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MONSTER

Throne and Liberty

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Throne and Liberty
Item: Throne and Liberty
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 1, 2024

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperNCSOFT

Overview

Throne and Liberty is a free-to-play MMORPG that takes place in the vast open world of Solisium. Explore a land full of depth and opportunity, scale expansive mountain ranges for new vantage points, scan the open skies, and traverse sprawling plains. Adapt your fight to survive and thrive through strategic decisions in PvP, PvE or both as you encounter evolving battlefields impacted by weather, time of day, and other players. There is no single path to victory as you seek to defeat Kazar and claim the throne while keeping rival guilds at bay.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Throne and Liberty offers an engaging narrative with unique elements, like characters seeking power from Star Fragments. However, critics widely agree that it suffers from clichéd tropes, poor localization, and a lack of depth, leaving the overall experience disappointing despite its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions regarding the story of Throne and Liberty present a mixed bag of sentiments, with some critics highlighting positive aspects that contribute to the overall experience. For instance, GamersRD notes that the narrative is engaging and fosters a personal connection to the protagonist, enhancing the storytelling experience. Similarly, Gaming Nexus appreciates the unique premise of characters seeking power from Star Fragments, which not only adds depth to the narrative but also aligns well with the gameplay mechanics. Additionally, Hey Poor Player mentions that while the story may lack originality, it is well-delivered, with well-written characters and a rich lore that helps maintain player engagement. On the flip side, several critics express significant concerns about the story's execution. COGconnected describes the narrative as uninspired and filled with clichéd fantasy tropes, suggesting that it may not captivate players over long play sessions. MMORPG.com and God is a Geek both point out localization issues that detract from the overall narrative experience, making it difficult for players to connect with the story or its characters. Furthermore, PlayStation Universe criticizes the lack of engaging characters and a compelling narrative hook, while Push Square echoes this sentiment by stating that the story lacks depth and fails to fully engage its audience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Throne and Liberty has some intriguing elements and a solid foundation for its narrative, it is ultimately hampered by issues such as poor localization, pacing problems, and a reliance on fantasy tropes that detract from its originality. Critics like Gamer Escape acknowledge the potential of the story with its interesting concepts, yet many, including PlayStation Universe and Push Square, feel that the execution falls short, leaving players with a narrative experience that may not be as compelling as intended. As a result, while there are noteworthy aspects to the story, the overall impression leans towards disappointment due to its shortcomings.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Throne and Liberty impresses with its innovative gameplay, including a deep character creator, fun animal transformations, and engaging combat mechanics that encourage experimentation. However, criticisms emerge around a clunky skill system, overwhelming character progression, and uninspired quest design, leaving the game's potential somewhat unfulfilled. Overall, it's a promising title in need of refinement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Throne and Liberty has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for its innovative features and engaging mechanics. COGconnected highlights the game’s deep character creator and unique weapon-based character development, which adds a layer of personalization to gameplay. The ability to morph into different animal forms for traversal is also noted as a fun and engaging element. Similarly, Gamer Escape appreciates the active parrying and skill customization, emphasizing the engaging combat that keeps players involved. The flexible class system based on weapon combinations, as mentioned by Gaming Nexus, allows for easy class switching, which encourages experimentation and creativity. Overall, the combat is described as polished and satisfying by God is a Geek, further enhancing the game’s appeal. However, several criticisms arise regarding the gameplay experience in Throne and Liberty. MMORPG.com points out that while the game focuses on large-scale PvP and guild activities, the skill system can feel clunky, and players may face a significant grind for gear and materials. TechRadar Gaming echoes this sentiment, noting that the combat system, despite its mix of tab-targeting and active elements, lacks refinement and depth. Additionally, Hey Poor Player criticizes the convoluted character progression system, which can be overwhelming due to numerous systems and currencies. PlayStation Universe also mentions that while the game incorporates traditional MMORPG elements, it suffers from dull combat and uninspiring quest design, which detracts from the overall experience. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that Throne and Liberty presents a blend of engaging gameplay mechanics and innovative features, particularly in its combat and class systems. However, these positives are tempered by concerns over the complexity of character progression and the repetitive nature of quests. Critics like Gamer Escape and COGconnected appreciate the engaging combat and customization options, while others like Hey Poor Player and PlayStation Universe highlight the game's shortcomings in depth and excitement. As a result, Throne and Liberty appears to be a title with significant potential, but it may require further refinement and balance to fully realize its ambitions.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Throne and Liberty dazzles with stunning graphics and immersive environments, earning high praise from critics as one of the best-looking MMORPGs out there. However, performance issues like framerate drops and a cluttered interface mar the experience, suggesting that while the visuals shine, technical refinements are needed for an optimal gameplay experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

80%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

20%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Throne and Liberty is overwhelmingly positive among critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its visually impressive environments, with COGconnected highlighting the colorful and detailed biomes, monsters, and animals that populate the world. Gamer Escape echoed this sentiment, noting the gorgeous landscapes and the strong atmospheric presence created by dynamic weather and music. TechRadar Gaming emphasized the exceptional world design that emphasizes scale and verticality, contributing to a sense of immersion. The consensus is that the game showcases stunning visuals, with several critics, including God is a Geek and Hey Poor Player, labeling it as one of the best-looking MMORPGs currently available. However, despite the acclaim, several critics pointed out performance issues that detracted from the overall experience. MMORPG.com specifically mentioned performance problems and a cluttered user interface, which could hinder gameplay. Both Hey Poor Player and PlayStation Universe noted concerns about framerate drops, particularly in busier environments, which could affect the enjoyment of visually intense moments. GamersRD also mentioned that while the graphics are appealing, some adjustments may be necessary for optimal performance. These critiques suggest that while the visual design is strong, technical aspects may need refinement. In summary, the critics largely agree that Throne and Liberty excels in graphics and visual design, with many praising its beautiful environments and attention to detail. However, performance issues, particularly during intense gameplay situations, have been highlighted as a significant drawback. The overall consensus is that while the game is visually stunning, there are areas in need of improvement to ensure a smoother experience. This combination of praise and constructive criticism indicates a promising foundation for the game, with the potential for future enhancements to elevate its visual performance further.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Throne and Liberty’s sound design and music shine with high production values, enhancing the game’s atmosphere, but the voice acting and localization are widely criticized. Many reviewers describe the voice performances as rough and distracting, with one calling them "atrocious." While the soundtrack captivates, significant flaws in voice work create a mixed reception that could impact player enjoyment.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

33%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Throne and Liberty have received some commendations from various critics, highlighting the game's high production values and its ability to create an engaging auditory experience. For instance, COGconnected noted that the music is engaging, contributing positively to the overall atmosphere of the game. Similarly, GamersRD praised the soundtrack and sound design as exceptional, emphasizing that these elements significantly enhance the immersive experience. Additionally, Push Square acknowledged the narrator's voice-over for adding a layer of authenticity, suggesting that there are moments where the audio elements effectively elevate the storytelling. However, the criticisms surrounding the voice acting and localization are prevalent and cannot be overlooked. Multiple reviewers, including MMORPG.com and PlayStation Universe, pointed out that the voice acting is rough and unrefined, with PlayStation Universe going so far as to describe it as "atrocious," citing stunted performances and poor accents. This sentiment is echoed by Gamer Escape, which mentioned voiceover issues and presentation missteps that detract from the overall experience. The Helpie character from COGconnected was also singled out as incredibly annoying, further indicating that not all voice performances resonate well with players. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a mixed reception regarding the sound design and music of Throne and Liberty. While there are clear strengths in the soundtrack and some voice performances that enhance the game, significant flaws in voice acting and localization have left a negative impression on many reviewers. The disparity in opinions illustrates that while the game boasts high production values in certain areas, the execution of voice acting has hindered the overall experience for a considerable number of players. The combination of exceptional sound design and problematic voice performances creates a dichotomy that may affect players' enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Throne and Liberty shines on PC with smooth performance in large-scale battles and minimal disruptions, but suffers from animation errors and optimization issues. On PS5, the game struggles with severe framerate drops and technical glitches, especially in multiplayer, resulting in a less favorable experience. Overall, while there's promise, significant performance improvements are needed, particularly on PS5.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

33%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Throne and Liberty has garnered a mixed reception across different gaming platforms, particularly on PC and PS5. On the PC front, critics like COGconnected have praised the game for its technical polish, highlighting that it runs smoothly even during large-scale battles, which is a significant achievement for an MMORPG. GamersRD also noted the game's stability, with no major visual errors, while Gaming Nexus acknowledged that, despite occasional framerate drops during massive events, the overall performance is commendable. This indicates that players on PC can generally expect a visually impressive experience with few disruptions. However, the negatives on PC cannot be overlooked. Gamer Escape pointed out several presentation missteps, including animation errors and dialogue mismatches, which detract from the overall immersion. MMORPG.com raised concerns about performance issues even on high-end hardware, suggesting that there are optimization problems that developers may need to address. This sentiment indicates that while the game performs well in many respects, there are significant areas that require attention to enhance the user experience. On the PS5, the situation appears less favorable. Critics such as God is a Geek and Hey Poor Player reported heavy performance issues, particularly in multiplayer scenarios, with framerate drops significantly impacting gameplay. PlayStation Universe echoed these concerns, noting that the game struggles in busier environments and could benefit from future updates. Push Square went further, highlighting a range of technical issues, including server problems and audio desync, which collectively diminish the overall experience. The consensus among critics across platforms suggests that while Throne and Liberty shows promise, particularly on PC, it suffers from notable performance issues on PS5 that need to be addressed for a smoother gaming experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Throne and Liberty serves up a feast of content for dedicated gamers, featuring expansive worlds, varied quests, and a dynamic combat system that appeals to completionists and group players. However, solo gamers may find it lacking, facing diminishing rewards outside the main quest and a grind-heavy experience that could deter long-term engagement. While the game shines in multiplayer interactions, its reliance on guilds may alienate casual players, leading to a mixed bag of replay value. Ultimately, enjoyment hinges on your playstyle—team players will thrive, but solo adventurers might struggle.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Throne and Liberty highlight several positive aspects that appeal to different player demographics. Critics like Gamer Escape and Hey Poor Player emphasize the game's extensive content, including optional quests, minigames, and a vast world to explore, which caters to completionists and players who enjoy engaging in diverse activities. The combat system and world design are also noted as attractive features, with Gaming Nexus pointing out the significant replay value offered through class systems, stat customization, and various dungeons. Furthermore, TechRadar Gaming appreciates the cooperative and competitive nature of world quests, which adds unpredictability and variety to the gameplay experience, thus enhancing replayability for those who enjoy multiplayer interactions. However, there are notable concerns regarding the game's replay value, particularly for solo players and casual gamers. COGconnected and God is a Geek both mention that solo players may find the game progressively less rewarding outside of the main quest, indicating a potential limitation in content for those who prefer to play alone. Critics like MMORPG.com and Push Square highlight the heavy grind for gear and materials, which may deter players from long-term engagement. Additionally, the reliance on guild dynamics for progression, as noted by GamersRD and TechRadar Gaming, may alienate casual players who do not wish to engage deeply in guild activities, potentially leading to a perception of limited replayability for those who prefer a more solitary experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Throne and Liberty offers a mixed bag of replay value. While there is a wealth of content and engaging mechanics that appeal to group play and dedicated gamers, the limitations for solo players and the grind-heavy nature of the endgame experience may hinder its appeal to a broader audience. Critics like Gaming Nexus and Hey Poor Player recognize the potential for enjoyment through diverse gameplay options, yet the concerns raised by COGconnected and others regarding solo play and guild reliance indicate that the game's replay value may ultimately depend on the player's preferred style of engagement.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding "Throne and Liberty" is a mix of appreciation for its visual and gameplay elements alongside concerns regarding its content and mechanics. Critics like COGconnected and Gaming Nexus highlight the game's stunning visuals and engaging combat mechanics, praising its attractive world and the potential for a rich experience. The game’s innovative traversal system is noted by PlayStation Universe, while Hey Poor Player emphasizes its wealth of content and feature completeness. The consensus among several reviewers is that the game has solid foundational ideas and offers a promising experience for players who enjoy MMOs, particularly in terms of world exploration and player-versus-player dynamics. On the flip side, there are significant criticisms that detract from the game's overall appeal. Many reviewers, including MMORPG.com and TechRadar Gaming, point out issues like poor localization, an uninspiring story, and a reliance on PvP for progression. The presence of pay-to-win elements and convoluted progression systems raises concerns about the game's monetization model, as noted by Gaming Nexus and Hey Poor Player. Additionally, critics like PlayStation Universe and God is a Geek mention technical issues, lackluster combat, and subpar voice acting, which hinder the overall experience and may alienate casual players. In summary, while "Throne and Liberty" has garnered praise for its visuals, engaging gameplay, and potential for a dedicated fanbase, it also faces substantial criticism regarding its storytelling, monetization practices, and technical execution. The overall consensus among critics suggests that the game shows promise but may not fully meet the expectations of all players, particularly those seeking a more polished and innovative MMORPG experience. As COGconnected noted, the game demonstrates potential for success at launch and beyond, but it remains to be seen how well it will address the concerns raised by reviewers.

TL;DR

"Throne and Liberty" impresses with stunning visuals and engaging combat, suggesting a solid MMO experience. However, it faces heavy criticism for poor localization, uninspired storytelling, pay-to-win elements, and technical issues. While it shows promise, the game may not satisfy all players, especially those seeking a polished experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

44 reviews found

GamersRD

Sep 26, 2024