Hardly any other game has managed to evoke such enthusiasm in me before its release, and to finally give me a strong “hype” again, like “WildStar” has done in recent months, and there isn’t even a release date in sight.
But what makes me want to watch the few short videos of the game over and over again? I want to show you here as thoroughly as possible.
Before I continue, it’s important to note that there is currently an NDA in place for the beta (Non-Disclosure Agreement). Therefore, all information here is from public sources and may change before the game launches – but for a first impression, it’s more than enough.
The Standard Fare – Ordinary Story, Ordinary Game?
Let’s first look at the rough historical background: As with many MMOs, the central conflict is between two competing factions that players can join: the Dominion and the Exiles. Basically, this explains almost everything, as the Dominion has set the original goal of enslaving the entire galaxy, whereas the Exiles are from those worlds that have already fallen victim to the Dominion.
Currently, the Exiles have fled to the world “Nexus” – only it’s unfortunate that this is the legendary planet from which the Dominion is believed to draw its power. Thus, the focus of the game is on exploring and battling for control of Nexus.
In total, there are 8 races and 6 different classes to choose from, each with 2 class-specific roles: Tank, Healer, or Damage Dealer.
The Deviations – Uniqueness to Behold
Up to this point, WildStar does not differ from an average “grind-to-death” MMO, but then the differences arise: There are no fixed skill trees; instead, you can choose exactly what you want. A Medic can either focus on damage or healing – or create a crazy mix of both that remains effective in combat.
The same applies to all classes; for the first time, hybrids seem genuinely useful and do not have to hide from their single-mindedly talented teammates.
The classes themselves impress with cool effects and numerous customization options. As a Tech Pioneer, for example, one has combat robots that are sent into battle, or the character slips into such armor and rampages like a Space Marine across the battlefield. The Spellslinger blasts enemies with dual pistols – why does he use magic from the void? Right, so the ammunition doesn’t run out!
Each class is unique and is so impressive that it’s hard to choose without lamenting the one you leave behind.
The Combat System
The heart [intense_icon type=”heart” size=”1″ color=”#dd3333″ /] of every MMORPG is, of course, the combat system, and here WildStar breaks new ground: Almost all abilities are area spells that either have linear, cone, or circular effects, and a large part of the abilities can be used while moving.
This means, on the one hand, that you almost never stand still, and on the other hand, it offers many new aspects for PvP, because what’s the use of the best equipment if my opponent is so skilled that he can simply dance out of my attack zones?
Status effects also impact in a refreshing, new way: If your character is “blind,” not 50% of your attacks miss, instead, your screen turns black. If you are affected by “confusion,” then suddenly all keys work in the opposite way – I can already see myself taking a step over the cliff.
The Path System
In addition to your class, you can also choose one of four different “Paths” during character creation. The options are Soldier, Explorer, Settler, and Scientist. And what distinguishes this from the classes? While the class primarily determines how you fight, the path decides what else you experience – often through missions that are only available to you.
All players can find out things about the background story, but only a Scientist can access all the details – Do you want to know what these ruins were used for? Analyze them with your probe! Are you interested in why this particular plant species only grows here and why its spores make you fly? Scan the surroundings and find out! (And I promise you right now – as a role-playing fan, this is exactly your path!).
Soldiers love to test experimental weapon systems, protect villages from attackers, or take down extremely tough bosses. If battles are what excite you, then there’s nothing standing in the way of a Soldier career!
Not so much into battles? Would you rather seek hidden locations or try to figure out how to reach the top of the mountain? The Explorer gets tasks that primarily deal with the landscape, like a race, a treasure hunt, or descending into a hidden cave that perhaps no player has discovered before you…
The Settler, on the other hand, is able to build structures almost anywhere. Buildings? In the middle of the game world? You read that right! They can set up many constructions from campfires to taverns that offer new functions to other players, such as a buff or a special quest. Every time a player interacts with the buildings, the Settler benefits – a classic win-win situation!
Graphics and Design
WildStar is crazy in every imaginable way. I know no other world where giant hamsters fire nuclear weapons, space zombies seek a cure, or my cute Aurin with bunny ears and a fox tail scans daisies that turn out to be oversized monsters wanting to devour me whole.
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- Die Welt auf dem Nexus gefällt nicht jedem.
The comic-like appearance is perfectly matched to the scenery, the expressions and gestures of the characters are great so far, and from what we’ve seen, the world is vibrant and cohesive without being absurd in a disturbing way.
The comic look also has the advantage that the game never has to be photo-realistic, which means compromises can be made in graphics without you really noticing (similar to “Borderlands”).
Conclusion
The incredibly funny humor, the crazy world, the announced housing, the possibility to pay the monthly fees with in-game currency, the combat system, the brilliant paths, and the fresh world where I can role-play has already captivated me.
I confess, I am hyped to my fingertips.
In recent years, it has become common to scream every game as “WoW Killer”, and I really don’t want to lower myself to that level.
Nevertheless, I’m already starting to dig a grave. Whether I’ll bury a game in it, or the miserable traitors of the Dominion, remains to be seen.
