Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa

 PC
  • Publisher: NCSOFT
  • Release Date: Oct 30, 2007
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 113 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 113
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 113
  3. Negative: 19 out of 113

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  1. EricE.
    Jan 14, 2008
    6
    If you enjoy killing waves upon waves of about 5 different mobs with virtual no difference between the levels then you will enjoy this game. I really did enjoy it but after 3-4 weeks of killing the same mobs every single level by the thousands it got old. The Control Points (CP) in the game are a interesting and fun object of the game. However even this gets boring because 2-3 players can If you enjoy killing waves upon waves of about 5 different mobs with virtual no difference between the levels then you will enjoy this game. I really did enjoy it but after 3-4 weeks of killing the same mobs every single level by the thousands it got old. The Control Points (CP) in the game are a interesting and fun object of the game. However even this gets boring because 2-3 players can take or defend almost any CP. This game is very shallow and has no depth. If there wasn't a monthly fee then a lot of my complaints I wouldn't mind but I expect more for my $15 a month. However I will be keeping my eye on this game and see how it develops and will probably pop in and out of the game 1-2 months a year or whenever they release an expansion because it has potential. Just not realized yet.… Expand
  2. MaxD.
    Apr 1, 2008
    7
    The arcade-game of MMORPGs, the fast paced, aggression-rewarding combat and interesting play styles and abilities are what set this apart from the pack. Because of this, however, dedicated MMORPG players will likely be put off by the rather shallow and twitchy game play. As of March 2008 they have added more content to address this, but Tabula Rasa still mainly shines in 30-60 minuteThe arcade-game of MMORPGs, the fast paced, aggression-rewarding combat and interesting play styles and abilities are what set this apart from the pack. Because of this, however, dedicated MMORPG players will likely be put off by the rather shallow and twitchy game play. As of March 2008 they have added more content to address this, but Tabula Rasa still mainly shines in 30-60 minute bursts of entertainment, unlike the hours-long sessions of its rivals.… Expand
  3. Godstar
    Nov 11, 2007
    5
    Graphics sucks, I had them turned up on a quad core system with an NVIDIA 8800 GTS and background effects were either popping or bleeding into the foreground. Water effects were bleeding into other areas, and all that before I've even left the starting area! The game itself looks about 5-7 years dated graphically, so wasn't too impressed. The gameplay is 'so so' and Graphics sucks, I had them turned up on a quad core system with an NVIDIA 8800 GTS and background effects were either popping or bleeding into the foreground. Water effects were bleeding into other areas, and all that before I've even left the starting area! The game itself looks about 5-7 years dated graphically, so wasn't too impressed. The gameplay is 'so so' and seems to be way overhyped for what it is. Anarchy Online is a bit better IMO, and at least is a bit more fleshed out of a game if you want a sci-fi based MMORPG. Eve Online if you want ships. I wouldn't recommend this beta quality game to anyone, maybe in a year when they fix their issues.… Expand
  4. AlexC.
    Nov 11, 2007
    5
    I was expecting this to be an FPS MMO but it's not. It's has a sort of semi twitch combat method that is neither FPS or turnbased but requires little skill to take the mobs down. I found this tedious after the first couple of hours. Not worth the money.
  5. Danny
    Nov 13, 2007
    6
    Certainly feels more like a solo player than an MMO, graphics are not to up to par, gets boring after a while. My biggest disappointment is, having to pay a monthly fee to play the game. It is fair to say, Tabula Rasa should be free to play online. Online players will lose interest & begin to decline overtime. At least, the creative mind of Richard Garriott will in fact help pave the road Certainly feels more like a solo player than an MMO, graphics are not to up to par, gets boring after a while. My biggest disappointment is, having to pay a monthly fee to play the game. It is fair to say, Tabula Rasa should be free to play online. Online players will lose interest & begin to decline overtime. At least, the creative mind of Richard Garriott will in fact help pave the road for future MMO… Expand
  6. TonyL.
    Nov 15, 2007
    5
    It not dynamic, its a very static game. Working together is a chore, just like every other MMO. It falls short of being an RPG, in that the mechanics dont reward teamwork more than the base "hurray! More damage!" It feels like a singleplayer game alright, and thats a BAD thing. Its as silent as some of the worst mmo's
  7. WillL.
    Nov 3, 2007
    7
    This game is not bad. Its a refreshing new approach from the typical sword/sorcery/D&D rehash that you see in 99.9% of MMORPGs out there. The RPG element is light, not hardcore like WoW or FFXI. The game could accomodate the casual gamer who are not usually into MMOs and/or RPGs. The concept and ideas are great, however the execution is less than WoW, pardon the pund. That is not to say This game is not bad. Its a refreshing new approach from the typical sword/sorcery/D&D rehash that you see in 99.9% of MMORPGs out there. The RPG element is light, not hardcore like WoW or FFXI. The game could accomodate the casual gamer who are not usually into MMOs and/or RPGs. The concept and ideas are great, however the execution is less than WoW, pardon the pund. That is not to say its a bad game, but its just does not have the amazing "factor", not near the caliber as WoW or FFXI, particularly as a first impression during the beta. Two ways to describe this game as a critique: weak RPG with "fast 3rd/fps-like action" or Planetside on RPG-training-wheels. Again, good game, but not so great as to charge it $50 AND $15/month fee. IMO, either make this F2P or free to register and only have monthly fees. I think NCsoft's $$$ expectations are a little too high, i might just stick with RRO and Granado Espada until then.… Expand
  8. DagmarH.
    Nov 5, 2007
    7
    Nice graphics cannot makeup for lack of substance. Team mechanics are inferior compared to other MMORPG's. As someone else mentioned this is an MMOG that plays like a solo game but that is not a positive thing. What is the point of paying $14.99 a month for a solo game? This is a game that tries to satisfy both first person shooter enthusiasts and traditional MMORPG players and only Nice graphics cannot makeup for lack of substance. Team mechanics are inferior compared to other MMORPG's. As someone else mentioned this is an MMOG that plays like a solo game but that is not a positive thing. What is the point of paying $14.99 a month for a solo game? This is a game that tries to satisfy both first person shooter enthusiasts and traditional MMORPG players and only succeeds in being average at both. Save your money and wait until they drop the price, the subscription fees, and revamp the team mechanics.… Expand
  9. John
    Dec 14, 2007
    6
    Worth having a poke at if you're bored, but nothing really long term. Good looking game, nice people, let down by questing (You're still grinding mobs/collecting items from grinding mobs) some weapons feel completely useless (easier to just melee enemies) Crafting system isn't too good and the game makes you feel every class is like a Hunter/Ranger (Shooting game would make Worth having a poke at if you're bored, but nothing really long term. Good looking game, nice people, let down by questing (You're still grinding mobs/collecting items from grinding mobs) some weapons feel completely useless (easier to just melee enemies) Crafting system isn't too good and the game makes you feel every class is like a Hunter/Ranger (Shooting game would make you feel like that. You know, minus pets.) Healing system is somewhat horrible and the instances/dungeons are okay, like a scripted encounter/battle rather than mash everything until loot drops. It's still the same tedious grind and the same tedious quest giving with a new makeover and an interesting class progression system. Not going to tear you away from WoW/FFXI/EQ2. Average at best.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Best PC Game of 2007
33
#33 Most Discussed PC Game of 2007
60
#60 Most Shared PC Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. GameDaily
    80
    It will appeal to both hardcore gamers who want to spend hours exploring every square centimeter of this immense world, as well as the casual gamer who only wishes to play for 20 minutes at a time yet feels like they accomplished something.
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  2. GameSpy
    80
    While the lack of an auction house hurts the game, the awesome combat, intense battlefield action, fun missions and interesting character progression is more than enough to keep players coming back for a good long while. A well-realized science fiction setting in a genre overflowing with elves and orcs doesn't hurt either.
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  3. GamesRadar+
    80
    If this genre has intimidated you in the past, Tabula Rasa is the perfect entry point with its user-friendliness and swift tempo. Calling it a clean slate may be a bit of a stretch, but Richard Garriott has certainly provided gamers with something unique.
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