Anarchy Online: Shadowlands

 PC
  • Publisher: Funcom
  • Release Date: Sep 8, 2003
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. IGN
    88
    There is just so much to see and do that even the most established players will still be making discoveries for months to come.
  2. GamerFeed
    70
    This is one of the few science fiction themed games on the MMORPG genre and worth playing for experienced gamers who are looking for a break from fantasy games. Casual gamers should consider their options carefully.
  3. G4 TV
    80
    An improvement on the original, and the new environments add a considerable level of depth. Fans of the series will also appreciate the tweaks to the character development system, like the two new classes and special abilities.
  5. PC Gameworld
    92
    Changing from the ugly duckling of yesteryear, to 2003's beautiful white swan, Anarchy Online is not the same 'ol chaos you may remember.
  6. GameZone
    94
    Those who can embrace the technology aspects, can invest the time to immerse themselves in the jargon and lore will find an evolving game with depth and challenge. Throw in incredible environments, an amazing soundtrack and you have a winner.
  7. GameSpot
    85
    While it's still extremely complicated, Shadowlands adds a tremendous amount of intriguing new content that helps make Anarchy Online much more worthwhile.
  8. Cheat Code Central
    90
    This expansion pack adds new races, a new story, new missions and side quests, new weapons and armor, Perks and a totally overhauled engine with graphics that have to be seen to be believed... So incredible are the environments that even the wastelands look fantastic.
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  9. Computer Games Magazine
    60
    The geography is often stunning and shows a flair for the otherworldly that puts the more expensive landscapes of "Star Wars Galaxies" to shame. [Jan 2004, p.68]
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  10. Computer Gaming World
    70
    Shadowlands injects into the game a quadruple dose of what it most desperately needed: namely, compelling gameplay content. [Feb 2004, p.91]
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  11. GameNow
    100
    What sets this game apart from every other is the obscene amount of tweakage you can do to your character. [Dec 2003, p.70]
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  12. GameSpy
    90
    Shadowlands is like a love letter from Funcom to its fans. It is an example of how an MMO can grow and change, becoming richer without alienating new players or neglecting the hardcore fans who've stayed with it all along.
  13. Gamezilla!
    93
    The entire gaming experience, other than a few minor grammatical issues in conversations with NPCs and the necessary huge patch downloads, was as close to flawless as I’ve seen.
  14. PC Gamer
    81
    And did I mention massive? The Shadowlands expansion introduces a whole new quasi-metaphysical world to explore, along with two extra professions. [Jan 2004, p.107]
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  15. 1UP
    90
    Upgraded graphics, some of the best ambient sounds in the business, a deep story, new additions for character customization as well as two new professions, tons of new monsters, items and zones and Funcom's above par customer service makes this game a must buy for anyone even remotely interested in MMO's.
  16. Adrenaline Vault
    80
    The interesting cyberpunk motif expanded into a whole new set of wondrous lands easily lends itself to hours of fun play, while the multiplayer experience lets gamers enjoy the title with others and offers a sense of satisfaction unseen in other offerings.

Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best PC Game of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 4 out of 25
  1. CelesTial
    Sep 5, 2016
    4
    Attention: There is a chance Funcom will freeze your account and demand image files of yourself, your credit card, and your ID (passport ifAttention: There is a chance Funcom will freeze your account and demand image files of yourself, your credit card, and your ID (passport if you have nothing else) as the only solution for you to get your account back, even if there is no issue with your credit card and no suspicious activity on the account. If you're not willing to trust Funcom with your identity, they will keep the account frozen forever with no alternate solutions. All your time invested in the free account will be lost. There are several discussion threads about this, on Reddit and elsewhere if you want to look them up.

    Some of you may not realize what a huge deal it is to send that kind of personal information to a third party in a foreign country - a company that recently had their forums hacked and is struggling financially. Don't do it. Sending that kind of information to a third party is illegal (for good reason) in some countries, and even if it's not illegal in yours - your proof of identity is more valuable than any game account, and the fact that Funcom wants it so badly even though they could verify your ID in other ways should give you pause.

    For the record: this happened to me, and others. I've had no issues with my credit card ever, I had a different account that was paid without issues with the SAME credit card as the frozen account, and I didn't share the account with anyone nor was there suspicious activity. The fact that one account (by the same player) gets frozen but the second account, played at the same time and paid with the same card, does not, should tell you all you need to know about Funcom's 'security' system.

    Avoid this game if you don't want to risk losing all the time you invested.    … Full Review »
  2. iceice
    Aug 22, 2013
    10
    Amazing huge world, going strong for over a decade.

    New Graphic overhaul I understand with the new Dreamworld Game engine cant wait to see    Amazing huge world, going strong for over a decade.

    New Graphic overhaul I understand with the new Dreamworld Game engine cant wait to see this game with a makeover.    … Full Review »
  3. Jay
    Dec 4, 2003
    10
    Funcom has really cleaned things up since AO launched. Customer service is exceptional, gameplay is great - The playerbase is amazing. Notum Funcom has really cleaned things up since AO launched. Customer service is exceptional, gameplay is great - The playerbase is amazing. Notum Wars and Shadowlands have added new and exciting content to this truly magnificent game. … Full Review »
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