Trove review

Developed with a vibrant, voxel-based aesthetic, Trove stands out in the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) realm with its commitment to creativity and casual play. From the moment you start, it’s clear that the game is driven by its deeply engaging loot system rather than intricate storytelling. If you have a penchant for collecting loot and enjoy a dash of Minecraft-like creativity, Trove will likely capture your interest.

Gameplay Mechanics: A Casual Grind

Trove’s gameplay revolves around its endless loot grind. From the initial login, players are plunged into a hub world, serving as the base for all expeditions. Portals whisk players away into various procedurally generated zones filled with dungeons and a plethora of enemies, each promising more loot. Unlike traditional MMORPGs, Trove leans more towards a Diablo 3-style adventure mode, focusing on loot discovery and dungeon crawling rather than quest-based progression.

Combat in Trove is straightforward yet enjoyable, thanks to the wide array of unique abilities available to each of the 14 distinct classes. With options ranging from the agile Neon Ninja to the more robust and tanky classes, players will find something that suits their preferred play style. Unfortunately, each class only features a handful of abilities, limiting complexity in longer play sessions.

Artistic Blocks: Visual Style and Creativity

The visual appeal of Trove is rooted in its voxel-based design, similar to Minecraft. Every environment, character, and piece of loot is made up of brightly colored blocks, contributing to an eclectic and lively game world. The procedural generation brings a diverse array of zones, from candylands filled with bounty cakes to futuristic landscapes with glowing neon lights.

On the creative side, Trove excels by allowing players to build and customize their homes. While the plot size for housing is limited, players can relocate their creations across the world, providing a unique personal touch to their adventure. Homes can range from simple structures to elaborate designs that showcase player creativity at its finest.

Performance: A Mixed Bag

The expectation that Trove’s simple graphics would result in a smooth gameplay experience is only partially met. While the game generally runs well, peak hours introduce noticeable performance issues. Instances of rubberbanding can become particularly frustrating, especially when navigating jumping puzzles or engaging in intense combat scenarios.

Despite these hiccups, Trove succeeds in delivering an engaging experience during off-peak hours. The game’s charm does extend beyond its minor technical flaws, but players should be prepared for occasional disruptions.

Social Dynamics: Clubs and Cooperation

Trove encourages social interaction through its club system, which serves as the game’s version of guilds. However, joining a club can be cumbersome, often requiring players to actively seek out invites through crowded chat channels. This barrier can dampen the social experience, especially for new players.

On the brighter side, Trove allows for cooperative play even without formal club membership. Dungeon rewards are shared among all participating players, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. This aspect helps mitigate some of the social integration issues, ensuring that teamwork is still achievable.

Diversity of Classes: A Tactical Approach

One of Trove's standout features is its array of 14 combat classes, each offering a unique set of abilities. The game encourages players to switch between classes, making it a strategic decision to tackle different challenges. In this regard, Trove draws parallels to Final Fantasy XIV’s job system, though each class in Trove needs to be leveled individually.

This variety adds a layer of tactical depth to the game, especially in group play scenarios. However, the limited ability sets for each class can make extended play feel repetitive, despite the initial excitement of testing out new abilities and playstyles.

Monetization: Fair Yet Costly

Trove adopts a relatively fair monetization model, allowing players to enjoy the majority of the game without spending a dime. The in-game cash shop mainly offers cosmetic upgrades, which do not impact gameplay significantly. However, the prices for these items can be steep, with few affordable options for casual spenders.

Players looking to enhance their experience through purchases might find the cost prohibitive unless they're willing to make substantial investments. The availability of free class tokens alleviates some concerns but does not fully offset the high costs of other in-game items.

Conclusion

In summary, Trove offers a vibrant and entertaining MMORPG experience for players who enjoy loot-focused gameplay and creative building mechanics. While the game does have its drawbacks, including repetitive gameplay, performance issues, and challenging social integration, it presents enough charm and variety to keep casual players engaged in short bursts. Ultimately, Trove is best enjoyed as a light-hearted, blocky adventure rather than a deep, story-driven epic.