Early Impressions on The Secret World

The Secret World is an upcoming game by Funcom that has not really been giving out a whole lot of information since it was first announced. However, the announcement trailer was something that intrigued myself and many other gamers alike, and so it was definitely something that was on my list of things to check up on during GDC. Luckily for myself, they have delivered and given a new trailer and new gameplay footage, and after catching up on all the new information and videos I am left with many strong impressions, some good and others a little harsher.

The Secret World - GDC 2011 Trailer

More TSW videos

First, the entire game reminds me of Left 4 Dead. Ever since the first official trailer was released, everything from the graphics to the movement to the monsters/bosses has reminded me of the popular zombie-killing franchise. Now, after seeing the new trailer and videos, I have the same feeling but stronger than ever. The videos feature characters jumping on cars to set off alarms and lure zombies, and then fighting a boss monster which appears to be a hybrid of a tank and a charger from L4D. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. When All Points Bulletin was first announced, like many others I immediately started referring to it as a 'Grand Theft Auto MMO'. I had high expectations and they could have easily been met (unfortunately as we know, they were not). Now, a Left 4 Dead zombie-massacring MMO? That sounds pretty great to me.

The gameplay they showed off does look a little dull, however I am not giving up because at later levels, such as those shown in the trailers, it does seem to get a bit more interesting through the use of special powers and spells. Early on it appears as if you can have multiple items in your layout, such as dual pistols and a sledgehammer, which can easily be swapped back and forth depending upon the scenario. They also showed off interesting environmental tactics, such as using gas canisters to set zombies on fire (no seriously, I am not talking about Left 4 Dead). The unique aspect is alluded to when he says that environmental effects such as setting zombies on fire can then lead to special spells being able to be used on the zombies. What it seems like is players will be able to unleash devastating combos on monsters once certain things are affecting them. It is an interesting concept in theory, however it really depends upon how well it is executed when the game is released.