Download New World: Steam's Most Popular Game of 2021
The new MMO, New World, has been highly anticipated for a long time - and it has finally launched in its full version, exclusively on PC. So if you love PC gaming, listen up.
In the game, you wash ashore on an island called Aeternum, seemingly frozen in time - reflected in the creatures and characters you encounter and in many of the dramatic vistas. For example, a massive obelisk at the island's center has shattered in an explosion, its fragments suspended in the air and wrapped in magical energy.
The game is visually stunning, features a unique combat system, and lets you influence the world you'll be immersed in for a long time.
And you can look forward to it.
A bit about the genre (MMORPG) and what to expect
What should you expect from MMORPGs in general? This genre places you in a world filled with other players. You're never truly alone, and you can team up online to take down various enemies and bosses.
The first two "M"s in MMORPG stand for "Massively Multiplayer," and that's exactly the point; not only are the worlds huge, but many players can be in the same place at the same time - often without you losing significant frame rates.
A giant company is behind the creation of this game
Chances are you've heard about this game, as it's developed by one of the world's biggest companies: Amazon. Amazon founded its subsidiary, Amazon Game Studios, back in 2012, and nearly ten years later their first game is ready - and it's not a small one.
Trying to launch a new MMORPG after 2015 is quite an undertaking. It's been a long time since we've seen a new game in this genre perform well and last more than a few months.
But with a giant company like Amazon behind it - and the resources that come with it - people are more optimistic than they've been in a long time.
A few words about the graphics: they're absolutely stunning
It's hard to overstate this: the artists Amazon hired deserve a raise—this is truly an area where the game shines.
Wherever you are in Aeternum, something will catch your eye. Whether it's the mysterious gray, shimmering Azoth tree in Everfall or the Myrkgard fortress in Shattered Mountains with its floating mountain fragments, it's clear that something very strange is happening in this world.
You can visit New World's website, where they offer an interactive map you can use to explore much of the world while you decide whether to buy the game. If you do, note that there's a Standard Edition and a Deluxe Edition with different extras.
Mixed reviews—what to expect from a new MMORPG in the first few weeks
This review was written two days after the original launch, and so far the overall feedback from major gaming sites is that the game is really good—once people can get in and play.
It seems Amazon underestimated how many players would want to jump in—so right now it's not uncommon to sit in a queue for hours just to log in.
Those who did get to play in the first few days say it was worth the wait. In a few weeks the hype should settle, but you're always welcome to queue up if you want to be there from the start.
What can you do in New World?
That's largely up to you. New World isn't as restrictive as many well-known theme park MMOs, yet it still includes a traditional quest system.
You create your own character by assigning attributes and specializing in a specific weapon. As you level up, you can improve your combat techniques and unlock active and passive abilities, attacks, and spells to use however you like.
Action combat means you get bang for your buck
If you love combat, you'll be pleased to hear New World takes the modern route with an action-based system. Unlike classic tab-targeting, it demands quick thinking and fast reactions to what's happening around you.
In other words, you must actively play strategically while trying not to get killed by terrifying monsters.
You can also try some of the other MMORPG giants we've reviewed on the site
You can hardly mention MMORPGs without also saying World of Warcraft, which has sat near the top for many, many years.
In recent years, Final Fantasy XIV has also won a lot of awards, including Best DLC or Expansion and Best Ongoing Game 2020 from PC Gamer and IGN.
You can read more about Final Fantasy 14 and download a free demo of the game right here.
Conclusion
Amazon's New World is a fantastic new game - and for many veteran MMO players who've been missing something to sink their teeth into, this is a great choice.
The game isn't free-to-play, but it doesn't require a subscription. Once you've paid the box price, you don't need to spend more - unless a paid expansion arrives later, or similar.
Download New World
