skip to main | skip to sidebar

Game Reviews

Pages

  • Home

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Rift Review

A lot of the details of the game can be found in the pre-review we did when we first started, so this is more of a narrative as to how the game plays out - to which I say it plays out very good. One of the key aspects of an MMO, we feel, is pacing. RIFT’s pace is exceptional throughout the first 15 levels or so. The starting areas are well craft and unique, expertly introducing you to the basic elements of the game as well as establishing the world and why you’re in it. What’s especially good here is that each of the two factions - the Guardians and the Defiant, have different justifications for the players presence in the world. The Defiants send you back in time in order to try and stop the cataclysm that’s about to consume them, and the Guardian players are resurrected heroes from an earlier battle against Regulos, who want also want to try and save the world from a future they’ve seen.
You don't have to go seal a Rift, but there are consequences for leaving them...
As you come out of these starting areas and into the main world, you’re quickly ushered from one area to the next, never lingering too long in one place. Couple of quests, some exploring, moving on, rinse and repeat. What few gameplay elements you haven’t had a chance to experience yet, you’re quickly introduce too, and before you know it you’ve carved your way from one side of the map to the other, you’re level 15, and you’re finally approaching the steps of your faction’s central hub. Things get a bit unstable for a level or too as you’re hit with several new types of quests, some which require you to go back on yourself, but there is a very natural A to B flow that’s rather nice to follow.

The soul-system adds a refreshing degree of diversity and customization to combat, although combat itself is nothing special and can even a little try at still. Still, the ability to instantly re-spec and change the entire dynamic of your character at little cost really saves the day here. The only criticism we can level against it could be more guidance as to the individual souls themselves, and how they're used, but MMO veterans shouldn't have any problem trying out different combinations.

It might not be Aion's level of pretty, but it's still good
It’s really the Rifts themselves that does this game justice however. We touched on these in the preview, but it’s not until you get into the world of Telara and experience them for yourselves to realise how well they complement the core MMO gameplay. You could be plodding along on your way to your next quest location, when suddenly the sky rips open and zombies are trying to eat your face. You band together with whoever’s about and you defeat this incursion, getting ample rewards for your effort. But these are more than just a casual thing - with potential Rifts opening up anywhere within a given zone, you could literally just spend a session ‘Rift-hunting’. Sure, the reward in terms of XP is little better than grinding, but since there’s a purpose, it’s not really noticeable.

Things can escalate as well, from Rift’s, there are mob invasions which can set up footholds - even by taking over a quest hub which you’ll need to take back. Full scale invasions, with multiple rifts and dozens of mob groups happen several times a day, which take REAL coordination in order to hold back. Trion’s casual approach to grouping as well comes in to play quite nicely here. Whilst there’s the standard guild mechanic, and of course you can just party up with friends - if you’re billy no-mates like me, but need help sealing a rift, the ‘public grouping’ system allows you to causal band together, share the rewards, and then simply drop out again and be on your way. Think of it like a one-night stand, just with even less talking.

As we’ve mentioned before, there’s a whole host of different things that you can get to grips with here, but we’re not just talking about Quests, RIFTS, or even standard things like PvP and crafting. Collectibles form a surprisingly significant part of the game, and actually provide an incentive to explore all the nooks and crannies that, in other MMO’s are really just there for show. There are countless artefact ‘sets’ that you can find items from lying about Telara, and as you complete sets, you can turn them in for rewards and special currency that allows you to but special items. There is also a separate space for lore books, for those interested in that, and you can find collectable books scattered around Telara.

This happy chappy is the first Dungeon Boss you'll come across
It’s not all perfect though, sadly. There is a slight sense that Trion have tried to do too many things at once. Quests, especially when you get to the 20+ areas, become a bit too generic for our liking, and the excellent pacing which kept us enthralled for the first 15 - 20 levels or so seems to slack a bit. Ancillary areas like crafting and PvP also seem to lack the experimental feel that the rest of the game has, and even the dungeons can seem a bit uninspired sometimes. And for all its pushing, the generic fantasy setting - even with its steampunk twists and elemental turns - may not inspire those who are getting a little tired of high-fantasy.

In all honesty though, this is a surprisingly strong launch for a new fantasy MMO. Guild Wars 2 And The Old Republic better hurry along if they want to deliver that innovation they keep promising us, because it seems RIFT already has the jump on them. There's so much here to get to grips with, and it can only get better as Trion already have plans for what they'll do post release. Whether you’re an MMO veteran looking for your next fix, or if you're a newbie looking to expand tour horizons and jump into the genre for the first time, RIFT is an excellent place to start. Just remember - we're not in Azeroth anymore.

Top Game Moment: Banding together to resist invasion in the zone events are immensely satisfying.
Posted by GrimJke at 10:27 PM Email This BlogThis! Share to X Share to Facebook
Labels: Rift

59 comments:

Unknown said...

There's something weird with your post. The font is all white and I need to highlight in order to read it. I'm using FireFox.

Your post was very informative and well written though! I just wish it was in black font so I could read it without having to highlight!

Keep 'em coming. Will follow :)

March 23, 2011 at 9:09 PM
Picnaster said...

This reminds me books with game cheats like Indiana Jones & the fate of Atlantis, Simon the Sorcerer... The text nedded to be higlighted with a transulcent red film.

March 24, 2011 at 10:55 AM
None said...

Sounds like another time vampire where the fun is quickly replaced with fending off X JONGS of rifts every hour.

Also, white font is white on white.

March 24, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Razor said...

Nice! independent game reviewers are in need!

March 24, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Patti D. said...

Very nice! thanks for the review, game looks awesome

March 25, 2011 at 1:31 PM
Razor said...

too much white

March 26, 2011 at 5:59 PM
Lemmiwinks said...

great post. following you

March 29, 2011 at 2:17 AM
Underground Music said...

looks like a decent game, might give it a try

March 29, 2011 at 1:44 PM
tyler-parks said...

I think I might try out Rift!

March 29, 2011 at 1:45 PM
Canon said...

Hmm maybe I'll have to pick this up! Thanks!

March 29, 2011 at 1:55 PM
Unknown said...

Probably not going to get this despite this post. I have heard that earlier games on this platform had huge bugs.

March 30, 2011 at 3:33 PM
7-gap said...

very well written! thanks - i ll keep following your posts!

cheers!

March 30, 2011 at 7:46 PM
Sacrilicious said...

Tried it. Good fun. But I've played WoW for 4 years and need a break from MMOs, so I only played the beta.

March 30, 2011 at 7:52 PM
Stewart A said...

Great review thanks X

March 30, 2011 at 7:53 PM
Antonio said...

WANT

March 30, 2011 at 7:54 PM
Triper said...

Thanks for sharing review, i like this game.

March 30, 2011 at 7:56 PM
Erik said...

Font's normal for me :) RIFT looks a bit like Guild Wars! and guild wars was awesome :)

March 30, 2011 at 8:04 PM
Leizer said...

great game but i prefer wow

March 30, 2011 at 8:08 PM
doomsday said...

Well written, sir!

March 30, 2011 at 8:10 PM
SOMS said...

would like to try it for sure

March 30, 2011 at 8:18 PM
Noodles! said...

Hmm, I've heard of this. I guess I'll try it though...

March 30, 2011 at 8:26 PM
HamBone said...

amazing beautiful game will be following your post daily friend.

March 30, 2011 at 8:27 PM
WizWayne said...

played beta, was mainly just a wow ripoff if you asked me which made it kinda lame but eh if you don't like wow maybe give this a shot

March 30, 2011 at 8:51 PM
Izzy said...

ill follow

March 30, 2011 at 9:03 PM
SR said...

Looks like a solid game for what's available right now. But like you said, just waiting for GW2 or The Old Republic...

March 30, 2011 at 9:07 PM
oops.i.pood said...

Im really fighting myself on this one about buying it or not. i think im going to go for it

March 30, 2011 at 9:33 PM
James Langston Evans said...

those graphics look pretty sweet for this type of game. too bad i don't have time to pick anything else up! thanks for the informative blog though!

March 30, 2011 at 9:47 PM
Josh said...

Awesome review. Pretty indepth

March 30, 2011 at 9:48 PM
MikeRo said...

Very informative blog post. I'm going to follow you

March 30, 2011 at 10:15 PM
cokesyrup said...

This game looks excellent, but I don't want to try it for the same reason I stay away from WoW:
I get addicted WAY too easily.

March 31, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Bremsy said...

I liked this game allot untill I got bored...oh well i might give it a try again

March 31, 2011 at 3:09 PM
BrAd? said...

This looks pretty good,
maybe i'll give it a go when i have a bit more time on my hands.

March 31, 2011 at 3:45 PM
-M- said...

Good review!

March 31, 2011 at 3:48 PM
sculpting in time said...

Looks cool man.

March 31, 2011 at 3:49 PM
drunkprophet said...

the trailer for Rift is awesome, and this a superb review, which has persuaded me into purchasing the game.

March 31, 2011 at 3:55 PM
Ambi said...

I've started playing Rift as well. Pretty nice game, and the soul system is a great improvement to the classic 3-skilltrees system

March 31, 2011 at 3:55 PM
Styron said...

that a nice review for Rift. Alas, i'm the same like cokesyrup. I had played wow for 3 years... now i'm bored with it

March 31, 2011 at 4:47 PM
Unknown said...

Be sure not to get addicted! The game looks cool though.

March 31, 2011 at 9:05 PM
The Greener Side said...

Great review. I've been wanting to play this for a while. All the more encouragement now.

March 31, 2011 at 9:50 PM
SomeRandomGuy said...

Looks quite good, gonna look the gameplay up.

March 31, 2011 at 11:43 PM
EmoGoth said...

A bunch of my steam friends are playing this regularly. I've been wondering about the game but not enough to look it up. Thanks for the post!

April 1, 2011 at 1:59 AM
3DS-Games said...

Might have to give this a shot

April 1, 2011 at 2:07 AM
smigel said...

Looks pretty amazing, i need to try it.

April 1, 2011 at 2:10 AM
Navi said...

im gonna have to pass alot of my friends end up addicted to wow, i can see why though +1 follower

April 1, 2011 at 2:15 AM
Jordan said...

I played the beta for this, but personally wasn't a fan of it.

April 1, 2011 at 2:21 AM
Frag N Bag said...

Rift looks frickin amazing! Great post. Following you.

April 1, 2011 at 2:40 AM
Prowler said...

Very thorough review, I felt like I was playing the game while I read this, definitely following you!

April 1, 2011 at 2:50 AM
Jared Aguirre said...

I've heard so many mixed views about it, but from what I gathered from the gamer bloggers, they enjoyed it. I'm temped to buy it, but like any other game...I'll become addicted, then kick the habit. Haha. But still looks like a good game.

April 1, 2011 at 2:56 AM
Hmecey said...

Seems like a cool game.

April 1, 2011 at 3:00 AM
level85nerd said...

That's a great game :)

April 1, 2011 at 5:58 PM
TheGeneral said...

Played, cant say it was great though, endgame is no fun :(

April 1, 2011 at 6:02 PM
Ano said...

great read! :) thanks for sharing.

April 1, 2011 at 7:38 PM
All about Cars said...

too long didn't read xD

April 2, 2011 at 5:56 PM
Maquina said...

You should summarize your reviews, or split-em in several posts.

April 2, 2011 at 5:58 PM
hemorrhage said...

good game

April 3, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Cree said...

i'm using firefox 4 and i see nothing wrong with the post :/ anyways game looks pretty cool thanks for the review, following.

April 4, 2011 at 1:40 PM
Steve said...

ive heard about this! looks great

April 6, 2011 at 3:13 PM
zahwarudo said...

You all should check out jesse cox

April 9, 2011 at 9:41 PM
Lucas said...

Looks really good! following ;)

April 14, 2011 at 5:34 PM

Post a Comment

Newer Post Older Post Home

Surfer

yousaytoo

Promote Your Blog

Blog Archive

  • ▼  2011 (19)
    • ►  July (1)
    • ►  May (3)
    • ►  April (3)
    • ▼  March (12)
      • Rift Review
      • Bloodline Champions
      • Games PC : Fallout New Vegas
      • Xbox 360 games - Dragon Age 2 Gameplay Demo
      • Silent Hill 2 - Director's Cut
      • Need for Speed Shift 2
      • Gray Matter
      • The Warhammer Machine
      • Dungeons
      • What Went Wrong: Blood Stone
      • DiRT 3: A masterclass in driving thrills?
      • Bulletstorm: Pure first-person shooting fun?

Followers

Powered by Blogger.

Friends

  • Somerandomguy's Blog

Popular Posts

  • (no title)
    spinglo invite About Spinglo Spinglo is the world’s leading bonus plan to all social media, which captures all existing international netw...
  • Portal 2
    I may be the dumbest genius ever. At least, that’s how I feel after playing Portal 2’s fantastic single-player campaign. Many puzzles in th...
  • Dead Island preview
    There are a lot of things you expect to find down a dirt track in Poland. Bears, a vodka factory, an actual zombie. But not the home of th...
  • Rift Review
    A lot of the details of the game can be found in the pre-review we did when we first started, so this is more of a narrative as to how ...
  • LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
    Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars encapsulates the far-reaching breadth of war. Space assaults pit plucky fighter crafts against monstrou...
  • Black Mirror III: Final Fear Review
    In 2003 we watched in horrified fascination as the noble Gordon family of Black Mirror castle struggled to hold an ancient evil at bay. Ye...
  • Games PC : Fallout New Vegas
    As promised, I bring you the PC Game Review of Fallout 3: New Vegas Developer: Obsidian Entertainment For the most part, I've alwa...
  • (no title)
    About Spinglo Spinglo is the world’s leading bonus plan to all social media, which captures all existing internati...
  • Xbox 360 games - Dragon Age 2 Gameplay Demo
    Today I'd like to show you guys gameplay footage of the Dragon Age 2 Demo for the Xbox 360. We can clearly see a shift from turn-based...
  • Gray Matter
    The main reason everyone’s been looking forward to Gray Matter is that its creator, Jane Jensen, was the designer behind the Gabriel Knigh...
 
Copyright (c) 2010 Game Reviews. Designed for MMORPG Games
Video Games, Social Games, Download Farm Stock Photos