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In general, the increased intensity in the leveling curve is probably due to a lack of design localization – or maybe just not enough localization – to make the game fun for the North American marketplace. However, there is hope for a change in the future for those gamers that aren’t among the “hardcore elite” who spend hours killing the same monsters. Another NCsoft game, City of Heroes, recently went through a reworking of their XP progression, and one can only hope that Lineage II might adopt a similar policy.

All in all, the gameplay in the new expansion offers a variety of new content but doesn’t change the fact that Lineage II is – and may remain – a grind-fest.

Graphics

Fortress battles are an integral part of the new expansion.

For the most part, the graphics in Lineage II haven’t changed drastically from the four years that have passed since the game was initially released. However, that doesn’t mean they’re ugly or lackluster. Just the opposite in many instances, with the support of newer and faster graphics cards, the Lineage II developers have really pushed the modified Unreal Engine to its limits. With support for detailed shadows, reflective water, and a strange view-distance “blur” effect, the game certainly allows those gamers with high-end cards to push their hardware to the limit.

The First Throne expansion continues along this course of pushing the aging engine to the max. With huge pieces of architecture jutting out of the world and floating clouds of purple death hanging over entire cities, you really get the feeling that the Lineage II developers are getting every ounce of power out of the Unreal Engine. The new Kamael character models really stand out from the rest of the races in the game, and the new monsters the designers have added continue to bolster Lineage II’s place in MMORPG history.

Sound

Music and sound effects in most MMOGs tend to be seen as “adders” or something that isn’t even important to the game at hand. In the First Throne expansion, this continues to be the trend. Although there are some interesting tracks to listen to in the home city of the Kamael, the lack of sounds and the raw whistling of the wind tends to make the entire Isle of Souls feel very empty. While the game should relay a feeling of desolation in this area, the sounds don’t need to feel as empty as the actual landscape. Music, ambience, anything would have been better than listening to the constant clanging of my sword against a monster’s hide.

The Kamael's final form is a damage producing nightmare.

Closing Comments

To this particular reviewer, Lineage II: The First Throne was a fun little romp in a world that I had once adventured in long ago. The sheer amount of added content that was brought into the game should make any player perk up and pay attention. From the fortresses to the new raids to the Kamael race, the developers seemed to go all out to bring in new areas of the game for their players to enjoy. However, the game continues to falter in areas where it has continually been judged harshly. The level grind in particular – even with the added new player benefits – can be wearing and almost overbearing in a player’s first encounter with the game. That said players who were once – and are still – in love with Lineage II will find more than their fair share of content to take pleasure in.

Lots of new content including playable race New player experience improved Fortress battles round out PvP system

Continues to rely on grind Game is aging, feels old Sound and music dismally lacking in substance

(3.5 / 5 Hammers)

Ten Ton Recommendation:

A perfect reintroduction to an aging game, Lineage II: The First Throne is a great addition to this particular title. It’s especially worth a look if you’ve played Lineage II in the past and want to get back into the fray.

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