Review Submitted By: Jewels
Author Status: Player
Started on Shattered World: May of 2004
Submission Date: Jul 30, 2004
TMC Listing: Shattered World
The following review is the opinion of the review's author [Jewels]
and in no way represents the opinions of this website or its staff.
Shattered World is a detailed and massive MUD world that holds
endless possibilities of exploration and player goals. The detail and
care that went into creating this game by the attentive (not to
mention helpful) Immortals, or game coders, is immensely impressive.
Unlike most MUD's, players can 'better' their characters by
experience which makes a more realistic approach of 'practice makes
perfect.' This in itself is a journey, from killing rats and cats
inside the protective walls of Sanom City (the world's most populated
city) to eventually hunting down trolls and dragons. Blood-thirsty
killing isn't the only way one can improve themselves, however. The
game offers several guilds that have specialized skills. For example,
a player might be a demon summoner and at first will start out with a
puny imp, but with a lot of experience and a little patience, he will
advance in his guild enough to be able to summon a mighty Shadow Elf
Demon or other such beasty.
There are several guilds that each offer very helpful skills and a
player may join a few of these at the same time as long as they are
allied so he can get several powers. Our demon summoner may be a mage
and a soulstealer as well.
Along with guilds, players have the option of joining a cult which is
a player-run 'social group' that offers support among members.
Players that are in cults will recieve extra powers, spell point
reserves, and not to mention the help of their superiors. This feature
of the game offers an excellent roleplaying opportunity since it is,
like basically all of the game, is player-run.
Another interesting aspect of the game is the economy. SW runs on
something called a zero-sum theory which means that no money is
created, but is in circulation among the players, shops, cults,
guilds, and so on. Also, the legal system is all player run,
consisting of a judge and citizen votes.
There are several goals players can strive to achieve, one may go for
the crown while another may attempt to get rich off of a line of
weapon shops. Or another yet may work to be the guild leader of the
Roc-Riders guild. Whatever a player wants, Shattered World will offer.
One thing many consider when choosing an MUD, is how newbie friendly
it is. Shattered World was the first MUD I had ever played and every
player and Immortal will be more than willing to show you around, get
you set up in a guild and cult, help you in a few of the any
interactive (sometimes very difficult) quests, and maybe even give you
a few coins to get you started. I highly suggest Shattered World to
MUD experts or just casual gamers looking for a good time. It really
is a superb and unique MUD.
