Ten Ton Hammer - Taking MMO Gamers to the Next Level!

Value

87Very GoodAs far as regular pricing for modern MMOGs TERA has a befitting price tag of $49.99. Included with the box purchase is the first month of game play. To reach maximum level will require anywhere between 60 and 100 hours of gameplay depending on the play style.  During that time you will be able to experience most of what the game has to offer. If you can cram all those hours into the first month the value is quite good. Each additional month will cost $14.99 if you pay by the month with discounts for longer subscription terms (3, 6, and 12 month plans available).

Lasting Appeal

70OkayBy the very nature of MMOGs the game is what you make of it. If you fully immerse yourself and get involved in all aspects of the game including PvP and the Political System TERA can become a social and competitive haven that could make for several months of enjoyment.

The tragedy of this game, though, is that the replay value is shallow. Once a character progresses through the story path it's unlikely the majority of players will want to do it all over again with different characters. The experience in terms of story, quests, dungeons and world exploration will be identical with the only variation coming from the differing style of combat between classes. As such the world feels finite after a relatively short time and the lasting appeal drops dramatically.

For seasoned MMO players that appeal drops even further with the already-tired linear breadcrumb quest grind. TERA's combat is new and exhilarating, but leveling up is the same enterprise we've been drudging through since 2004.

Pros and Cons

PROS - Inspiring environments and art work - Arresting combat system - Potentially profound political system - Thoughtful streamlining of abilities - Diverse class options to appeal to a variety of gaming styles - Players' actual skill level is showcased as opposed to which macros they've pasted in

CONS - Spiritless linear quest grind - In-game communication can be difficult during battle - Humdrum story and lore - Replay value limited by one story path for all classes and races - Cutscenes feel more interruptive than immersive

Conclusion

If we could remove or revamp the quest grind in TERA and isolate the immensely entertaining combat and the animated instances this game would be a must-buy. Unfortunately, though, the leveling plot makes up for such a huge portion of the game that it becomes irksome and detracts from the enjoyment of the game's true strengths. It's like trying to enjoy the Yuyuan Garden from the McDonald's across the street. You can see the beauty right in front of you but you're stuck under fluorescent lighting swallowing another Big Mac.  Sure, you may like the occasional Big Mac but not when you want to be whisked away on what could be an edifying journey.

Throw me into a dungeon crawl with some friends. Give me a hint of something sinister lurking over the next hill and set me out to explore. But please don't make me kill another boar to bring meat to some bloke who wants to have a barbecue.