Imagine two nations battling each other: The Karus and the El Morad. The Karus nation was built by the Tuareks - outcasts. The Tuareks are children of the blood of Cyphers -evil rulers of long past. Each nation has it out with each until few survive. A little familiar but at least there was some effort put into original lore.
The El Morad is more of an evil mystical race; the Karus have strange powers to counteract their opponents. Except for backstory, the two nations co-exist quite peacefully. Seeing as PvP isn't a huge part of this game until later, your choice of class doesn't have a drastic effect.
Graphics are not a strongpoint of this game. The engine used is one used in two other games which are also made by the same company. While it is flexible, it's age makes it a weakness of the game. Fairly recent revisions and character re-modeling has made a difference, but I just feel like it was rushed.
The UI is an interesting one if you consider the attack skills. While the skill bar could be worked a little better it does offer different tabs for the type of mob you're fighting, personal preference for the day or just more space to hold it all. There are good features but they take up a lot of space.
The design of the world pleasing. Areas have good mob placement, according to type. The different lands have the feel of the race that you have chosen. I like the feeling that mobs are placed in environments that suit them. Who wants a Fire Elemental in an ice cave? Even so, here are only certain times in which you feel like you're a part of the game. The on-going war of the kingdoms and fighting the giants do it for me. For some reason when I throw something several times my size in any game I feel immersed!
Unusual controls hold the game back. I was able to get used to them but they bind the player to a very cookie cutter playing style. There are some nifty things though - default key mapping has the middle mouse button turning the camera around 180 degrees in a snap. Something about movement bothers me though, the mouse is the best way of movement which is fine but in battle I don't really want to turn the camera all the way around to run from the enemy. Keyboard controls just aren't useful or integrated enough to give sufficient control.
Although the graphics are lacking, the animations are quite fun. The new character remodeling is a little nicer to look at and they now get better with the type of armor you get later in game. The music is nondescript but the sound effects are good at warning you of certain events. If you can get past the chunkiness, generally unsophisticated players and the same ole killing game then this could be a game you can enjoy. This is a fun game to try out. Beyond the trial, you may find yourself either looking for ways to make it fun or continuing to play in the hope that PvP will make it better.
Conclusion: I couldn't play this game for long; it doesn't have enough content to satisfy me. There isn't really a goal to strive for - whether it be an overarching theme or that level 100 player with the armor that newbies drool over. Something is missing. Honestly though, there isn't any one thing that I could say would dramatically change the game, I just don't feel like the devs put their heart into it. I feel that community is something that is the heart of any online game.. Unfortunately the community in this game is rather immature and very self-centered on their own goals so that you just don't feel any connection.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for something to capture your interest for a few days. The game recently changed from pay2play to absolutely free so it's worth a shot - just for the distraction or to remind you why you like that other game you stopped playing last month!
I'm an RPG fan above all but I enjoy most all types of gaming. I wouldn't consider being the best RTS/Flight/Space player though. PC gaming is my passion, but I try to be fair so my PS2 doesn't get lonely.
