WAR (Warhammer Online)

I know there are plenty of reviews out there on WAR and I may not be able to add a great deal more but here is my thoughts.

* Playing empire, EU, Level 10

Installing

Firstly for those that haven't bought the game there are a couple of things to look out for.  Once you install the game it goes to a login screen.  You need to create an account but then you will receive not 1 but 3 emails and you must respond to the first.  Next you need to enter your key on your account.  Nothing strange huh? well there is no prompt at all so a few of my mates were banging their heads wondering why they cant log in.  They could have made this a lot easier with obvious instructions.

Starting out

Initially not overly impressed with the graphics and since I own a high end rig I was dissapointed that the only options allowed is to change screen size and have a default setting of 'high quality', 'performance' etc.  Pretty disappointed with the graphics but read on.

Gameplay

WAR doesnt give it to you on a plate so dont expect clear rules from the outset. However as you play through and complete a couple of quests you soon start picking things up.  The real gem about WAR is that you can access a lot of PvP and group content even at level 2 so no mad grinding to reach max level to get to the fun stuff.  Thumbs up on this. 

Combat

As always combat at low levels is pretty standard.  Point click and shoot or hack.  Nothing too impressive and mobs are docile so its easy to pull one out of a group and the rest will stand around while their comrade gets pwned.  However this does help solo play and its nice not having to run away from 50 critters all the time.  Combat isn't so slow which has been stated in several places.  I thought it would be a very slow grind but its not so bad.  I like the fact that my wizard cant be hit once and owned outright.  However it may be a little too easy to run away on some occassions.  Using cover and obstacles to ambush is useful to.

IMPRESSED WITH

WAR has actually delivered some much needed MMO content that I have been looking out for a long time.  If you are like me and have sparodic gameplay hours and cant commit to a set night to go grinding with your guild mates.  Most MMO's are a pain in the arse because you are constantly standing around waiting for someone to group up with.  I have been screaming out in forums for a game that allows me to click a button and enter a scenario or mission without having to travel 20 minutes and then finding the group has moved on.  WAR has delivered some key gameplay elements which are:

* Scenario's - Click a button and say I am ready and before you know it you get an invitation to enter a Scenario.  1 min later you are on a contested map and slogging it out against the opposition.  Better still PvP gives XP and renown points to cash in for skills and loot. 

* Public Quests - Running past a public quest will bring up the quest on your screen and you can enter at anytime.  Contribute more and you get a better chance of gaining top spot to access the best loot.  No grouping needed but once you are there you can easily jump into one.  These are all over the place.  If you dont get loot for ages you get a bonus for the next drop.

* RvR - Along side PQ and Scenarios there are locations that are clearly marked as RvR and you can run in and defend or attack at your pleasure. 

* Variety - WAR just doenst have one system of loot and cash.  Participate in PQ's and you get points to trade in for items.  Raise your PvP level and you get access to better loot from another vendor and also allowed to increase passive skills.  Complete normal quests and get the usual reward etc etc.  There is not one way of advancing in WAR and the variety will keep it fresh.

Summary

Am I glad I bought the game?  Yes and starting to really enjoy it as the skills become accessible.  There is one underlining factor that continues to bug me and it is the graphics but the gameplay is superior enough to make you see past it.  I imagine later on they may bring in AA or additional shadows and textures but if it lags up because of this then the gameplay suffers.   Its a fine act and unfortunately for RvR graphics must suffer.  Small note on Crafting.  Its a combination of leveling like you do in Vanguard but only the harvesting bit.  So salvage an item and your salvage skill may go up.  The next part is similar to AoC where you have a screen and you pop in the items and push make.  Its adequate and easy to get into but I do miss a hardcore crafting system to support the war. 

WAR is a game that would shine when played with friends or guild mates.  If you are looking for a solo game then I would recommend AoC or Vanguard over this especially if you have a great rig.  PvE is a little stale but that isn't what WAR is all about so its an observation not a negative. 

Hope this helps a bit for those who are still deciding.  Right now I am back to WAR :)

All good points made by the OP.  Nice review.