My first impression including a verdict
Name: Skyforge
Developer: Allods Team, Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher: My.com
Original Released: 16, July 2015 (PC)
PlayStation 4 release: 11, April 2017
Many MMORPGs are being re-released on the PlayStation 4, for example Neverwinter and Warframe. But there aren’t many of them that is worth your time, so does Skyforge fulfill my lust to play an mass multiplayer online role playing game? (MMORPG)
I’ve tried the game a little when it first launched on the PC back in 2015, and I also got the early access for the PlayStation 4 release. And I must say that I’m impressed by the improvements they have done in this game. Not just the graphical improvements as visuals and animation overhaul, but they also fixed a few things on the core system, such as the battle system, added new campaign, the classes are actually playable and many other small issues has been improved.
Graphics and Story
The cinematics and environmental graphics are impressive in Skyforge, even the textures and visuals are strong for an free to play MMORPG game. The colours are bright and beautiful and it will keep your eye engaged for a while.
But as always, almost every games especially MMORPGS comes with it’s flaws. Skyforge is no exception, character customizations, buildings, arts etc are truly set in high science fiction / fantasy setting. But sadly everything feels “boxed” there is no personality in either level design, animations, or even in the setting itself.
The storytelling in Skyforge isn’t quite good, as it seems like they expect players to already know the lore of this universe before starting to play. Script and voice acting is at it’s core basic, not bad but it’s not good either.
Gameplay
It’s in here Skyforge shines and difference from the other MMORPG’s out there. The combat system is excellent and fun to play, it’s fluid and easy to learn even though it might feel over the top. Unlike the others Skyforge uses another system like a action beat em-up. Evasion tactics, challenging combos, lock-on tactics and so on might feel a little difficult in the beginning, but it’s easy to learn. All of the 13 different classes comes with unique skill set and combos, so you better start playing if you want to play through them all.
The user interface or UI as it is called, might feel a little different from the PC version. But that is for the better, because the UI has not been any better as it is now. Easy to maneuver, and players are introduced to this massive system and mechanics easily.
But the biggest question lays in since the game is in “Free to Play”, is it pay to win?
This question is a little hard to answer, because I want to say Yes and No. This depends on what your definition of pay to win is. Some games forces you to pay money so you can proceed in the game, Skyforge is nothing like that. I’ve played Skyforge for a while now, and I haven’t spend any money on the game yet, and I do not feel that I need to pay for more content, armors, weapons etc. But on the other hand, if you really are in a hurry and wants to play with the big league or even join phantoms ( guilds / clans ) the option to buy your power up is there. Overall the game is still fun to play even though that the pay to win factor is there.
The Verdict
Skyforge PlayStation 4 port does not look like to break any records, but the game is gorgeous to look at and with a fluid and strong combat system. The pay to win factor is there, but not a problem. It is worth mention that there is always room for improvement, so that means that upcoming updates might fill some holes in the gap in this game. Overall it’s a fun action packed MMORPG game.
7/10
+ Environmental Graphics
+ User Interface
– Animations
– Story
