Throne and Liberty (T&L), the much-anticipated MMORPG from NCSoft and Amazon Games, arrived with lofty expectations and hype surrounding its open beta and eventual full release. Fans of the genre were excited to see what the collaboration between these two industry titans could produce, especially with the experience and pedigree behind both studios. However, after diving into the game, it becomes apparent that Throne and Liberty doesn’t quite live up to its promise. In many ways, it feels like a "filler" MMO — a game designed to occupy space in the crowded landscape of online multiplayer titles, but without any defining features that make it stand out.

A Familiar Setting with a Lack of Identity

One of the first things that strikes you when playing Throne and Liberty is its setting. The world of Solisium is vast and visually impressive, boasting picturesque landscapes, dynamic weather systems, and intricately designed cities. However, while the world is visually appealing, it lacks a unique identity. The game's aesthetic feels like a blend of other successful MMORPGs — taking bits and pieces from titles like Black Desert Online, Final Fantasy XIV, and Guild Wars 2. It’s a beautifully rendered world, but one that fails to distinguish itself in any meaningful way.

There’s a sense of déjà vu as you traverse the game's open world, and while the scale of the environment is impressive, the art direction and world-building don't evoke the kind of wonder or mystery that could pull players deeper into the lore. Instead, it feels more like a backdrop — a world constructed to house MMO activities without much thought given to making it feel alive or lived-in.

Combat and Gameplay: Serviceable, But Not Revolutionary

Combat in Throne and Liberty follows the tried-and-true action-MMO formula. There are no revolutionary mechanics to buy TL Lucent write home about, and it feels very standard in terms of its approach. The combat system is a hybrid between tab-targeting and action-based inputs, but neither aspect is fully fleshed out. It lacks the fluidity and depth of more established titles like Black Desert Online or Elder Scrolls Online.

One feature that stands out is the shapeshifting mechanic, allowing players to morph into different creatures, from swift birds for aerial travel to powerful beasts for land combat. While this adds some variety to the gameplay, it feels more like a gimmick than a core feature. The novelty of transforming wears off quickly, and the mechanic doesn’t impact combat or exploration in a meaningful way beyond basic traversal.

The PvE and PvP experiences also suffer from a lack of originality. PvE content, such as dungeons and raids, feels very much by-the-numbers. Enemies are formulaic, and while the boss encounters attempt to bring some challenge, the mechanics are simplistic and can often be brute-forced. On the PvP side, the Siege system was promoted as a major feature, but in practice, it lacks the depth and strategic elements seen in more established PvP-centric MMOs like EVE Online or Guild Wars 2.

Progression: A Grind Without a Purpose

One of the core frustrations with Throne and Liberty is its progression system. The leveling experience feels overly grindy, and not in the rewarding, satisfying way of older MMOs where overcoming a challenge brings a sense of accomplishment. Instead, the grind feels tedious, with repetitive quests and uninspired objectives that do little to push the player forward narratively or mechanically.

Character customization, in terms of skill trees and class development, is also lacking. There’s not enough diversity in builds to TL Lucent make leveling feel unique to each player, and the absence of meaningful choices makes the progression feel hollow. As a result, you’re left going through the motions, earning incremental power-ups, but never truly feeling like you’re growing into a more powerful or distinct character.

Final Thoughts: A Filler MMO

Ultimately, Throne and Liberty feels like a “filler” MMO — a game that exists to occupy space rather than push the genre forward. It lacks the innovative features or compelling gameplay loops that could hook players long-term. While it may provide a temporary distraction for MMO enthusiasts looking for something new, it doesn’t offer enough to differentiate itself from the crowd.

In an industry where games like Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and Elder Scrolls Online are still dominant, Throne and Liberty struggles to carve out its own niche. Without significant improvements or additions, it risks being another MMORPG that fails to leave a lasting impact.