The all time classic Shaiya
For fans of classic MMORPGs, Shaiya holds a special place in their hearts. This long-running game offers a blast-from-the-past experience that will resonate with those seeking a taste of that old-school online adventure.
However, newcomers to the genre might find it's showing its age in more ways than one.
Shaiya's core appeal
At its heart, Shaiya embraces the staples of early MMORPG design. You'll choose between two factions, engage in massive PvP battles, grind experience points by battling fantastical monsters, and embark on quests that slowly unfold the world's lore. If you crave this familiar gameplay loop, Shaiya delivers it in spades.
The game also stands out with its difficulty modes. Once you reach a certain level, you can choose between higher difficulty levels that offer increased experience and item drop rates—but at the risk of serious penalties upon death. This adds an element of tension and excitement often missing in modern MMOs.
Where the years show
Unfortunately, Shaiya's age is undeniable. T0he graphics are quite dated compared to newer MMORPGs like Black Desert Online or Final Fantasy XIV. The game world itself, while charming in its own way, can feel static and lacking in the kind of dynamic interaction found in more contemporary titles.
Additionally, Shaiya leans heavily on repetitive grinding for progression. If you're not a fan of killing the same monsters for hours on end, this might become tedious quickly. The quest design can also feel a bit archaic, often relying on fetch quests rather than engaging narratives.
Shaiya's place in the MMO landscape
Whether Shaiya will be your new favorite MMO depends largely on what you're looking for. If you're a veteran pining for the glory days of early online adventures and don't mind the graphical limitations, then Shaiya might be just the nostalgia trip you need. However, if you're seeking a polished, modern MMORPG that constantly innovates, Shaiya likely won't satisfy that itch.
Overall, Shaiya is a niche experience. It caters to a specific audience yearning for a specific type of gameplay that's becoming increasingly rare. The decision ultimately comes down to whether the game's old-school charm outweighs its equally old-school shortcomings.
