Recent reviews by ⑨ ChocolateMystia

Sony reverted their decision, the game is back to being really good (minus some bugs and balance issues).

Server issues on launch aside, the game itself is excellent.

It improves upon the Pokémon formula in every way Game Freak should have for the past 10 years. If they can manage to iron out the issues, and release often updates, this game could become huge.

TRANSMIT - initiate Steam signal - RECEIVE - initiate review sequence - JOIN US - initiate purchase protocol - WITNESS - The Secret World.

Initiate overview.

The Secret World is a modern day setting MMO, which is already fairly unique, but isn't the game's only peculiarity. It has a heavy focus on story and atmosphere, the combat system deviates from the usual MMO formula, and many other preconceptions are either tweaked or totally changed from what people might be used to. The game also has a big focus on customization, allowing players to dress any way they like, and make any skill build they want for a very flexible experience.

Initiate positive reinforcement.

The game's best asset by far is the story. If you can get into it, it's REALLY good, specially the deeper you go, and the more you advance through the Issues of content. The cast of characters is also well developed and entertaining to listen to, really selling you on the setting and what's going on. The quest design is also very interesting: there's not only fetch quests or "kill 10 of this enemy" quests, there's also puzzle quests, or quests that require stealth, even quests that require you to investigate to find an answer, using resources such as Google or the Bible.

Beware. The dark side.

However, the game isn't without shortcomings. For some, the combat might feel a bit lackluster and simple. While I enjoy it the way it is, and as you play you unlock the more fun to use skills, some of the animation or skill effects are a bit underwhelming. The graphics of the game, while overall great looking, can feel a bit dated or have minor errors sometimes. Finally, the game is known to have plenty bugs, from visual errors, to getting stuck, or even failing a quest because of them, but most have easy solutions and workarounds.

Dark days are coming.

Overall, I love this game to bits, and is probably up there with Final Fantasy XIV for my favorite MMO. Its issues are many, and some quite obvious, but the good aspects surpass the bad ones by far. I encourage anyone remotely interested in the game to give the free 10 day trial a shot, you will probably be surprised.

Our wisdom flows so sweet. Taste and see.

Doesn't answer some of the questions long time fans had, nor delivers what most expected, but it's still a really good game. It manages to both have it's own story and wrap up the previous two games with a satisfying enough conclusion. The puzzles range from some of the best in the series to a few dull, repetitive and overused ones. As a last criticism, and one probably everyone notices right away, the graphics and animation are nothing to write home about, but ultimately don't keep what's one of the best stories in gaming from coming through and being enjoyable.

That said, I highly suggest you buy/play 999 and VLR first, either on DS/3DS/Vita, or the upcoming PC ports before delving into this one to fully enjoy it.