There are certain aspects that make Black Desert stand out

On the surface, Black Desert Online from developer Pearl Abyss is one of the most visually pleasing MMORPGs on the market. Ever since the first video clips and screen shots surfaced of the game’s robust character creation system and highly detailed world, I was intrigued about how the actual gameplay would compare with its visual identity. While I would have liked for the recent closed beta to run a tad longer for more time to spend with the game, I walked away less hyped than before.

Unlike more MMO guilds, BDO puts a spin on it and takes it to a whole new level, consider this, in other MMOs joining a guild or similar function, is just a means of being with other players with a similar mindset or goals. However in BDO there are a few extra steps, joining a guild in BDO requires you to sign that guild contact, signing that contract locks you into that guild for however long the contract lasts, be it 7 days, all the way up to 30 days.

What do you get signing said contract, you gain all the guild benefits, you can help contribute to the guild in many, but you also get daily payment, consider this your work check. Log in as often as possible and collect your pay for the day, the more you contribute between contracts the higher raise you can obtain via your next contract. Immersion in the game world seems to be key for the developers of Black Desert.

Players can choose to be adventurers, assassins, guild leaders and commanders or simply live life as a humble baker, fisherman or apothecary. Mounts and pets are easy to come by and aren’t locked behind a pay wall of premium currency, making getting around the world far easier. The starting island serves as a nice leveling spot until around the level range of 12 to 15, since after that, you will barely make any progress.

In order to leave the island you’re required to complete a series of quests, after which you’ll be telephoned to the village of Balenos. Beware, though, that once you’ve left this starter Island, there’s no way to return back. So, if you wish to explore it to the fullest, take your time. The combat is pretty good as well. Again, there is lot going on and you really need to learn the system however you can play in “easy” mode as well and just button mash if you want. People say MMO are grind but I didn’t feel that way.

Some people were getting to 1- 50 in 15 hours and going from 50 to 55 lot longer but its matter of weeks rather than month. There are variety of classes but annoying bit is that they are gender locked. However note that most class have male and female versions. The aesthetic is one of semi - realism that falls just short of the mark. All the NPCs that you meet are uninteresting and demonstrate huge stereotyping. The voice acting is also, well I’m just not sure. I can’t tell if the actors are heavily accented Koreans speaking English or English speakers trying to affect a Korean accent.

Black Desert Online won me over from the very beginning with its fast-paced tempo and action-packed combat sequences. The game’s huge fantasy world makes for a highly immerse atmosphere, and the music provides the perfect backdrop for your adventure through Balenos and other realms. They haven’t reinvented the MMORPG genre here, but there are certain aspects that make Black Desert stand out, such as the Black Spirit, the extremely detailed character designs, and the ability to go hunting. Another cool feature is the fact that you can practice professions, an interesting expansion on the RPG principle. I think all fantasy fans can look forward to this game, which is guaranteed to provide more than a few hours of enjoyment.