Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen

83%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,978 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • story
Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen Game Cover
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"Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen" is a high fantasy MMO that challenges players with social interactions and rewards effort. Set in the world of Terminus, 500 years after the Deicide War, the game tasks players with uncovering their past and unlocking the power of their gods as war looms. The game features a vast open world across three continents with a focus on exploration and social dynamics. Please note that early access may include wipes and certain restrictions.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,978 reviews
gameplay65 positive mentions
graphics37 negative mentions
  • Captures the essence of classic MMORPGs, especially reminiscent of EverQuest.
  • Strong emphasis on community and group play, fostering social interaction.
  • Challenging gameplay that rewards exploration and teamwork.
  • Game is still in early access and feels unfinished, with many features and content missing.
  • Lack of quality of life features such as a map, quest markers, and a more intuitive UI.
  • Death penalties are harsh, including losing all inventory items and experience upon death.
  • graphics281 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that they feel outdated and reminiscent of early 2000s titles like EverQuest. While some appreciate the unique art style and find it charming, others criticize the visuals as lacking polish and modernity, with numerous bugs and performance issues. Overall, the graphics are seen as a work in progress, with potential for improvement as the game continues its development.

    • “Graphics are beautiful and the world is fun to explore.”
    • “The graphics, while not final, serve the game's atmosphere perfectly at this stage.”
    • “The art style even grew on me; once you get out of the starting areas, the zones and aesthetic have a charm that wasn’t apparent at first.”
    • “The graphics are downright laughable - I'm not sure that they are even better than Everquest; in fact, EQ2 probably has better graphics.”
    • “The graphics are incredibly dated.”
    • “The graphics are basic, the UI is basic, but the underlying game mechanics are keeping me interested so far.”
  • gameplay267 mentions

    The gameplay of "Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen" is heavily rooted in classic MMORPG mechanics, reminiscent of early titles like EverQuest, emphasizing group-based play and a challenging, methodical approach to combat. While the game offers a nostalgic experience with its slower-paced, punishing gameplay and unique mechanics like corpse retrieval and climbing, it suffers from technical issues, limited content, and a lack of modern quality-of-life features, making it less accessible for players accustomed to contemporary MMOs. Overall, it has potential but requires significant refinement and additional content to fully realize its vision.

    • “Overall though, it's very addictive, very punishing, and very close to channeling that nostalgic gameplay many of us miss.”
    • “This game does an excellent job of recreating the energy, balance, and mechanics of old school Everquest.”
    • “The gameplay is slow, methodical and without cheap hand-holds, and really helps you to sink into the world that has been created, along with encouraging some incredibly meaningful and fun group play.”
    • “Limited races, limited classes, some gameplay elements are bugged out, and others not yet implemented.”
    • “The classes might balance out eventually, but I shouldn’t be getting 3 different versions of cure in my first 5 levels of gameplay, all of which are largely useless until level 10+. I have to rely on 2 buttons for my entire leveling experience, and once I go out of mana, I have to sit down to rest. Even the rest mechanic is designed badly because it takes 3 seconds for you to start resting while in combat, and even once you start resting, you regenerate every 5 seconds, and it’s a pitiful amount.”
    • “Gameplay feels clunky, and the UI/UX fails to meet even basic standards, and to top it off, I experienced multiple crashes despite running the game on a high-end rig.”
  • story181 mentions

    The game's story and quest system are criticized for their lack of direction and immersion, with no quest markers or maps to guide players, leading to a sense of confusion and disconnection. While some players appreciate the challenge of exploring and interacting with NPCs to discover quests, many find the quests to be generic and lacking in depth, resulting in a bland experience. Overall, the game is seen as a throwback to older MMORPGs, appealing primarily to those who enjoy a more challenging and social gameplay style without modern conveniences.

    • “I love that there aren’t traditional quest markers everywhere; it encourages you to interact with NPCs and truly explore the surroundings.”
    • “For veterans of classic games, it provides that much-missed challenge and community-centric gameplay, making every quest feel like an epic journey.”
    • “It's not a quest hub MMO, but rather one where you go out and explore with friends and probably die a lot.”
    • “It drops you into a starting area where there's no story whatsoever, with a bunch of random NPCs that hardly function or do anything.”
    • “There is no main story quest line to follow.”
    • “The quests are hollow fetch quests and lack any sort of reward that make them worthwhile.”
  • grinding85 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is heavily emphasized, with players noting that it is both a core mechanic and a significant source of frustration. While many appreciate the nostalgic, old-school MMO feel and the social aspects of grinding in groups, others find the slow leveling, tedious quests, and punishing death mechanics to detract from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the experience is described as challenging and rewarding for those who embrace the grind, but it can be tedious and frustrating, especially for solo players.

    • “The grinding aspect feels unforgiving in a good way, striking a balance that keeps it from being too tedious.”
    • “While the combat can feel sluggish at times, it adds an element of unpredictability that makes grinding more engaging.”
    • “Grinding in this game offers a unique challenge that keeps players invested without becoming overly repetitive.”
    • “When you die past level 5, you lose everything in your inventory including bags and money - can be tedious if you don't have a good group or don't actually pay attention and just run and gun.”
    • “There's no map, leveling is a tedious grind, and the graphics, from armor to spells, are underwhelming.”
    • “This game does not challenge its players in any way other than to challenge their patience, and it doesn't reward effort; it rewards tolerance for tedious mechanics.”
  • music45 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its immersive and atmospheric qualities, enhancing the overall experience and evoking a sense of adventure. Many players describe the soundtrack as beautiful, magical, and reminiscent of classic MMORPGs, contributing significantly to the game's charm. However, some critiques mention inconsistencies in the music's familiarity across different zones and a few instances of lackluster sound effects.

    • “The music is magical and makes you just get immersed into the game.”
    • “The soundtrack is simple yet atmospheric, enhancing the overall experience without being intrusive.”
    • “The environment is just beautiful and the music soundtrack is amazing.”
    • “From the perspective of making a new elf character, the character of the game and environment, music, and ease of getting into grouping is all far worse than in EQ, a 25-year-old game.”
    • “Many NPCs lack animations—some don't even have an idle pose and are stuck in the default 'T-pose.' The music and sound effects are either lackluster or completely absent.”
    • “The sound music every single thing about this game is nowhere close to release.”
  • optimization31 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising the stability and performance improvements in recent updates, while others criticize it as poorly optimized, particularly on high-end hardware and laptops. Many users report significant performance issues, including low frame rates and graphical bugs, despite the game's low-poly graphics. Overall, while there are signs of progress, the game still faces substantial optimization challenges that need to be addressed.

    • “The early access build of Pantheon feels incredibly stable, and the performance is impressive.”
    • “It’s clear the developers have made optimization a priority.”
    • “Performance is solid even on mid-range hardware.”
    • “Mechanics, worldbuilding and level design are interesting, but optimization is terrible.”
    • “The game is poorly optimized, running terribly even on high-end hardware despite its low-poly graphics.”
    • “Despite a decade of development, the game feels woefully unpolished and unoptimized, as if it has been hastily cobbled together in under a year.”
  • stability22 mentions

    The game's stability is a mixed bag, as it is currently in alpha and users report a range of bugs and glitches, including issues with the UI, terrain, and animations. While many acknowledge the game's unfinished state and the presence of numerous bugs, some players still find enjoyment in the core gameplay and believe the foundational elements are promising. Overall, players should expect a janky experience with significant room for improvement, but some are willing to overlook these issues for the potential of the game.

    • “Surprisingly bug-free and smooth for an alpha.”
    • “Do not expect to have a bug-free experience as of yet, but do not let that discourage you from giving it a try.”
    • “Game is terrible and still so buggy.”
    • “Very buggy, 10+ years of development and this is the result...needs a good bit of refinement still.”
    • “The current state of the game is buggy, unpolished, and unbalanced.”
  • atmosphere19 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and nostalgic qualities, evoking a sense of adventure reminiscent of classic MMORPGs. While the graphics are still in development, they effectively support the overall ambiance, complemented by a well-crafted soundtrack and sound design that enhance the experience. Players appreciate the vibrant colors and distinct environments, though some note a need for more variety and polish in early game zones.

    • “Pantheon’s world is beautifully crafted, with an atmosphere that rekindles the sense of adventure and mystery I’ve missed since EverQuest’s early days.”
    • “Game has something special about it; I like the music, the atmosphere, I feel immersed in the world and I like it. Sure, it needs improvements, but it has great potential and a solid base.”
    • “It has that cozy and chill old school MMORPG vibe that I loved so much in EQ. I'm really pleased with the atmosphere VR created in the game because sonically, everything is really pleasing to the ear and well balanced. The music and sound effects blend together really well.”
    • “The atmosphere of the two areas I tried - the evil hovel is such a vibe, and after that being out and about in the human area which has beautiful vistas that you can admire (until you get stepped on by an aggro mob, lol).”
    • “What I like: the combat/exploration, the vibe/atmosphere, the devs - particularly Joppa - love this game, and it shows.”
  • monetization18 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has sparked significant concern among users, with many criticizing the lack of a clear pricing strategy and fearing it may devolve into a cash grab. While some appreciate the absence of microtransactions and the focus on community and experience, others express skepticism about the game's long-term viability and potential for pay-to-win mechanics. Overall, players are wary of the developers' intentions and the game's unfinished state, leading to mixed feelings about its future monetization model.

    • “You can't buy your success with microtransactions or tokens; you have to go out there and earn it.”
    • “Really hope they stick with their guns on not using microtransactions and keeping things a bit more hardcore.”
    • “We haven't decided on a monetization model for when the game goes into full release yet.”
    • “The current generation of MMORPGs seems to be over-monetized, pay-to-win, cash grabs that have virtually killed the spirit of what it originally meant to play these types of games.”
    • “The developers haven't decided on a monetization model for when the game goes into full release yet.”
    • “I requested a refund; I am not even able to log in to play, and there is absolutely no support, just another cash grab from these guys trying to fund a few more years until it's sold to Daybreak Games and gets shelved.”
  • emotional9 mentions

    Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, recalling feelings of nostalgia and immersion reminiscent of their early gaming experiences. The sense of vulnerability and progression, alongside the fear of losing character development, enhances their investment in the game world. Overall, the emotional impact is significant, with many feeling a strong bond to their characters and the game's environment.

    • “No game has made me feel like a lost and blind barbarian making a wrong turn in Blackburrow and being stuck in a pit of darkness.”
    • “It's been a long time since a game has made me feel this way.”
    • “I'll draft a full review over time, but the fact is I've emotionally bonded with the world you log into in this game.”
  • humor6 mentions

    The humor in the game is perceived as both intentional and ironic, with players finding amusement in the disconnect between the game's rating and its comedic elements. Critics' complaints about graphics and difficulty are seen as humorous, reflecting a lack of genuine engagement with the game. Overall, the humor is likened to a Hollywood producer's mockery of their audience, highlighting a satirical take on the gaming industry.

    • “Honestly, it's hilarious.”
    • “No hand holding, triggers so many zennials with difficulty which is funny.”
    • “Some of the criticism here is funny and shows no real attempt to try the game.”
  • character development3 mentions

    Reviews indicate that while the game shows potential for character development, it currently lacks clarity in its skill and character progression systems. Players express a desire for more depth in character design and class options, suggesting that improvements in these areas could enhance the overall experience, especially for fans of classic MMOs.

    • “Early access, rough around the edges, but great character design and old EQ vibes without the class suck so far.”
    • “Would they add some hardcore PvP, clearer skill/character development system, some originalities, and more soul and storytelling to this early game, it could be a blast for many desperate 'old school' MMO players like me, I believe.”
    • “Second issue, and I know this is early access so I expect it to be fixed over time, but character design, creation, and class availability is the pits.”
    • “Would they add some hardcore PvP, clearer skill/character development system, some originalities, and more soul and storytelling to this early game? It could be a blast for many desperate 'old school' MMO players like me, I believe.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    Project Gorgon offers a unique identity within the MMO genre, making it a compelling choice for players seeking a niche experience with significant replayability. Its distinct features and ongoing development contribute to a more engaging and varied gameplay experience.

    • “Project Gorgon offers a unique experience that keeps you coming back for more, thanks to its diverse gameplay mechanics and character customization.”
    • “The game's world is rich with secrets and hidden content, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
    • “With multiple classes and skill combinations, every run can feel completely different, enhancing the overall replayability.”
    • “The game lacks meaningful content updates, making it hard to find reasons to replay.”
    • “Once you've completed the main storyline, there's little incentive to dive back in.”
    • “The repetitive gameplay mechanics make it feel like a chore to replay.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen

Play time

43hMedian play time
50hAverage play time
9-89hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 25 analyzed playthroughs

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