New World, the ambitious MMO from Amazon Games, finally arrives on the PS5, opening the supernatural island of Aeternum to console players. Known for its stunning visuals, faction-driven PvP, and intricate crafting systems, New World Aeternum has carved out a space for itself in the competitive MMO genre. With its arrival on PS5, the question is whether it translates seamlessly to consoles while retaining the core experiences that have drawn PC players to its shores. Spoiler alert: New World Aeternum offers a captivating world, though not without its share of hurdles.
Welcome to New World Aeternum: A Land of Mystery
The story begins with your character shipwrecked on the mysterious island of Aeternum, a land imbued with a powerful substance called Azoth. This magical essence sustains life on the island but also brings corruption, creating monstrous foes and unsettling environments. The narrative provides just enough intrigue to pull you into its world, but storytelling is not New World Aeternum’s strongest suit. Instead, the game shines through its world-building and player-driven experiences.
Visually, New World Aeternum is a marvel. On the PS5, the environments burst to life with crisp textures, stunning lighting effects, and smooth frame rates. Whether traversing haunted forests, sunlit beaches, or ancient ruins, the game’s diverse biomes offer plenty of eye candy. Realistic water physics, dynamic weather systems, and day-night cycles contribute to the immersion, making Aeternum feel alive. The PS5 hardware ensures improved load times and stable performance, even during large-scale PvP battles, which can get chaotic with dozens of players on-screen.
Combat: A Skill-Based Evolution
Combat is one of New World Aeternum’s standout features. Unlike traditional MMOs that rely on tab-targeting and ability rotations, New World Aeternum opts for an action-oriented system. Every swing of a sword, block of a shield, or shot from a musket requires precision and timing. Dodging attacks and positioning are critical, as combat rewards skill over button mashing.
Weapon variety further enhances the system. You can wield everything from great axes and war hammers to bows and magical staves. Each weapon type comes with its own skill tree, offering unique abilities that cater to different playstyles. Dual-wielding two weapon types allows you to mix and match abilities, adding depth to combat strategies. Whether you’re a tanky sword-and-shield user or a nimble bow-wielder, there’s a playstyle to suit your preferences.
PvP elevates combat to another level. Faction wars, which allow up to 50 players per side to battle for territorial control, are among the game’s highlights. These large-scale encounters require teamwork, strategy, and quick reflexes, creating an adrenaline-fueled experience that’s both chaotic and exhilarating. However, the PvP focus might be intimidating for players who prefer PvE content, as much of the game’s progression ties back to faction-based objectives.
Crafting and Gathering: A Labor of Love
In New World Aeternum, crafting isn’t just a side activity—it’s a core gameplay loop. The game features one of the most intricate and rewarding crafting systems in the MMO genre. You can gather resources like wood, ore, and hides to craft weapons, armour, and consumables. The thrill of watching your skill levels rise as you chop trees, mine for precious metals, or harvest herbs creates a sense of accomplishment.
However, the emphasis on crafting comes with its own set of challenges. High-level crafting requires significant time investment and resource gathering, which can feel grind-heavy. This grind extends to the overall gameplay loop, as many quests fall into repetitive patterns: killing a set number of enemies, collecting items, or defending an area. While the game’s engaging combat and stunning environments make these tasks more bearable, the lack of variety in quest objectives becomes noticeable over time.
The game rewards dedication, and the best gear often comes from player-crafted items rather than random drops. For those who enjoy a sense of ownership over their progression, the crafting system is deeply satisfying. However, for players seeking instant gratification or faster progression, the grind may feel more like a chore than a reward.
A Living World: Factions and Territorial Wars
Aeternum isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a dynamic, player-driven world. Towns serve as bustling hubs where you can trade resources, craft gear, and form groups for expeditions. Joining a faction—Marauders, Syndicate, or Covenant—adds another layer of gameplay. Your choice of faction affects your PvP experience and participation in territorial wars. These wars, which decide which faction controls specific zones, create an ever-changing map that reflects your activity.
The territorial control system adds stakes to gameplay, as controlling regions grant your faction bonuses like reduced crafting costs or fast travel discounts. This player-driven element keeps the world fresh and ensures no two sessions are alike. However, solo players may feel left out of the larger faction mechanics, as the game heavily emphasizes teamwork and guild participation.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
One area where New World Aeternum shines is its accessibility options. The character creation tool is robust, offering diverse options to represent a wide range of players. Customization extends to body types, skin tones, hairstyles, and facial features, allowing for a more inclusive gaming experience.
Additionally, the game includes accessibility features like colourblind modes and adjustable text sizes, ensuring that more players can enjoy the journey through Aeternum. These thoughtful inclusions demonstrate a commitment to creating a welcoming environment for a broader audience.
Challenges and Drawbacks
While New World Aeternum excels in many areas, it’s not without flaws. The grind-heavy nature of crafting and levelling can deter players looking for a more casual MMO experience. Additionally, the repetitive nature of quests and objectives can become tiresome over time, especially for those who prioritize engaging narratives over gameplay loops.
The faction system, while innovative, can also create an imbalance. Dominant factions may control key regions for extended periods, potentially alienating players in weaker factions. These disparities can affect resource access and PvP participation, which might frustrate newer players.
Verdict: A Thrilling Grind
New World Aeternum delivers a visually stunning and mechanically satisfying MMO experience on PS5. The action-oriented combat, deep crafting systems, and dynamic PvP battles make it a standout in the genre. The transition to console is smooth, with the PS5’s hardware ensuring stable performance and quick load times.
However, the game’s grind-heavy progression and repetitive quest design may not appeal to everyone. For hardcore MMO enthusiasts who enjoy investing time into their character and world, New World Aeternum offers endless opportunities for exploration and growth. Casual players, however, may find the experience overwhelming or tedious.
New World Aeternum Trailer
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The code was provided by the publisher.
I reviewed it and edited it with my partner.
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