RIFT

Absolutely colossal, Rift aims high and hits its mark, proving that theres room to grow within the traditional MMO format.

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"Rift" is a free-to-play, massively multiplayer fantasy role-playing game with co-op and PvP modes. Create your character from two factions, three races, and a variety of Souls, each with unique abilities and traits. The game boasts impressive graphics, engaging story, and innovative mechanics, allowing you to mix and match abilities and change character builds at any time. Every armor or costume piece you acquire can be used across all your characters, making for a customizable and unique gameplay experience.

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Reviews

74%

Audience ScoreBased on 7,123 reviews

story238 positive mentions

grinding216 negative mentions

story
878 mentions
27 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The story in Rift is generally seen as a mixed bag; while it features a rich lore and engaging world events, many players find the main storyline lacking depth and originality, often resorting to typical MMO tropes like fetch and kill quests. The game offers a variety of quests and dynamic events, such as rifts, which can enhance the experience, but the overall narrative can feel disjointed and repetitive, especially at higher levels. Despite these criticisms, some players appreciate the potential of the story and the immersive world, making it enjoyable for those who invest time in exploring its lore.
- “The story is good with good plot lines and twists but I would have liked it to have voice acted characters instead of text.”
- “Rift has beautiful graphics, unrivaled character customization/leveling system, interesting story, and most importantly this game actually makes you want to play in a group without forcing you to.”
- “The storyline is pushed into you via dialogue placed in the quest windows, or quests that involve you talking to people to get the lore.”
- “In comparison to other MMORPG titles, Rift offers impressive graphics and an innovative soul system, but the storyline lacks depth and originality.”
- “The story exists, it's okay.”
- “The story, however, I find most RPG MMO stories to be this way, was rather boring and hard to follow.”
graphics
658 mentions
51 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The graphics of Rift are generally praised for their beauty and detail, especially when played on high settings, with many players noting that they hold up well for an older game. However, there are frequent mentions of the graphics being somewhat outdated compared to newer titles, leading to mixed feelings about their overall quality. While some players appreciate the artistic style and immersive environments, others criticize the game for its graphical limitations and performance issues on lower-end systems.
- “The graphics and sound design in Rift are also top-notch, with beautiful environments, stunning visual effects, and a rich musical score that helps to immerse players in the game world.”
- “The level of detail and attention to graphic design is truly impressive and adds significantly to the immersive experience.”
- “With its deep customization options, engaging gameplay, and stunning graphics, it's a game that is sure to keep players coming back for more.”
- “Coming back to this game in 2023, its graphics haven't aged well at all.”
- “Far too outdated for me, it's definitely 2013; shame they didn't reinvent the engine/graphics when Glyph passed it on to Gamigo though...”
- “The graphics are just crap; the quests are confusing and the game is altogether terrible.”
gameplay
496 mentions
37 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Rift is often compared to World of Warcraft, featuring a mix of traditional MMO mechanics and unique elements like the rift system, which introduces dynamic events and cooperative gameplay. While many players appreciate the deep character customization and engaging combat mechanics, some criticize the repetitive nature of quests and the impact of pay-to-win elements on the overall experience. Overall, Rift offers solid gameplay with a blend of familiar and innovative features, though it may feel dated compared to newer titles in the genre.
- “Rift offers unique mechanics and immersive world-building that make it a worthy contender in the MMORPG genre.”
- “The gameplay in Rift is incredibly engaging and addictive.”
- “With its deep customization options, engaging gameplay, and stunning graphics, it's a game that is sure to keep players coming back for more.”
- “The gameplay is so boring it had me tearing off my skin and eating it just so I could feel something.”
- “We have 3 short raids which mechanics are so easy that at almost each boss you can make dinner while playing, nothing fancy out of like run out with/from red aoe, use cd at x time and stay in place most of the time.”
- “The gameplay feels clunky, the aesthetic is not pleasing, even the music makes me want to kill myself.”
grinding
224 mentions
1 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
96 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is a significant point of contention among players, with many describing it as tedious and repetitive, particularly in the later stages of leveling and endgame content. While some players appreciate the nostalgic grind reminiscent of older MMOs, others find it overwhelming and frustrating, especially with the added pressure of in-game economies and pay-to-win elements. Overall, the game offers a mix of enjoyable grinding experiences for those who appreciate the genre, but it can become a chore for players seeking a more streamlined progression.
- “Leveling up in this game is not grindy at all.”
- “Free, fair, and not grindy.”
- “And it's not too grindy.”
- “The game is alright at first but it gets super grindy and boring later.”
- “However, since then, the quality of the game has dwindled and it's a nonstop chore to level a character to max. It's such a chore that even after countless hours of grinding quests and instant adventures, my XP bar only moved up 1%.”
- “The last 10 levels are absolutely brutal for grinding though.”
monetization
115 mentions
8 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
37 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it as aggressive and predatory, primarily due to the prevalence of microtransactions and pay-to-win mechanics. While some users appreciate the option to play for free without major disruptions, the overwhelming presence of cash grabs and the need for real money to access certain features have led to a negative perception of the game's financial model. Overall, the monetization practices are seen as detrimental to the game's longevity and enjoyment, contributing to a declining player base.
- “It's free, and while yes you can make in-game purchases for both cosmetic and gameplay purposes, they don't overtly disrupt the flow of the game.”
- “Nonetheless, it is an amazing game that is free to play with in-game purchases that do not affect actual combat performance, keeping it from being a pay-to-win game, which is refreshing.”
- “The in-game purchases are also well managed.”
- “These days it's known for one thing: pay to win and hyper aggressive monetization.”
- “The game's monetization strategy can also feel predatory at times, with microtransactions and loot boxes being heavily promoted in the in-game store.”
- “Microtransactions killed this game.”
optimization
48 mentions
23 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the game has been a significant point of contention among users, with many reporting persistent technical issues, server instability, and poor performance, particularly in high-player areas. While some players have noted improvements with newer updates and graphics, the consensus remains that the game struggles with optimization, often requiring lower settings to achieve playable frame rates even on capable hardware. The aging game engine and reliance on single-core performance further exacerbate these issues, leading to a frustrating experience for many players.
- “The graphics are nicely optimized compared to what it used to be.”
- “The new engine really helped improve this game's performance, and I think it is in a really good spot currently.”
- “Very optimized for any hardware, many events to partake in, and lots of character development.”
- “Technical issues, server instability, and performance problems have been persistent concerns, affecting the overall gameplay experience.”
- “The single core framework that the game was played on for so long had even the best computers struggling because it was poorly optimized.”
- “This game is very poorly optimized; it takes a lot of power to run decent settings at reasonable fps.”
stability
41 mentions
10 % positive mentions
5 % neutral mentions
85 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many users reporting frequent glitches and bugs that can disrupt gameplay, particularly during raids and login attempts. While some players find the game runs well on older systems and appreciate its overall fun factor, others express frustration over persistent issues and a lack of timely fixes from developers. Overall, while not game-breaking for everyone, the stability concerns may deter new and returning players.
- “Runs great on older computers and you can run it in 4K, too.”
- “It runs great and is a great stress reliever.”
- “Zero to no glitches (wow was 7-10 glitches a day).”
- “It's an unpredictable rollercoaster, like a piñata filled with glitches.”
- “Every time I update or press play in Glyph, the game just glitches out and closes the app.”
- “Wont even run, I have a good computer so it's not that, it just freezes on the Glyph screen, and I have to go into task manager just to close it!”
music
39 mentions
33 % positive mentions
59 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its immersive quality and nostalgic feel, while others find it repetitive or lacking in fantasy ambiance. Overall, the soundtrack is described as good but not exceptional, complementing the game's visuals and gameplay, though some players prefer to listen to their own music while playing. The sound design, including combat sounds and voice acting, is generally well-received, contributing to the overall immersive experience.
- “The graphics and sound design in Rift are also top-notch, with beautiful environments, stunning visual effects, and a rich musical score that helps to immerse players in the game world.”
- “Rift’s soundtrack is splendid.”
- “Everything about this game is pretty, and combined with the background music, sometimes you will find yourself just lost in the world, looking around and checking the place out.”
- “I wish the devs would change this music in the intro; it does not vibe well at all, just urgh. Other than that, still great.”
- “The gameplay feels clunky, the aesthetic is not pleasing, even the music makes me want to kill myself.”
- “I just don't seem to like the atmosphere (music, terrain, nature) in the game, something that original WoW had.”
humor
28 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is often highlighted as a strong point, with players enjoying the quirky NPC dialogues, engaging quest lines, and amusing bugs that add a layer of comedy to the experience. While some find the humor to be inconsistent or grating over time, many appreciate the lighthearted moments and funny interactions, particularly in raids and seasonal events. Overall, the game's humor contributes to its charm, making it a memorable experience for players despite its flaws.
- “Quests, seasonal events, and crafting are enjoyable, and there is subtle humor sprinkled through the game.”
- “Lord Arak's raid is probably the better of the two, especially with the hilarious dialogue that Lord Arak bombards you with.”
- “The game is quirky and funny, and gives you a handful of 'what-to-do' constantly, and this is why I love and hate the game.”
atmosphere
24 mentions
50 % positive mentions
38 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is generally praised for its immersive world, unique locations, and engaging cut-scenes, creating a captivating experience for players. However, some users feel that the atmosphere can feel lifeless or generic at times, especially in comparison to other MMOs like World of Warcraft. Overall, while many appreciate the game's distinct fantasy vibe and the variety of environments, there are mixed feelings about the depth and liveliness of the atmosphere.
- “I got so immersed in the world and atmosphere right away.”
- “A well thought out universe, epic cut-scenes and atmospheric locations.”
- “The biggest reason to try this game out, in my opinion, is the atmosphere.”
- “I was hooked for the first three days, but the world is pretty much dead and the atmosphere too.”
- “The animations, story, writing, and overall atmosphere of the game are probably the most generic I've seen in years.”
- “I just don't seem to like the atmosphere (music, terrain, nature) in the game, something that original WoW had.”
replayability
16 mentions
25 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
19 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is praised for its replayability, with many players noting that it offers a significant amount of content and features that encourage multiple playthroughs. However, some users feel that replayability diminishes after reaching the level cap or playing through all available characters, leading to mixed opinions on its long-term engagement. Ratings for replay value vary, with some giving it as high as 10/10, while others suggest it may only hold interest for one or two characters.
- “But where this game shines is its replayability.”
- “Even seven years later, this game still has lots of replayability and lots of new features.”
- “The gameplay does favor World of Warcraft, but by throwing random world events into the mix, it really gives the game its replayability.”
- “Now the only sad part is that replayability isn't very high once you get to the cap and play all of the toons.”
- “Not a whole lot of replayability in my opinion.”
- “I just don't think it really has any replayability past one or two toons.”
emotional
11 mentions
73 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, with some experiencing deep feelings of frustration and sadness due to account issues and gameplay mechanics. Despite these challenges, there are moments of joy and nostalgia, highlighting the game's potential for emotional engagement through its vast activities and community. Overall, the emotional responses range from tears of joy to frustration, reflecting a complex relationship with the game's design and business practices.
- “Tears welled up in his eyes when he realized what exactly was at stake.”
- “Oh god, I don't even know where to start with this game... I cried tears of blood after the first few minutes of playing.”
- “Hard to navigate sometimes but a good wholesome game.”
- “It is basically Guild Wars 2 but with terrible spawn points and really boring storylines.”
- “Very boring story, confusing UI, and horrible launcher.”
- “Anywho, long and exceptionally boring story aside, Trion refused to give me back my old account, because I didn't have the CD code or remember my old password.”
character development
9 mentions
67 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the extensive customization options and engaging character design, while others criticize it for being linear and lacking depth compared to other MMORPGs. Although the graphics and lore are appreciated, some players feel the overall character development is basic and reminiscent of older titles like World of Warcraft, making it less appealing for those seeking innovation in the genre.
- “Cool character design, love the role change. Good graphics and lots of events and quests, so it's not a grind to level :)”
- “The lore is great, and the character designs are fantastic.”
- “Great character design system - one of the best I have seen in an MMO.”
- “The game withholds in-game character development to present paid solutions.”
- “Character development is boring and linear, lacking the combinations and ability to build interesting characters.”
- “This is just a plain old ordinary RPG with nothing special about it. The character development and customization are pretty bad, making it feel like a cheap remake of other games.”