Legends of Aria
- July 8, 2020
- Citadel Studios Inc
- 60h median play time
Get on Steam"Legends of Aria" is a sandbox-style MMORPG that offers a player-driven economy and dynamic world. Players can create their own adventures, choose from various skills and abilities, and interact with others in a persistent online world. The game features a classless system, allowing players to customize their characters to fit their playstyle. However, be aware that the game has faced criticism for its performance and buggy nature.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Nostalgic experience reminiscent of Ultima Online, appealing to fans of classic MMOs.
- Community servers like Legends of Ultima provide a more engaging and enjoyable gameplay experience.
- Offers a sandbox environment where players can choose their own paths and playstyles.
- Poor optimization and numerous bugs lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- Frequent changes in game direction alienate both PvE and PvP communities, causing player dissatisfaction.
- Clunky UI and lack of clear guidance for new players make it difficult to get into the game.
- graphics84 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are often described as reminiscent of older titles like Ultima Online, with some improvements but still lacking modern quality, leading to mixed reviews. While some players appreciate the retro aesthetic and find the visuals fitting for the game's style, others criticize the graphical performance, bugs, and optimization issues, noting that it can strain even high-end hardware. Overall, the graphics are seen as adequate for the genre but not a primary draw for players seeking cutting-edge visuals.
“Beautiful graphics”
“I like the graphics and interface and I’m convinced the bugs and optimization issues will get ironed out in time.”
“It is like stepping back in time with updated graphics.”
“I would recommend this game to anyone but if you are desiring a game that emphasizes graphics over game quality this may not be the game for you.”
“The graphics and combat are not triple-A quality but the game makes up for it in many other areas.”
“The gameplay, the UI, the graphics, just absolutely everything looks and plays like total and absolute garbage.”
- gameplay62 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
Gameplay in this title is polarizing, with some players appreciating its depth and nostalgic mechanics reminiscent of classic games like Ultima Online and RuneScape, while others criticize its convoluted interface, lack of content, and grindy elements. The game offers extensive playtime and character customization but suffers from issues in PvE balance and overall accessibility, making it a mixed experience for newcomers and casual players. Community servers provide alternative gameplay experiences, but the core mechanics may not appeal to those seeking modern MMORPG conveniences.
“Over 2000 hours of gameplay and still lots to go and plenty of builds to try...”
“The game does have a lot of depth once you learn how the game mechanics work for profession and character build.”
“This game was perfect for scratching a really specific itch I've been having lately for RuneScape-like gameplay with lots of skills to grind, each with their own skill bar/progression.”
“I would not recommend this game because currently PvE and casual gameplay in dungeons are unplayable: well-coordinated murder guilds repeatedly visit popular dungeons to slaughter newcomers and uncoordinated casual players.”
“The buy/sell mechanic is hopelessly convoluted and the maps are awful; it is almost as if the developers have not played a single MMO since Ultima.”
“The gameplay, the UI, the graphics, just absolutely everything looks and plays like total and absolute garbage.”
- story60 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with many players noting that it focuses more on PvP than on developing a compelling narrative. The quest system is described as shallow and unfulfilling, often leaving players to wander aimlessly without clear direction or meaningful storylines. Overall, the absence of a cohesive and immersive story detracts from the experience, making it less appealing for those seeking a rich narrative in their gameplay.
“Quite simply, there was a story continuity.”
“Give it pomp and circumstance, develop a story; no need for voice actors as long as you have something awesome.”
“Does not dictate your decisions by endless questing that you have to finish to unlock special quests or dungeons.”
“If you're out for big raids and a giant overwrought storyline where you're the protagonist, this isn't for you.”
“Quite simply, there was a lack of story continuity.”
“Perhaps if the game had a better introduction, or perhaps some form of story, it might be bearable.”
- grinding54 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is characterized by a significant amount of grinding, which can be both a draw and a deterrent for players. While some enjoy the slow progression and find it rewarding, others view it as tedious and overly time-consuming, likening it to a job rather than a leisure activity. Overall, the experience of grinding varies widely among players, with those who appreciate classic RPG mechanics likely to find enjoyment, while others may quickly tire of the repetitive tasks.
“Lack of content and some grindy mechanics make the game enjoyable only for a few weeks.”
“Boring and tedious, frankly.”
“It has so much grinding that it feels like a job instead of a game.”
- optimization52 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 31 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is widely criticized, with many users reporting significant performance issues, poor animations, and frequent bugs. While some players with high-end systems experience better performance, the overall consensus is that the game requires substantial optimization improvements to enhance the user experience. Many hope that future updates will address these concerns, as the current state detracts from the enjoyment of the game.
“Amazing game, however game optimization needs huge improvement.”
“I like the graphics and interface and I’m convinced the bugs and optimization issues will get ironed out in time.”
“It can be frustrating for sure, but hopefully we'll see some improved optimization in the near future.”
“You must be able to tolerate performance issues despite being able to run much more demanding games smoothly.”
“I cannot recommend this game, as it's poorly optimized, which is not good for an Ultima experience (was playing on Legends of Ultima).”
“First, it has exceedingly poor optimization.”
- stability8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is frequently criticized, with users reporting significant bugs, graphical glitches, and clunky mechanics that hinder gameplay. Many players express frustration over the inability to see or target certain monsters, indicating that the game's technical issues detract from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, some acknowledge the game's depth as a redeeming quality.
“Graphical glitches”
“Absolute garbage game, clunky, buggy, boring combat.”
“I don't mean little bothersome glitches all games have.. I mean.. I can't even see some monsters or target them!”
- monetization8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received negative feedback, with users labeling it a "pay-to-win cash grab" due to the presence of microtransactions in early access, despite the developers indicating a lengthy development period ahead. Critics feel that the focus on monetization detracts from the game's quality and development efforts.
“Negative review is mainly due to the fact that even though this game is in early access, with the devs saying themselves it will take around a year until full release, it already has a working in-game store for microtransactions.”
“This is clearly a cash grab.”
“This game is terrible and comes off as a cash grab, with more effort put into its image rather than its code.”
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising it as evocative and reminiscent of classic titles like Ultima Online, while others criticize it for its outdated 90s synth sound. Overall, it seems to evoke a sense of nostalgia, though opinions on its quality vary significantly.
“The music is very good.”
“I would classify this as a modern Ultima Online, down to the proud, sad music.”
“The music evokes a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic games.”
“The music is from some 90's synth board that should have stayed in the closet.”
“I would classify this as a modern Ultima Online, down to the proud, sad music (lol) and the fact that individual skills are learned at the same slow (00.0) rate as UO was.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express a lack of emotional or financial investment in the game, indicating that it does not evoke strong feelings or personal connections.
