So what are we going to look at this time, well as the title states its TERA, brought to us by Frogster Interactive Pictures, Bluehole Studio and distributed by Ubisoft. This game is a subscription based MMORPG, hack and slash, full of scantily clad female characters and many more diverse races.
TERA is described to us as a “True Action Combat MMO” this is similar to games like Konami’s Blades of Time, which separates itself from the usual play style of this genre . TERA uses up-close and personal combat mechanics to deal out its fury, using multiple combos and abilities that can dodge or counter attack target/s when needed. The combat is where this game really shines through; it’s a unique experience in that you require perfect timing to pull off blocks, dodges and lifesaving counter attacks that will turn the combat situation in your favour. The positioning of your character within combat is also relevant, as there is no highlight targeting system here; it’s more or less run towards a target and attack. Unlike many other RPG’s stats and gear don’t make the game, it’s how you play your class that will ultimately decide the outcome.
The range of classes to choose from in game include an Archer (Range Damage Dealer), Berserker (Close Combat Fighter), Lancer (Tanking Class), Mystic (Healer Support), Priests (Main Healer), Slayer (Close Combat Fighter), Sorcerer (Range Caster), Warrior (Tank & Close Combat Damage Dealer). When you choose your race, choose wisely as it does matter… each race comes with its own bonuses unique to that race and will influence your choice of class you wish to play, in addition each race comes with its own unique story line.
We know the combat is great with TERA but combat is not everything is it? Some of us are drawn to the Graphics of a game, so what are the graphics actually like? Every aspect of the game looks like it’s been taken from a fantasy dream world; it truly stands out on its own. The games runs on Unreal Technology, you can really see that the developers have pulled out the entire library of techniques in creating this game from the lightening effects to the overall graphical design. We also have jiggle physics in this game “Whoop … Whoop! Yes boobs bounce and bums jiggle”. One other thing I almost forgot to mention “Collision Detection System” one of my main peeves in all MMOs was the fact you can just run through everything like they are just not their “How un-realistic is that” you cannot do this in TERA. Enemies and beast you can run through but users forget it … you’ll be head butting friends and players till the cows come home or you could just move out of the way.
Once you hit level 20 you will gain a quest at the Valkyon Federation Headquarters in Velika, the quest is called ‘Uncovering Glyphs’. TERA gives you 300 different types of glyphs; these allow you to adjust your class skills. (This is very similar to a talent tree system which allows you to reduce cast time, lower MP costs or add different effects). You can buy your glyphs from a glyphs master at any time, after purchasing though you need to use your glyphs points to activate each one.
One interesting thing that we need to mention is TERA boasts its own unique Political System; this has never been seen in a game before and can allow players to rule over Provinces, set taxes and do other important things within that region. There is however restriction to who can become leaders; first you need to be level 50, second you need to be the leader of a level 3 guild or higher and finally have at least 20 guild members. To raise the level of your guild you will need to complete guild quests, this allows you to collect Cathanarch awards. Something you will also need to know is if you wish to run for office (Vanarch) you will need an additional 100 Cathanarch awards and 3000 Gold.
So what else has this game got that would get players interested? How about it’s very fast system to find parties… the unlimited crafting skills that allow you to do whatever you want, whenever you want… or maybe finding mobs in game annoys you, the game provides help for you here too by clicking the quest log and follow. Overall the game has a lot going for it, but it also has its downfalls like all games, well maybe not all games but the majority.
So my first pet peeve “Subscription” this game should have been released as a Free 2 Play game with a good Micro-transaction system in place, so I give it less than a year and I recon this game will defiantly go F2P or flop just after it leaves the gates. You may ask why I think this; well there are much bigger and better games out there with a solid platform and user base, with some great story lines that gamer care about. Being that this game is a Korean MMO, the original story is kind of limited and extremely boring. We don’t want to see a game like this go the same way as Mythos. Carrying on, when you first start the game you will feel like it’s a pure grind fest, however this is nothing new in any MMO these days. No developer has yet to come up with something new apart from Star Wars: The Old Republic. They have added “Story Elements” (Cut scene) which makes you connect with your character and feel part of the Star Wars Universe; this does help in many ways, admittedly you need to grind for things but the story line breaks up the time spent
Levelling from 1 – 10 is not so bad, it gives you time to get to grips with the class you have chosen by learn the basics of the game. Levelling from 10 – 20, simply put, is a pure grind fest nothing more; I think I quit the game a number of times during this levelling period as I was just bored senseless. Then we hit level 20, this is when the dungeons start and the game becomes fun again! The “Secret Base” is the first dungeon you will hit; I can promise you now dungeon running is absolutely fantastic. On downing your first boss (Big Boss) you will crave a chance to repeat this feat over and over again… “Which I did”… it’s a lot better than having to grind I can tell you.
OK regardless of the jiggle physics which are fun to watch if you’re a guy, the grinding aspect of any Korean game given to a Western audience will and did totally do my head in. The game story is very generic and boring and in no way makes you connect with your character and his/her progression through the game. The game has loads of content to get your teeth into and great customization features, so you will not look like the same as the player next to you “Yes pay attention World of Warcraft you suck at this”. With all this though I still have to ask myself how long will it take for Frogster Interactive Pictures to admit this should have been released as Free 2 Play.
When looking back at my experience in TERA… the combat… the Jiggle Physics (yes I know before you say it)… the crafting system, I found the overall beauty of the game and dungeons where the only aspect I really enjoyed. I will never understand how eastern gamers love the grind fest, but most importantly why, when a western company takes over the game, they leave it as it knowing full well that this type of element does not go down well with the western audience.” Come on Frogster make the right choices here, make this game what is should be.”
So down to the final drawing line, what is this game worth? I would pay for this game but in no way would I pay a subscription for it. I just feel based on what is currently on the market, Frogster are asking a bit too much. I will say right now after my month free play is over; I will not be playing anymore unless it goes Free 2 Play or Frogster sends us some free game time “No Harm in asking.”
I would say though, if you like grinding (Not the sexual kind) like hack & slash and do not mind being bored shitless for a few hours, then look at the positive side of things, its great dungeons bosses, crafting system, a unique political system, and dreamy graphics then this game could be for you.
Disclaimer:All scores given within our reviews are based on the artist’s personal opinion; this should in no way impede your decision to purchase the game.
