Otters in hats and magical staffs- all you need to know about Throne and Liberty, Amazon’s new free fantasy game

In our recent discussion, we delved into Amazon’s latest gaming endeavor, the MMORPG Throne and Liberty, marking the third online game the company has released in just four years. This game introduces a unique twist, allowing players to morph their heroes into animals. So, is it worth checking out?

Amazon has been striving to establish a substantial foothold in the gaming industry for quite some time. Despite pouring resources into top-tier designers, the company encountered numerous hurdles in gaining traction. However, their investments began to bear fruit with the launch of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs). The first was New World in 2021, a homegrown survival fantasy game centered around player-built settlements. This was followed by Lost Ark, developed by SmileGate, which integrated expansive multiplayer mechanics with Diablo-style action. While the critical reception was mixed, both titles attracted a solid player base. Now, with Throne and Liberty, developed in Korea, Amazon looks to broaden its gaming portfolio even further.

So, what can players expect from Throne and Liberty? Picture a sprawling, beautifully designed fantasy realm that invites comparisons to World of Warcraft. Players can craft their unique characters and set off on various quests, whether solo, with friends, or as part of a guild. The game features a rich storyline, cooperative dungeon raids, and intense player-versus-player battles for territorial control.

One fascinating element of Throne and Liberty is its extensive development history. Initially revealed in 2011 as an extension of the Lineage series titled Lineage Eternal, the game experienced several delays, technological overhauls, and changes in leadership before finally launching in Korea last December. Amazon secured global publishing rights in February last year.

What distinguishes Throne and Liberty from other MMOs? One notable feature is the ability to transform into different animals for movement—players can sprint as a wolf, glide like a bird, or even adopt a quirky otter form when entering the water. While this novelty adds a playful dimension, the true depth of the game lies in its combat and character progression. Unlike traditional MMOs, there are no fixed character classes; instead, players tailor their skill sets based on their chosen weapons. With six weapon types available and the option to wield two at once, players can develop unique play styles.

But is Throne and Liberty genuinely enjoyable? The exploration is richly rewarding, enhanced by the animal transformation abilities and stunning environmental design. Combat is fast-paced and visually captivating, combining classic MMO mechanics with modern action elements. The inclusion of dodging and parrying brings an exciting level of engagement to battles.

However, some elements of Throne and Liberty may feel somewhat familiar or even clichéd, with its typical fantasy tropes featuring wizards and goblins. The storytelling can be quite straightforward, and character development often appears shallow. Quests tend to revolve around repetitive interactions, and the crafting and upgrade systems can be unnecessarily intricate.

So, should players dive into Throne and Liberty? While it might not revolutionize the genre, its free-to-play model and solid gameplay offer enough entertainment to warrant a try. The pacing encourages casual exploration without demanding an overwhelming time commitment.

That said, if you’re contemplating trying just one Korean MMO published by Amazon, Lost Ark might be the better bet. With its adrenaline-pumping gameplay and more vibrant storytelling, Lost Ark delivers a uniquely thrilling experience, featuring distinct adventures such as battling demonic clowns, all while remaining free to play.