The vortex whirls above the lands, beckoning the wayward, and drowning them
in the infinite core. But the journey has purpose, and only those pulled from
the path are subject to the maelstrom of the vortex.
Shadowlands is the expansion of Anarchy Online, a massively multiplayer
online role-playing game from FunCom. It is packed with new adventure, new
monsters, two new character classes, seven levels and a host of other features
that are superbly integrated into this universe.
However, neither Shadowlands nor Anarchy Online is for the casual fan of MMPs.
This is an immersive world that requires players to learn, and learn quickly.
The game is wrapped up in its own technological terms which embraces nano
programming, implants and an array of skills that step outside the boundaries of
most games within the genre. There is so much more happening here that the world
can be somewhat daunting and confusing for the player just starting.
But fortunately, FunCom has foreseen that this game may cause some confusion
and has integrated a thorough helper/assistant system of upper-level players who
can help answer questions newcomers to the lands may have, as well as pull a
newbie from somewhere that he or she should not be.
To begin with, Shadowlands is graphically stunning. The world of Jobe is
a land of beauty; it is lethal but a wonder to behold. There are seven levels, which
are totally distinct themes, from lava-strewn lands to underwater environments
to gardens and lands locked in winter’s glacial grip. Each world is inhabited by
monsters that will group aggro, are extremely tough to kill and will block your
way.
The overall gameplay of the Shadowland expansion is somewhat linear in
nature. There is a goal at the end of the level that must be reached.
Ziana, one of the assistants and a tremendous warrior in her own right,
explained one of the primary differences between Anarchy Online and Shadowlands.
"In AO’s Rubi-Ka, you can choose your mission," she said. "In Shadowlands
missions choose you."
The game features more than 160 new dungeons, and each doorway may lead to a
static dungeon or an ACG dungeon – Auto-Content Generated. The ACG dungeons take
into account the level of the party entering it, the profession and the faction
and then tailors the content for that play or group of players. After 14 single
players enter a dungeon, the room is considered full and a copy of the dungeon
is spawned. This prevents overcrowding and camping.
Another difference is the modification of the AI. There are 40 new breeds of
creatures and with the variations of each breed, more than 1,000 total new mobs.
But these mobs are not the type to just sit there and get whacked on. The
improved AI will actually allow them to run and hide.
The game features two new character classes – the Keeper (which is a
righteous warrior, melee and is based on the Templar knight model) and the Shade
(melee specialist with high piercing weapon skills). The Shade steps a bit
outside the realm of most of the AO characters in that he (or she) cannot use
nano-enhancements and implants. Instead the Shade imbues himself (or herself)
with spirits that release powers into the character. They can also steal life
energies from their victims.
As mentioned, Shadowlands is not open ended gameplay. You cannot advance to
the next level without first completing the level you are on.
Other game features include new faction definitions (there was Clan and Omni
in AO, SL features the Redeemed and Unredeemed) which have their own alphabets;
70 new character heads; and more than 1,000 new items. And there are play-owned
apartments, which can be decorated.
The control elements of this game will take time to get used to. There are
some easy elements, such as attacking, and the chat system is strong though it
can also take time to get used to the various ways in which to chat. Because the
hotkeys are tied to keyboard strokes, you have to hit the enter key to initiate
chat, and you have to make certain you are in the right channel to communicate.
Yes, all this can be confusing, but as your character(s) grow, the whole game
structure begins to fall into place and what seemed foreign and completely alien
at the beginning becomes commonplace.
Anarchy Online Shadowlands is not for everyone, but it is for the player who
seeks a little more hard-core online experience. This is an expansion that has
depth in spite of its linear nature. It is a wonderful bit of eye candy and the
sound track is amazing. The game blends the arcane with futuristic technology
for a fresh take on the MMORPG genre.
This game is rated Teen.
Gameplay: 9
The gameplay of Shadowlands is linear but each level is seamless and the
enhanced AI gives the quality of the game an intelligence.
Graphics: 9.4
The environments of Shadowlands are stunning to say the least. The mobs are well
designed. Some of the character animations are a little stilted in places, such
as running, but other animations are delightful.
Sound: 9.5
The musical score of this game is wonderful. The ambient sounds are solid.
Difficulty: Hard
This game has a big learning curve. There are no difficulty levels per se, but
the seven levels get progressively harder as you go.
Concept: 9.6
The addition of the ACG dungeons, and the entire world of Shadowlands is tightly
and very well designed. This game really advances the playability and challenge
of AO.
Multiplayer: 9.5
The player base in Shadowlands is helpful and friendly. This game welcomes the
newcomer, and it is apparent that the AO and Shadowland’s community is very
interconnected.
Overall: 9.4
This is not an MMORPG that will appeal to everyone. But those who can embrace
the technology aspects, can invest the time to immerse themselves in the jargon
and lore will find an evolving game with depth and challenge. Throw in
incredible environments, an amazing soundtrack and you have a winner.
