ZAM gives its rundown on SOE's Sci-Fi FPS MMO

Whether on the icy tundra of Esamir, the craggy dust bowl of Indar or the lush fields of Amerish, the huge landscapes are superb, both in appearance and the opportunities for varying game experiences.

My favorite aspect of the environment is when it bears upon your approach to your objectives. Certain parts of Esamir are covered in an icy fog, which refracts the bright sun into a washed out glare. Visibility is diminished and trouble for an unsuspecting sunderer driver can lurk just over the ridge. Do you take the short cut through uncertainty? Or do you take the safer bridge crossing, which could be an ambush? I hope as the game progresses more of these aspects are added to strengthen the alien world of Auraxis as an additional challenge to players.

Regarding the look of the game, the day/night cycle and its effect on the landscapes is a particular joy to behold; the dark skies and orbiting moons provide a breathtaking backdrop to the flashes of artillery and the blurred tail lights of air craft.

The scale, beautiful visuals, variety of gameplay opportunities and depth of engagement combine for a completely unique MMO experience.

At launch, PlanetSide 2 is currently somewhat unwelcoming to the new player if they are hesitant to reach out and become part of the whirling community around them. Regarding the action and social aspects of the game, jumping in with both booted feet makes all the difference on any player’s first impressions. And to a degree which means SOE needs to make some additions to the New Player Experience.

Still, there is simply no other MMO that currently gives me such sheer enjoyment with such regularity. Unless you simply cannot bear the sight of any FPS, I wholeheartedly recommend PlanetSide 2. It’s unlike anything else out there.

Scott "Jarimor" Hawkes, Editor in Chief