The Secret World (PC DVD)

I played Secret World during the beta and in the early-access period.

I won't dwell too long on the setting; all the myths of mankind are true and a trio of secret societies have put their differences aside to tackle a rising darkness in the world.

I've played a lot of MMOs (Eve, WoW, LOTRO, Tera, WAR, Rift, SWTOR) and The Secret World is the first one since WoW to really suck me in. It's not like any other MMO I have played.

Funcom have developed a leveless, classless style of play where a player has over 500 skills to choose from, but can only use 7 active abilities and 7 passive abilities at any one time. The abilities they equip define their role. It is hard to describe just how well this works. As you progress through the game, complete missions etc, you unlock ability points which you can accumulate and spend to give your character specific abilities. If, at any point, you begin to regret your choices, you can simply begin investing points in other areas.

The combat feels solid and mobility can be crucial, which gives the game a much more actiony feel. The settings in game are particularly well-executed and it is evident that this is a labour of love.

There are somethings newcomers should be aware of. If your background is from WoW or one of its derivatives, where everything is sign-posted and your hand is firmly held throughout - TSW does not follow this. There are a number of different mission types, one of which is Investigation. For this you will be tasked with tracking down information using loose clues, your knowledge of the local game area and the in-game browser. The game actually requires you to think. I've seen a lot of people just asking in general chat for answers to riddles or codes. If that is your default way of dealing with challenges in an MMO, then save you money and skip this game because you won't enjoy it and the community will react badly. Also, there is none of that respeccing nonsense. If you go deep into pistols and then decide you don't like it, you can't refund your points and invest them in, say, Blood magic, you need to start from scratch. While this may seem alien, it makes sense as eventually a player will have every skill and be able to fulfil every role. But, again, if you want instant gratification, TSW is probably not for you!

Also, there is no world pvp. It doesn't fit the lore and this was a conscious design decision on the part of Funcom. For one, I am glad as in most other games 'world pvp' simply means 'ganking'.

Personally, I think this is the most refreshing MMO I have played in years. The missions are filled with both humour and horror, and there are a lot of references to real life cultural signifiers as you travel through the world. The character customisation options (beyond the character creation which is, admittedly, limited but due to be improved) are so very numerous. I can't recommend it enough and if you are looking for something beyond the usual, check it out.

So far I am very impressed with the game. I have been playing some beta weekends and now since the early access.

I have played many mmos over the years, a lot of time in EverQuest, Anarchy Online and Warcraft. But not since the earlier years of WoW (some 8 years ago?) have I played an mmo that has remotely drawn me in.

But this has.

Good freedom, a core main plotline for your faction, but many missions you can do (or not) in loose order.

The missions are much more cerebral, some even using mock websites outside of the game.

The styling, scenario, music, and atmosphere are all fantastic. Not a hint of cheese. No twee armour and 18 foot swords.

Good amazingly flexible yet simple combat system.

You can only follow 1 main quest at a time (some moaned at first but it works great), so you follow its plot and understand it.

All characters voice acted and animated, with a little cutscene at the start of a mission.

But so far so good. Hopefully the content remains consistently engaging through the game (I would imagine they have learned from Conan).

I was bit dubious of this game at first, but I took a chance and tried it out, having played WoW, Age of Conan and EQ, I'm familiar with these types of games, but this one is just unique, very much like a going through a movie, except you can decide how to play, many interesting plots and quests, and it's set in the modern world.

Fantasy elements alongside guns etc, the atmosphere is truly amazing and it certainly is addictive, takes a few hours to get used to it, but if you stick with it for a day or so, you'll suddenly forget the current troubles in the world and totally lose yourself in this epic fantasy, modern day myth & legend experience, also there's going to be monthly content added, be aware that this is a subscription game, but if you, like me you have a tight budget, just play for a month, leave it for a while then play again when you can spare £11 for another 30 days.

I play a few games, this one being the flavour of the month atm, you get 30 days free to start with. Well never mind Guild Wars II, I'm going to stick with this and the grind that there is, is actually fun!

10 out of 10 well done FunCom! This an MMO that breaks away from the usual dull grind of the usual MMO's. Well worth a try!

You need to actually use your brain for some of the quests and researching things on the net to solve puzzles means you'll actually learn things useful, unlike WoW etc.

Solo or Co-Op play, you choose, or whatever you feel like at the time! So put your seat belt on and get ready for the MMO ride of your life!