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Chrono Odyssey stands out as an ambitious entry in the MMO genre, aiming to deliver an expansive world where players can immerse themselves for countless hours. Developed by Chrono Studio, this title has generated significant anticipation, especially with the upcoming beta test scheduled from June 20 to 22. From our initial impressions, it seems the project is on a promising path, but caution is warranted as missteps in progression or monetization could undermine its potential.
Exploring gameplay mechanics
Chrono Odyssey caters to players who relish large-scale MMOs, where the gameplay experience is rich and diverse. The developers have created a world brimming with activities, including class systems, dual weapon leveling, crafting, dungeons, and a time-traveling mechanic that adds layers of complexity to the gameplay. However, this ambitious design also raises questions: will the execution match the vision? During our limited playtime, we encountered both captivating elements and puzzling decisions, pointing to the need for careful balance.
Crafting and resource management
Our testing included extensive crafting and resource management, with materials segmented by levels, each requiring specific tools reminiscent of survival games. The weapons demand a substantial time investment for upgrades, and the learning curve, particularly when facing bosses, is quite steep. These mechanics could either delight fans of the genre or become tedious obstacles if not integrated cohesively into the gameplay. As of now, comprehensive insights are elusive; we need more experience to assess the overall framework.
Inspirations and influences
New World, another recent MMO, has faced criticism for its handling of various game elements and technical challenges. However, Chrono Odyssey appears to borrow some of New World’s innovative concepts, such as resource gathering and weapon diversity. What sets Chrono Odyssey apart is its medieval atmosphere, shifting away from New World’s colonial themes to present a narrative where players assume the role of protectors in a fantastical realm.
The world of Setera
Setera, the game’s fantasy world, is rife with interdimensional alien invasions and a mysterious emissary who grants players the Chronotector—a device that manipulates time. Although our time with the Chronotector was limited, it promises to reshape battlefields by altering eras and granting new abilities. The ability we tested allowed us to freeze a target in time, facilitating easier attacks; this skill is designed to be accessible across all classes.
Visual and atmospheric elements
The atmosphere in Chrono Odyssey is striking, combining elements of decay, corruption, and golden hues with intense boss battles. However, some in-game assets seem to derive directly from Unreal Engine 5’s catalog, making them feel somewhat generic. Given the game’s timeline before release, it’s likely that many assets are temporary placeholders. It would be disappointing for a title with such high ambitions to settle for mediocrity in its visual presentation.
Class diversity and combat mechanics
During our play session, we had access to three classes: a ranged, a melee, and a close-combat (Ranger, Warrior, and Berserk). Each class offers three weapon choices and an associated skill tree, allowing players to customize their builds without repositioning constraints. I chose the Berserk class, where abilities centered around a buff called Bloodlust, triggered by striking enemies with a large axe or twin axes. Utilizing various combos led to increased damage and health regeneration.
Challenges faced in combat
The combat system in Chrono Odyssey diverges from the typical action-based flow seen in other MMOs. While the moves are visually impressive, players must be cautious. Even at lower levels, enemies prove formidable, and reckless attacks can lead to quick defeat. Although the initial learning curve is forgiving, facing the first tutorial boss revealed the game’s punishing nature. Success hinges on understanding a boss’s patterns and timing; players who master these can thrive even with basic gear.
Progression and monetization concerns
This system’s nature could be both a blessing and a curse, depending on how the game handles progression and monetization. With PvP zones planned, developers aim to foster diverse character builds to encourage team formations for challenging activities. However, historical trends in popular MMOs suggest that balancing classes can be problematic. As such, how Chrono Odyssey approaches this challenge remains uncertain.
Content variety and future potential
Our hands-on experience was limited, focusing on introductory content, but the initial area offered a plethora of activities. Players can mine, fish, engage in secondary quests (albeit poorly written), craft items, and grind experience points from enemies scattered throughout the world. Additionally, Chrono Odyssey hints at a wealth of future content, including dungeons, regional bosses for higher-level access, platforming mazes, real-time world events, raids, and a roguelike extraction endgame where death results in the loss of treasures.
Final thoughts on Chrono Odyssey
After approximately six hours of gameplay, spread over two days, we crafted a new pair of pants and improved our character enough to withstand boss encounters. However, this slow progression raises suspicions about potential monetization strategies involving progression accelerators or resource gathering aids. If Chrono Odyssey lives up to its ambitious claims, it could offer an engaging MMO experience. Yet, if substantial content remains locked behind excessive grind or purchasable boosts, it may struggle to capture an audience in Western markets.
Chrono Odyssey presents itself as the next major Eastern MMO, enticing players with a blend of familiar mechanics and a strategic approach to combat. The progression system raises concerns about pacing and monetization, but the world is rich with crafting and engaging quests. Ultimately, only an extensive playthrough beyond the endgame will reveal the title’s true longevity and whether its lofty ambitions are justified.