In the realm of MMORPGs during the second generation of online gaming, the fusion of hack & slash action was a rare gem due to programming limitations. One such exception was Cabal Online, crafted by the South Korean developer ESTsoft. Touted as “The Revolution of Action,” it promised a blend of MMORPG and hack & slash gameplay, coupled with captivating graphics and challenging quests to captivate players.
Fast forward to 2012, where action MMOs are more prevalent, and Cabal 2 is on the horizon. It’s an opportune moment to revisit Cabal Online and scrutinize whether its initial claims still stand.
Customization:
The initial customization options are disappointingly limited. Players are restricted to seven hair styles, eight hair colors, and four face shapes. Standing out from the crowd requires purchasing new hairstyles and outfits from the eShop. On the upside, Cabal offers a decent array of character classes—Warrior, Blader, Archer, Forcer Blader, Force Shielder, and Wizard—incorporating standard MMO archetypes with a few hybrids.
While post-creation customization appears to have some depth, it feels somewhat simplistic. Equipment stats can be enhanced by upgrading with cores, providing a moderate level of personalization. However, the use of runes for characters is restricted to those at LV120 and above.
Gameplay:
Given Cabal Online’s 2006 release, many gameplay elements feel dated. The leveling process involves engaging in numerous kill and fetch quests, often taking considerable time. Players find themselves battling mindless enemies and their variations, making dungeons repetitive endeavors focused on progressing from point A to B while eliminating foes.
Gameplay dynamics see improvement at level 30 with the introduction of the Combo Chain skill. Despite this boost, the game only marginally enhances. The leveling pace improves, but the addition of skill ranking introduces a second layer of grinding. Players must utilize training dummies to increase skill ranks, a process that can feel monotonous.
While Cabal Online attempts to inject excitement with rewards every ten levels, such as unlocking potent battle modes or transforming weapons, these perks dwindle in interest post-LV50. More challenging content is reserved for LV100+ players, perpetuating the trend of MMORPGs requiring substantial grinding before reaching the purportedly “fun” segment.
The PvP aspect of Cabal Online faces challenges, as many skills can stun, lock, or knock down opponents, often with wide-ranging area-of-effect effects. The combo chain system, coupled with these skills, tends to determine matches swiftly, favoring the one who lands the first attack.
Controls:
Cabal Online employs familiar MMORPG controls, utilizing WSAD keys for movement and number keys for skills and potions. Movement via the keyboard is functional but takes a backseat during combat, where mouse-based movement and positioning prove more effective. The combo chain skill introduces a rhythmic key-pressing aspect, resembling a mini-game rather than a complex hack & slash element.
Graphics and Presentation:
Cabal Online’s art direction is perplexing, attempting to amalgamate fantasy, sci-fi, and steampunk themes into a disjointed concoction. The world feels small due to segmented areas connected by a portal room. Despite the peculiar presentation, the game is known for eye-catching special effects, lending each attack a visually striking quality.
While Cabal Online features multiple areas, the lack of exploration, along with a generic original soundtrack, somewhat dampens the overall experience. On a positive note, players can insert their own music into the in-game jukebox powered by .ogg music files.
Community:
Community functions are standard, including Friends List, Guilds, and a Mailbox, and they function as expected. The community is active, but high-level players dominate, making it challenging for newcomers to find party members. There’s nothing particularly remarkable about community functions that sets Cabal Online apart.
Overall:
In a landscape where many MMORPGs offer genuine hack n’ slash action, Cabal Online may struggle to find a place as the preferred choice. While it held promise in its time, Cabal Online’s appeal today may primarily be rooted in nostalgia for those with a sweet tooth for the past.
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