Review: Lineage II: The Chaotic Throne – Interlude

Compared with games such as World of Warcraft and Everquest, the Lineage II series might seem like the also-ran of the massively-multiplayer online universe.

In fact, the Korean-developed game is one of the most popular, with more than 14 million claimed subscribers worldwide.

Given that MMORPG games are based on an ongoing subscription model, it must be hard for developers to strike a good balance. Your game needs to be accessible enough for newbies not to feel intimidated, yet involved enough to keep confirmed addicts coming back for more.

If the truth be told, we had a few problems getting started. Don’t be surprised if you get a few error messages, though most of the technical troubles you may encounter on startup can be solved by a trip to one of the game’s online forums.

Interlude offers a fairly obvious medieval-style human/elf/dwarf/orc-inhabited setting in which you can choose to be either a fighter or a mystic. Compared with other games of its type, choices are relatively limited at the character-creation stage.

Once you’re in, you may find it a little slow at first. Interlude favours point-and-click character control, which can take a while to adapt to if you’re used to the more modern WASD key method of getting around. Early stages of the game feel very much like an enforced incubation period as your character gains much-needed level-ups and a develops the healthy disposable income required to buy decent kit.

If you’re prepared to put in the time and effort (and pay the subscription fee), Interlude soon becomes more fun – and more addictive. Its simple-but-attractive eastern graphical style and healthy combat-oriented approach helps it stand out.

Like this story? Spread the news by clicking below:

 del.icio.us     Digg this     reddit!