Secret World Legends

This relaunched action role-playing game is a phenomenal experience that takes storytelling to the extreme in describing battles between good and evil. Not only do you get the opportunity to come face to face with the numerous legends of the world (like vampires, werewolves, zombies, and more), you'll also discover their origins and why they exist. The game world is a gritty modern-day representation of locations such as London, Seoul, and New York. Along with its fast-paced action, Secret World Legends will frequently make you think, to solve the riddles and puzzles that secret societies have attempted to keep hidden from the public all this time. The puzzles really set Secret World Legends apart from other games like it. For example, simple discovery missions like finding a cell phone will give hints at numbers on a wall that opens a secret safe that must be found. Moderately complex ones will have you decipher Morse code or music notes, requiring you to use the in-game web browser to look up obscure references or sheet music. It's amazing how a game can take real-world legends and history, and then make it fun by wrapping it into a mystery or putting a twist on it with a riddle or puzzle to solve.

What's also impressive is that relaunching The Secret World into Secret World Legends (changing it from a massively multiplayer online game to an action RPG) is exactly the breath of fresh air it needed. Now, the combat system is more action oriented, making you feel more connected and immersed in the action. The updated combat abilities give each weapon a unique identity in battle, with amazing animations to highlight what you're doing. Plus, streamlining character progression and skills makes it easier to understand and focus on how you want to play. The development of quests makes everything feel more natural and intuitive. Also, because it's completely free to play, a larger number of players have an opportunity to explore the secrets that were previously hidden behind a pay wall. While comparisons could be made between the original and the remake, since the content is based on the same story and setting, there are so many improvements, this isn't even really the same game. Veterans will still get the play they're used to with many great enhancements, while new players will be able to dive into a fully fleshed-out and expanded universe. This experience can't be recommended more for fantasy fans.