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Aion

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6.9 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 37 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 191 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: NCsoft

Developer: NCsoft

Genre(s): Massively-Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game

Players: Thousands

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: September 22, 2009

Summary

Aion is a massively multiplayer online RPG where players ascend to divinity and fight in an epic celestial war. Wielding divine powers and the capability for true flight, players must bring salvation to their people and restore balance to a vast, beautiful world shattered by cataclysm. [NCsoft]

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

GameFocus

Aion is very close to being a perfect example of the current idea of how a fantasy based MMO should be implemented. I would even suggest Aion might be the climax of the typical design elements of the genre. There was room for 1 more player in fantasy based MMO’s (as long as they were a major player) and Aion has taken up that spot, and definitely pushed some competitors out of the picture by doing so.

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The Onion (A.V. Club)

It’s still too early to judge Aion’s endgame content, but that may be the true test of whether the game will have real staying power, or be just another passing pretty face.

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ImpulseGamer

In conclusion, Aion is a very entertaining MMO game that although doesn’t challenge this genre too much, still uses the traditional Dungeons & Dragons archetypes.

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Gameplanet

Jaded by the current crop of MMORPG's? Tired of the endless band aids in the form of patches designed to disguise the boredom? Sick of the grind? Come over to the all new world of Aion and experience the art of MMORPG at a new level.

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RPG Fan

Without a doubt, Aion is an incredibly polished experience that refines the best aspects of the genre and creates a spectacular new world. As a fan and critic of the genre, I wholeheartedly recommend Aion to both casual and experienced gamers.

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GamingXP

Aion is simply the best looking MMORPG out there. Also it’s fun and challenging!

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Gamer.nl

"Aion is an extraordinary MMORPG. Both the PvPvE-concept and presentation of the game are fantastic. Story-wise and gameplay-wise the game feels finished. Combined with the hundred hours that it will take to play through the game, Aion: The Tower of Eternity is an unforgettable experience which every MMORPG player should experience.

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GamesNation

Structural balance, evocative graphics, inspired character design. These are just a few of Aion’s assets. It is a game that has definitely met most of the highest expectations we all had. As such it is possibly the best available alternative to some of the most important MMORPG out there, including his majesty World of Warcraft!

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NZGamer

If you're looking for something with a different storyline to WoW, don't play WoW for reasons other than its gameplay or want something more than combat, Aion is well worth checking out. It's arguably the best MMO at launch that we've ever seen.

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SpazioGames

Aion is a good MMORPG experience. While it won't reinvent the genre, it makes a very good use of various inspirations. The gameplay offers the best elements from previous MMORPGs, and Realm vs Realm will be a perfect endgame experience. The graphics engine is optimized for older computers, while the oriental concept is lovable and dreaming.

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Gamer Limit

On its own merits, Aion is a supremely impressive MMO that should appeal to both casual and veteran players alike.

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IGN

Aion is a beautiful, well-polished, well-presented game that introduces a new combat mechanic in fantasy MMOs, fighting on wings. In fact, it's such a lovely game that we wish there were more of it.

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Multiplayer.it

Despite the need to grind some levels and the PvP that could not be appreciated by everyone, Aion is a great MMORPG, with a stunning visual and one of the best gameplay to date.

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Everyeye.it

Despite its old-fashioned game mechanics, which include a good amount of grinding, Aion delivers a solid and entertaining MMO experience that truly shines as the players reach the engaging PvPvE aerial combats in the Abyss.

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GameStar

On the one hand Aion offers great player versus player combat, on the other hand the quests are quite boring, like quests to collect a certain amount of items or to kill a certain amount of monsters. But once you're in a great group fighting other players you'll forget the weaker points of the game.

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Gamers.at

Aion has definitely more potential than other most recently released MMOs. Its already quite a polished game, but lacks still some content especially for the high level range.

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Vandal Online

Aion can become the ideal option for those tired of World of Warcraft, or those who want an actual alternative in this market.

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9Lives

It's a bit too early to say whether NCSoft has got a lasting hit on their hands, but it looks to turn out that way. Even though some features lack depth, Aion is without a doubt one of the most solid MMORPG's we've seen in recent years.

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PC Zone UK

Every care has been made to make this a game that anyone from any region will enjoy. However, there just isn't that intangible harmony nor inset differentiation that the game would need to compete with WoW - and that's a shame, because otherwise, Aion is damn good at what it does. [Christmas 2009, p.74]

Cynamite

The Asia-themed setting is quite fresh, but not everybody's cup of tea. There is no shame in giving it a try though.

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GameZone

Aion offers some new ideas and the whole wing dynamic is wonderful.

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InsideGamer.nl

To give an MMORPG a fair judgment is a difficult one. MMORPG’s develop through years to achieve the goals they have for it. Still a MMORPG needs a solid base to achieve those goals. The character creation is massive and for MMO standards unprecedented. The classes on the other hand, are a little bit boring, certainly till level 10. But the way the story is presented makes up for a lot. The climax is Abyss where PvP is pushed to a whole new level. For the PvE players among us Aion might be the right MMO to go with.

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Level7.nu

Beyond the beautiful graphic you have seen most of it before but if that doesn’t concern you then you will enjoy the gameplay and the beautiful graphics for many hours.

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Boomtown

NCSoft's latest RPG has gotten off to a flying start and will be hoping to steadily gain altitude until it climbs to the lofty heights of long term RPG greatness.

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Meristation

Aion isn't the revolution the genere probably needs, but it is definitely a well-designed MMORPG that is going to be specially enjoyed by all those PVP fans that want a deeper experience while fighting other players. Beautiful graphics, excellent performance and almost no bugs/problems. It definitely deserves a try.

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Strategy Informer

The emphasis on grinding, the linear environment and the rather uninspired early levels pose a serious threat to this games growth. Whilst these are things that cannot be changed, it will depend on what NCSoft will do next which will ultimately make or break it.

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Cheat Code Central

Aion is one of the best, most well-polished MMORPGs to be released in a long time, which is reinforced by its popularity and hype. It stays within the traditions of an aging genre and makes sure to maximize on it at the same time. Nevertheless, its lack of unique components doesn't help set it apart from the competition, and calls into question Aion's ability to establish a solid, faithful, and long-lasting community.

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Eurogamer

A streamlined, structured, gorgeous grind, an addictive and even rewarding grind if you're that way inclined, but a grind nonetheless. An ultimately grim and unvarying pursuit.

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AceGamez

NCSoft have produced a fine game but, in the end, it's simply too little, too late.

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LEVEL (Czech Republic)

Solid and well-balanced MMORPG is somehow sterile and linear. Aion does not offer anything that its MMO competition already has. No reason to leave WoW or Warhammer Online. [Nov 2009]

Eurogamer Italy

If you are tired to venture out by the same MMORPG, Aion is a great choice.

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GameSpy

It's a highly polished experience that will satisfy you if what you're looking for is yet another MMO, albeit one with a few more bells and whistles.

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PC PowerPlay

Hard to see long-lasting appeal amongst the grind and lag. [Christmas 2009, p.48]

PC Gamer UK

A genuinely beautiful place crawling with magnificent beasts, host to interminable hours of mindless, soulless grind. [Dec 2009, p.110]

GameShark

If you play MMORPGs for the journey and the storyline, then Aion: the Tower of Eternity is not for you. There aren’t enough quests to engage you in the story, and spending days grinding mobs just to level is not something many people relish doing.

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1UP

Because of the relatively short amount of time I've had with Aion, and, to be honest, a general apathy toward playing any further, I've not yet experienced the so-called "PvPvE" endgame that lies in the central Abyss zone.

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Game Revolution

Aion is simply a poor game.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 6.9 (out of 10) based on 191 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Samuel G gave it an8:
I have level 15 and I needed to grinding at lvl 12 ( 10% of xp ); ( 20% at lvl 13 ); and more than 50% at lvl 15. But, at lvl 16, they are giving new quest... Well, alot of grinding. The fight systeme is great and dynamic. Beautiful graphic and the fly sensations are incredible! Play with friends, it is a must.

J H gave it a3:
A very pretty grind. That's all you will get out of Aion. Classes are very imbalanced making PvP laughable. The graphics are excellent but it only seems to mask the bleak and boring gameplay.Unlike what Gunter F said.. Warhammer Online has undergone changes and is the best PvP MMO out there if one enjoys that kind of MMO.

TJexo gave it a1:
Slightly above average korean grindfest, excluding the fact its subbed. I'n sure for people who come from WoW, the graphics are beautiful, but for anyone with a rig less than 2 years old they are far too outdated and often offensive. I ran this on the highest possible settings and the textures were often so stretched that it appears as a single bland, colour. The gimmick of flying soon runs thin when you are actually limited to a small number of areas to actually spread your paper-like wings. PvP, the selling point for me, has some very interesting siege mechanics but is ruined by a lack of diminishing returns on CC. Combat animations are fantastic, but youre going to be watching them over 1000 times every level. The most notable part of aion is its excellent music score lol. Cancelled my CE sub with no intentions of returning. I've played games for over 20 years, alot of that time spent in mmos; while the game doesnt warrant a score this low, nor does it deserve scores so high from professional reviewers who have evidently not played the game.

Luca C gave it a10:
Brilliant game, only people who like a shit version of Aion Say things like "omg it doesnt add anything new" nah, it just is basically a 5x better less market strangling MMO Than WoW. Great Graphics, Nice Instances, Unique PvP, Movies in Quests, Minimal Grind(some people think this means that you dont have killing monsters and quests <.<;) Queues were a bother but it was the first DAY of Aion and they did expect to have so many users logon! AWESOME!

steve s gave it a3:
The visually stunning environment quickly grows old as it becomes clear that there is no creativity in the game play. I leveled to 40 and canceled my account after realizing that there is nothing but a grind. The boss fights seemed to be tank and spank, followed by spank and tank for some variety. The crafting system is repetitive and monotonous. Buy mats, hit a station, click go, and wait. After a couple minutes you get a point. Repeat 100’s of times if it pleases you, but watching bars scroll isn’t exciting IMO. The PvP was fun for me to some extent, but not enough to make up for the rest. To boot the gold selling and power leveling services devastated the economy from day one making life difficult for honest players who didn’t work the limited trade system.

Barnaby R gave it a3:
Even though I was eagerly awaiting this MMO it turned out to be a bitter disapointment. Overall the game just seems like another endless grind similar to lineage or even wow. Pvp doesnt happen till 25 so that also killed it for me. Flying is tedious and you are only aloud to fly in certian areas which made it very annoying to get around. Fighting was far to prolonged and difficult which for some could be a good thing but i just found it boring and depressing when you die to something only a few levels higher than you. Quests were few and far between at lower levels and the game just didnt deliver anything that has not been seen before.

Gunter F gave it a4:
Aion is pretty and runs very stable. Unfortunately, beside that it's not much more then an upgraded usual free-to-play asian MMORPG. Flat storyline, forced grinding, only a few items and a kind of PvP that already didn't work out in Warhammer Online. Not to mention serious starting problems like long waiting queues and the bot and spam infestation already happening on most servers without NCsoft intervening.

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