Yesterday, along with Andrew Krausnick (Executive producer) and Ted Sanger (Senior Animator), I had the opportunity to preview the new Trove update, Mantle of Power (Will of power).
If you're new to Trove, let's start with a very brief description: a voxel MMORPG. As in all games of this style, it is possible to accomplish many things: build, play with others, join clubs (guilds), explore dungeons, create items, play PvP ... Now, each update has focused on one aspect of the game and they are no exception to the rule for this first expansion of the game which focuses on PvE content and personal progression. Ten new levels are added passing the maximum of 20 to 30.
But without a doubt the most visible aspect of Mantle of Power is this enormous tour added to the central hub from where all high-level adventurers (so 20+) will be able to go on an adventure in three elementary worlds:
- Drowned Adventure World : eau
- Cursed Skylands Adventure World : air
- Igneous Islands Adventure World : feu
Each of these worlds comes with its specificity. Thus, to be able to evolve in the world of fire, it is necessary to create a ship that does not burn! The dungeons, as well as the simple monsters crossed during the exploration, promise to be among the most difficult in the world of Trove, but it will be necessary to brave the dangers to recover the elemental gems. During our trip, the developers insist on the improvements made to the game engine. Even if the elements are still generated in a procedural way, the whole now seems more coherent, with a modified rendering according to the distance.
An even more dangerous fourth world is added, the Shores of the Everdark. We went there during the presentation and the developer was hugging the walls to avoid being noticed as this content is clearly designed for groups and not the poor lone explorers (unsuccessful because he's dead). Here, the monsters are very hostile and especially hit very hard! To make matters worse, a bit like the rifts in Rift, there are invasions with more and more evil monsters! If you manage to survive, there are fortunately in the key chests with great rewards.
A new level of equipment is added, thestellar equipment (Stellar) with a special shine effect. These objects will be more effective and adapted to level 30. In addition, the characters will be able to equip themselves with gems, 3 per element (water, air and fire so 9 gems in total): a large one which gives additional statistics and abilities and two small ones which only provide statistics. Note that water gems are specific to the class.
The presentation ended with a demonstration of the incredible abilities of dragons. There have long been mounts on Trove, mandatory to cover distances (there are land mounts, boats, and flying mounts). Dragons therefore allow you to fly, like other flying mounts or wings, but also provide additional power by boosting the gems of its element: thus, if you have a fire dragon, it will increase the effect of the fire gems. Dragons also have effects when used. The water dragon can create puddles anywhere it wants (which is very handy in case of frenzy of fishing).
A contest is planned soon with some rather funny objects, including mounts! The extension is available now if you invest in a pack (from 14.99 €). Otherwise, all content will be rolled out in a week for everyone. Trove is also available on Steam with this new expansion at the same price:
Having never played the game before the presentation, the enthusiasm of the two developers made me want to take a look. I thus created a draconic magician and, without really realizing it, I spent the evening there! So if you like construction, or if you just want to discover a new world, do not hesitate to take a tour. Even I, who am not usually a fan of cubic worlds, admit I had a lot of fun. In addition, if you play Rift, you will be able to unlock this magnificent dimension.
