When people say “MMORPG” I immediately think of Anarchy Online. If you ever put your hands on this game, you were extremely lucky. In it’s prime it had hundreds of clans, tens of thousands of players and few servers to play in.
It was back in 2001 when the world almost collapsed into itself and the much-anticipated Anarchy Online was released. Well, not quite. To be honest, the variety of Online Multiplayer Games was not real big back in the day, so It was big news, but not as big as old AO players like myself think. The release of the game saw the players and critics slay the developers, Funcom. The game was buggy and laggy and there was a lot of criticism.
The game received low scores, such as 69% at GameRankings and 72/100 in Metacritic. The low scores didn’t stop Funcom from releasing patches and new versions, until the game become playable and enjoyable.
A year later, in 2002, The game received it’s first expansion pack named “Notum Wars”, and in the following years more expansion packs followed: Shadowlands (2003), Alien Invasion(2004), Lost Eden(2006) and the last expansion was Legacy of the Xan (2009).
The Desert of Anarchy Online
Anarchy Online’s massive game map can be both a blessing and a curse. While the size of the map is impressive, it can also make the game feel empty at times, with few players populating the last remaining server. Even when you do come across other players, they may just be hanging out with friends at teleport stations (or “Grid” portals) rather than actively playing the game. This lack of activity can make it difficult to fully immerse yourself in the world of Anarchy Online.
Anarchy Online’s decline in popularity can be attributed to a number of factors, including the emergence of newer and more advanced games with superior graphics and gameplay mechanics, the loss of interest or aging of original players, and a lack of support from the game developers. In particular, the lack of moderation on the server, including the allowance of exploitation tactics like multiboxing (playing with multiple characters at the same time), may have contributed to the decrease in player activity on the game.
It’s pretty much amazing how one of the best MMORPG’s, if not the very best of them, is deserted like this. Many players may wonder how I can claim that it is “one of the best if not the best” MMORPG, but I stand by that statement for good reason.
Anarchy Online’s Massive Skill System
Anarchy Online excels in terms of character customization and player skill development. The game offers a wide range of skills that players can increase and build upon, requiring careful planning and strategy for the future. These skills impact everything from character equipment and weaponry to the use of Nano’s, the game’s version of “magic.” Overall, the depth of character development in Anarchy Online sets it apart from other MMORPGs.
players may find themselves spending hours tweaking their character’s bone implants and constantly switching out equipment in order to find the optimal setup. It can be a confusing process, but the attention to detail and customization available in the game make it a rewarding experience for those who are dedicated to optimizing their character.
The character race and class you choose in Anarchy Online have a major impact on your gameplay experience. With the ability to create up to 10 characters per account, players can spend months or even years working to level each character up to the “end game” level of 220. Working towards this goal with a clan (such as the Athens Paladins – greetz!) can make the journey easier and more enjoyable.
Overall, Anarchy Online is a solid MMORPG with a lot of depth and content to keep players engaged. Its unique alien races, customizable skill system, and immersive world make it a standout in the genre. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve, as the game can be a bit overwhelming for new players at first.
Anarchy Online will always hold a special place in my heart, even if I don’t play it anymore. The game requires a monthly subscription, which doesn’t make sense for someone who only plays occasionally like myself. It’s also bittersweet to log on and realize that most of my friends have moved on to other games. Despite these setbacks, I still look back on my time with Anarchy Online fondly.
If you’re still playing Anarchy Online, I’m happy for you. You’re experiencing a game that has a lot to offer, from its deep storylines and numerous discoveries to its enjoyable gameplay. If you’ve never played Anarchy Online, you’re missing out on something truly special. It’s a game that has it all, and I highly recommend giving it a try.
