Reports continue to emerge from players of the closed beta as well as the already released Korean version of Throne and Liberty. A particularly comprehensive review of the MMORPG now draws an exciting connection to NCSoft’s original plans.
What were the original plans for Throne and Liberty? The new NCSoft project was originally supposed to be called Lineage Eternal and continue the storied MMORPG series as its third installment. However, after a long development period and many changes, NCSoft decided to rename it and distance itself from the Lineage brand.
Perhaps it was because the decision-makers at the Korean publisher could no longer assume a guaranteed success after the turbulent development period and wanted to protect the reputation of the Lineage franchise. Maybe design decisions, such as changing the perspective from isometric to third-person, also triggered the sudden separation.
The beta trailer of Throne and Liberty:
How do Western players rate Throne and Liberty? We have already summarized some feedback from the recent closed beta phase and the already released Korean version:
- New MMORPG masters battles with over 1,000 players but fails with the Free2Play problem
- In a new MMORPG, a secret test is underway – Here’s what players reveal, even though they shouldn’t
Now a player of both versions has taken the effort to shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of Throne and Liberty from his perspective on Reddit. The thesis of msonix: Despite the name change, we are dealing with a worthy successor to Lineage 2.
A feast for fans of Lineage 2
Let’s take a detailed look at the points made by msonix. Here’s what Throne and Liberty does well from his perspective:
- He praises the flexibility of the class system, as you can freely switch weapons and easily take on different roles. This is great for quickly forming a full-fledged group.
- Unlike in Black Desert, Lost Ark, or Lineage 2, the upgrading of equipment cannot completely fail. You either receive a major or a minor upgrade and make progress in any case. Additionally, attempting to upgrade your equipment does not destroy it.
- The story turns out to be surprisingly entertaining but can also be ignored. Through quest chains, you learn the exciting background of regularly occurring world events.
- There is always something to do. In addition to the campaign and side quests, you can dive into contracts to earn materials and recipes for better equipment. PvE events, world bosses, a tower challenge for solo players, group content… the entire range opens up to you from level 30.
- Throne and Liberty places a strong emphasis on group content and PvP battles with many participants. Those who enjoyed the castle sieges in Lineage 2 will find plenty to enjoy here.
- The MMORPG relies on an old-school tab-targeting system, yet it plays comparatively quickly and action-packed, making the skill of players decisive, especially in PvP.
- Thanks to the Korean release and various updates, Throne and Liberty appears very polished. The technology is stable, the graphics look great in parts, the music enhances immersion, and even the long-criticized combat system now feels good.
- The foundation for regular content updates has been laid. Even now, there are numerous contents in the installation files that aren’t even playable in the Korean version yet.
These potential weaknesses are attributed to Throne and Liberty according to msonix:
- You can relatively quickly reach the maximum level (some players reportedly needed less than twelve hours during the closed beta phase), but you must prepare for grind (from contracts and group content) to earn your character the best possible pieces of equipment.
- While the large-scale battles around sieges and world bosses are among the most fun experiences in the game, some players may be put off by the chaotic nature of these brawls.
- The feeling of combat may have improved significantly over time, but there are genre competitors like Black Desert that simply feel better, more impactful, and more satisfying.
- Throne and Liberty brings some exciting ideas (such as how the day and night cycle or weather affects the game world and your skills) but lacks major innovations. You can expect a fairly typical MMORPG.
- The shop in the Korean version offers a clear Pay2Progression advantage. Those who invest some real money can partially equip themselves with pieces of equipment that other players have to farm for several weeks. At least: Some of the best items are said to be obtainable only through playing group content, not through the auction house.
Large battles are the essence of Throne and Liberty:
What conclusion does msonix draw? The player draws two conclusions from his experiences with the beta and the Korean version. Firstly, he believes that all fans of Lineage 2 will have a lot of fun with Throne and Liberty. The new NCSoft game seems to have built upon the strengths of the MMORPG classic and improved some weaknesses deliberately.
Secondly, msonix is sure that Throne and Liberty will struggle to establish itself against the major genre competition broadly. It lacks the storytelling quality and RPG elements of Final Fantasy XIV, the sheer scope and charisma of WoW, and the brilliance of the combat in Black Desert.
If there are no significant changes to the shop of the Western version, this may also deter MMORPG fans here. What do you think: Do you still feel like Throne and Liberty after all the reports?
Perhaps T&L will end up sharing the fate of these games: 7 MMOs, MMORPGs, and DLCs that started great but then declined significantly
