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Allods Online Impressions: Levels 1-5
We sample the European beta for this subscription less MMO and try our best to stay out of Purgatory
Written by Andy Griffiths, 23 November 2009
MMOs aren't known for their engrossing early levels, but Allod's opening was surprisingly illuminating. None of the long term level content is included in the beta, thanks to the level cap of twenty. Nevertheless you can still get an impression of what this title is capable of and we definitely experienced the constant urge to progress.
When you begin you're met with a screen filled with characters races and professions. The Warrior Gibberlings were our choice, as resisting the troublesome fur-balls was something we couldn't manage. Any class from the League side is available, so for instance you could also be an Elf Mage, Human Paladin, Psionist etc. You can name and customise your character with several different facial, body, hair, figure and colour sliders. As the Gibberlings work in triplets, you'll need to name them all individually and you can customise each one. Working in tandem, they each contribute to your chosen skill, for instance when using the bow and arrow - one will hold the bow, the other holds the arrow, and another pulls it back. It's all part of the cutesy approach which each League character seems to innately inherit.
The campaign begins with you, and many other NPC's, being granted an audience with a prominent League politician. He begins to talk about the peace and prosperity of their great faction, but is soon cut down by a teleporting demon, who also takes out the rest of the delegation. Well, everyone apart from you (obviously), and in-turn the rest of the castle is attacked by the Empire faction. As the castle falls apart in front of your cute, giant, endearing eyes you make your way down to the ground level where you have to protect the remaining civilians and fight off the attackers, which consist of cloaked human figures, animated skeletons and a giant blue demon. We never came across another player during this process which suggests the initial tutorial area is instanced, to safeguard your initial learning experience.
MMOZine Issue 33
For our latest Allods Online coverage, click here to download MMOZine Issue 33 for free.We accomplished level five at around the two hour mark and the early quests involved killing multiple spawning snakes, deer and lynx. Mostly these serve as a quick and easy means for new players to get to grips with the questing formula, but when playing at busy times we found it hard to find enough targets enemies to kill. Obviously this is due to the initial funnelling process, but it does bode well that so many gamers are interested in this game.
All of our time was spent on Evermeet Isle, which is one of the smaller Allods and provides the main settlement area of the beta. Mainly forest and beaches it was very idyllic, and had a lot of character. It's only a small part of a much larger world, but there's still potential here. The ships wrecked on Saviours Coast and the cocky NPC apparently trapped in Grave Grotto were particular highlights.
The opening five levels obviously don't represent a real challenge, but we still found a few ways to off ourselves despite the relatively simple learning curve. When your character dies you're transported to Purgatory, and you're surrounded by other unfortunate players waiting their turn for resurrection. This was by far the most original aspect which we came across on our travels, and we expect this to be almost like a social area when the game fully launches next year.
There isn't much in Allods that deviates from the standard MMO formula, but the consistent high quality and polished nature of everything you come across is significant, especially for a subscription free MMO. That said, this is just a beta to test the server capacity so perhaps it's best to reserve judgement until the game properly opens up.
Allods Online coverage available in MMOZine Issue 33 - click here to download it for free!
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