Graal Forums - Nolavario: Review

Wow, I'm on a roll. Two reviews within about a week ;) Let's get started, shall we?

Novalario met the requirements of a server that must be submitted. It had two things to do as soon as you entered the overworld, it had jobs and it had the levels. I started off at onlinestartlocal (like every server must) but I was confused because there were actually TWO onlinestartlocals. One was the gender selection and one was the nation selection. I took it that seen as though the nation selection did not work at all that was not the one I'd have to use, and proceeded to select my gender. From there you select a job (merchant, mining, lumberjack, the generic role-playing jobs) and then a class (knight, wizard or archer). Then it drops you off into the overworld. In case you haven't picked up already, this server is intended to be a role-playing server.

Creativity - 2.5/10 - You got a few neat things, like the GUI and using the mouse to use and activate some things, but other than that, there isn't much that is new to the Graal world. Maybe it was just buggy, but the q menu I could not close at all, though I assume it works on a clicking system, and I had to restart the level every time I opened it. I don't want to make comparisons (especially when I'm not posting positive things) but your server is a lot like Valikorlia IN GAMEPLAY. I am not saying it's like Valikorlia in terms of quality, style etc, but it felt like a clone to me. The idea of worldmap (and even the same images), the castles, the shops, even the layout of the towns was almost exactly the same.

Storyline - 3/10 - I got mixed messages here. Fine, up until the point where you leave the starting town, it does feel like a role-playing server, but after that there is not much that makes it a good RP environment. My suggestion is to fix the inside of the main town castle (where you put all the staff) and add more interesting rooms, things to do, make it feel unique and different. I was happy to see that the nations seemed to remain consistent in building style but there is still lack of role-playing content. Event houses also don't fit into a role-playing server well. Try to go with one or the other. Your current server could be more adaptable to making it a total RP environment, but I don't know if that is the way you want to go, especially with tough competition like Graal kingdoms.

Levels - 4/10 - While some levels were nice, there was simply not enough detail in a lot of them. Graal is rapidly advancing, you need more than just straight paths and blank grassy fields. Try adding small details like swamp patches, grass thickets and even the odd rock and chair in places where there is nothing, you'd be surprised how much nicer it looks. Amazingly, I couldn't find much tile errors, with the exception that your tree gifs were missing so all the trees were cut off but that's easily fixable. Some of your insides were nice, but in general I think most levels need some improvement.

NPC's - 4.5/10 - This is something I'll commend you on. Even though it's use is minimal, I like it how you can use the mouse for a few things, it makes gameplay a lot easier. Your q menu actually looked quite nice, even though it's futuristic look doesn't fit with the RP server, but I'd still say with some graphic changes it's definately a keeper. The NPC message at the bottom left is also a decent addition. Still, there wasn't much new, but you did have all the general NPC's like hammers for mining, pick axes, the bows and all that. Maybe some original NPC's would be nice.

Quests - 1/10 - There was only one quest! :( Fine, I know it's a role-playing server, but this quest wasn't in the least bit RP'ish. Answering questions about the server and where you are so the guy will get out of your way isn't that creative. You guys need a lot more quests, even if it isn't straight up like that. Maybe run errands for a merchant or meet the King and do some tasks for him, but only having one will definately make people lose intrest in your server and make it less appealing.

Overall Score - 15/50

Novalorio's status: Fail

You guys need to get together again and work this out. What kind of server do you want, a role-playing server where the GUI must fit, the quests must the consistent, the entire gameplay the same.. or do you want a fun server with events and cars and things to buy through jobs?
Fix up some of the levels too, more detail is needed. Also, keep developing new quests. It could be for items, it could be for special access to a secret area, anything. Keep the players entertained and happy. Try to be original, we don't need a Valikorlia look alike online. Good luck, feel free to IM me for any questions or suggestions you have.