While you’re here, could you grab me ten kobold tongues?
Having since returned to it for a few weeks, my thoughts remain largely the same.
Otherwise, they’re rather different, really.
At its heart, Lost Ark is a classically trainedMMORPGmore like World Of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV.
Here lies a pot of gold filled with Guardian Raids!
What a treat, I hear you say.
It’s just, getting there could be an issue.
One where you’ll find yourself setting up camp and toasting marshmallows on the reg.
Regular breaks are needed, you see, as the grind never abates.
That’s because the game follows a strict MMORPG template that’s overly familiar and a bit dated.
The story isn’t too shabby, with some well-presented cutscenes and decent voice acting.
But then you’re pulled into menial objectives and side quests as you bounce your way between towns.
Getting that sweet, sweet EXP means you must embrace the clipboard life.
Here and there, I do as well.
The game’s biggest draw is its combat, which borrows from Diablo and other top-down ARPGs.
In essence, you pound buttons and your character cleaves through waves of enemies with chops and blasts.
My gunslinger opts for three different barrels: dual pistols, a shotgun,anda sniper rifle.
Combat is crunchy and satisfying.
Co-op elevates the game too, as dungeoneering doesnt seem quite right on your own.
Yes, its perfectly doable, but the good vibes aren’t there.
A sprinkle of napalm, a dash of demonic flair, a “What the heck wasthatSteve?
“, as your mate flies into the fray spinning his big honkin' hammer.
Later down the line this does change a bit, though.
More and more bits unlock as you go.
Horses and tigers serve as mounts.
Cute pets hoover up loot automatically.
Romanceable NPCs give you gifts in exchange for biscuits.
Currencies bury themselves in different sections of your inventory: gems and shards and coins anddifferentgems.
These currencies likely come into their own later down the line, though.
I was able to test-drive some endgame characters, albeit without a great deal of context.
I spoke to a blacksmith about Facets and min-maxed some gear in some dizzying game of chance.
I mined a Platinum ore deposit and got more rocks.
There was a whole sailing mini-game, with spearfishing and pirate crews.
I was on a vast tropical island and played some bongos for EXP.
Thing is, I can’t pass judgment on Lost Ark until I’ve reached the endgame myself.
Otherwise, it’s a jarring party of blinged out pauldrons and alien map markers.
The trouble withthatis whether I’ve got it in me to cross the finish line.
I’m not sure I’ve got it in me, honestly.
