Tantra Global Closed Beta Review--10-15-2008

	Game Title: Tantra Global	MMOsite Resources:
	Genre: Fantasy		Official Site
	Developer: Hanbisoft		Screenshots
	Publisher: Game Networks		Video
	Status: Open Beta (Oct 17th)		Download

This review is partly reproduced BlakeRedfield's article from MMOsite Forum.

Character/World Graphics/Sound

The graphics is Tantra start off looking a little bit old. As you start exploring the world however, you find that there are some pretty interesting environments, with crisp textures that do the job nicely. Overall the characters are pretty cool looking. They are easily distinguished on the battlefield and the weapon armor designs have very nice clear graphics.

The sound is very atmospheric, and even though it may not be of the highest calibur, it definately goes well with the game, which is all you need really. The character and monster sounds could use a little bit more diversity, so that you dont just always hear a ... "hep.. ha! hak..." when you're attacking. Some better soundbits when your toon lands a critical hit would be nice.

The NPC graphics however are too heavily compressed, in my opinion, which makes everyone look old and crusty - even the beautiful maiden in the center of the village.

Click here for full image

The game world is seperated into township maps. I cant really say much the other maps, but there are several open and closed area dungeons, some of which appear to be unimplemented at this time.

Once sufficiently leveled you can choose a governing DEITY to follow. Shiva... and some other's - Im not sure, but there are 3 to choose from. Depending on the GOD you choose, you get access to a special skill list, which further branches the very nice Skill trees avaialble in the game. I didnt get that far, but you can see the paths and they are very interesting and will allow for unique Character building - I like!

Click here for full image

Gameplay

The first thing I saw when I logged into Tantra was a GM, standing in the middle of the town, helping out anyone that had issues. I have played a lot of MMORPGs and have only seen a GM a handful of times. This one was very vocal and helpful and I immediately made note of that. The people at GameNetworks want to do this right, it seems, although having someone out there talking to the people during a 3 day Closed Beta test is just common sense.