Anarchy Online
- February 22, 2017
- Funcom
Anarchy Online is a buggy work in progress that is as likely to crash as it is to suck you in. But when it works, it's a heck of a lot of fun. Imagine Everquest with a sci-fi theme, better graphics, and a compelling story that divides players into two warring factions.
"Anarchy Online is a massively multiplayer fantasy role-playing game set in a science fiction world 30,000 years in the future. Choose from 14 character classes, customize your skills and abilities, and explore a vast, alien world with diverse landscapes. Battle other players, complete missions for rewards, and join organizations to claim territory and resources."
Reviews
- Anarchy Online offers an incredibly deep and complex character customization system, allowing players to experiment with various builds and strategies.
- The game has a rich history and a dedicated community that fosters friendships and collaboration, making it a unique social experience.
- Despite its age, the game provides a vast amount of content, with many players finding enjoyment in its challenging mechanics and nostalgic atmosphere.
- The game suffers from outdated graphics and technical issues, including a lack of updates and a reliance on a new engine that is not well integrated.
- The community has become increasingly toxic, with reports of unhelpful veterans and a prevalence of bots, making it difficult for new players to enjoy the game.
- Anarchy Online's economy is plagued by inflation and exploits, leading to a frustrating experience for players, especially those who do not subscribe.
- story37 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as complex and engaging, offering a unique narrative experience that encourages exploration and social interaction rather than following a linear quest chain. However, players have noted significant challenges in completing missions, particularly for newcomers, due to the need for teamwork and the difficulty of accessing certain quests. While some appreciate the depth and flexibility of the story, others feel that the focus has shifted towards grinding and daily missions, which may detract from the overall narrative experience.
“And this game brought me a story that no other game could provide.”
“Ao also has a well-crafted story, which is not forced upon you if you are not into it.”
“Imagine EverQuest with a sci-fi theme, better graphics, and a compelling story that divides players into two warring factions.”
“You will need some crucial quests which cannot be completed alone, and if you are new to the game, there is no chance in hell you will ever progress without help.”
“For new paid players, though, I hope you like doing daily solo missions and running around alone.”
“Let me tell you though, getting missions to work was difficult!”
- graphics27 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are widely regarded as outdated, with many reviewers noting that they reflect its 2001 launch and have seen little improvement since. Despite this, some players appreciate the unique atmosphere and well-crafted environments that have aged decently, suggesting that the game's rich content compensates for its visual shortcomings. A new engine is in beta, promising potential enhancements, but the overall consensus is that the graphics are not up to modern standards.
“Its old graphics, which aged pretty decently (and are renewable under beta of a new engine), are anyways compensated by 17 years of rich and complex growing content.”
“The game's visuals aged quite well; it's easy to get used to them, and some of the environments are really well crafted to look appealing even with dated graphics.”
“Sure, the graphics aren't fancy by today's standards, but this game has to offer something more than MMO games nowadays.”
“A one sentence review: a complex MMORPG with no hand holding, skill-based PvP and 2001 graphics.”
“- awful graphics, the game was launched in 2001 and not much has been improved graphics-wise.”
“The graphics are outdated at best, butt-ugly at worst.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised for its innovative mechanics and in-depth skill system, making it appealing for players who enjoy exploring game mechanics to their fullest. The gearing system is considered one of Funcom's best creations, and the supportive community enhances the overall experience. However, some feel that certain aspects may not significantly impact gameplay.
“The mechanics and gearing system in this game are some of the best Funcom has created.”
“The game really does have good gameplay and an in-depth skill system; the small, dedicated community is also really great.”
“This is a game made for people that like to see how far they can push game mechanics.”
“It will not affect your gameplay much anyway.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its unique and original concepts, fostering a great community experience. Despite some outdated graphics, players fondly recall the immersive ambiance created by the game's music and overall design.
“Even the graphics seem outdated, but the atmosphere in AO is great.”
“Still, I remember how cool it was - unique atmosphere, graphics, music, and everything.”
“Great community, amazing atmosphere, several really original concepts, some of them unsurpassed to this day.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players note that while the game retains a grind-heavy experience typical of early MMORPGs, many of the more tedious aspects have been streamlined or replaced with alternative progression methods. For those willing to embrace the grind, particularly in pursuit of XP-rich missions and daily tasks, the game offers a nostalgic journey through MMORPG history.
“Now it's all about grinding the most XP-rich places or missions, and doing dailies.”
“A lot of the unnecessary grinding/camping from the early years has been removed or side-stepped by providing alternate avenues for advancement, or the items have been superseded with easier-to-obtain new stuff.”
“Overall, if you really want to explore the past of MMORPG history and you are not afraid of grindy content, you should give this game a try and experience it.”
- monetization6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The monetization model features microtransactions that are not pay-to-win, allowing most players to enjoy the game without spending money. Overall, players feel that the game is accessible and fair, even for those who choose not to engage in microtransactions.
“Microtransactions are not pay to win.”
“Most players get by without ever spending money on microtransactions.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag; while some players find the unique and quirky elements amusing, others criticize the poor animation quality, suggesting it detracts from the overall comedic experience.
“But it also contains many unique, sometimes humorous, sometimes quirky, and sometimes outright weird aspects.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as captivating, contributing significantly to its unique atmosphere alongside the graphics. Overall, it enhances the overall experience, leaving a lasting impression on players.
“Music is captivating.”
“I remember how cool it was - unique atmosphere, graphics, music, and everything.”
- character development2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features extremely complex character development, allowing players significant freedom to shape their characters and make choices that impact their growth and narrative.
“Extremely complex character development; you are mostly free to do whatever you want as a player.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Anarchy Online is characterized by significant stability issues, with frequent bugs and crashes that can detract from the overall experience. Users note that while it has the potential to be engaging, its technical shortcomings often hinder gameplay.
“Anarchy Online is a buggy work in progress that is as likely to crash as it is to suck you in.”