Picking a massively multiplayer online role-playing game can be a daunting proposition. There are so many options available, though only a few have separated themselves from the pack. "Dark Age of Camelot" -- based on the lands and legends of Norse, Celtic, and Arthurian mythology -- has made a name for itself thanks to its focus on realm vs. realm action. Today on "X-Play" we look at the second retail expansion pack for "Dark Age of Camelot," which offers you the chance to undertake the challenging "Trials of Atlantis."
Prithee, wilt thou undertake the trials?
"Trials of Atlantis" adds ancient Egypt and Greece to the three previous "Dark Age of Camelot" settings. There are also three new races, but if you already have a high-level character, you'll want to stick with what you've got. Considering that nearly all of the new content is strictly for level 40 players and up, starting from scratch is a drag. The new player starting zones are wastelands, since everyone else is already engaging in the realm vs. realm combat in the frontiers.
If you feel the urge to try out a new race, each realm has one new species in its ranks. Midgard relies on the support of the pious frostalf, Hibernia has seen the coming of the shar, and Albion has added some much-needed bulk to its side with the oafish half-ogres. The new player character races look better than the originals, but the characters haven't improved as much as the environments.
Verily, Camelot doth look well
"Trials of Atlantis" looks amazing compared to the original. There are significant underwater portions of the expansion, and the revamp makes traversing the seas' depths more of a treat than a chore. We were impressed by the gorgeous light-refraction effect and subtleties like the bubbles you spit out as you swim beneath the surface.
The artists also created complete languages for the game. Intrepid players, particularly those with entirely too much spare time, can translate the runes and hieroglyphics.
Ye gods! My cup it runneth over
Hop on a boat to brave the trials and you'll find each realm has its own version of Atlantis, identical to the other two. The only difference is the loot your enemies drop. You'll brave nine different trials, but don't expect to accomplish much on your own. Although you can easily bring a brand-new character to level 40, you need to join sizable groups in order to accomplish the tasks in the trials. It's your only hope of earning master levels and the all-important artifacts that make your character stats grow.
This requirement throws a wrench in the works for you solo players. You need to learn to play well with others. Some of the trials integrate more complex gameplay techniques than just straightforward battles, requiring teamwork at multiple key locations. There are other new additions to the game to attract veterans, including new modes of transportation. You can sail away on boats and ride piggyback on sharks, but you still can't find a horse.
Thine expansion pack is riddled with bugs
Although the new content in "Trials of Atlantis" makes for a sizable addition to "Dark Age of Camelot," the expansion has its share of problems. There are constant bug fixes accompanied by a steady stream of admonitions by the playing community, which still desires balanced realms and a host of other changes. Still, "Dark Age" is easily one of the best massively multiplayer online RPGs available today, and "Trials of Atlantis" is a solid addition to the experience.
"Dark Age of Camelot: Trials of Atlantis" (PC)
