Aeternum: A Whole New World
New World: Aeternum is the latest version of Amazon Games’ MMORPG, originally debuting in 2021 as New World. The original game introduced players to the island of Aeternum, a place filled with supernatural forces, large-scale combat, and battles for survival. Despite initial success, the game quickly began to lose players, prompting Amazon Games to rethink the experience.
Keep in mind that Aeternum is not just an update, but a complete reimagining of the game, combining MMO depth with a more conventional narrative. It is accessible for both PC and console players, with full cross-play support. Let’s explore the island of Aeternum once again to see how it has changed in recent years. Here’s our review of New World: Aeternum.
A Condensed Storyline
The story of Aeternum largely remains the same as in New World, but with substantial improvements. Players take on the role of an adventurer who arrives shipwrecked on the island of Aeternum. The island is filled with corrupted creatures vying for power. The major innovation here is the way the story is told, with cinematic scenes and voiced dialogue replacing simple text. Progress in the main storyline has also been condensed, offering a more engaging and concise experience. What used to take over 150 hours can now be completed in half the time, with much more content packed into each hour, creating a more captivating experience for both new and veteran players.
Fidelity and Performance, Even on Consoles
Visually, New World: Aeternum stands out on all platforms, delivering an immersive experience for both PC and next-gen console players. The world of Aeternum is filled with varied landscapes. For console players, in particular, the game offers an optimized experience, with impressive graphics without sacrificing performance — crucial in an MMO with many simultaneous battles and players on screen.
The transition to consoles has been excellently executed. While the original game was criticized for performance issues, Aeternum’s update has brought significant improvements in stability and graphical detail. Furthermore, the integration of cross-play allows console players to join forces with PC players, creating a more connected world.
Amazon Games has also revamped the storytelling. Cinematic scenes now feature voiced dialogue, with improved animations, providing a more cinematic feel. These enhancements in mission presentation and interactions make the game feel less like a traditional MMORPG and more like an action RPG, which aligns perfectly with console players’ expectations.
The Perfect Mix of MMO and RPG
While it’s still an MMO at its core, new elements have been introduced to appeal to a broader audience. Combat feels intense and fast-paced, with responsive controls. Additionally, enemy stagger animations have been added, enhancing the tactile feel of battles in both PvE and PvP. At first glance, one might think they’re playing a new Soulslike game.
Players can now explore new revamped zones, engage in free-for-all PvP areas, or take on the new 10-player dungeon, considered one of the toughest challenges in the game. Gathering, crafting, and fishing systems have also been expanded, offering more relaxed, solo gameplay options for those who prefer a calmer experience.
One of the most significant changes is character progression. Aeternum has simplified the leveling process, making it more accessible for solo players who prefer not to engage in multiplayer activities. Additionally, expeditions that were once mandatory for progression are now optional, a welcome change for those seeking more freedom in their journey.
Important Changes and Other Highlights
One of the major innovations is cross-play, allowing players from different platforms to seamlessly team up. However, the game lacks cross-progression, which could be a drawback for those wishing to switch platforms. Character customization has also been enhanced, offering a wide range of combat styles and skills.
While the economy has undergone changes, such as the removal of local trading posts that added a layer of strategy, many core systems like faction wars remain intact, allowing players to continue engaging in large-scale battles for territory control.
New World: Aeternum Review Conclusion
New World: Aeternum is a bold attempt by Amazon Games to revitalize its MMO. For players who enjoy a balance between solo content, large-scale PvP, and a rich narrative, Aeternum marks a significant improvement over its predecessor. Although there are still areas that need refinement, this new version makes the game much more appealing to a broader audience.
New World: Aeternum Review
Summary
New World: Aeternum is a reimagining of Amazon Games’ MMORPG, offering a refreshed experience with a more dynamic narrative and accessibility for both PC and console players. With visual improvements, smoother combat, and cross-play integration, Aeternum delivers a more concise and engaging adventure, perfect for both new and veteran players. While it retains elements of its predecessor, this version aims to attract a wider audience.
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