Florensia

Has the desire to drift across the open seas and then roam across the various terrains of a world in the same game ever burned deep in your cyber-heart? If so, then Florensia is exactly what your heart desires. While most games stick to more land-based environments for their players to explore, this Ala playa published game brings both combat on land and sea and combines it into an action-packed fantasy MMORPG. Cross the open waters to the various islands or sea sections accessible by boat, reach a dock and explore various towns, dungeons and other areas across the maritime continent of Lux Plena. An elaborate display of adventure and mystique awaits in Florensia.

Four base classes and deep character development

At the beginning there are only four base classes of characters to choose from, but as the game progresses so does the character development. As players level up, the door is opened to new types of classes. Each base type has two paths that the player can choose to take. The Explorer can choose to become an Excavator or a Sniper - The Mercenary can choose between a Gladiator and Guardian Swordsman - The Noble chooses between Court Magician and Magic Knight - The Saint decides in becoming Priest or Shaman.

Choose your ship

The base classes are similar to the standard four-class system that is used in most games.Not only are the base-classes in Florensia quite unique in themselves, the extra eight classes that stem from them are very diverse, each an exclusive enhancement from the original. On sea there exists five types of ships to choose from; Armored which is more defensive, providing protection for the fleet – The Assault ships are more offensive – Big Gun's are exactly that, a large powerful gun that is used from a distance, similar to artillery, but very explosive – Maintenance provide repairs to the rest of the fleet – Torpedo's are very fast, used mostly for quick striking attacks. Each ship can be upgraded and it is necessary to purchase ammunition before heading out to sea. There are basic attacks or actions for each, as well as a special, but if ships get close enough they can use rifles as another method.

Think through your decisions

Regardless of the choice, an intricate skill system exists within, alluring to players that enjoy in depth character development. Each selection is that much more important and perhaps the extra time provided in the skill book system allows players to more thoroughly think through their decisions. Beyond your land character development exists the separate sea structure, broadening a whole new horizon in the game. On sea, a completely new and skill system exists for players to level their players up with. Both forms of levelling provide for quite a bit of personalization the wide variety of choices that exist. Each time a player wishes to level up a new skill, they must go and buy the appropriate book in order to do so. Once a skill is acquired, players can then continue to level each individual skill.

There is a lot for players to see in the world of Florensia, both on land and across the sea. Players will be exploring the vast maritime continent of Lux Plena, which is comprised of both large and small islands. Once a prosperous place, it has since been overrun with villains and creatures, both of which create havoc amongst the people residing. Player's are given the opportunity to band together and explore the vast lands and open seas while ridding the world of the terror that has befallen it. The seas are overrun with villainous pirates who sail around the seas, searching for their next innocent victim to ravage.

Watch out, monsters!

Various monsters also roam around the open waters seeking to destroy any threatening adventurers. Although there are also pirates and bandits on land to battle, a broad range of enemies exist to combat against, from simple plants, such as fungus, to large giant-like creatures. There are also many friendly NPCs as well as there are various villages and towns to come across, including the starting location for each class. In these towns there are places to trade, craft, buy items and get the wide range of quests that are there for players to partake. There is a large, expansive market provided for player's to become involved in as they can visit NPC's and buy/sell items. Players may also combat in PvP battles both on sea and land at any time by simply challenging and accepting.

Two games in one

Once players explore the land and get a grasp of the combat involved, an entire new realm is provided once they ship off into open waters. It is as if two games exist in one and together they combine for a fun-filled, action-packed adventure. Although it may at first seem difficult in attempting to learn two combat forms, the tutorials are quite informative and the learning curve isn't very steep. There is quite a range in terms also of the items and weapons available. Nearly everything is relevant to the specific classes, but there are overlapping weapon types that exist as well, opening up more in terms of personal choices.

The weapons range from guns to swords, with magic being involved in between. You can choose a rifle, dual guns, dual swords, a sword and shield, or you can use various spells. Overall the game-play is quite enjoyable, although it may at first seem difficult to master the sailing of the open seas. The graphics are quite exceptionally well done, as they carry a clean, unique cartoon-like feel to them. This, along with the dual combat system, does provide players with some enticing aspects to consider. It is quite easy to both challenge other players and also connect together in forming parties and such as the interaction provided is quite efficient.

Not next-gen but provides a unique combination

Florensia is definitely a game worth checking out for any MMO fan, especially if they have ever wished to be involved in naval warfare; and with the combination of adventures and battles across land this is a great game to experience.

© 2012 - DevilsMMO.com
review by Matt Blain