On January 25, two new MMORPGs are being released that could hardly be more different. MeinMMO editor Alexander Leitsch reveals what makes the two games unique and who they might interest.
What kind of MMORPGs are they? The two new games come from indie studios that both already have a successful title on the market, which serves as a predecessor:
- With Broken Ranks, an interesting MMORPG in isometric perspective is being released. It focuses on turn-based combat and primarily emphasizes PvE. PvP content is only available in special areas. The predecessor here is Taern, also an MMO with turn-based combat.
- Mortal Online 2, on the other hand, is a first-person MMORPG focused on PvP. Here, you regularly engage in duels with other players in the open world. If you die, you also lose your entire inventory and equipped gear. The predecessor here is Mortal Online 1.
In the following, we will reveal which features each game offers and which type of player they might appeal to.
Broken Ranks – The MMORPG for Tactics Fans
What makes the game special? Broken Ranks is a free-to-play MMORPG that you can download from the official website of the game. A version on Steam is currently not planned. It is played in isometric perspective, similar to Lost Ark, but the game world is based on 2.5D and looks more like a painting without much visible depth.
The game’s main feature is the turn-based combat system:
- Whenever you encounter a monster in the open world, you will be taken to a separate combat screen.
- There, you can choose your abilities and type of defense within 10 seconds.
- In total, you have 12 action points available, which you can distribute among 5 abilities and 3 types of defense (melee, ranged, magic). You can invest up to five points in each ability.
- After the 10 seconds, the actions will be executed. Your character can theoretically use up to five abilities in one turn, as long as you have invested at least one action point in each ability.
You represent a class that you selected during character creation. Options include Archer, Druid, Knight, and Fire Mage. Additionally, there is a rather unique class called Voodoo that focuses on spiritual magic and ‘Mental Attacks’.
Content-wise, the game offers:
- A dark story
- Many quests that you can complete
- Group content like dungeons and raids
- Crafting and trading between players
- A shop without pay-to-win content and with a special premium currency that you can also exchange or gift in-game
- It is supposed to receive a German localization
The game is being developed by a Polish indie studio, and you can check out the first gameplay from the beta in this video by YouTuber MadMaster:
Who is it interesting for? Broken Ranks is a dark game with a unique setting. The isometric perspective and the turn-based combat system are very specific and may not appeal to everyone. But exactly these elements make the MMORPG so intriguing.
In every battle, strategic decisions for attack and defense are at stake. These become all the more important when starting group content. While Broken Ranks will likely maintain a niche status due to these elements, anyone looking for a rather unusual game should at least give this MMORPG a chance.
Since it is free-to-play, you have nothing to lose except a little time.
When does it start exactly? Broken Ranks opens its servers on January 25 at 5:00 PM CET.
The game is already in preload, and you can download the client for free.
Mortal Online 2 – The MMORPG for PvP fans who don’t like isometric perspective
What makes the game special? Mortal Online 2 is a sandbox MMORPG with a subscription model and a strong focus on PvP. You can go out and explore the world, build a house, and even establish your own empire. However, there is always the risk of being killed by other players.
If you die, you lose all your equipment, as the game features full loot. However, the equipment isn’t as significant; personal skill is paramount, similar to Albion Online. Additionally, if you kill players without permission, you will be labeled a murderer. This comes with downsides, as at a certain point, city guards will attack you.
A highlight of the MMORPG is the action combat system, reminiscent of For Honor. You also dictate the direction of an attack or block. If an attack comes from the right and you block on the left, you will still be hit with full force. This requires quite a bit of practice.
Mortal Online 2 offers the following content:
- Melee and ranged combat and mounted combat
- A deep crafting system
- Free trade between players
- A completely open game world
The game also impresses with its beautiful graphics and claims to be “especially immersive.” That’s why it also uses the first-person perspective.
In this video from YouTuber TheLazyPeon, you can get a first glimpse of the new MMORPG:
Who is it interesting for? Mortal Online 2 is aimed at players who enjoy sandbox and PvP. If you are willing to dive into the game, engage in a guild, and enjoy theorycrafting, you should definitely check out this PvP MMORPG. It offers a good combat system, solid graphics, and numerous mechanics that go very deep.
However, the game is not suited for fans of classic MMORPGs with a hero story, linear quests, and dungeons. Because all of that is absent in Mortal Online 2.
Furthermore, the payment system is complicated, relying on a buy-to-play model with a subscription. A significant hurdle that likely only a few players will overcome. But from those could emerge a close and strong community.
When does it start exactly? Mortal Online 2 celebrates its release on January 25 at 2:00 PM CET.
You can theoretically start right now, as the MMORPG is already in early access. I have already tried it in beta and written a preview:
I have been playing MMORPGs for 15 years: I’ve never died as often as I have in Mortal Online 2
