MU Online

"By far the most original and stylistic MMORPG to date!"

Introduction
So you decided to step forth to a new MMORPG and you come across MU Online. This is a free to play (or if you want to pay) MMORPG, which is the most stylistic one I've seen yet. Most RPGs have a giddy "Knights and Castles" feel, but MU Online takes it to the edge. Monsters are dark and menacing, armors look killer, and weapons are very unique, along with the varied stages. MU Online is definately a choice for a new MMORPG to play.

Gameplay 8/10
This game is really free-roaming from the start. You usually train often from the get-go, but once you start getting those armors and weapons, it's safe for you to start playing the fun action packed events. At times it does feel a little repetitive trying to level up, but you'll soon find that this game pushes you to move onwards to greater enemies in diverse stages, thus keeping this game fresh. Not to mention the events which MU Online holds where you get nearly 10x experience! That's the issue with MU, for when you try to level up, it nearly takes ages unless an event is going on. This factor truely makes the game very repetitive, since the game demands such high levels to get the good weapons/armors.

From the start, you can choose from 3 different races, all different. Dark Knights carry a large range of weapons, and are generally strong from the start. Dark Wizards are hard to play as in the beginning, but soon become really powerful. Elves (which personally I chose) are the fun part, because your strength is determined on both yoru stats and weapons, and you are very versatile, but a lot of running around is involved. Then there are 2 secret bonus characters you can unlock later.

Graphics 8/10
I love the graphics to this game. The particles are well done and the models are cool. However, the graphics are really on par to a PS1 game, so if you're looking for a masterpiece RPG, look elsewhere. Some models look a little choppy, but that's not really a problem. The good thing is that this game can be played on a lot of outdated computers, and looks even better on newer computers.

Sound 3/10
Ugh, of course, every game has it's flaw. MU Online's sound department really lacks. Each creature has about 2 sound effects: attacking, and dying. They get really annoying, and sounds like almost I could make the same sounds through my microphone by myself! The sound effects are aweful too, and are overused a lot.

However, the music is really good. The tracks really bring in the mood of the game, such as the vocals to the iceland Devias, to the underwater tracks of Atlans, and even the dark and scary tracks to Lost Tower. Unfortunately, the tracks are limited, and you only hear one song once, followed by silence that almost drives you nuts because you're listening to those annoying creatures! There is a music patch available, but from what I've heard, much justice wasn't served. :( But hey, what do you expect from a free game?

Environment 7/10
Yes, you're gonna need to know about the community before you commit yourself to an MMORPG. Now, half of the people in MU either don't speak English, or talk all in acronyms. It gets annoying, especially when you're trying to party with these people. But, on the opposite, there are some English speakers who are really nice, and will help you level up and such. As for the community/environment, it has it's ups and downs.

Overall 8/10
You wont get much from reading this review. Get out and try this game! If you're looking for a new MMORPG, play this! It's 3D and fun. This game is very stylistic, and you'll never get tired of looking at how awesome the spells and armor sets look, let alone the levels. Don't hesitate because of things like sound and non-English players. Trust me, it's an awesome game, and it's worth a try. I'm positive you'll be hooked on to this game, unless you're hooked on something else right now! :P

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 09/17/07

Game Release: MU Online (US, 10/06/03)