RIFT PC

Update #1: On June 13, 2013, RIFT switched to a free-to-play mode. However, the authors still maintain the paid subscription, which offers a number of premium features.

RIFT for PC is a MMORPG created by Trion Worlds. The game takes us to a war-ridden land of Telara, where the players assume the role of immortal heroes, fighting a war against an evil god.

Aside from battling Regulos, the Destructor, the players also engage in PvP combat, by swearing allegiance to one of two factions. The first faction are called the Guardians – characters who are devoted to good gods, seeing hope for Telara. The second group are called the Defiants, the atheists of that world, who decided to openly defy the gods, placing their faith in personal abilities and magical technology.

Mechanics

The game, aside from many common elements found in every MMO game, introduces a few interesting ideas. Among them a seriously expanded character creation system, and a living world with dynamic changes that are a result of the Destructor’s invasion.

Our hero can be based on one of four archetypes (named “callings”): warrior, primalist, rouge, and mage, and can be further developed by choosing abilities from eight different talent trees (plus one PvP-only tree). The system allows serious freedom, and the number of possible combinations is definitely something discerning the game among other MMOs.

The invasion mechanism is an interesting feature that breaks the typical MMO questing routine. Interdimensional portals connecting Talara with the elemental plane appear in random locations, releasing hordes of magical beasts. These monstrosities attack players, as well as non-player characters. The players have to create groups to fight off the danger; otherwise the beasts take over the given area, rendering trade or questing impossible.

Technical Aspects

The game is also characterized by high-quality visuals. The game looks really good, but at the expense of high system requirements. The world of Telara changes dynamically – not only in terms of plitics, but also visually. The invasions start by opening interdimensional portals, and they can alter the whole location; anything from color palette and atmosphere, up to plants or changing the looks of nearby animals.

Last updated on 14 February 2011