Initially frustrating but beautiful game (albeit, a bit shallow). Deaths are abundant as you get the mechanics down; but after awhile, the game becomes more second nature and easier to navigate.

Things to know:
- This is NOT an MMO. In fact, it really is primarily a single player open world Dark Souls'ish game. There is some PvP - but cooperative multiplayer is almost pointless as virtually every main boss requires you beat it alone (NPC help excluded) to advance the story.
- Deaths are annoying but no big deal. Just be judicious with your runes and keep few on you whenever possible.
- Timing of dodges and rolls matters far more than damage for the majority of bosses. Most can be beaten via a war of attrition - so, practice the patterns and learn their attacks. You don't need massive strength to take out bosses...but you do need perfectly timed rolls.
- The aesthetic is cool but the graphics aren't "perfection". It looks good and has some crazy creature design; but don't go in expecting photorealism.
- The infamous game difficulty settles down as you level up. By the time you're 50 (which comes quick), you're able to dominate the landscape.
- Melee is great. Casting is great. But the game rewards hybrid play the most (and feels like what the devs intended). "Spellblades" tend to dominate heavily with a solid mix of swords and magical staffs.
- There is ZERO quest log. This wil be the single-most frustrating part of a game that has convoluted multi-step quests. Keep a notebook handy and write down EVERYTHING when interacting with primary NPC's.

Initially frustrating but beautiful game (albeit, a bit shallow). Deaths are abundant as you get the mechanics down; but after awhile, the game becomes more second nature and easier to navigate. Things to know: - This is NOT an MMO. In fact, it really is primarily a single player open world Dark Souls'ish game. There is some PvP - but cooperative multiplayer is almost pointless as virtually every main boss requires you beat it alone (NPC help excluded) to advance the story. - Deaths are annoying but no big deal. Just be judicious with your runes and keep few on you whenever possible. - Timing of dodges and rolls matters far more than damage for the majority of bosses. Most can be beaten via a war of attrition - so, practice the patterns and learn their attacks. You don't need massive strength to take out bosses...but you do need perfectly timed rolls. - The aesthetic is cool but the graphics aren't "perfection". It looks good and has some crazy creature design; but don't go in expecting photorealism. - The infamous game difficulty settles down as you level up. By the time you're 50 (which comes quick), you're able to dominate the landscape. - Melee is great. Casting is great. But the game rewards hybrid play the most (and feels like what the devs intended). "Spellblades" tend to dominate heavily with a solid mix of swords and magical staffs. - There is ZERO quest log. This wil be the single-most frustrating part of a game that has convoluted multi-step quests. Keep a notebook handy and write down EVERYTHING when interacting with primary NPC's.