New World Review: Uncharted Territories Awaiting Polish
New World is an MMORPG that lures with its promise of danger and opportunity, testing the patience of the daring with both its charm and flaws.
last updated Dec 08, 2023
New World is akin to an unfinished symphony; there are moments of harmonious glory but interrupted by jarring notes that need fine-tuning.
Crafting a Destiny in Aeternum
Diving into New World feels a lot like stepping into a high-fantasy version of 'Lost'—if the island was chock-full of chores and less smoke monster. The mechanics offer a familiar MMORPG grind with a survival twist. While the world is brimming with missions, combat can get about as repetitive as my playlist on a Friday night. The joy of levelling seems balanced by the combat system's occasional monotony. And yes, friends, the addition of mounts does help alleviate the tedium of map-crossing excursions, but the late introduction and the paywall behind them? It's enough to make your digital boots wear thin.
Aural Escapades and Clashing Steel
The game's soundscape doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but then again, who needs reinvention when craftsmanship was the aim? Walking through Aeternum's forests, you're caressed by an audio atmosphere full of life, your footsteps a soft echo among the trees. Combat creates a symphony of steel and sorcery that is both crisp and satisfyingly punchy. Although where the sound truly shines is in its subtler moments, like the chopping of wood, bringing a zen-like calm before the inevitable storm of battle.
Art that Almost Imitates Life
If New World were a painting, it would hang in the foyer of an avid fantasy lover, impressing most who walked past. But upon closer inspection, one can't help but notice a few errant brushstrokes. The graphical fidelity is nothing to scuff your boots at; it's visually pleasing enough to make you want to explore every corner of its massive world. Performance does sometimes sputter in crowded hubs, like a car on its last leg of gas, but on the open road, it purrs like a satisfied house cat. However, don't jump in expecting photo-realism; instead, appreciate the artistry for what it is—a rich canvas that still yearns for some optimization love.
The Ties That Bind and Bug
The cohesion of New World’s grand design is akin to a knotted ball of yarn — functional, but one pull at the wrong thread and it unravels. The community aspect of the MMO is enchanting, and it can really shine with integrated activities. But beware, solo adventurers may find the world to be lonelier than a vertex without a mesh. Then there are the bugs—glitches that sometimes make you feel like you're beta testing rather than basking in a finished product, with everything from falling through the world to crashing quests faster than a noob flashing their gear at a boss fight.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
Amazon Games
Release Date
September 28, 2021
The Verdict
New World is akin to an unfinished symphony; there are moments of harmonious glory but interrupted by jarring notes that need fine-tuning. Despite the ambitious world and robust crafting system, the performance issues and repetitive tasks overshadow much of the game's innovative potential. It's a jaunt into an impressive, yet occasionally infuriating, fantasy realm that continues to evolve. For those up for an MMO with growing pains, and likely friends to endure the passing weather, the New World is a promising venture—just bring your patience and perhaps your wallet.
