Info about Secret World Legends:

Official game description:
Secret World Legends is a story-driven, shared-world action RPG that plunges players into a shadowy war against the supernatural, where ancient myths and legends cross over into the modern day. Armed with both weapons and superhuman abilities, you will build your powers, solve deep mysteries, and destroy terrifying evils to uncover a dark and captivating storyline that traverses the globe. Can you reveal the truth?
Features
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*   **Fight in a Secret War against the Supernatural:** Where will you stand in the secret war between good and evil as supernatural forces threaten the modern-day world? Use a wide range of weapons and superhuman abilities to destroy the sinister evils that are threatening humanity’s existence.
*   **Unravel the Mysteries of the Legends:** Dive into the innovative Investigation Missions, where your wits are as important as your skills. Solve mysteries while battling evil in unique missions and quests never before seen in a game of its kind.
*   **Descend into a Dark, Mature Storyline:** Secret World Legends brings storytelling to a new level by dropping you into the heart of a dramatic and chill-inducing narrative filled with unique missions, emotional punches, and mysterious Legends, brought to life by high-quality voice-acting throughout the adventure.
*   **Explore the Secret World:** Travel from London to Seoul to New York and beyond. Explore the dark forests of Transylvania, the scorched deserts of Egypt, and a small coastal town in New England filled with horror and mystery. Visit locations inspired by the real world now invaded by creatures of myth and legend.
*   **Deep Character Customization:** Choose from hundreds of different customization options for your character, from a deep arsenal of weapons, extensive gear and clothing, to a vast set of supernatural powers and augmentations.
*   **100+ Hours of Free Stories and Gameplay:** Play for free--all of the game’s 100+ hours of missions and quests are completely free to play.
*   **Play Solo or With Your Friends:** The entire storyline is available to play through on your own, or team up in a seamless multiplayer experience where players from across the globe can adventure together.

Release date: Jul 31, 2017

Categories: Single-player Story, Action RPG, Investigative Gameplay, Real-time Combat, Character Customization, Cooperative Multiplayer, Endgame Content


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Highly enjoyable & unique experience (weight 0.99): Players consistently praise the game for its overall fun factor, captivating nature, and engaging gameplay. It's often highlighted as a truly distinctive MMORPG that stands out from typical genre offerings, appealing strongly to both veteran and new players, and is enjoyable for long hours or as a solo adventure.
- Deep story, lore, & unique quests (weight 0.79): The game is lauded for its intricately written, deep, and captivating story, lore, and world-building, which frequently incorporates Lovecraftian horror, modern myths, and conspiracy theories. A standout feature is the unique and challenging investigation quests that often require players to think critically and even research outside the game. Excellent writing, voice acting, and cutscenes enhance this narrative experience.
- Flexible character building (weight 0.19): Players appreciate the extensive freedom in character progression, allowing them to combine any skills, weapons, and abilities without class restrictions. This enables diverse builds and playstyles, with the added benefit of rich visual customization through a wide array of obtainable outfits and gear.
- Fair free-to-play model (weight 0.1): The game is highly praised for being genuinely free-to-play with no "pay-to-win" elements. Players can access all content, unlock gear, and even acquire premium currencies through gameplay, making it accessible and enjoyable without financial investment.
- Welcoming player community (weight 0.1): The game boasts a consistently friendly, helpful, and active community. Players note the lack of toxicity and the willingness of other players to assist newcomers, contributing significantly to a positive multiplayer experience.
- Engaging, improved combat system (weight 0.09): The combat system is described as engaging, action-oriented, and improved from previous iterations. Its flexible skill system allows for diverse character builds, and resource management adds a layer of depth to encounters.
- Atmospheric visual design (weight 0.07): While the graphics may appear dated to some, reviewers appreciate the impressive environmental design and strong atmosphere that compensate for any technical shortcomings. The visual style and world detail contribute significantly to the game's overall immersion and unique vibe.

Common complaints:
- Severe technical issues, outdated visuals. (weight 0.41): The game is plagued by critical technical problems including frequent crashes, severe performance dips even on modern hardware, and persistent lag, especially in social zones. Graphics, animations, and the UI are consistently described as outdated, poorly optimized, and glitchy, impacting playability and immersion. This also includes character-specific bugs and loading failures.
- Steep learning curve, excessive grind. (weight 0.25): Players find the game's difficulty and required time investment extremely high, leading to a constant and often monotonous grind for progression. This makes the game feel unforgiving and difficult to enjoy, particularly for new or casual players.
- Unfinished story, unfulfilled potential. (weight 0.25): The game's main narrative is a significant letdown, often ending abruptly on unresolved cliffhangers, leaving players unsatisfied. Many reviewers feel the game had immense potential that was ultimately wasted due to incomplete content and lack of continued development.
- Clunky, repetitive combat system. (weight 0.24): The combat mechanics are widely criticized for being awkward, unpolished, and highly repetitive, lacking strategic depth. Controls are often difficult to master, and enemies can be overly tanky, contributing to a frustrating and unengaging combat experience.
- Game abandoned, no new content. (weight 0.16): The game is widely perceived as abandoned by its developer, Funcom, with a complete lack of significant updates or new content for several years. This has led to the game being on "life support" with a dwindling player base, creating uncertainty about its future.
- Aggressive P2W monetization, grindy endgame. (weight 0.15): The endgame progression is marred by an aggressive pay-to-win monetization model, featuring overpriced microtransactions that offer significant advantages. This forces players into an excessive and repetitive grind or spending real money to keep pace, undermining fair play and enjoyment.
- Legends is a clear downgrade. (weight 0.15): Veteran players overwhelmingly view Secret World Legends as a significant regression from its predecessor, The Secret World. Key issues include a simplified combat system, worsened UI, reduced character build depth, altered story content with plot holes, and predatory monetization, alienating its original fanbase.
- Weak MMO elements, low player count. (weight 0.14): Despite being an MMORPG, the game struggles with very low and declining player numbers, which significantly diminishes its multiplayer aspects and social engagement. This, combined with limited character customization and a poor PvP experience, means it fails to meet modern MMO standards.
- Repetitive, uninspired quest design. (weight 0.09): Quests are frequently described as tedious, uninteresting, and highly repetitive, often consisting of basic fetch or kill tasks. This lack of creativity in mission design contributes to the overall feeling of grind and diminishes player engagement.

Gameplay feedback:
- Unique Investigation Missions (weight 0.14): Players appreciate the challenging investigation missions that require real-world internet research, often using an in-game browser. These unique puzzles sometimes require players to take notes or screenshots for clues.
- Action-Oriented Combat Mechanics (weight 0.11): Combat is action-oriented, drawing comparisons to games like Guild Wars 2 and ESO, featuring dynamic abilities and a dodge button. While some aspects are considered generic, the Legends relaunch refined it to an FPS-style default.
- Deep Crafting, Gear Customization (weight 0.07): The game offers a Minecraft-style crafting system allowing extensive gear customization. Weapon and gear upgrades involve 'melting' unwanted items into equipped ones to level them up, fostering a unique progression loop.
- Engaging Endgame Dungeon Content (weight 0.06): Endgame content includes elite dungeons and a raid, often requiring specific group compositions (Tank/Healer/3DPS) at higher difficulties. The game provides systems to help players find groups for these activities.
- Limited Active Quests (weight 0.05): Players are restricted to holding a limited number of active quests concurrently, typically one main story, one investigation, and three side missions. This system paces player progression and quest engagement.
- Challenging, Non-Casual Gameplay (weight 0.04): The game is described as complicated and not suitable for casual play, often requiring a grind and making it difficult to stick to a single build throughout the entire experience. This indicates a steeper learning curve and commitment.
- Flexible Role Opportunities (weight 0.03): While the classic holy trinity (Tank, DPS, Healer) exists for structured group content, the flexible skill system allows for many hybrid roles. This provides players with diverse playstyle options beyond strict archetypes.
- Relaunched, More Accessible Version (weight 0.03): Secret World Legends is a relaunch of the original "The Secret World," specifically designed to be more accessible to new players. This change aimed to broaden its appeal and streamline certain aspects of the game.

Performance notes:
- DX11 Instability & Performance (weight 0.07): The game's DirectX 11 mode causes significant stuttering and frequent crashes for many players, even on capable hardware. Players report that switching to DirectX 9 often resolves these issues and offers comparable visual quality.
- Widespread Game Bugs (weight 0.05): The game experiences numerous bugs, from general gameplay glitches to specific issues like freezing during character creation, unrendered character design graphics, and loading problems with both Steam and native clients. This indicates a general lack of polish.
- Long-Standing Core Issues (weight 0.04): Players report that these technical problems, including performance and bugs, have persisted for years. Many players confirm their hardware, internet, and software are up-to-date and more than capable, strongly suggesting the issues originate within the game itself.
- Windows 8 Compatibility Fix (weight 0.01): Some players found that setting the game's executable (SWL.exe) to Windows 8 compatibility mode resolved crashing issues. This specific workaround might be necessary for players experiencing instability on newer Windows versions.
- Screen Tearing Present (weight 0.01): Without VSync forced through graphics card drivers, players experience strong and disturbing screen tearing. This suggests the game's native VSync implementation (if any) is insufficient or absent, requiring a user-side workaround.

Recommendations:
- Highly Recommended for New Players (weight 0.22): Many players strongly recommend trying the game, especially since it's free-to-play or often on sale. They emphasize it's a fun experience, worth the time investment, and deserves to be played despite any potential flaws.
- Concerns Over Game's Future (weight 0.19): Many players express significant concerns about the game's lack of updates, unresolved technical issues (e.g., lag, character customization), and a perceived lack of future development. Some feel the game needs a complete revamp or warn that it's 'going nowhere,' leading to critical non-recommendations.
- New Player Onboarding Advice (weight 0.14): New players are advised to manage expectations regarding monetization and endgame content. Specific tips include considering certain game editions, understanding differences between game versions (Legends vs. TSW), utilizing community channels like Discord, and not being discouraged by older player criticisms.
- Best Enjoyed as Single-Player (weight 0.14): Players recommend treating the game primarily as a single-player RPG with optional multiplayer elements. The main story, unique atmosphere, and compelling quests are highlighted as core strengths, suggesting focus on these aspects rather than traditional MMO endgame loops.

Other player notes:
- Enduring player loyalty & nostalgia (weight 0.15): A significant portion of the player base has a long-standing history with the game, some since its original release, often returning due to strong nostalgia and a 'soft spot' for its unique experience. Many cite it as a personal favorite and revisit annually, particularly for events like Halloween, demonstrating consistent, long-term engagement.
- Demand for IP revival (weight 0.14): There is a widespread desire among players for the game's unique IP to be revitalized. This includes requests for a full remake with updated graphics and combat, a single-player RPG adaptation, or continued story content. Many express sadness over its current dormant state and hope another company or Funcom will invest in its future, with some even mentioning the potential for a TV show.
- Original game preferred (weight 0.1): A significant sentiment among long-time players is a strong preference for the original 'The Secret World' over its successor, 'Secret World Legends,' which is often deemed inferior. Veterans express frustration over the changes made to the game they knew, including having to restart progress, and note the current difficulty in acquiring a key to play the original version. There are also gripes about a lack of new content for the game they prefer.
- Community keeps game alive (weight 0.05): Despite its age and limited development, the game's longevity and appeal are significantly sustained by its small but dedicated community. Players hope this community persists and actively engages in sharing knowledge, with many finding answers to questions online. There's also a wish for more people to have experienced past community-driven events like the original ARGs.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.34): Players feel satisfied by the game's compelling story, rich world-building, and unique horror/supernatural setting. This is amplified by engaging investigation quests that require critical thinking, flexible character customization, and a supportive community. The overall quality of content and enjoyable solo play also contribute to this positive emotion.
- Disappointment (weight 0.19): Disappointment stems from the game's unfulfilled potential, dated graphics, and technical issues. Heavy monetization, the lack of new content or story updates, and the game's perceived decline or abandonment also frequently cause this emotion. Players often lament changes made during the transition from the original game, such as simplified combat or removed features.
- Frustration (weight 0.12): Frustration is primarily caused by persistent technical issues like severe lag, graphical glitches, and loading problems that hinder gameplay. Players also express frustration with grindy progression, aggressive monetization, and obscure game mechanics or UI that make it difficult to progress or understand the game. The inability to find groups for content and expensive build optimization further contributes to this feeling.
- Excitement (weight 0.11): Players experience excitement due to the game's unique and challenging investigation quests, which offer complex puzzles and riddles. The captivating story, rich lore, and atmospheric horror setting also generate enthusiasm. The classless progression system, allowing for diverse character builds and playstyles, is another key factor.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.03): Nostalgia arises from fond memories of the game's original release, its past combat system, and character builds. Players recall shared experiences, such as playing with family, and often express a preference for the older version of the game. The game's 'old' charm and aesthetic also trigger this emotion.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy is experienced by players who love the game's rich universe, captivating story, and unique qualities, often considering it an all-time favorite. The overall fun gameplay, enjoyable single-player experience, and ease of revisiting the game contribute to this positive feeling. The strong community and original game mechanics are also sources of joy.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is directed towards the game's unique approach to its setting, storytelling, and innovative progression system, often seen as superior to other MMORPGs. Players praise its genuinely free-to-play model, exceptional soundtrack, and ability to break traditional genre molds. The quality of its world and quests also inspire admiration.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Enjoyment is derived from the game's fun gameplay, friendly community, and refreshing, non-traditional quest design, particularly the unique investigation missions. The immersive ambiance, creepy quests, and engaging story also contribute to this feeling. Players enjoy experimenting with character builds and sightseeing within the game world.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Hope is expressed for the game's future, including a desire for improvements, a true revival, or changes in its business model. Players wish for new content, a remake with a modern engine, or spin-offs that expand the franchise. There is also hope for better combat and a more robust PvP scene.
- Sadness (weight 0.02): Sadness results from the game being perceived as 'dead' or abandoned, with an unfinished story and a lack of new content patches. Players lament its unfulfilled potential and the mismanagement that led to its decline. The feeling of 'blues' after completing the story also contributes to this emotion.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the game's unique and refreshing departure from typical MMO quest structures, especially its deep lore and investigation quests that require player investment. The open character development system and freedom in customization are highly valued. Its fair economic model and original, risky design ideas also garner appreciation.
- Immersion (weight 0.01): Immersion is fostered by the game's amazingly cool ambiance, dark and confusing narrative tone, and thick atmosphere. Quality voice acting, rich lore, and the exploration of its creepy, apocalyptic world enhance this feeling. The interwoven story missions and brilliant soundtrack also contribute to deep player immersion.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is caused by persistent and impactful lag, which significantly disrupts gameplay. Players also express anger over perceived 'pay-to-play' schemes and alleged malicious CPU usage by the game client. The belief that the game is a 'piece of garbage' due to critical failure also triggers this emotion.
- Longing (weight 0.01): Longing reflects a strong desire for a proper reboot of the game with more content and story, or a dedicated single-player RPG version. Players also express a wish for more people to experience the game's unique qualities, particularly its original ARG events, and struggle to find similar games to fill the void it left.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is driven by the game's addictive atmosphere, detailed world, and intriguing, often terrifying, quests that push players' intellectual limits. The game's ability to be a 'time sink' and easily captivate players within its universe also contributes to a strong sense of involvement. Exciting game mechanics further enhance this.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm comes from revisiting the game and its unique qualities, finding it to be an atypical MMORPG that offers a refreshing alternative to the norm. Players are enthusiastic about the game's ability to deliver on the 'play it your way' promise, embracing its classless system and diverse builds. It is celebrated as a unique experience in the genre.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from uncertainty about the game's lack of popularity despite its perceived qualities, making players question its market position. Additionally, some players express confusion due to a lack of instructional quests or clear tutorials, making it hard to understand and learn the game's complex mechanics. This difficulty hinders initial engagement.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom stems from gameplay that is perceived as simple, easy, or repetitive, particularly when replaying the same missions for progression. Players find the lack of engaging challenges or novel experiences leads to a monotonous gameplay loop. This makes it difficult to sustain interest over time.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Curiosity is sparked by the game's narrative structure, which is rich with mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Players are driven to discover the secrets behind the game's lore and conspiracies. This investigative appeal keeps them engaged in exploring the world and its hidden truths.
- Concern (weight 0.01): Concern is raised by the game's monetization model, which is perceived to negatively impact new players and their progression. There is also concern about the game's seemingly empty state, leading to questions about the viability and enjoyment of its endgame content. This impacts player retention and overall satisfaction.}