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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

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, 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.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Throne & Liberty dazzles with bold fantasy ambition and immersive world-building, but its story falters under clichés, pacing issues, and uneven execution, offering a compelling yet flawed experience for traditionalists.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The reviews of Throne & Liberty highlight a generally positive reception for its narrative ambition and world-building, particularly in terms of its fantasy setting and unique premise. IGN Spain praises the game’s "ambitious fantasy story" set in Solisium, emphasizing the intriguing concept of Star Fragments as a central mechanic and plot device. TheXboxHub commends the "engaging high fantasy narrative," noting the player's role as a "Star-Born" and how the narrator helps maintain focus on the overarching plot amid multiplayer action. ZTGD and GamersRD also highlight the immersive storytelling, with the latter appreciating the personal connection to the character and lively narrative delivery. Gaming Nexus adds that the story’s setup—where Star Fragments grant abilities rather than innate powers—provides a logical framework for gameplay mechanics, enhancing its appeal. These critiques collectively underscore the game’s strengths in creating a rich, immersive fantasy experience with a compelling hook. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the narrative execution, particularly its reliance on fantasy tropes and lack of originality. COGconnected criticizes the story as "uninspired" and filled with "random-sounding names," suggesting it fails to engage players over long-term investment. Gamer Escape notes that while the concepts are interesting, pacing issues undermine character development and surprise, making the plot feel disjointed. MMORPG.com and God is a Geek highlight localization problems, which they argue make it difficult to care about characters or the story itself. PlayStation Universe and Push Square also criticize the narrative for being "meandering" and lacking depth, with the latter pointing out that the plot feels "typical" despite some engaging elements. These critiques suggest that while the game’s world-building is strong, its storytelling struggles to avoid clichés and maintain coherence. The overall consensus among critics reflects a mixed but largely favorable view of Throne & Liberty’s narrative, with praise for its ambition and immersion offset by concerns about originality and execution. Positive reviews from IGN Spain, TheXboxHub, and Gaming Nexus emphasize the game’s unique premise and engaging mechanics, while negative critiques from COGconnected, MMORPG.com, and Push Square highlight its reliance on tropes and technical issues like poor localization. Despite these flaws, many reviewers acknowledge that the story provides a solid foundation for the gameplay experience, even if it falls short of being groundbreaking. The divide between critics suggests that Throne & Liberty may appeal more to fans of traditional fantasy narratives who prioritize world-building over innovation, but its narrative shortcomings could deter those seeking deeper storytelling or originality.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Throne and Liberty dazzles with inventive class systems, fluid combat, and social PvP, but its labyrinthine mechanics, grinding, and clunky progression alienate casual players—ambitious yet uneven, begging for refinement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Throne and Liberty receives praise for its versatility, depth, and unique mechanics that cater to both casual and dedicated players. Critics like IGN Spain highlight the multiclass system, which allows players to adapt weapons and abilities for dynamic character builds, while TheXboxHub emphasizes the engaging exploration mechanic through animal spirits and the mix of PvE/PvP modes. COGconnected and Gamer Escape commend the game’s real-time combat with parries, skill customization, and role selection systems, noting how these elements keep players immersed. Additionally, GamersRD and Gaming Nexus appreciate the accessibility of weapon combinations and the flexible class-switching system, which encourages experimentation. The ability to morph into animal forms for traversal (as noted by COGconnected) and the emphasis on guild-based PvP (highlighted by MMORPG.com) further showcase the game’s creative design and social interactivity. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that could hinder the experience, particularly for less experienced players. ZTGD criticizes the gameplay mechanics as overly complicated, detracting from enjoyment, while MMORPG.com and Hey Poor Player describe the skill system as clunky and the progression tree as convoluted, with excessive grinding required for gear and materials. PlayStation Universe and Push Square also note repetitive quests and a lack of environmental interaction, which they argue make the game feel stale. TechRadar points to a lack of refinement in combat mechanics, blending tab-targeting with active elements without sufficient polish, while Hey Poor Player highlights economic barriers to switching weapons due to high currency costs. These critiques suggest that while the game’s systems are ambitious, their execution may overwhelm or frustrate some players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a balanced but polarizing assessment of Throne and Liberty’s gameplay. While many praise its innovative class systems, weapon-based customization, and engaging combat (as noted by IGN Spain, COGconnected, and TheXboxHub), others warn that the complexity and grind may alienate casual audiences. The game’s emphasis on social interaction and PvP aligns with traditional MMO strengths, but its repetitive elements and clunky progression systems (highlighted by MMORPG.com and PlayStation Universe) temper its appeal. Despite these flaws, the core mechanics—such as flexible class switching and unique traversal options—demonstrate a strong foundation, suggesting that Throne and Liberty has the potential to evolve into a compelling experience with further refinement.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Stunning visuals, immersive worlds, and artistic flair dominate Throne and Liberty’s praise, but clunky UI, performance hiccups, and steep system demands drag down an otherwise breathtaking MMORPG.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of reviewers lauded Throne and Liberty for its visually striking design, with many highlighting its immersive and detailed environments. IGN Spain praised the game’s “visually stunning design,” noting the intricate cities, dungeons, and character aesthetics, while TheXboxHub celebrated its “high fantasy aesthetic” and “amazing vistas.” ZTGD and COGconnected both emphasized the “impressive attention to detail” in environments, character designs, and animations, with COGconnected specifically commending the game’s “colorful and detailed environments” and variety of biomes. Gamer Escape and GamersRD highlighted the “gorgeous landscapes” and “cinematic atmosphere,” while TechRadar praised the “thoughtfully crafted environments” that emphasize scale and verticality. These critiques collectively underscore a strong consensus that Throne and Liberty delivers a visually rich experience, with its world-building and artistic direction standing out as major strengths. However, several critics pointed to technical and design flaws that detract from the visual experience. MMORPG.com criticized the “cluttered user interface” and “small font size,” while TheXboxHub noted that menus could be “confusing and screen cluttered.” Performance issues also emerged as a recurring concern: Hey Poor Player and PlayStation Universe mentioned “framerate drops in busier environments,” and Gaming Nexus warned that the game “requires a powerful system to run smoothly, especially during intense battles.” Push Square’s observation that the “overall visual design is not exceptional” despite “gorgeous cinematics” added a nuanced critique, suggesting that while the game’s aesthetics are impressive, they may not fully translate to consistent performance or usability. These negatives highlight areas where the game’s technical execution and UI design fall short of its artistic ambitions. Despite these criticisms, the overwhelming majority of reviewers regarded Throne and Liberty’s graphics and visual design as highly commendable. Critics like IGN Spain, TheXboxHub, and TechRadar consistently praised the game’s “visually stunning” world, while others such as God is a Geek and Hey Poor Player called it one of the “best-looking MMORPGs.” While issues like UI clutter, performance hiccups, and system requirements were noted, these were often framed as secondary to the game’s artistic strengths. The consensus reflects that Throne and Liberty succeeds in creating a visually captivating world, even if some technical and design challenges remain unresolved. For most critics, the game’s visual appeal and attention to detail far outweigh its shortcomings, cementing its reputation as a standout entry in the MMORPG genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Stunning visuals, immersive worlds, and artistic flair dominate Throne and Liberty’s praise, but clunky UI, performance hiccups, and steep system demands drag down an otherwise breathtaking MMORPG.

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Positive sound design and music praised for immersion, but flawed voice acting and localization dragged down the experience, creating a mixed reception despite technical strengths.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

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

The sound design and music of Throne and Liberty received largely positive acclaim from multiple reviewers, with several highlighting their immersive and atmospheric contributions. IGN Spain praised the game’s "brilliant" melodies and how they enhance the world of Solisium and combat experiences, while TheXboxHub commended the "excellent sound design" and "well-acted voiceovers full of personality." COGconnected noted the "engaging music" and high production values, and GamersRD described the soundtrack and sound design as "exceptional," further emphasizing their role in deepening immersion. These critiques collectively underscore a strong foundation in audio elements that elevate the game’s world-building and emotional resonance. However, several critics pointed to significant flaws, particularly in voice acting and localization. MMORPG.com criticized the "rough and unrefined" voice acting and translation, while PlayStation Universe called it "atrocious," citing stunted performances and poor accents. Push Square noted technical issues like "subtitles out of sync," which detracted from the experience despite praising the narrator’s voice-over for adding authenticity. Gamer Escape also highlighted "voiceover issues and presentation missteps," suggesting that these shortcomings undermined the game’s overall polish. While some critiques focused on specific characters (e.g., COGconnected’s annoyance with Helpie), the broader concerns revolved around inconsistent audio quality and technical execution. Despite mixed feedback, the majority of reviewers acknowledged the game’s strong sound design and music as a standout feature. The positive reception from IGN Spain, TheXboxHub, COGconnected, and GamersRD indicates that the audio elements effectively contribute to immersion and atmosphere. However, the criticisms surrounding voice acting and localization—particularly from MMORPG.com, PlayStation Universe, and Push Square—highlight areas where the game fell short of expectations. While the sound design itself was widely praised, these vocal and technical issues created a fragmented experience for some players, suggesting that while the audio foundation is robust, its implementation required refinement to fully realize its potential.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Positive sound design and music praised for immersion, but flawed voice acting and localization dragged down the experience, creating a mixed reception despite technical strengths.

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Throne and Liberty’s voice acting splits critics: lauded for immersive, energetic performances by some, but panned for clunky translations, jarring language shifts, and uneven accents that undermine immersion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting 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 voice acting.

The positive reception of Throne and Liberty’s voice acting is highlighted by several reviewers who praise its vitality and immersion. TheXboxHub emphasizes that the "well-acted voiceovers full of personality" bring depth to the game’s characters, while COGconnected notes that the voice acting is "perfectly decent," contributing meaningfully to the overall immersive experience. Push Square also appreciates the narrator’s "charmingly British" delivery, which enhances storytelling and adds a unique flavor to the narrative. These critiques suggest that, for many players, the voice work effectively supports the game’s world-building and emotional tone, making it a standout feature in certain aspects of the gameplay. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the experience. Gamer Escape criticizes the "dialogue oscillating between English and Korean," which disrupts immersion and creates inconsistency for players. MMORPG.com further highlights issues with "subpar voice direction and translation," arguing that these shortcomings hinder engagement with the narrative. PlayStation Universe delivers a particularly harsh assessment, calling the voice acting "atrocious" due to "stunted performances and poor accents," even recommending players opt for text-only alternatives. These negative reviews underscore technical and cultural challenges in the localization process, which some players find jarring or unprofessional. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward a divided reception. While TheXboxHub, COGconnected, and Push Square celebrate elements of the voice acting that enhance immersion and character depth, others like Gamer Escape, MMORPG.com, and PlayStation Universe emphasize critical flaws that undermine the experience. This split suggests that Throne and Liberty’s voice work is polarizing—effective for some due to its energetic performances and narrative charm, but problematic for others because of translation inconsistencies and technical shortcomings. The disparity in opinions reflects broader challenges in balancing localization quality with creative expression in global gaming projects.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

PC delivers polished performance with minor hiccups in crowded battles, while PS5 struggles with frame drops, crashes, and instability—highlighting urgent optimization gaps that undermine its potential.

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 varies across platforms, with PC receiving generally positive feedback for its polish and stability. COGconnected praised the game as "technically polished" with no major performance issues during large-scale battles, while GamersRD noted its stability and visual consistency, though acknowledging that performance may fluctuate during massive events. Gaming Nexus also highlighted smooth overall performance, albeit with expected framerate drops in crowded scenarios. These reviews suggest PC optimization is largely effective, with the game maintaining a strong visual and functional experience despite demanding content. However, MMORPG.com raised concerns about persistent performance issues even on high-end hardware, indicating potential underlying optimization challenges that could affect player satisfaction. On PS5, technical shortcomings are more pronounced, with multiple critics highlighting significant performance flaws. God is a Geek and Hey Poor Player both criticized the game for "heavy performance issues" and inconsistent framerates, particularly in multiplayer scenarios, while Push Square detailed a range of problems including frame rate drops, server instability, audio desync, and crashes. PlayStation Universe acknowledged these issues but noted "potential for improvement with future updates," offering a glimmer of hope. These critiques paint a picture of PS5 as the more problematic platform, where technical hiccups detract from immersion and gameplay flow, despite the game’s ambitious design. Overall, the consensus leans toward PC being the more technically refined experience, though not without its flaws, while PS5 faces notable optimization hurdles that require urgent attention. Critics like COGconnected and Gaming Nexus commend PC’s stability and visual fidelity, whereas PS5 reviews from God is a Geek, Push Square, and others underscore systemic issues that undermine the game’s potential. While some positives exist for both platforms—such as the promise of future improvements on PS5—the disparity in technical execution highlights the need for developers to address platform-specific challenges, particularly on PlayStation, to ensure a more cohesive experience across all systems.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Throne and Liberty offers high replay value through diverse PvP, guild activities, class customization, and expansive content, but its pay-to-win mechanics, steep learning curve, repetitive quests, and reliance on group play may alienate casual or solo players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The reviewers generally highlight Throne and Liberty’s strong replay value through its diverse gameplay mechanics and content variety. IGN Spain emphasizes the game’s inclusion of PvP, guild battles, and PvEvP modes, which provide extensive post-main-campaign engagement. TheXboxHub notes that the PVP focus and multiplayer content can offer lasting appeal, while Gamer Escape praises optional quests, minigames, and a vast world for completionists. Gaming Nexus and TechRadar also commend the class customization, dungeons, and cooperative/competitive world quests, which cater to different playstyles. Additionally, COGconnected and Hey Poor Player highlight that guilds and group activities deliver substantial content beyond the main story, with features like cooking, fishing, and dynamic events adding depth for explorers. These positives suggest the game’s design encourages long-term investment for players who enjoy social or strategic elements. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that may limit replayability. IGN Spain criticizes free-to-play mechanics like battle passes and paid boosters, which could alienate players seeking a balanced experience. ZTGD argues that the game’s complexity might overwhelm casual players, while COGconnected and MMORPG.com note that solo play becomes less rewarding after the main quest, relying heavily on guild dynamics. TechRadar and Push Square also highlight issues like repetitive quests, gated content, and a heavy grind for gear, which could deter long-term engagement. Furthermore, God is a Geek and PlayStation Universe mention that reliance on guilds or real-money purchases might create barriers for solo players or those wary of pay-to-win perceptions. These critiques suggest that while the game offers rich content, its structure may not appeal to all audiences. Overall, the critics agree that Throne and Liberty has substantial replay value but with notable caveats. The game’s strength lies in its variety of modes, customization options, and social features, which cater to dedicated players and groups (as noted by Gaming Nexus and Hey Poor Player). However, the reliance on guilds, pay-to-win elements, and repetitive mechanics (highlighted by IGN Spain, MMORPG.com, and Push Square) creates a divide between casual and hardcore audiences. While some praise its depth and engagement for those who invest time, others caution that its design may not sustain long-term interest for all players. The consensus leans toward a balanced assessment: the game has potential but requires careful consideration of its accessibility and monetization models.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall verdict on Throne and Liberty is largely positive, with critics praising its ambitious design, visual appeal, and engaging gameplay. IGN Spain highlights the game as a "powerful MMORPG" with "abundant content" and high production values, while TheXboxHub commends its "impressive visuals," "engaging gameplay," and "rich content." COGconnected notes the "attractive world," "enjoyable combat mechanics," and "technical polish," and Gamer Escape appreciates the "beautiful world" and "interesting concepts in its story." ZTGD acknowledges the game’s "visually impressive" and "ambitious" nature, while Hey Poor Player calls it a "well-made, feature-complete MMORPG worth checking out for its expansive content offering." These reviews collectively emphasize the game’s strengths in immersion, aesthetics, and depth, positioning it as a strong contender in the free-to-play MMO space. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the experience. MMORPG.com criticizes the "poor localization," "uninteresting story," and "reliance on PvP for progression," while God is a Geek highlights "performance issues" and "lack of addictive quality." TechRadar Gaming notes an "average combat system" and "divisive monetization model," and PlayStation Universe points to "lackluster combat," "uninspiring quest design," and "poor voice acting." COGconnected and Gamer Escape also mention pacing issues, convoluted progression systems, and pay-to-skip mechanics that could alienate players. Additionally, Gaming Nexus raises concerns about "pay-to-win elements" and potential server instability, while Push Square calls it an "average MMORPG" requiring improvements in story and technical stability. These critiques suggest the game struggles with balancing complexity, accessibility, and player satisfaction. Despite mixed reception, there is a general consensus that Throne and Liberty has significant potential but requires refinement. Critics like IGN Spain and TheXboxHub acknowledge its strengths as a visually stunning and content-rich MMO, while others, such as MMORPG.com and God is a Geek, argue it falls short of expectations due to systemic issues. The game’s appeal seems to hinge on player preferences: those who prioritize PvP, exploration, and technical polish may find it rewarding, whereas fans of narrative depth or streamlined mechanics might be disappointed. Overall, the reviews suggest Throne and Liberty is a flawed but promising title that could evolve into a compelling experience with updates, though its current state leaves room for improvement in key areas like combat, monetization, and localization.

TL;DR

Throne and Liberty dazzles with stunning visuals, deep content, and immersive gameplay but stumbles on clunky systems, pay-to-win flaws, and uneven pacing—a flawed gem needing polish to unlock its full potential.

MONSTER

Reviews

45 reviews found

GamersRD

Sep 26, 2024