Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen, an MMORPG envisioned by the late Brad McQuaid, has resurfaced with improved graphics and a seasonal model, launching in early access on Steam in December 2024. Garnering a peak of 4,200 concurrent players, it appeals to fans of classic MMOs, though some criticize its grind and group-finding challenges. While it evokes nostalgia for early 2000s gaming, players should manage expectations, recognizing its indie roots and ongoing development journey.
Unveiling Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen
Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen is a captivating MMORPG that emerged from the creative vision of Brad McQuaid, the esteemed designer known for his work on Vanguard. Tragically, McQuaid passed away in 2019 at the young age of 51, leaving the game’s development in limbo. However, 2023 marked a turning point for the production team as they revitalized the project, introducing enhanced graphics, a seasonal gameplay model, and gearing up for an early access launch.
Early Access Success on Steam
The MMORPG made its debut in early access on Steam in mid-December 2024, available for approximately 39 euros. The response was impressive, with a peak of 4,200 concurrent players logged in on December 29, 2024. Although the game encountered some challenges during its initial days, the player base has steadily increased.
Feedback on Steam reveals a mixed bag of opinions:
- Players should not anticipate a “modern WoW” experience; Pantheon caters more to fans of WoW Classic.
- While the MMORPG feels reminiscent of a contemporary Everquest, it remains in Early Access and offers an enjoyable gameplay experience. Many users remark, “For an indie game in early access, it’s not bad.”
- Longtime fans highlight how Pantheon successfully captures the essence of Everquest from the early 2000s, emphasizing the importance of teamwork. They consistently refer to it as a “classic MMORPG.”
Is Pantheon a Throwback to Old-School MMOs?
The term ‘old-school MMORPG’ suggests that the game features certain penalty systems. For instance, one player expressed frustration over the loss of their inventory upon death. While the game encourages exploration, it also imposes consequences for missteps, such as encountering formidable high-level mobs.
Another Steam user commented, “The game feels overly grindy, and finding a group can be time-consuming.”
Players should approach Pantheon with realistic expectations. This title is a passion project developed by a small team aiming to create a nostalgic MMORPG experience for a specific audience. Those seeking the next iteration of WoW may find themselves disappointed. In contrast, veteran gamers with a history of old-school MMORPGs might find Pantheon appealing, albeit with some caveats.
It’s important to recognize that the project’s development hasn’t been as smooth over the past decade as its late creator envisioned. Nevertheless, the team has made commendable progress in recent months, and the positive response on Steam is encouraging.
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