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Anarchy Online

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.
82%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
graphics, grinding
82% User Score Based on 420 reviews
Critic Score 80%Based on 1 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWindowsWindows

About

"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."

Anarchy Online screenshot
Anarchy Online screenshot
Anarchy Online screenshot
Anarchy Online screenshot
Anarchy Online screenshot
Anarchy Online screenshot
Anarchy Online screenshot
Anarchy Online screenshot

82%
Audience ScoreBased on 421 reviews
story15 positive mentions
graphics26 negative mentions

  • Anarchy Online offers a unique and complex skill system that allows for deep character customization and twinking, making it stand out among MMORPGs.
  • The game has a rich sci-fi atmosphere and lore, providing an immersive experience for players who enjoy exploration and community interaction.
  • Despite its age, the game still has a dedicated and friendly community that is willing to help newcomers, making it easier to navigate the complexities of the game.
  • The graphics and user interface are outdated, which can be off-putting for new players and may detract from the overall experience.
  • The game suffers from a declining player base and a lack of developer support, leading to issues with exploits and bugs that remain unaddressed.
  • New players may find the steep learning curve and lack of guidance frustrating, making it difficult to fully enjoy the game without external resources.
  • story
    141 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is often overshadowed by its gameplay mechanics, with many players acknowledging the existence of a complex lore but feeling disconnected from it due to the focus on missions and PvP elements. While the backstory involving the corporation Omni-Tek and the planet Rubi-Ka is rich and detailed, players frequently encounter issues with mission functionality and a lack of guidance, leading to frustration. Overall, the narrative is seen as intriguing but not compelling enough to drive the gameplay experience, with many opting to engage in random missions rather than follow a cohesive storyline.

    • “The original RK backstory is pretty legit, with like a 150+ novel around it.”
    • “I was drawn in by the atmosphere: the fascinating science-fantasy story and the sheer uniqueness of the game, the bizarre, interesting creatures (hi leets) and the outrageously complicated character building system.”
    • “And this game brought me a story that no other game could provide.”
    • “Gonna be honest, I know a story exists but this is going to be an area I have zero idea of.”
    • “Despite having played it for some time, I know little about the actual story or questlines as I generally just find myself running along, leveling, and finding loot.”
    • “Relevant missions are few and far between, poorly narrated and most of the time make no sense at all.”
  • graphics
    113 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Anarchy Online are widely regarded as outdated, with many reviewers noting their clunky and drab appearance, reminiscent of early 2000s games. Despite the release of a new graphics engine, the improvements are minimal, and players are encouraged to overlook the visuals to appreciate the game's depth and content. Overall, while the graphics may detract from the experience for some, the game's unique atmosphere and complexity still resonate with long-time fans.

    • “Yes, the graphics are dated, but they are also surprisingly good for the age of the engine.”
    • “The game's visuals aged quite well, easy to get used to it and some of the environments are really well crafted to look appealing even with dated graphics.”
    • “How the dated graphics can still at times be beautiful, the music full of grandeur and suspense, the mission fun and rewarding.”
    • “In terms of graphics, unfortunately you can feel the age of the game.”
    • “Very dated graphics, and what I saw of Rubi-Ka was very drab.”
    • “Awful graphics, the game was launched in 2001 and not much has been improved graphics-wise.”
  • gameplay
    64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Anarchy Online is characterized by its depth and complexity, appealing to players who enjoy intricate mechanics and a rich sci-fi atmosphere, despite its dated graphics and controls. While some find the gameplay slow and clunky, especially compared to modern MMOs, the customizable UI and extensive content provide a rewarding experience for dedicated players. Overall, it remains a unique title that requires patience and a willingness to learn, making it a gem for those who appreciate its intricacies.

    • “Fantastic game... a complex MMO that has lots of depth and fun action gameplay.”
    • “Tons of content, complexity, and depth, despite the dated graphics and mechanics.”
    • “To sum it up: Anarchy Online is truly a unique game, extremely convoluted with a very unique sci-fi atmosphere and game mechanics, requiring players' extreme forgiveness, dedication, patience, and will to learn.”
    • “The gameplay and controls were clunky at the beginning and didn't feel as precise as I am used to from most other, more modern MMOs.”
    • “In my opinion, it hasn't aged well; a lot of controls and mechanics are very complicated.”
    • “This is a 20-year-old game that is definitely showing its age in terms of the models, the textures, the polygon count, the animations, the camera control, and last but not least, the gameplay.”
  • atmosphere
    22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of Anarchy Online is widely praised for its unique sci-fi and cyberpunk aesthetic, complemented by an immersive soundtrack and rich world-building. Players appreciate the game's original concepts and the engaging community, which enhance the overall experience despite some outdated visuals. The combination of ambient music, intricate character development, and a compelling science-fantasy narrative creates a captivating environment that continues to resonate with players over the years.

    • “However, it has a very unique sci-fi, cyberpunk atmosphere, and wonderful music.”
    • “Anarchy is such a rich game and I still find the atmosphere, ambient music, and landscape so amazing even now.”
    • “The visuals definitely didn't lower the atmosphere or immersion for me.”
    • “I was drawn in by the atmosphere: the fascinating science-fantasy story and the sheer uniqueness of the game, the bizarre, interesting creatures, and the outrageously complicated character building system.”
  • music
    22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising its grandeur, immersive sci-fi atmosphere, and ability to enhance the overall experience. However, some users find it nostalgic yet lacking in quality, leading to a polarized reception. Overall, while the soundtrack is celebrated for its captivating elements, it also has its detractors who consider it subpar.

    • “The music is amazing as well.”
    • “How the dated graphics can still at times be beautiful, the music full of grandeur and suspense, the mission fun and rewarding.”
    • “The soundtrack of the game is really well done and creates a very immersive sci-fi atmosphere, and I generally have to praise the technical status of the game.”
    • “Lol, I turned the music back on after a number of years and, while it was nostalgic, it was still awful music.”
    • “Music - 1/5”
    • “Lol, I turned the music back on after a number of years and, while it was nostalgic, it was still awful music.”
  • grinding
    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Grinding is a significant aspect of Anarchy Online, typical of MMORPGs, requiring players to invest considerable time in farming, camping, and completing missions to progress. While the game retains a grindy nature, some of the more tedious elements from its early years have been alleviated through alternative advancement options and easier access to items. Players who enjoy meticulous character optimization and are patient with the grind will find value in exploring this classic title.

    • “Anarchy Online can be a very grindy game.”
    • “The trickle-down from the paid players definitely stimulates the froob economy, but regardless of whether you're a froob or a paid, if you're not spending real-life money on credits, then prepare for a lot of long hours camping and farming.”
    • “Now it's all about grinding the most XP-rich places or missions, and doing dailies.”
  • humor
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is often described as a highlight, with players finding the grind amusing and appreciating the quirky, sometimes bizarre elements woven throughout the experience. Despite technical issues and outdated animations, the game's unique charm and funny corporate banter contribute to its comedic appeal, making even frustrating moments enjoyable. Overall, the humor adds a distinctive flavor that keeps players engaged, despite the game's shortcomings.

    • “PVP is very optional, woefully behind in terms of combat 'action' and hilariously fun to delve into at times.”
    • “I still have that little map of Rubi-Ka that came with the original retail box pinned to my wall and an instruction booklet with the funny corporate banter between an Omni-Tek manager and a nascent clan wildlife expert.”
    • “But it also contains many unique, sometimes humorous, sometimes quirky, and sometimes outright weird aspects.”
  • monetization
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's monetization model is generally well-received, as it avoids aggressive microtransactions, DLCs, or expansions, and does not implement a pay-to-win system. Most players report being able to enjoy the game without spending money on microtransactions.

    • “This game doesn't shove microtransactions, DLCs, or expansions down your throat.”
    • “Microtransactions are not pay to win.”
    • “Most players get by without ever spending money on microtransactions.”
  • character development
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game features long and intricate character development, offering players a high degree of freedom to shape their characters' journeys. Reviewers highlight the complexity of the character arcs, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

    • “Extremely complex character development; you are, for the most part, free to do whatever you want as a player.”
    • “Has long, intricate character development.”
    • “Extremely complex character development; you are for the most part free to do whatever you want as a player.”
  • stability
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while players report impressively fast load times (under 5 seconds) and only a few minor glitches, some also describe it as a buggy experience prone to crashes.

    • “Anarchy Online is a buggy work in progress that is as likely to crash as it is to suck you in.”

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