Tabula Rasa Review
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But what makes Tabula Rasa a second generation MMORPG? Well certain key elements like monster AI, first-person shooter elements, character class tree, cloning system or dynamic battlefield.
Let's talk about each a little bit more in detail:
Instead of the regular set patrolling routes and respawns, monsters, or in this case aliens have a more sophisticated AI, and know when to fight together, when to attack, and when to run. Yes! Finally those damned orcs, beasts or undead have been replaced by aliens; and not a moment too soon, the market was getting crowded by World of Warcraft clones! Plus, I am a big Sci-Fi fan and never liked fantasy universe *that much*. Either way, I may still call them monsters, or mobs, but you know what I mean ;)
Of course, they don't have the AI of some fancy new first person shooters or strategy games, but they are smarter than average enemies, which means less repetition, more improvisation and always more fun!
This also brings us to the brand sparkling new dynamic battlefield .In a conflict of these proportions, it is only logical that battles are fought and won or lost every day. The battle front is pushed back and forward as the fight progresses, and control points are always captured or lost by a side or the other. That is without any player intervention. So, in a sense, it's a living breathing world on its own, but players can alter the conflict in their favor. Even if you have quests in a certain base, you won't be able to go in because it may be occupied by the alien invaders! What to do... what to do??! The only thing right to do! Help AFS forces win it back!
Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell you: you are part of the AFS (Allied Free Sentients), an alliance of sentient beings who fight against Bane oppression. Good to know!
Instead of picking a role from the beginning of the game and getting stuck with it till the end (or until you create a new character), Tabula Rasa introduces the Character Cloning System (TM). Everyone starts as a Recruit with some basic abilities, like pistols, firearms and rifle training, the lightning ability and some general skills. At level 5, 15 and 30 you can specialize further in a certain tree. When you reach the required level, you are given one cloning credit. If you clone your character at the right time before going further down the tree, you can use your clone to choose a different specialization, on a different tree. Items can be exchanged between characters using your personal locker. This way you don't have to level up a new class from scratch, and some feats are common to more than one specialization. For example, every Specialist has some healing one way or another.
