A new MMORPG, Broken Ranks is set to release on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. This new multiplayer game has isometric exploration mixed in with turn-based combat.
Broken Ranks is a New MMO that Looks like a mix of Baldur’s Gate and Disciples 2
Broken Ranks is an upcoming F2P MMORPG being developed by Whitemoon. Its release date will be January 25, 2022, at 5 pm CET / 4 pm GMT / 8 am PST / 11 am EST. The game is being described as a “low-fantasy MMORPG with a vast, open world, an immersive non-linear storyline and a unique, turn-based combat system”.
- Genre: MMO, Turn-Based RPG
- Developed by: Whitemoon
- Published by: Whitemoon
- Release Date: January 25, 2022
- Platforms: Windows (initial launch), MacOS, Android and iOS (to be determined)
It looks quite unique indeed, as the game’s primary exploration is done in an isometric or top-down perspective reminiscent of other CRPGs such as Baldur’s Gate or Torment Tides of Numenera. Players trudge through areas by clicking on the map and engage in dialogue box popups.
However, combat then becomes different as the game switches to a separate fighting screen, just like in older Final Fantasy games or the recent Ruined King: A League of Legends Story. We’ll discuss more on the combat later on.
Undercity
The Polish studio is very excited for the public to be able to join them in their full release. Currently, Whitemoon also maintains their previous online game, The Pride of Taern. Broken Ranks is being treated as the successor to this game, and as such older players will be able to continue some of their journeys in the newest entry.
As it stands, it looks like the majority of content will be moved from Taern to the new game. This means that we will have a massive amount of content to experience.
Cross-platform play is also being planned for the PC and Mac versions of the game. Unfortunately, no console versions are being developed at this time. There are also no plans for Linux.
Combat Detailed
At a glance, Broken Ranks looks like any other turn-based RPG. It invokes a similar feeling to Disciples II or Heroes of Might and Magic. However, that’s where the similarities end.
Ambushed in the Forest
Instead of waiting forever for characters to act, players are given 10 seconds to make decisions on what they will do for their next turn. After those precious moments are up, the player and enemies take turns in executing their moves.
The Pre-Launch Gameplay trailer that Whitemoon released back in November 2021 gave us a quick glimpse of what to expect. Attacks look visceral and chunky. There’s a respectable amount of blood and gore that highlights the impact attacks make in combat. Sounds also feel good in the short amount of time that they gave us.
Broken Ranks Geomorph Combat
Combat stages also look very beautiful. Colours pop out and make the scenes all look quite vibrant. The camera also sways gently from left to right, and back again in hopes of making the relatively static scene still somewhat exciting to look at. It’s an interesting effect, and it does add a bit of “weight” to the overall movements happening.
Dragon Combat
Based on initial gameplay footage, it looks like there will also be chances for your abilities to miss entirely. This may bring upon bad memories from things like Darkest Dungeon or XCOM, but should in turn make things exciting. Players will need to carefully balance their available options in the 10 seconds given to them.
Broken Ranks’ Character Classes
Broken Ranks Sheed Class
Players will be able to choose between seven different classes. Broken Ranks still has your standard fare of fantasy archetypes. Aside from the usual Knights, Archers and Druids, you will be able to play as some more unique flavours.
Broken Ranks Barbarian Class
Fire Mages are the primary magic caster that deals massive damage at a range. Voodoo are dark magic users that attack their foes with debilitating mental abilities. Barbarians can apparently use their heads, teeth and other parts of their body as options for their combat arsenal. Not sure how this will work, but it’s going to be interesting to see that one in action. Lastly, the Sheeds are monk-type characters that wield claws and knuckle dusters that are adept at finking weak spots in their opponents.
The Monetization Model
One of the most important things to ask in a F2P game is whether it is Free-to-Play. Thankfully, Broken Ranks’ monetization model looks somewhat tame. Developer Whitemoon is confident that the game will not be pay-to-win. There will be a premium currency, Platinum, which will be used to purchase all the microtransactions.
Equipment Screen
What’s good about their Platinum is that it is comparable to the way Digital Extremes’ Warframe does it. Users will be able to trade Platinum with other people, inviting the idea that player markets and trading will be a major part of the game. A fully free-to-play player can sell their hard-earned items for Platinum so that they can buy things from the microtransaction shop.
The cash shop will contain mostly cosmetic items and things that will not influence gameplay too much. Whitemoon is adamant that the rarest and best gear can only be obtained from normal activities. You will not be able to buy power.
Garrison Visit
That’s it for now. Early registration can be done already via the Broken Ranks official website. Pre-loading the game begins on January 18th. The team is hard at work at the final stages of polish and are gearing up for the full release.
Want more CRPG goodness? Check out our Top 10 CRPGs you should play in 2021. Fan of MMOs instead? Check out our Best MMOs To Play This December 2021.
For more news, be sure to see Genshin Impact Version 2.4 Release Date and New Characters and Top RPG News Of The Week: January 2nd (Elden Ring, Lies of P, Final Fantasy 16 and More!).
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