Trion Worlds released their widely popular MMO-RPG earlier this year. On its release many players in the gaming community said that this would be the “WoW-Killer”, and in part, they were correct. While World of Warcraft will always hold Blizzard‘s fanbase close to it, the game itself leaves much to be desired for those who came from other MMO-RPGs such as EverQuest. Where World of Warcraft is lacking in these aspects, however, RIFT takes up the slack.
RIFT uses an interface that is extremely similiar to WoW’s and nearly all other MMOs, but, hey, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it, right? RIFT however takes leaps and bounds over World of Warcraft and similar MMOs with its graphics. While the characters have a certain Dragon-Age feel to them, they are highly customizable. And let’s not forget the details and graphics present in this game. Visually, RIFT makes up for everything that WoW lacks. RIFT uses a more realistic color scheme instead of the bright and vibrant, almost cartoony, color scheme that is present in World of Warcraft, which is much easier on the eyes.
RIFT also has a very unique usability that makes this game playable by all, regardless of age. The in-game tutorial, coupled with the interface keeps the players well informed and makes it so that they never have to guess what is going on on screen. The quests automatically display in a quest tracker on the side of the screen so that you always know which step you are on. Additionally, for all quests tracked, the quests are displayed on the map as well as the HUD. There is never any confusion on where you need to go.
Trion Worlds has also successfully implemented several other aspects from other games, into RIFT. The talent trees and classes available allow the player to virtually play any role in a group despite their base class. The massive talent tree is comprised of three trees, all based upon the class builds you have chosen. Along with this, RIFT also contains appearance armor, giving you the option to look the way you want while still wearing all of that phat loot you find in dungeons.
An Earth Rift opening.
The game play also has a certain characteristic to it that leaves the older generation of MMO Gamers reminiscing about the “old EQ days”. Rift is chocked full of world events, known as rifts. Some of them can be tackled individually, while others can be done by large raids. The game definitely gives players the ability to play with others when they want and go it alone when they don’t.
Finally, Trion Worlds goes above and beyond to make the players a part of the community. It is practically a guarantee that if Trion Worlds is showing their games in an area, there will be a RIFT party and Trion does not disappoint.
If you have never played an MMO, RIFT is a great game to start out with. RIFT is also great for those looking to switch it up and try a new MMO. Experienced and non-experienced players alike will find something they enjoy about this game.
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