Black Desert

 PlayStation 4
User Score
3.7

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 58
  3. Negative: 39 out of 58

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  1. kor5000
    Aug 22, 2019
    1
    Beautiful graphics, interesting combat... but otherwise, an absolute buggy mess. NPC's glitch out and are stuck in the walls, they path through walls. The grammar is awful and typos abound. I understand the game was not initially released in English, but at least run it against a spellchecker! I truly do not understand how a company could make such a beautiful game, graphics wise, and thenBeautiful graphics, interesting combat... but otherwise, an absolute buggy mess. NPC's glitch out and are stuck in the walls, they path through walls. The grammar is awful and typos abound. I understand the game was not initially released in English, but at least run it against a spellchecker! I truly do not understand how a company could make such a beautiful game, graphics wise, and then utterly ruin it with bugs and glitches. This is the only PS4 game I ever actually requested a refund for because it was so disappointing. I've played a lot of MMORPGs over the years... this takes the cake as the most unpolished.… Expand
  2. JoPanta
    Sep 8, 2019
    1
    Very bad graphics, non existent picture options, fps makes your head hurt, the colors are too dark, pop-in everywhere, npc don't render. Pay to win mechanics. Save the money, this game is not worth it. Sony should be ashamed to let publishers release games in this state on their platform.
  3. etox
    Sep 25, 2019
    1
    I have over 200 Hours played this game. Hoped that it will get better. But it gets only worse.
    I played on a OG PS4. Endgame PVP is simply unplayable. Field or World bosses are so laggy, that i have missed some completely because of the lags. Sometimes the boss wouldnt even show up because my PS4 was totally underpowered for that huge playercount.
    And then there are player that are    I have over 200 Hours played this game. Hoped that it will get better. But it gets only worse.
    I played on a OG PS4. Endgame PVP is simply unplayable. Field or World bosses are so laggy, that i have missed some completely because of the lags. Sometimes the boss wouldnt even show up because my PS4 was totally underpowered for that huge playercount.
    And then there are player that are killing you, and you cannot even see them because they are not yet loaded on your screen.
    The pearl shop is really bad. Loaded with pay to win items and really really expensive!    … Expand
  4. gqmasters3
    Oct 30, 2019
    3
    Cool graphics and insane potential. This game is like that high first round draft pick bust for your favorite sports team. I'm just going to get straight to it: there's no loot in this game i.e there is but there isn't. If this game had loot drops like Everquest, WoW, ESO or every other MMOG ever it might be a 9 or even 10 who knows. Also, nothing is explained and the trading and craftingCool graphics and insane potential. This game is like that high first round draft pick bust for your favorite sports team. I'm just going to get straight to it: there's no loot in this game i.e there is but there isn't. If this game had loot drops like Everquest, WoW, ESO or every other MMOG ever it might be a 9 or even 10 who knows. Also, nothing is explained and the trading and crafting in this game is crazy complex. I know this review probably warrants a lot more details but I just don't feel like spending the time, just like YOU shouldn't spend the time or money on this game.… Expand
  5. Draxonfly
    Feb 28, 2022
    2
    I really want to like this game, and i keep trying it every few months or so. The classes look great, the graphics are very nice and there is heaps to do... maybe to much to do..
    The menu system is so confusing and difficult to navigate, The combat is kinda fun but controls are quite awkward, trying to remember all the skill combos is to difficult and time consuming and with the game    I really want to like this game, and i keep trying it every few months or so. The classes look great, the graphics are very nice and there is heaps to do... maybe to much to do..
    The menu system is so confusing and difficult to navigate, The combat is kinda fun but controls are quite awkward, trying to remember all the skill combos is to difficult and time consuming and with the game being quite laggy so half the combos dont work, very unreliable. Its like a beat em up combat game put into a laggy mmo. Sounds fine, but just doesn't work well in this setting. I find myself just button mashing, hoping for the besr

    You need to dedicate a min of 10 hours a day just to memorise the button combinations .

    Its quite the shame.. it could be great, but the combat and awful menu and way to many currencies let the game down.. oh and not to mention the massive PTW stuff.. eep!


    It is all just a little to frustation.    … Expand
  6. setuis
    May 28, 2020
    0
    Fishing trophy - so god dam stupid. Trophy grind fest not fun. Utterly boring trash game disappointed i wasted money on it. Lags like hell.

    The horse training is even stupider and even more trash than fishing. Avoid if your a trophy hunter.
  7. Lougan
    Jan 9, 2020
    2
    It’s very badly optimized. Runs horrid on PS4 pro, with bad graphics and frame rate. You can barely walk in a town with other players. Do not buy this on console! Not worth it
  8. SyntheticDreams
    Mar 14, 2020
    2
    Black desert by all standards is a great, fun, and enjoyable MMO, that is if your on Pc or Xbox. But if you're unfortunate enough to buy this game on ps4 with the intent of playing cross platform with your friends then I'm sorry but that's a pipe dream that will never come to fruition. Not only is the PS4 version plagued with bugs and that either crash your game, drop the frame rate tooBlack desert by all standards is a great, fun, and enjoyable MMO, that is if your on Pc or Xbox. But if you're unfortunate enough to buy this game on ps4 with the intent of playing cross platform with your friends then I'm sorry but that's a pipe dream that will never come to fruition. Not only is the PS4 version plagued with bugs and that either crash your game, drop the frame rate too 2fps randomly or leave you unable to move your character after talking to an NPC, but it's announcement of crossplay is a lie. You cannot play with other PS4 users in different regions, for example the EU and the USA. You can't play with pc either leaving you extremely limited to playing with PS4 users in your region, or playing with Xbox users in your region. Luckily I bought this game on a sale, but it's still money down the drain, along with the unoprimised pile of crap that they released.… Expand
  9. Merlinyoung
    May 10, 2020
    1
    The best thing about Black Desert Is the character customisation. Other than that this game is covered in bugs terrible framerate. Terrible terrible rendering. Just an embarrassing game. And I should know. I have a level 56 character. This game is simply not worth the time.
  10. Ragegoberts
    Nov 24, 2021
    0
    pay to win dog **** avoid this cancer at all costs and hopefully the deva shutdown that greedy trash studio
  11. SuperJanky
    Jan 6, 2022
    1
    1 because the character customization is miles ahead of many games but please stay away from this game it's really really really bad be prepared to have no clue what to do as soon as you start the game you're screen is covered in ui pop up bars like 20 different ones it physically hurts to look at it and the graphics wow let me just say this game has been around for 8 years and it still1 because the character customization is miles ahead of many games but please stay away from this game it's really really really bad be prepared to have no clue what to do as soon as you start the game you're screen is covered in ui pop up bars like 20 different ones it physically hurts to look at it and the graphics wow let me just say this game has been around for 8 years and it still looks absolutely horrible Conan exiles looks better so that should tell you something but hey if you like headaches Grindy repetitive gameplay and never learning the story or gameplay because you have no idea what to do then buy this game you will love it… Expand
  12. Kame93
    Aug 5, 2022
    7
    Runs poorly but is entertaining.......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz delete this
  13. bottermes
    Mar 31, 2023
    0
    If I could give this game a -10 I would. Honestly, BDO console can be an amazing game as it has everything in the mmorpg genre, especially the combat system. The combat system is what draws players to this game, especially the PvP community BUT, this constant freezing, dsyncs, lag, fps drops makes any other bad developed game a master piece. The fact that PA (Pearl Abyss) has not addressedIf I could give this game a -10 I would. Honestly, BDO console can be an amazing game as it has everything in the mmorpg genre, especially the combat system. The combat system is what draws players to this game, especially the PvP community BUT, this constant freezing, dsyncs, lag, fps drops makes any other bad developed game a master piece. The fact that PA (Pearl Abyss) has not addressed most of the issues/bugs since the release on console (2019) just shows that they don't care about the console community.

    BDO console is so far behind pc in terms of content, they will release content whenever they feel like it, no road map no nothing, just a piece of bone to keep the community half entertained.

    Again, this game can be amazing but due to the performance, it really is frustrating and not enjoyable at all. You will get more enjoyment from playing solitaire on Win XP than this garbage. So if you are looking at picking up this game, please do yourself a favor, skip this game, it's not worth your time and money ( also in game cash shop). Rather wait for Throne and Liberty    … Expand
  14. HayvenMoses
    Sep 15, 2019
    4
    Im so tired of buying games that are such a mess,how do these companies get away with releasing a game this buggy? This game is nothing like they show it to be,it has so many issues,the frame rates are terrible,the pop ins are just as bad.The only thing thats good about it is its massive and has tons of missions and things to do,if I could only enjoy it with all the issues. I can only hopeIm so tired of buying games that are such a mess,how do these companies get away with releasing a game this buggy? This game is nothing like they show it to be,it has so many issues,the frame rates are terrible,the pop ins are just as bad.The only thing thats good about it is its massive and has tons of missions and things to do,if I could only enjoy it with all the issues. I can only hope the new systems will be able to handle games like this,but as for now this games a wait.… Expand
  15. Teela
    Sep 4, 2019
    4
    First few hours i was like YAY! this is great, but now i'm so confused.
    It tries to be like alternative life simulator, but that turn against itself. There is so much stuff that I’m overwhelmed. The game does not explain anything.
    1. Example: i have a dog, but I don’t know what to feed him or where to buy it??? 2. Example: I tried to buy a bow for myself at the market. Bought it even    First few hours i was like YAY! this is great, but now i'm so confused.
    It tries to be like alternative life simulator, but that turn against itself. There is so much stuff that I’m overwhelmed. The game does not explain anything.
    1. Example: i have a dog, but I don’t know what to feed him or where to buy it???
    2. Example: I tried to buy a bow for myself at the market. Bought it even twice and payed it twice, but never received anything.
    Good thing is that I didn’t pay more than 20 euros for this.    … Expand
  16. GrumpyReviewer
    Aug 26, 2019
    5
    I always wanted to play BDO since that character creation tool went viral. It took years until they released it for the PS4; and of course I had to check it out.

    It's not that I didn't like it. I think the problem is that I just don't have patience for MMOs anymore. Played (and loved) A Realm Reborn for years and it's sad to realize I just can't stand that mindset anymore. The endless    I always wanted to play BDO since that character creation tool went viral. It took years until they released it for the PS4; and of course I had to check it out.

    It's not that I didn't like it. I think the problem is that I just don't have patience for MMOs anymore. Played (and loved) A Realm Reborn for years and it's sad to realize I just can't stand that mindset anymore. The endless cycle, the grind, the farms, the toxicity.

    That being said, I don't thing this is a great port... the game runs poorly. Half the time the NPCs don't even load. The story and quest system seem extremely bland, boring, repetitive. And the combat is not as fun as I thought it would be; it can actually be a little confusing. On top of that, this is an INCREDIBLY overwhelming game that does not take its time to teach you the basics. It's basically create a character and try to figure out by yourself the countless systems and things to do (and how to do them). Also, this is a very predatory p2w game. There is not a subscription fee, but there is a cash store that is meant to milk its playerbase dry.

    If you have time to invest in this kind, I feel that BD can be a lot of fun. if you (like me) prefer a more casual, fun, chill, gaming session, than seer clear from this one. It's either put in hours and hours and hours to get somewhere or don't even try.

    I regret buying BD. At least I got the cheap version.    … Expand
  17. KingXRay
    Aug 24, 2019
    0
    Buy2Play with Pay2Win marketing.
    If you from Australia you get locked in EU server where you have to enjoy the game with 400 ping where invisible players everywhere because server cannot keep up loading them and watch those monsters die randomly everywhere. Will get worst when open pvp unlock when you reach 50lv, so becareful.
    If you have tons of money, please donate to clarity instead    Buy2Play with Pay2Win marketing.
    If you from Australia you get locked in EU server where you have to enjoy the game with 400 ping where invisible players everywhere because server cannot keep up loading them and watch those monsters die randomly everywhere. Will get worst when open pvp unlock when you reach 50lv, so becareful.
    If you have tons of money, please donate to clarity instead of this trash.    … Expand
  18. Danthewolf
    Aug 22, 2019
    8
    The sure depth of this game is what I find most appealing. The grind is something I feel has been just passed over with so many pay to win games. This game seems to have a real grind
  19. RasakiMasamune
    Sep 6, 2019
    9
    This game is amazingly beautiful, and enjoyable, but only after you get used to it. With a lack of tutorials for new players, it confuses and frustrates. That is only further aggravated by a slower processing speed from the PS4 system that can't handle the game well, leaving NPC's as blacked out figures making you wait for them to load in. However, the character creation system is nearThis game is amazingly beautiful, and enjoyable, but only after you get used to it. With a lack of tutorials for new players, it confuses and frustrates. That is only further aggravated by a slower processing speed from the PS4 system that can't handle the game well, leaving NPC's as blacked out figures making you wait for them to load in. However, the character creation system is near limitless, and once loaded into the game, there are no loading screens to travel from one area to the next (save a select few quests that relocate you), and once you get used to it, the combat system is fun. For the PS4 performance issues, if you are willing to spend a little extra to replace the HDD drive with an SSD, the issues can be resolved, and getting used to the game just takes time, patience, and sometimes a little bit of research on your favorite search engine. Overall, the game is different from other MMORPGs in a good way, I don't feel the constant crave to power through the game to keep things interesting, but rather I can sit back and enjoy it.… Expand
  20. humnaa
    Aug 23, 2019
    9
    Powerful action, cool graphics, and PearlAbyss have captured online game service know-how in console games over the years.
  21. Anthor
    Sep 8, 2019
    8
    Gran MMO de grindeo coreano con uno de los mejores sistemas de combate del género, por no decir el mejor. De compra única (para propietarios, no de alquiler), sin cuotas y traducido al castellano como no suele ser norma con el género. En su contra, le falta pulido en rendimiento general sobretodo, aunque se medio mantiene; framedrop en consolas FAT y delay en carga de texturas son susGran MMO de grindeo coreano con uno de los mejores sistemas de combate del género, por no decir el mejor. De compra única (para propietarios, no de alquiler), sin cuotas y traducido al castellano como no suele ser norma con el género. En su contra, le falta pulido en rendimiento general sobretodo, aunque se medio mantiene; framedrop en consolas FAT y delay en carga de texturas son sus peores puntos. Ya se sabe que estos coreanos se toman su tiempo y no son muy buenos optimizando. Aún así, es buen material si te gusta el género y las propuestas centradas en el combate con el mismo.… Expand
  22. lewis1992
    Dec 30, 2020
    1
    Good graphics, terrible gameplay.

    Quests include slowly carrying a barrel or wheelbarrow for several minutes, or killing 80+ of the same bland enemy that dies in 1 or 2 hits.

    All optional skills (eg fishing) can be done AFK so there's no reason to actually PLAY the game. Avoid!
  23. Dreyar-Bit
    Oct 9, 2019
    10
    Excelente juego con abundante contenido, tanto para estar afk como para estar activo, no tiene absolutamente nada de sistema p2w, con muchisimos eventos y actualizaciones que ayudan a todos los jugadores por igual, tambien escuchan a la comunidad con lo que quiere y los errores los parchan casi al instante.
  24. Nerdgerbiler
    Nov 30, 2019
    10
    Black Desert for ps4 is a great mmo. For about 2 years I have been waiting for the perfect console mmorpg and finally was pulled in by black desert. Its hack and slash fighting makes it easy to level up. Although the controls are a bit tough to get used to because it's not like a traditional mmo it really sucks you in once you get the hang of it. You can do a lot more than what I've seenBlack Desert for ps4 is a great mmo. For about 2 years I have been waiting for the perfect console mmorpg and finally was pulled in by black desert. Its hack and slash fighting makes it easy to level up. Although the controls are a bit tough to get used to because it's not like a traditional mmo it really sucks you in once you get the hang of it. You can do a lot more than what I've seen in other games as far as farming and objectives you can set your self instead of just grinding quests. Farming supplies and being a "merchant" with a cart is actually something which makes the game more immersive. It's not necessarily "pay to win" as most of the micro transactions just make it more convenient to progress a little faster and most the stuff you have to pay for is really just cosmetic. I used to play WoW for about 10 years but as I have gotten older my body couldnt take long gaming sessions sitting at a desk playing in 1 position for much longer. Then came along Elder Scrolls Online for console and I was immersed in that from the time it came out to about a year ago so roughly about 3 years of heavy daily playing. As with any mmo the "grind" felt more more like an obligation because I repaying a monthly subscription and finding good gear became really boring after you could easily customize any gear you had to look a certain way.… Expand
  25. SirDingleberry
    Jul 7, 2021
    8
    So much content. Beautiful graphics and a really fun combat system (I’m not sure what some of the other reviews were expecting from an MMO, in my opinion this is the best I’ve ever played). There is a bit of jank, some mistranslations and incorrect idioms but it’s well worth checking out.
  26. Zhiroc
    Sep 10, 2023
    1
    Horrible UI, poor writing. Half the time the subtitles don't match the voice acting in big ways. Just started playing and already I feel like quitting.
  27. europepro
    Feb 16, 2020
    3
    Primero y ante todo si quieres jugarlo en PS4 es obligatorio un SSD externo para que cargue texturas correctamente , es una solución al Horror de como corre en la PS4 da igual sea Slim o pro .
    Uno de los últimos mejores MMORPGs realmente destruido por Pearl abyss y su Codicia .
    Desde un grindeo absurdo que hace a la mayoría abandonar hasta los precios exteaorbitales de sus armas en el    Primero y ante todo si quieres jugarlo en PS4 es obligatorio un SSD externo para que cargue texturas correctamente , es una solución al Horror de como corre en la PS4 da igual sea Slim o pro .
    Uno de los últimos mejores MMORPGs realmente destruido por Pearl abyss y su Codicia .
    Desde un grindeo absurdo que hace a la mayoría abandonar hasta los precios exteaorbitales de sus armas en el mercado y lo peor ....el sistema koreano de sacar dinero a base de upgrades ...solo obtuvieron mi febrero de compra del juego base ...ni un céntimo más y basta de perder el tiempo con estafadores que no siquiera lanzan un juego estable ..
    Debería retirarse de la os store por varias razones.    … Expand
  28. Paddzonik
    Sep 5, 2023
    1
    Character customisation is insane but the rest..... Just no. Don't bother with this game. Tried it out because it's on PlayStation plus, my friend bought it years ago and said it was bad then, it still is. If you want a better MMO experience on playstation play neverwinter, tera or skyforge
  29. Feichti92
    Jan 8, 2021
    1
    Das Spiel läuft einfach nur schrecklich auf der PS4. Von Framerate einbrüchen bis hin zu laggs und Sekundenlangen Standbildern ist alles vorhanden. Und als wäre das nicht auch schon genug ist das gesammte Game darauf abgestimmt alles auf AFK machen zu können. Wenn ihr im Endgame irgendwie mithalten wollen würdet (Was durch die ganzen laggs und Framerate einbrüchen sowieso nicht geht),Das Spiel läuft einfach nur schrecklich auf der PS4. Von Framerate einbrüchen bis hin zu laggs und Sekundenlangen Standbildern ist alles vorhanden. Und als wäre das nicht auch schon genug ist das gesammte Game darauf abgestimmt alles auf AFK machen zu können. Wenn ihr im Endgame irgendwie mithalten wollen würdet (Was durch die ganzen laggs und Framerate einbrüchen sowieso nicht geht), müsstet ihr Black Desert 24/7 rennen lassen da man das Geld braucht durch Fischen usw. Habe die Platin Trophäe nach 500 Stunden bekommen davon hab ich wenns hinkommt 50-70 Stunden maximal gespielt der Rest war alles AFK Fischen.… Expand
  30. Bloodworks3
    Jul 23, 2023
    2
    Impossibly blurry on PS5. Additionally, way, way too much info bombarded at me when I first logged in. Microtransaction city. If the environment and combat graphics had been anywhere near as good as almost every other game in the genre I would have kept playing, but after a couple hours of everything being out of focus and the massive clutter of never ending cash shop click bait.... IImpossibly blurry on PS5. Additionally, way, way too much info bombarded at me when I first logged in. Microtransaction city. If the environment and combat graphics had been anywhere near as good as almost every other game in the genre I would have kept playing, but after a couple hours of everything being out of focus and the massive clutter of never ending cash shop click bait.... I think this game is dead. At least on console.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Cubed3
    Nov 18, 2019
    50
    Black Desert successfully ticks all the requisite boxes expected from an MMORPG, but it doesn't really push the envelope forward in any meaningful way. While there are a number of jarring performance issues that tarnish the overall experience, it can still deliver an enjoyable, if slightly hollow, time-filler when consumed in small doses. However Pearl Abyss has failed to sidestep the common concerns that tend to plague the genre as a whole. It just feels like a lot of needless, repetitive busy time, designed to prolong user engagement and drive micro-transactions which ultimately, leads to an unavoidable feeling of ennui.
    Read full review
  2. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Aug 30, 2019
    60
    There are neat bits and pieces here, but it all feels messy and undercooked.
    Read full review
  3. PlayStation Universe
    Aug 30, 2019
    75
    Black Desert does a lot right but a lot of it is hard to experience with little to no tutorial and technical issues that never really let up. It's clear that the current generation of console just isn't quite up to handling a game of this magnitude, but even so Black Desert provides an epic and frequently beautiful MMORPG experience.
    Read full review
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