Ryzom

The MMORPG genre has fallen on hard times. A lot of clones, stamped games with a complete lack of creative thought. Unfortunately, this is exactly what the modern reality is like, which has been written about more than once on the MMO website13. However, there are developers who try to make really original and interesting projects. Among them, the Nevrax studio stands out, which, back in 2004, managed to bring to light one of the most original and extraordinary games in the MMO genre. We are talking about the Ryzom project.

The Essence of the Game

All the events of the game take place on the planet Atys, where life is in full swing, since any plant and animal is an important part of this world. At the same time, every living organism here is looking for friends and beware of enemies. Accordingly, some monsters destroy others, and at the same time protect others. As for NPC groups, the situation is approximately the same. That is why the planet Atys is never calm and peaceful. For example, raids of huge insects or regular battles between the Kami and Caravan clans are quite frequent.

Game World

In the virtual game world of Ryzom, there are four tribes belonging to the sentient Homin species. The Matis tribe is the proud descendants of an ancient monarchy who are fighting to restore its power. Trickers are excellent creators and scientists who strive for a world without slavery and war. The Firos tribe are strong fighters who are searching for the fabulous Dragon. The most enigmatic and mysterious are the Zorai, who are mystics who protect their planet.

In addition to these four tribes, there are two more clans - Kami and Caravan. They also seek power in this world. The Caravan Tribe are human-like creatures who worship the goddess Jena. They dress in black cloaks and helmets. Caravans live in almost all areas of Atys, using huge transport mechanisms for living. They use unique mysterious weapons.

Even more interesting and extraordinary are the Kami, who are servants of the divine Ma-Duku. These creatures can take almost any physical form. This tribe controls the balance of the ecological system on the planet and severely punishes its violators.

Character Creation

When creating a hero, an inexperienced player will be surprised not to see the traditional division into classes and peaceful professions here. In Ryzom, your character can develop however you want. Instead of classes in the game, there are areas of development, such as fight, magic, forage, and craft. As you gain experience, each direction is divided into two types. That is, the fight direction is further divided into ranged and melee. Further, the melee type is divided into one-handed and two-handed. If you fight monsters with a sword, this will lead to the development of the melee direction. The collection of materials develops the forage line and so on. In general, the process of character development in the game is very close to The Elder Scrolls. Although, it differs in that in Ryzom you will have the opportunity to develop all areas at the same time. That is, if you are tired of close combat, then you can quickly change your specialization and become a well-aimed archer. The replacement occurs without any penalties or loss of experience.

Action Constructor

The most unusual component of the game is the action constructor. It allows you to make original skills and spells from various elements. This allows you to significantly diversify the gameplay. Such a constructor makes it possible to take two attack spells - lighting and fireball - and make one combined spell out of them. In this case, you can adjust the strength of each spell in the combination.

Game Modes

The possibilities of the PvP mode in Ryzom are also quite large. For example, gladiator battles or battles for control of Altars are offered here. Only the Kami and Caravan clans can participate in the battles for the Altars. For pacifists, the creators have specially developed such interesting things as insect raids, crafting opportunities, and collecting resources. Interestingly, the extraction of resources here is worked out very well, which makes it the most realistic component of the game. Therefore, when killing animals, they will not drop items of equipment, but exclusively biological materials, such as teeth, eyes, tongues, and so on.

Graphics and External Effects

The graphics in Ryzom are not the most impressive given the age of the game. Although, it is at a quite satisfactory level. Quite an important role in the game is played by various external effects, such as changes in weather conditions. As a result, various signs appeared among the players, in what weather you can find a certain item.

Outcome

In general, despite the old graphics, Ryzom continues to be popular and in demand. Its advantages are a developed PvP mode, many different tasks, all sorts of unique things, and permanent additions. All of this puts Ryzom in an advantageous position compared to the clones that have filled the genre.

Additional Details

Ryzom, developed by Nevrax and published in 2004, is supported on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux. The game had a development period of approximately four years and was designed to cater to the global MMO market, specifically targeting players who seek unique and innovative gameplay experiences. As of today, Ryzom boasts an active player base of around 10,000 daily players, with an annual player count nearing 250,000. Over the years, the game has amassed a total player base of approximately 2 million. The game's enduring appeal lies in its original mechanics, dynamic world, and consistent updates from the developers.

MMOTOP.ORG Editor's Review

Overall Score: 65/100

Ryzom is a refreshing take on the MMORPG genre, offering a unique and dynamic world that stands out in a market flooded with clones. The game's setting on the planet Atys is rich and immersive, with a living ecosystem that interacts in fascinating ways. The character creation system is a breath of fresh air, allowing players to develop their characters without the constraints of traditional classes.

However, the game is not without its flaws. The graphics, while satisfactory for their time, are now outdated and might not appeal to modern gamers who are accustomed to high-definition visuals. The PvP modes and crafting systems are well-developed, but the game could benefit from more frequent updates to keep the content fresh and engaging.

Overall, Ryzom's originality and depth make it a worthwhile experience, especially for those tired of the repetitive nature of many modern MMOs. While it may not be the best choice for players seeking cutting-edge graphics, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those who appreciate innovative gameplay mechanics.