises tons of action.
The rebirth of Lineage Eternal
What is the development history so far? Project TL is basically the game that evolved from “Lineage Eternal” after NCSoft pulled the emergency brake there. Originally, “Lineage Eternal” was to be developed for mobile and PC and had a “multi-hero system,” but that never really worked out.
Thus, almost everything was changed. The engine, the game concept, and even the development team were swapped. The result is Project TL, an action MMORPG only for PC. Unofficially, it is already being referred to as “Lineage 3” and is set to inherit the legacy of the immensely successful series in Korea.
All of this could still happen
What is Project TL at its best? If the finished game lives up to what the gameplay scenes from the trailer promise, then Project TL will be a feast for all fans of action RPG gameplay like Diablo.
Additionally, the game is likely to pack many MMO features such as raids and PvP. Especially the showcased combos from the skills of the different classes point to cool teamwork options. Development is reportedly progressing well, which is why the release of Project TL is definitely set for 2019. If everything goes smoothly, Project TL could improve the tarnished reputation of PC MMORPGs.
What is Project TL at its worst? The many course changes and upheavals in the project could certainly lead to Project TL ending up as a patchwork. Moreover, there is tough competition in the genre of action MMORPGs.
Torchlight Frontiers wants to get in on the action as well as the similarly themed Lost Ark. NCSoft must ensure that Lineage TL offers something special and showcases unique features. Here in the West, no one wants a boring grinder that lacks originality beyond great graphics.
The opinion of the Mein-MMO community
This is what the readers say:
- IchhassePvP: “I give the most chances to ‘Project TL,’ after all, Lineage is not an unknown entity in the MMORPG genre.”
- Seska Larafey: “This MMO can be seen as a light snack.”
- Slash: “The gameplay already looks pretty nice. If it doesn’t become too P2W, offers a cool world, and not just grind orgies or dumb mechanics designed solely to encourage spending, it could turn out well.”
When and how can you play Project TL? As is usual with Korean MMOs, not much is known about the current state. However, there will still be a beta in 2018. Whether this will be available in the West remains to be seen. The release of Project TL is scheduled for 2019.
