You might have heard that the MMORPG Black Desert Online is coming to the rest of the world in the very near future. I just finished playing the first closed beta, and I'm falling in love with the game. Here are my 5 favorite things about, and the 5 reasons you should consider giving it a try.
The Living World
Black Desert Online has one of the most compelling and breathing worlds I've experienced in an MMORPG. There are NPCs absolutely everywhere, doing things, going places, and playing a role in the world. It doesn't feel like the world is a bystander just waiting for you to interact with it. There are merchants, bandits, guards, and civilians all playing a role, and it goes a long way towards making you feel like you're a part of something so much bigger. If you want to get caught up in a huge world and get lost in its wonders, this is the place for you.
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The Character Creator
Black Desert Online's character creator is truly one-of-a-kind. It not only rivals single-player games when it comes to customization, but may just be the best character creator of any game ever. Although that sounds like a bold claim, it's not all that crazy. You can adjust every minute detail of your character's face. Body proportions are completely up to your control down to the muscle group. Hair, facial features, skin, and every color is totally up to you. Most MMORPGs limit your options because they need to make sure armor and costumes work well, but Black Desert Online occasionally sacrifices clipping problems for the perfect character creator.
The Intense Combat
The combat in Black Desert Online is quick, responsive, and full of intensity. There's virtually never a second's worth of downtime in any given engagement. Things just keep happening, whether it's dodging, positioning, or stringing together complex combos. You have to pay attention at all times. Skill is rewarded with results, which is a fresh change of pace from many MMORPGs which just feel like mechanical pattern memorization games in comparison.
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The Graphics
In a world where World of Warcraft is the most popular MMORPG, graphics are often overlooked when it comes to assessing a new rival. Black Desert Online might change that, because it has stunning and realistic visuals that match up to any modern game without compromising on the style and tone of the world in which it's set. Player character models are absurdly detailed down to the strand of hair and skin imperfections. There are lush growths of vegetation and detailed environmental touches on every square inch of the map. Battle is quick and and the animations are consistently fluid and exciting to see. Monster designs are amazing, ranging from the grotesque to the graceful, but always intriguing and intricate. The world itself is beautiful around every corner, the inhabitants look unique and realistic, and the towns are huge and living.
The Complex Systems
Many MMORPGs are toned down to accomodate casual players looking for an easy trip through the game world that's full of easy rewards. That's not Black Desert Online. It's a harsh, challenging, and complicated network of game systems. The economy is insanely detailed and living. The skill tree is ridiculously layered and full of options. Even travel itself is a compelling and difficult part of the game. Everything you want to do requires some degree of work or dedication, but it's all more rewarding because of that fact. This is a hardcore game in the era of casual ones.
And there you have it, the 5 coolest things about Black Desert Online. If you're looking for a new MMORPG anytime soon, definitely give this one a closer look!
The Living World
Black Desert Online has one of the most compelling and breathing worlds I've experienced in an MMORPG. There are NPCs absolutely everywhere, doing things, going places, and playing a role in the world. It doesn't feel like the world is a bystander just waiting for you to interact with it. There are merchants, bandits, guards, and civilians all playing a role, and it goes a long way towards making you feel like you're a part of something so much bigger. If you want to get caught up in a huge world and get lost in its wonders, this is the place for you.
The Character Creator
Black Desert Online's character creator is truly one-of-a-kind. It not only rivals single-player games when it comes to customization, but may just be the best character creator of any game ever. Although that sounds like a bold claim, it's not all that crazy. You can adjust every minute detail of your character's face. Body proportions are completely up to your control down to the muscle group. Hair, facial features, skin, and every color is totally up to you. Most MMORPGs limit your options because they need to make sure armor and costumes work well, but Black Desert Online occasionally sacrifices clipping problems for the perfect character creator.
The Intense Combat
The combat in Black Desert Online is quick, responsive, and full of intensity. There's virtually never a second's worth of downtime in any given engagement. Things just keep happening, whether it's dodging, positioning, or stringing together complex combos. You have to pay attention at all times. Skill is rewarded with results, which is a fresh change of pace from many MMORPGs which just feel like mechanical pattern memorization games in comparison.
The Graphics
In a world where World of Warcraft is the most popular MMORPG, graphics are often overlooked when it comes to assessing a new rival. Black Desert Online might change that, because it has stunning and realistic visuals that match up to any modern game without compromising on the style and tone of the world in which it's set. Player character models are absurdly detailed down to the strand of hair and skin imperfections. There are lush growths of vegetation and detailed environmental touches on every square inch of the map. Battle is quick and and the animations are consistently fluid and exciting to see. Monster designs are amazing, ranging from the grotesque to the graceful, but always intriguing and intricate. The world itself is beautiful around every corner, the inhabitants look unique and realistic, and the towns are huge and living.
The Complex Systems
Many MMORPGs are toned down to accomodate casual players looking for an easy trip through the game world that's full of easy rewards. That's not Black Desert Online. It's a harsh, challenging, and complicated network of game systems. The economy is insanely detailed and living. The skill tree is ridiculously layered and full of options. Even travel itself is a compelling and difficult part of the game. Everything you want to do requires some degree of work or dedication, but it's all more rewarding because of that fact. This is a hardcore game in the era of casual ones.
And there you have it, the 5 coolest things about Black Desert Online. If you're looking for a new MMORPG anytime soon, definitely give this one a closer look!