New World: Aeternum might be the most indefinable game I have ever come across. At first glance, you'd think it was an expansion to New World, but it's actually an entirely new game. Except it's actually the old game. Somewhat confusingly, it’s an entirely new game that contains all of the content from New World and its only true expansion, Rise of Angry Earth, plus the entirely new content of Aeternum. It's bringing the game to console, making it both a content port and light remaster, and it's also designed to be played solo, with Amazon calling it an action RPG. Except it's still an MMO.

A Puzzling Pre-Briefing

I was puzzled about exactly what it was when I sat in a press pre-briefing about the game. The explanation sounded like a mishmash of ideas: a remaster, a port, an action RPG, an MMO, and a fresh start all rolled into one. The concepts seemed to clash, making it difficult to wrap my head around what Amazon Games was trying to achieve with New World: Aeternum.

Hands-On at Summer Game Fest

Once I got my hands on it at Summer Game Fest, it made a bit more sense. Experiencing the game firsthand helped clarify Amazon Games' intentions. It's best to think of it as a fresh starting point for New World. If you haven’t played New World, Aeternum is now the place to take your first steps. It's still New World, and it will be free for anyone who already has New World and Rise of the Angry Earth. So, with this confusion out of the way, what actually is New World: Aeternum?

The Premise of New World: Aeternum

You play as a shipwrecked pirate who interrupts a Conquistador performing an arcane ritual and gets wrapped up in this curse. You start hearing a dark voice taunting you as you make your way across the island to remove the corruption sweeping across it that has turned many of your crew, and those of other shipwrecked survivors, into rotten husks.

The Story

The narrative of New World: Aeternum is rich and engaging, pulling you into a world filled with mystery and dark magic. The storyline is designed to New World Coins be immersive, with a strong focus on character development and personal growth. As you progress, you uncover the secrets of Aeternum and learn more about the corruption that plagues the island.

Gameplay Mechanics

New World: Aeternum combines elements of action RPGs with the traditional MMO framework. The combat is more dynamic, with a focus on skill and strategy rather than just stats and gear. This makes the gameplay more engaging for solo players, while still retaining the cooperative elements that make MMOs enjoyable.

New Content

Aeternum introduces a wealth of new content, including new zones, dungeons, and quests. The new areas are beautifully designed, with detailed environments that bring the world to life. The dungeons are challenging, requiring players to think strategically and work together to overcome obstacles and defeat powerful enemies.

Bringing New World to Console

One of the most significant changes with New World: Aeternum is its introduction to consoles. This move opens up the game to a broader audience, allowing console players to experience the rich world of New World for the first time. The transition to console has been handled with care, ensuring that the controls are intuitive and that the game runs smoothly on these platforms.

Light Remaster

The game has also received a light remaster, with improved graphics and performance enhancements. These updates make the world of Aeternum more vibrant and immersive, drawing players deeper into the game. The improved visuals and smoother gameplay contribute to a more enjoyable experience overall.

Designed for Solo Play

One of the key features of New World: Aeternum is its design to accommodate solo play. While the game still retains its MMO roots, allowing for cooperative play and social interactions, it also provides a fulfilling experience for those who prefer to play alone. The solo gameplay is well-balanced, with challenging but manageable content that ensures solo players can progress and enjoy the game without feeling overwhelmed.

Action RPG Elements

By incorporating action RPG elements, New World: Aeternum offers a more dynamic and engaging combat system. The emphasis on skill and strategy in combat makes the game more exciting and rewarding, especially for players who enjoy a challenge. This shift in focus helps bridge the gap between traditional MMOs and action RPGs, creating a unique and enjoyable gameplay experience.

A Fresh Starting Point

For newcomers to New World, Aeternum serves as an excellent entry point. The game provides a fresh start, allowing new players to cheap New World Gold coins jump in without feeling like they are behind. The tutorial and early-game content are designed to introduce players to the game's mechanics and story, easing them into the world of Aeternum.

Returning Players

For returning players, New World: Aeternum offers a chance to experience the game in a new way. The added content and improvements make it worthwhile to revisit, providing a fresh perspective on the game they already love. The seamless integration of old and new content ensures that returning players can enjoy the new features without feeling disconnected from their previous progress.

Community and Social Features

Despite the focus on solo play, New World: Aeternum retains its strong community and social features. Players can still form guilds, participate in large-scale battles, and engage in cooperative play. The game encourages social interactions, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among players.

Events and Activities

The game regularly hosts events and activities that bring players together. These events offer unique rewards and challenges, providing opportunities for players to connect and collaborate. The social aspects of the game enhance the overall experience, making it more than just a solo adventure.

Conclusion

New World: Aeternum is a complex and multifaceted game that defies easy categorization. It’s an entirely new game that incorporates all the content from New World and its expansion, Rise of the Angry Earth, while introducing new features and improvements. By bringing the game to consoles, incorporating action RPG elements, and designing it for solo play, Amazon Games has created a fresh starting point for both new and returning players. Despite the initial confusion, New World: Aeternum offers a rich and engaging experience that is sure to captivate players.