Rift: Storm Legion Reviewed By Luke "Lukaz" Withoos

Rating: 85% (Ratings Key/Explanation)

Many titles these days subscribe to the many doctrines of the MMORPG ilk, however over my time with the genre I have seen few titles pull it off with even a hint of individuality. The Rift expansion pack: Storm Legion, creates a world that is not only individual, but is comprised of the best elements of the genre (without weighing too heavily on the grind that comes with this game type).

After running through the opening levels of the game in the "starter" area (something that all MMORPG titles have), I knew that the world of Rift: Storm Legion would expand to contain more than simply the meaningless grind that takes place in such games to gain level-ups and reach the end-game content. This starting area had sufficient storytelling elements for the gamer to see that this is not just a MMORPG by today's standards, but a rich story-driven title that involves players and NPCs in a world at war that is becoming truly overrun.

Rift takes place in the world of Telara and consists of two warring factions. The Guardians, who are of religious stature where nobility is key. And The Defiant, whose magical abilities and grip on technology make them a fitting foe against The Guardians. These two playable factions are now facing a new evil; Rifts opening up between reality and a world of chaos. All thanks to The Defiants. Nice One Guys!

These "Rifts", which are basically areas of instability that allow evil creatures and the like to enter the world of Telara, are the greatest part of this title and really set Storm Legion aside from other MMORPGs.

Rifts spill out hordes of beasts, including; reptiles, demonic priests, faeries and giant bugs. Yet none of the evil monsters are more impressive than a town under siege from a giant walking tree that repeatedly spawns an army of nature based creatures! Events such as the "Walking Tree" come from certain rifts being opened. If left unchecked they can overrun a town and destroy NPCs that are required to progress to new areas.

The basic formula of gameplay is comparable to other MMORPG titles and Rift adheres to the "MMORPG genre rules" quite closely. Combat actions are controlled by small icons at the bottom of the screen, skill trees are used to gain new actions, quests are provided to aid progression and fast-travel options remain essential for travel across large distances. (Other titles in the genre do require players to travel large distances simply to progress, however Rift : Storm Legion presented no requirement of this).

Rift is a fairly large world however the main quest line tends not to expand beyond a restricted boundary. The graphics engine allows players to experience a highly detailed and atmospheric environment that is rare in titles of this genre. This powerful graphics engine certainly shows off the greatest strengths of Rift and allows for some amazing experiences to be held while defeating the chaotic and demonic forces that are set to tear the world apart.

Beautiful worlds, an extremely creative storyline, exciting and rewarding combat and a score that really sets the tone are all part of an enthralling gameplay experience. The music is the icing on the cake for rift; with every area containing different background music (even combat is accompanied by its own musical component). The moment a unit is engaged, an action tune starts that runs for the length of the combat ending on a solid note once the enemy is defeated. Brilliant Stuff!

Server population is always a big concern when dealing with the mechanics of such a game and we found that the populations are more than sufficient. The community is always willing to lend a hand should you accidentally open one of these rifts and find yourself in a tough spot. Alerts are made clear to players when a rift has opened and often players come from throughout the region to help defeat these foes. This is not without reward for a player who helps out as upon closure of the rift, any players who are participating in the event are rewarded with further experience.

After spending countless hours in front of the PC playing Rift: Storm Legion, I was left with the awfully positive notion that this game is a fantastic example of the MMORPG and what it has to offer. If you are a MMORPG fan, I definitely recommend this title. It is a rewarding experience with a great voice cast and an engaging story. Just be prepared to spend a lot of time playing this one.