WOAoR: A Traditional Review

Alright, alright, I'll go back to the more traditional review format, but only for the sake of comprehensibility. Yes, it's a word. Deal with it. :-P

Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning
A vast improvement of the MMO experience

Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning is an MMORPG set in the world of the tabletop fantasy wargame, Warhammer. The game pits Order, consisting of Dwarves, Elves, and the Empire (Humans) against Chaos, composed of Orcs, Dark Elves, and Chaos (Really Unpleasant Humans). While it follows the traditional MMORPG model with standard "kill this many of this thing" and "go find this person and talk to her" quests, it offers a more varied and serious play experience than other MMOs. And by "other MMOs," I am, of course, referring to World of Warcraft.

For one thing, the graphics are more realistic than previous MMORPGs, going for a grittier feel and starker imagery. This goes well with the game's main theme: war. The player in this game is not some magnificent hero or chosen one. She is a soldier, like everyone else, and her job is to get to the front lines and do some killing. Sure, there are quests, but they feel related to the war effort, especially such inventive quests as "Go nail x enemy players." Overall, the focus is on the Realm vs. Realm combat, to which each area has a substantial amount of space devoted. RvR provides opportunities for characters to earn Renown (which can win them special abilities) and Influence (which can be used to purchase special items). Despite the game's focus on RvR competition, players tend to be surprisingly mature during RvR play. In my time playing the game, I've seen very little grief and even less complaining about unfair play. That characters incur only small penalties from death encourages them to get back to the war.

The game's public quests provide an alternative to simply "grinding" for experience. Each quest has a few stages, in which anyone in the area can participate in return for influence (special items) and XP. This encourages people to group, as these quests are exceptionally difficult to complete without the support of other players. Rewards upon completing are given based on level of contribution.

The game has some notable flaws. Setup requires the user to create her own shortcut - a wonderful experience, especially when the WAR.exe file isn't the one you're looking for (it's the patching file). Also, there is so much cash to be earned that even after purchasing the best equipment available and dyeing it your favorite color set, you're still probably going to be loaded with gold, silver, and brass (no, I don't know why brass either) coinage.

These flaws, and the obvious fact that WOAoR is an MMORPG aside, it presents much more engaging and varied experience than other MMORPGs.

Gameplay: 19/20
Storyline: 15/25
Graphics: 4/5
Streamlined: 5/10
Innovation: 8/15
Fun: 24/25

Overall: 80/100

For the Optimists:
-Mature and developed Realm vs. Realm combat
-RvR and Public Quests provide variety and reduce "grind"
-Class variety and special mechanics differentiate play experience by race and class

For the Pessimists:
-An MMORPG, need I say more?
-Setup is cumbersome
-Not enough cash sinks

Recommendation:
I, BoltAction, recommend Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning for you if you like a more serious and mature MMORPG experience.

BoltAction: Intro and Warhammer Online

For all of you who know me, the vulture flies not when the cafe is unoccupied, so bring a deck of cards. And for those of you who don't know me, I'm BoltAction, lover, gamer, senator, postal worker. As to my gaming tastes, I enjoy good roleplaying games, strategy games of all varieties, engaging puzzle games, and anything new and interesting. My approach to reviewing is as follows: video games are like lovers. Each has her own distinct personality, complete with convictions, mannerisms, and faults, some lovable, some less so. Almost all are worth meeting, and many an enjoyable afternoon or weekend can be spent on them, but only a few will really jive, commandeering thoughts and devouring time, energy, and, often, money. Thus, I will present games with a list of vital stats, and a more in-depth paragraph describing overall feel and personality.

That said:
Warhammer Online, Age of Reckoning (WOAoR)
Hair: Dark brown, mid-back length
Eyes: Hazel, red w/contacts, or black-rimmed glasses
Skin: Pale European
Body: Thin but strong
General Appearance: Mousiness and innocent appearance belie a dark beauty and violent sexuality
Turn-Ons: Wrestling, good music, storms
Turn-Offs: Sickness, poorly-written poetry, primness
Favorite Sex Position: Against the wall of a scalding shower
Kids?: Ugh - not even thinking about it until after I finish my BA

Personality: Though WOAoR resembles WOW on an artificial level, those that know her cringe at the comparison. Her intellect is better developed, and her tastes more mature. She enjoys competing with her lovers, and seeing them compete, but always on a friendly level. As content to be a lover as "one of the guys," WOAoR nevertheless takes herself more seriously than WOW. Her art is more intense, her stories more compelling, and her attention more demanding of cleverness and sensitivity. She's good at making a guy, even one with little experience, feel comfortable with her, and makes sure her other lovers treat him with respect and companionship. She never loses sight of the fact that guys hang out with her to have fun, but when asked if she'd like a more permanent and committed relationship, she responds with a resounding "Lemme think about it." WOAoR is a complex person, but one who neither needs to understand everyone else, nor seeks to remain incomprehensible.
Good For: Friendly competition, mental stimulation, fun, "summer love"
Not So Good For: Long-term attachment, passion, your wallet