Am I enjoying Blade and Soul and is it worth playing? In all honesty, I’m not sure I can answer either at this moment in time.

There’s no doubting that Blade and Soul is showing its age, even though it only technically launched on Friday. The fact its been out on eastern shores for several years is clear to see: its rough around the edges and has all the hallmarks of systems that players have grown weary of. Typical kill quests that are both predictable and dull litter every map and whilst they’re easy and quick, they’re unengaging and filled with dull dialogue. Like many, I reached a point where I no longer cared to even read why I was doing what I was doing, I did it simply because I needed the experience.

It’s not a great start and considering there are 40 levels of it, I have to say I’m less than excited about the prospect of reaching such a goal. Despite that, there are some redeeming features to Blade and Soul that at least provide encouragement for continuing. Firstly, the combat really is fantastic. It’s punchy, feels weighty and every skill I’ve used so far is incredibly satisfying. I chose the Summoner as my class because I’ve always liked having companions, ranged attacks and some healing. It is the perfect class for me and the most surprising thing isn’t just how fun it is to play, but how responsive my pet is. Unlike in Guild Wars 2 where my ranger pet does whatever it feels like, regularly dies and attacks so slowly most enemies can comfortably avoid it, the Summoner’s cat is brilliant. It’s fast, zips behind you at lightning speed and when you command it to do something, it does it first time. You genuinely feel in control of your furry companion and it’s undoubtedly an integral part of the class.

To talk about the combat a little more, Blade and Soul uses free look at all times, similar to Tera or Guild Wars 2’s action camera mode. There’s no need to hold the right mouse button down or a need to tab target (although you can). The result is brilliant and arguably the main attraction to the game. Even though you’re completing generic quests, it’s made enjoyable because of how dynamic the combat feels, complete with outrageously explosive spell effects: NCSoft have excelled in this department. Whether it’s firing a trail of thorns, or wielding a dandelion that causes you to stealth when you’re struck, they’re original and incredibly satisfying to use. To draw comparisons with Guild Wars 2 again (it’s unavoidable), I have to say that even thematically, the Summoner feels so much more rounded in comparison to the Druid, right down to the “oomph” of its skills and their implementation.

The combat alone, I suspect, is the reason why many people will be drawn to Blade and Soul. Certainly from what I’ve seen of the PvE, it’s neither challenging enough or engaging to maintain any player long term. At its heart however, I suspect Blade and Soul’s PvE is purely there for players to complete the story and level up, to then concentrate on player versus player encounters. Whether roaming the game world, attacking the opposing Faction, or participating in 3 v 3 battles, the PvP is unquestionably fun. My first foray into it saw me quickly place on my Faction clothes and accidently kill a player who was minding his own business in town. I then proceeded to be chased for five minutes by his friends. Although it’s fast paced, NCSoft have - from my early impressions - provided animations with clearly defined “tells” that both help and you when fighting an enemy. Going back to Dandelion Seed that's available to the Summoner, you hold the flower aloft, baiting players to hit you. Those not concentrating, who ignore such signs, will cause you to stealth when they strike you, providing you with super speed whilst cleansing debuffs. This sort of counterplay is what makes Blade and Soul’s PvP exciting even during early levels, there’s clear layering to combat and its mechanics.

Before I finish this first impressions (and I must stress it is only that - our review will arrive soon!) I just wanted to touch on the story. Firstly, it’s as ridiculous as you might expect from an eastern themed MMO and filled to the brim with anime cliches and grotesquely ridiculous characters. Having one of the main villains dressed in skin tight leather, complete with lobster 9” heels and a pantomime villain personality is like watching Bayonetta cranked up to “extreme”. It’s not just the villains that are the problem, your allies are just as bad. Seeing a group of men become blind by the beauty of a female character is not only cringe-worthy, but culturally it’s lost in translation (even as someone who enjoys good anime).

All the above might sound doom and gloom and it certainly isn’t all positive for Blade and Soul. Despite that, it is weirdly enjoyable because the combat is so good and if I can survive the PvE, I’m truly looking forward to playing 3 v 3 matches on a regular basis. I’ll keep you posted on my review.