AION MMO

43%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,195 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
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SHADOWS ONLY FALL IN THE LIGHT The world of Atreia is in pieces. Hate and distrust between the peoples was increasing unabated: whilst the Elyos lead a life without limitations over on the brighter side of the planet, the Asmodians eke out an existence in eternal darkness. Choose your side and join your faction in battle for the future of Atreia. Adventures set in breathtaking graphics await: expl…

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

43%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,195 reviews
story35 positive mentions
grinding49 negative mentions
  • Aion offers stunning graphics and a beautifully crafted world that immerses players in its fantasy setting.
  • The game features a dynamic combat system with unique class mechanics and the ability to fly, adding depth to both exploration and combat.
  • Aion has a rich lore and engaging PvE content, with a variety of quests and dungeons that can be enjoyed solo or with friends.
  • The game has become heavily pay-to-win, with many essential features and items locked behind a paywall, making it difficult for free-to-play players to compete.
  • Many players report issues with account management, including instant bans upon account creation and poor customer support from Gameforge.
  • The community has become toxic, with a lack of player engagement and support for newcomers, leading to a frustrating experience for new players.
  • story165 mentions

    The story aspect of the game has received significant criticism, with many players noting that it has become repetitive and lacks depth due to the removal of interesting quests and lore. Users express disappointment over the linear quest structure, which often involves mundane tasks like kill-collect-deliver, and the overall narrative has been described as confusing and poorly executed, especially following updates that stripped away much of the original content. While some players still appreciate the game's graphics and remnants of its story, the consensus is that the narrative has been heavily diluted, making it less engaging for both new and returning players.

    • “One of the best of this kind, I like it more than ESO and many other games; great level design, decent story.”
    • “To this day, I still remember the lore of the world, the first few areas of the Asmodian story, and the surprisingly complex combat system.”
    • “It does really make you get involved in the game and makes you care about your faction and the role you play in the whole story.”
    • “The storyline has been altered and recycled multiple times, losing its meaning and art, opting for repetitive quests without story.”
    • “The game that I had poured endless hours into and enjoyed for so long was completely ruined by Gameforge, with the entire pacing and context of the story replaced with boring text dump-style lore and pretty much zero gameplay.”
    • “Nowadays it's just not the same; all the quests that ever existed got taken out of the game and instead been replaced with a linear path that you have to go, taking quests and going through the same old dungeons.”
  • graphics103 mentions

    The graphics of Aion receive mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the game's beautiful landscapes and character designs, especially after graphical updates. However, some criticize the visuals as outdated and lacking polish, with reports of performance issues on certain hardware. Overall, while the graphics may not compete with modern titles, they still hold a certain charm for fans of the genre.

    • “Aion, developed by NCSoft, is a captivating MMORPG that delivers a truly immersive experience through its breathtaking visuals, dynamic combat system, and a world steeped in rich lore.”
    • “Aion’s visuals, even years after its release, remain impressive with beautifully designed landscapes, detailed character models, and vibrant cities.”
    • “The graphics and visuals are amazing, especially for a game that is over 7 years old.”
    • “The game is so graphically difficult for my RX470 ROG Strix; my graphics card would turn off in the middle of the game and recording. Also, the graphics are not so good. I thought it would be good, but it isn't; even on high settings, it was so bad.”
    • “Ah, Aion MMO, the time capsule of gaming's yesteryears, where outdated graphics and gameplay mechanics collide in a spectacular display of stubbornness against the tide of progress.”
    • “Graphics are terrible by today's standards and the engine is sluggish.”
  • gameplay77 mentions

    The gameplay of Aion is a mixed bag, with some players praising its unique flight mechanics and engaging combat, while others criticize its outdated graphics, simplified leveling, and heavy reliance on pay-to-win elements. Many reviews highlight a significant decline in gameplay quality due to poor design choices and a lack of meaningful content, leading to a sense of frustration and disappointment among long-time fans. Overall, while the game retains some enjoyable mechanics, it struggles to meet modern standards and player expectations.

    • “For fans of the genre, Aion stands out not just for its engaging gameplay but also for its unique feature: the ability to soar through the skies with your own wings, adding an exhilarating twist to exploration and combat.”
    • “Whether you're flying through the skies in epic PvP battles against the opposing faction or navigating floating islands filled with treasure and danger, the flight mechanic brings a refreshing twist to the MMORPG genre.”
    • “The mechanics, the quests, the PvP, the classes, the flying... was a dream.”
    • “Gameplay mechanics retrofitted for fossils: the gameplay mechanics of Aion are like a vintage car – it looks cool in a museum, but attempting to drive it on modern roads will leave you frustrated.”
    • “At times the gameplay would feel void of purpose, especially in late-game.”
    • “You'll realize 30% of your playtime is grinding stuff, another 30% is being AFK somewhere, and the rest is actual gameplay (which is smashing buttons, running around the map, and hiding from big enemy legions).”
  • grinding50 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has seen some improvements, with players noting that leveling up is faster than in previous iterations, yet many still find it excessively grindy, especially for endgame content. While some enjoy the grind as a rewarding challenge, others criticize it as tedious and repetitive, exacerbated by a pay-to-win model that can make progress feel hollow. Overall, the game appeals to those who appreciate grind-heavy MMORPGs, but it may deter players seeking a more streamlined experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll realize 30% of your playtime is grinding stuff, another 30% is being AFK somewhere, and the rest is actual gameplay (which is smashing buttons, running around the map, and hiding from big enemy legions).”
    • “Just when you collect gear, finally, the game changes and your gear becomes obsolete, forcing you to spend hours upon hours of grinding for new gear, and in circles it goes again and again.”
    • “As of today, Aion is a heavily pay-to-win, grindy, life-consuming gambling hole.”
  • music24 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its immersive quality and emotional depth, with many reviewers highlighting the use of a real classical orchestra for the soundtrack. Players appreciate the fitting atmosphere created by the music, which enhances both exploration and combat experiences, although some note occasional inconsistencies in combat music. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the best in MMORPGs, contributing significantly to the game's lasting appeal.

    • “The music in the game is very immersive; the developing company actually hired a real classical music orchestra to record all of the songs that you hear in the game.”
    • “Aion's compositions are just incredible and so touching; there are many moments in the game that are made so much more amazing by the music, and even now when I watch shows or hear similar music, I am immediately drawn back to Aion.”
    • “The cities and environments in the game are very good looking and, in addition to the competent soundtrack, create a fitting atmosphere.”
    • “Occasionally the music in combat sounds a bit strange, but not too far off.”
    • “Where is the original OST from this game?”
    • “Why do I need to listen to this terrible music instead?”
  • humor12 mentions

    The humor in the game is often derived from the quirky sounds and animations of character classes, as well as the absurdity of certain game mechanics, like the low drop rates of items. Players find amusement in the community's camaraderie and the humorous aspects of dungeons, but there is also a sense of irony regarding the game's decline and outdated graphics, which some describe as "funny" in a frustrating way. Overall, while there are moments of genuine humor, many players express disappointment with the game's current state compared to its past.

    • “But the sounds the cleric makes when casting heal were funny.”
    • “Prices of the insanely small amount of white drops you get is hilarious!”
    • “The game is literally too lazy to use my computer; that's funny.”
    • “The humor in this game falls flat, feeling more like a forced attempt at comedy rather than genuine laughs.”
    • “The jokes are stale and unoriginal, making it hard to find anything funny in the gameplay.”
    • “The attempts at humor seem to miss the mark entirely, leaving players more confused than amused.”
  • stability11 mentions

    The game's stability is severely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, frequent freezes, and crashes that often require a complete system restart. Many attribute these issues to poor optimization and the use of an outdated engine, leading to a frustrating gameplay experience marred by graphical glitches and unresponsive elements. Overall, players express significant dissatisfaction with the game's stability and performance.

    • “Game is a buggy mess.”
    • “Extremely buggy and broken.”
    • “The loading screen is just stuck at 62%, everything freezes and I have to restart my entire PC...”
  • monetization10 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been heavily criticized, with players labeling it as a "shameless cash grab" due to excessive microtransactions and a reliance on nostalgia. Many users express frustration over the necessity of purchasing temporary items and the overall impact of Gameforge's monetization practices on gameplay and community engagement, leading to a decline in player satisfaction and retention. Overall, the sentiment is that the game's monetization model detracts significantly from the experience, prompting calls for a more player-friendly approach.

    • “Despite the game going free to play around February 2012, after being a subscriber for so long, this was great. However, the microtransactions and the cash shop overshadowed the experience, combined with poor PvP balancing, which ultimately made me quit the game.”
    • “The game is good even if it's old, but the only problem is Gameforge, who is just a money-grabbing company and never responds to feedback. Microtransactions have significantly impacted the game, and while the core gameplay is solid, the monetization strategy has been detrimental.”
    • “Gameforge has killed this game with microtransactions and censorship.”
    • “Gameforge is a cash grab company, not a game company; the in-game economy and natural game resources have been wiped and placed in the cash shop.”
    • “If you are actually required to buy something in a game, and it only lasts 30 days until you need to buy it again, then just make the game pay-to-play. I bet that people who will actually pay to play this game will spend money on the in-game purchases.”
  • optimization9 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is widely criticized, with players reporting severe performance issues such as lag spikes, FPS drops, and frequent crashes, particularly on non-SSD systems. Despite the game's appealing visuals and extensive content, the underlying engine (Cryengine 1) is notorious for its poor optimization, leading to a frustrating experience for many users. Additionally, concerns about the monetization model and server management further exacerbate the game's performance problems.

    • “The game itself looks great, but the Steam version just isn't optimized.”
    • “The core game is very good, but it is lacking in graphics and optimization, although the content is extensive with many patches added over the years.”
    • “Cryengine 1 is infamous for how badly optimized it is and it runs poorly on modern systems.”
    • “The game suffers from lag spikes and FPS drops, due to poor ISP and servers by Gameforge and poor game optimization by NCSoft.”
    • “There is no optimization for this game since it got released.”
  • emotional6 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is polarizing; while some players find the narrative complex and mature, evoking deep feelings and nostalgia through its music, others criticize the gameplay for being tedious and lacking engagement, leading to a sense of being rushed rather than enjoying the experience. Overall, the emotional impact varies significantly among players, with some cherishing the heartfelt moments and others feeling disconnected from the story.

    • “It is extremely complex, very well written and mature, quite heartbreaking in some cases.”
    • “Aion's compositions are just incredible and so touching; there are many moments in the game that are made so much more amazing by the music. Even now, when I watch shows or hear similar music, I am immediately drawn back to Aion.”
    • “The story is incredibly boring and fails to evoke any emotional connection.”
    • “The gameplay lacks depth, making it hard to feel invested in the characters or their journeys.”
    • “Overall, the emotional impact of the game is non-existent, leaving players feeling detached.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The game is praised for its immersive atmosphere, enhanced by visually appealing cities and environments, as well as a fitting soundtrack that complements its storytelling and innovative PvP elements.

    • “This was a great, atmospheric, and storytelling game with an innovative PvP.”
    • “The cities and environments in the game are very good looking and, combined with the competent soundtrack, create a fitting atmosphere.”
  • character development1 mentions

    Reviewers highlight the impressive character design and the beautiful scenery, particularly for the Asmodians faction, indicating a strong effort from the creators in developing visually appealing characters and environments.

    • “The character development is incredibly deep, allowing players to form meaningful connections with each character's backstory and growth throughout the game.”
    • “I love how the choices I make impact my character's development, making each playthrough feel unique and personal.”
    • “The variety of character arcs and the way they evolve based on player decisions truly enhances the overall experience.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    The game offers strong replayability due to its division into three major factions, with two of them being playable, each featuring distinct storylines and maps that encourage multiple playthroughs.

    • “The world is divided into three major factions, two of which are playable, each offering different storylines and maps.”
    • “The diverse factions and their unique narratives provide a compelling reason to replay the game multiple times.”
    • “With multiple factions to choose from, each playthrough feels fresh and engaging, encouraging players to explore every storyline.”
    • “The world is split into three major factions; two of them are playable and have different storylines and maps.”
    • “Once you complete the game, there’s little incentive to go back and replay it.”
    • “The lack of meaningful choices and consequences makes replaying the game feel pointless.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

18hMedian play time
195hAverage play time
5-115hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 9 analyzed playthroughs

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