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Review info

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Release date: October 1, 2024

Throne and Liberty is a new free-to-play massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) from Korean developer NCSoft, a dev team that’s been well-known previously for such classics as the Lineage series. To date, the game has already been out - and relatively well received - in the Korean domestic market but the developer has teamed up with Amazon Games Studio to bring the game to the West.

Throne and Liberty is the publishers' third attempt to crack the Western MMO market after Lost Ark and New World - two games that have looked to refresh the genre’s stagnant popularity in recent years. Throne and Liberty is a decidedly classic take on the genre, however, with a massive focus on group player-versus-player (PvP) conflict, world content, and a relatively basic tab-target combat system. It’s the spiritual successor to the Lineage games of old and one that looks to induct itself within the ranks of the best MMORPGs by harkening back to the genre’s glory days.

(Image credit: NCSOFT / Amazon Games) Having a whale of a time 

I’ve played my fair share of MMOs over the years, and I’ll say it right off the bat - Throne of Liberty is hands-down one of the most beautifully presented MMORPGs yet. Graphically, the game pushes the genre forward with thoughtfully crafted environments that emphasize both scale and verticality across sweeping vistas. As soon as you load in you’ll be impressed at the ambitious scale and beauty of this game, and there’s rarely a zone that disappoints in this regard.

There’s nothing radical about Throne and Liberty’s world - it’s a fairly standard high-fantasy fare. But, it executes it exceptionally well on a relatively grounded aesthetic that plays well with the brutality present in the world of Solisium. You’re going to be scrambling across vast deserts, descending into dimly-lit vampire crypts, and soaring high across the map on a massive flying whale called Gigantrite - easily the coolest thing in the entire game world.

Adding to the coolness factor is the game's excellent mount system. I don’t usually get excited about MMORPG mount systems but in Throne, all players have access to druid-style shapeshifting powers from the offset. Alongside a ground-based wolf/cat travel form, players can also transform into a bird-in-flight mode and an aquatic swim mode, which makes traversing the world engaging and enjoyable. 

The story, for the most part, is standard RPG fare. You’re part of a chosen few blessed with celestial powers trying to stop an evil king from exploiting said powers and dominating the world. It’s a mostly forgettable string of RPG tropes but the main quest does ground you in the world nicely, offer decent set-piece events, and serve as a good introduction to the various systems in the game - of which there are many.  

(Image credit: NCSOFT / Amazon Games) Mix and match

One such system that may throw MMO veterans in Throne of Liberty is the game's class system - or rather, lack thereof. Throne does away with the usual ‘pick your class’ at character creation for a more flexible system based on weapons. Every player picks two of seven weapons to carry; which include a flexible range of melee, ranged, and spell-casting options.

It’s not uncommon to see myriad ‘hybrid’ roles in Throne since the system encourages players to experiment and synergize between the various combinations. Not only can you pick and choose between weapon combinations, but the deep skill specialization system means that every weapon can tweaked toward specific build goals like elemental damage, increased threat, or greater area of effect. 

(Image credit: NCSOFT / Amazon Games)

During my playthrough I gravitated toward a dagger and wand combo; an awkward mix of an archetypal rogue who also happens to heal like a priest. It wasn’t the most elegant combo but I like how Throne’s non-traditional class system encourages players to think creatively about which weapons to pair up with each other. The game's upgrade system favors that you choose a role and stick to it, however, so be prepared to do your homework and plan out your build accordingly.

Best bit

(Image credit: NCSOFT / Amazon Games)

Riding the giant flying whale Gigantrite above the skies of Solisium, taking in the sweeping vistas. I also loved how ‘alive’ Throne and Liberty’s game world felt, with hundreds of players engaging directly with world quests. 

Combat for the most part is handled with a mix of a tab-target system and a more 'active' action combat style that includes elements like parrying, blocking, and an emphasis on ground effect spells. The tab targeting system is more reminiscent of classic MMORPGs like World of Warcraft but lacks the latter’s refinement, depth, and overall weight. The active elements for the most part do add something, however, as both player-versus-player and player-versus-elite encounters utilize parry windows and defensive abilities to mix up the gameplay.

Overall, Throne’s combat isn’t bad - the game feels fine to play, but it does suffer from being a compromise between two distinct types of systems. You’re essentially left with combat that doesn’t quite feel as engaging as the gorgeous graphics, world design, and interesting class system warrant. There’s room for a high-skill ceiling, sure, but you’ll never quite find yourself wanting to grind through hundreds of monsters like with Black Desert Online.

(Image credit: NCSOFT / Amazon Games) World up

The world of Solisium is, however, chock-full of stuff to do. As previously mentioned, the main quest will effectively take you on a full world tour of this game’s breadth of content and encourage you to spread your wings as you go.

When you’re leveling up, you’ll be introduced to world exploration quests, contract quests, group dungeons, and open-world dungeons. For the most part, your quests outside of the main storyline will consist of killing boars, goblins, and gathering resources - you know, MMO stuff. Where this game really shines is with the sheer variety of content on offer and how this content is placed within the greater world.

For example, world quests are sometimes cooperative, sometimes competitive, and sometimes complete and utter open warfare. Often, these game modes depend on the day-night cycle or specific timing, which can make the world feel alive and unpredictable if you’re not paying attention. It’s not uncommon for your quest objectives to intersect with an area that’s currently being battled over by dozens of guilds jostling to contend a local world quest, for example. 

I, for one, particularly loved the open-world dungeons that are scattered across the world. These dungeons aren’t instanced in the traditional sense so everyone is welcome to rock up and stake their claim to the loot. 

In the daytime, these dungeons can operate like traditional questing hubs. In the night-time, however, the doors close behind you, and suddenly the whole area turns into one giant player-versus-player arena. Since players are effectively locked out on death, the dungeons turn into one giant Battle Royale game with increasingly higher stakes. It’s a superb concept and one that’s not commonly found among other modern MMOs.

(Image credit: NCSOFT / Amazon Games) Guild wars

I think you’re already sensing a theme here - Throne and Liberty is a player-versus-player MMO through and through. In this game, PvP is everywhere if you’re willing to look for it. This is a game designed from the ground up with PvP - and particularly group PvP - in mind. 

At around level 30 the world quickly opens up into areas where, depending on various criteria like world time or weather, open PvP is in session. While it’s entirely possible to wait it out on the sidelines until peace is declared once again, you always need to be on your guard for prowling enemies. 

If you’re a fan of the true wild-west element of old-school MMORPGs you’ll be at home here. It’s a kill-or-be-killed world that’s often enjoyable but potentially frustrating. During my initial leveling, for example, there were several instances of high-level players camping world quest hand-in zones. While power discrepancies are smoothed by Throne and Liberty’s stat squishing system, you’ll frequently encounter experienced players looking to rack up kills. 

Solisium is a harsh world, and to survive, you’re going to have to join a guild. Unlike more casual-friendly titles on the market, this game emphasizes guilds above nearly all else. This is a super old-school MMO approach and one that actively encourages players to band together into massive 70-person guilds.

While it’s possible to progress outside of a guild, to properly get the most out of this game you must at least join some kind of guild. Doing so, for example, unlocks a new vendor, currency, and various exclusive quests. You’ll also be able to tag along with your guild to the massive one-thousand-player-plus castle siege events that are the mainstay of Throne and Liberty’s end-game content. 

(Image credit: NCSOFT / Amazon Games)

While it’s refreshing to see such an emphasis on group content in a modern MMO, I’m struggling to recommend Throne and Liberty for a casual player here; the kind of player who likes to jump on for an hour or two, use the group finder tool, and generally go with the flow. If you’re looking for a pick-up-and-play MMO, then you’ll likely find the game too punishing unless you find a guild that fits your playstyle.

I haven’t even mentioned the cash shop either, which enables players to essentially trade real money for in-game currency. Yes - currency that can be used in the auction house to buy high-end gear. In theory, players can skip out on the grind by simply pulling out the credit card; something which will no doubt set off alarm bells for seasoned MMO veterans. 

In my time with the game, I wasn’t able to fully grasp whether this will in effect descend into a ‘pay to win’ model, but I’m absolutely sure this setup will prove divisive for a Western audience. It’s entirely possible to earn all gear without paying a penny, but it sure seems that the game is catering to players with deep pockets.

It's a shame this potential 'pay to win' stigma surrounds Throne of Liberty as the game genuinely has a lot going for it in terms of world-building and content. The question is, will it appeal to a wider audience than a select few hard-core individuals?

Accessibility

I’m pleased to note that Throne and Liberty features an extensive suite of accessibility features. These include multiple colorblind modes, settings for photosensitivity, and multiple text and UI scaling options. All these options are easy to find in the 'Accessibility' menu within the games settings menu. 

Should I play Throne and Liberty? Play it if... Don't play it if... How I reviewed Throne and Liberty

I played Throne and Liberty for 30 hours before writing this review, which was enough in-game time to finish the main story quest and comfortably get up to the maximum level. I made sure to sample most of the game's content, including both daily and world quests as well as the instanced and open dungeons.

I've played many MMORPGs over the years including World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2, Black Desert Online, Lost Ark, Eve Online, ESO, and many others. During this review, I drew upon over two decades of experience playing these games to get a feel of how Throne and Liberty stacks up and how I think it'll be received. 

The peripherals I used during this review include the Logitech G Pro wireless gaming mouse, the Logitech Pro Tenkeyless gaming keyboard, and the Logitech G735 wireless gaming headset. My monitor is the 27-inch LG 27GP850-B, which runs at 1440p/185Hz. 

First reviewed September/October 2024.

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Many industries that rely on physical assets, from construction to manufacturing, to energy & utilities, are still working to fully realize the benefits of Industry 4.0. But the data they are gathering now will help them build that next step, cementing the foundations of Industry 5.0.

Industry 4.0, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR), is a concept that has been around since the mid-2010s when Klaus Schwab at WEF coined the term. This revolution was rooted in digitalization and the implementation of digital transformation. This was marked by using connected devices, data analytics, and automation for process-driven shifts. Combined, these digital elements play a huge role in our everyday lives, whether we’re at work or at home. Industry 5.0 is the next rung on that digital ladder and the natural progression to what we've learned so far.

When Industry 5.0 emerges, we can expect to see the convergence of all that work and collected data. The next industrial revolution will be steeped in bridging the physical and the digital realms. Effectively this goes back to that human versus machine argument, but optimizing both human and machine to enhance their capabilities. AI and cloud computing will reach a harmony where workers can produce their best results, which can be replicated in processes throughout the supply chain. Industrial AI powers our lives in the back end. Industrial AI capabilities will enable power decision-making, and won't be a force for contention despite speculation. While AI is set to join the disparate data and physical elements to create Industry 5.0, remember that AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on.

Data Begets Innovation

Using AI to integrate the data points from physical assets will unlock new avenues for innovation and variation. Real-time insights from production machinery and equipment will help drive operational excellence and provide an edge over competitors.

This is where Industrial AI truly makes a difference.

As well as operational excellence, Industry 5.0 sees the intersection of AI and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. AI presents a serious opportunity for businesses to drive sustainability throughout their workflows, physical operations and, to that extent, the larger supply chain. By harnessing AI-driven insights companies can optimize their processes from a manufacturing-based level, with AI proposing opportunities to reduce waste of all kinds to achieve greater profitability, use of time, and sustainability.

For businesses that manage physical assets, this integration is a reality not an overstatement. The decision-making processes for businesses with significant capital assets will be transformed. Through advanced decision analytics, asset-rich enterprises can optimize capital allocation, manage risk, and drive more precise, data-driven business decisions. In an increasingly data-centric environment, industrial AI can provide a competitive edge by helping companies prioritize high-impact investments, adapt to changing regulatory and market conditions, and align with sustainability goals.

We live in a world of servitization where companies increasingly rent or lease industrial equipment instead of buying it outright. Think of robotics, aircraft engines, heavy construction machinery, or even delivery vehicles. As a result, manufacturers will be designing and building higher-quality machinery with in-build smart technologies to meet the demands of the servitization era.

AI can detect anomalies and maintenance issues in this equipment before determining the proper court of action. Monitoring workflows for redundancy in the network and calling out a field service engineer to remedy the machine. At the same time, rerouting the planners of other field service engineers to recoup any time losses. Again, this is streamlining operations and minimizing industry downtime until the machinery is up and running again. Industrial AI will change the entire value proposition of production in the circular economy, identifying parts and components that need servicing before they show any physical signs of wear and tear.

Building Digital Twins Into Strategy

Taking something from the physical world and replicating it virtually is a technical concept. A concept that becomes crucial in an environment with integrated Manufacturing Execution Systems. Historically, these worlds were separate. Data would generate manufacturing orders and necessitate translation. Digital twins bridge this gap by processing information in real-time, breaking down the silos between the virtual and physical environments quicker than humans can. Again, achieving true optimization in milliseconds rather than seconds or even minutes.

There’s a cycle that occurs: simulation informs business practices which change the parameters for simulation, and so on. Simulations help identify the areas needed for improvement, allowing for iterative adjustments until the desired outcome is tested, proven and achieved. An easy way to visualize this process is to think of a farm. With the farmer’s current systems in place, it takes him three days to harvest. The farmer is sure, however, that there is a more efficient way of doing things but is hesitant to experiment with his live environment. With Digital Twin technology, the farmer can optimize tool usage, harvesting routes, and crop storage before muddy boots even hit the soil. Taking a three-day and optimizing it so it’s achievable in just a single day.

Considering the time-to-value aspect, whether implementing universal AI across the business or focusing on specific edge cases, is crucial. In the above example, it’s before the harvest even happens in August. Lifecycle production time can be reduced, production waste minimized, and service efficiency increased. These, in turn, lead to environmental gains with minimal energy consumption, optimized delivery routes and reduced charging times for electric vehicles.

Innovation in Industry 5.0 is using technological advancement to attain industry foresight and adaptation. Digital twins can empower customers to drive operational efficiencies and unlock productivity in a way never seen before. Integrating Industrial AI gives businesses a holistic view of their resources to find other areas of opportunity with informed decision-making at a granular and investment-based level.

Eliminating the Complexity

From the regulatory complexities of data collection and storage to varying levels of AI adoption within businesses, a successful transition into Industry 5.0 requires expert support. Costs of AI investments can snowball, so you must be strategic and targeted at improving specific areas of your business. Generic, off-the-shelf AI tools trained on irrelevant data won’t help here. To remain competitive at a global scale, companies need to invest in this technology and work with proven partners.

Businesses that can effectively harness the data they collect and employ AI to create actionable insights will be ready for Industry 5.0. Delivering more value to their customers, improving their employees’ working lives with better everyday processes, to become a true industry leader. Whether in manufacturing, construction, or any other physical asset-focused industry, the businesses that can't see the wood through the trees with their collected data will miss out on Industry 5.0.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

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Amazon Prime Day is here now, but alongside all the great deals to be had, shoppers have been warned to be careful when browsing.

A study from Check Point Research (CRP) has found scammers are impersonating Amazon or affiliates to trick online shoppers - and in the last 30 days alone, over 1,000 new Amazon related domains have been registered, 88% of which were identified as suspicious.

Many of these domains are ‘parked’ or not in use, but could be activated in the coming days, or used in phishing attacks. The scams come in a number of forms, but commonly advise customers to update their payment methods to ‘access’ prime benefits - and of course then steal their sensitive information.

Prime targets

As Amazon Prime Day grows in popularity, such scams have become sadly more common - and because the event specifically encourages customers to order within a specific time frame to access deals and benefits, fraudsters pressure victims into acting fast with urgent calls to action.

The deception goes beyond just emails too, with some criminals going as far as to call customers to ‘inform’ them that their memberships are missing information or a payment method - data that they will collect and exploit.

Every year around Prime Day, bogus sites pop-up at an accelerated rate looking to take advantage of shoppers looking for discounts.

To stay safe this year, CPR recommends checking URLs and email addresses carefully, common misspellings are often used to trick users by impersonating a trusted site. Also, look for HTTPS website URLs, which indicate a more secure connection.

We know the deals on Prime Day can be pretty juicy, but be wary of any that seem unrealistic - trust your instincts on sales, an iPhone for $10 is probably less than legit. Ideally, shoppers should stick to the verified Amazon website or App, and never click on links to third parties.

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One of the most immersive and downright impressive experiences on the Apple Vision Pro is watching content. Whether the content is optimized for the $3,500 spatial computer or not, the appeal is that almost anything can be a showstopper.

I’ve been transported to London’s Hyde Park for a Springsteen show on a 100-inch screen, in which I can choose the vantage point I like or even rewatch some Spongebob with the famed creature beside me, thanks to a custom environment. Some of the most impressive, though, are the ones produced just for the headset – up until now, though, it’s been unscripted adventures like getting up close with wild animals or walking a highwire high above the clouds.

However, that’s changing this week – Apple’s first scripted film captured in the Apple Immersive Video, Submerged, is arriving on Thursday, October 10, 2024. It’ll be free for anyone with the Vision Pro and available to watch within the TV app on the device. While there is no shared runtime, it is dubbed as a short film.

Edward Berger, an academy-award-winning filmmaker, directed and wrote Submerged. He previously worked on All Quiet on the Western Front, and another film he worked on, Conclave, is due out soon.

While we didn’t get a formal trailer, Apple released a video showing some shots from the film, depicting unique camera angles and Berger wearing the Vision Pro while on set. Also seen is the special camera capable of shooting in the Apple Immersive Video format. It's safe to say it should offer those with the Vision Pro a unique view that swaps you from just watching a film to being part of the story.

The film itself will transport viewers onto a submarine during WWII as it’s in the midst of an attack from torpedos – Apple’s full synopsis is: “Submerged invites viewers onto a WWII-era submarine and follows its crew as they wrestle to combat a harrowing torpedo attack. This adrenaline-pumping thrill ride showcases the unique storytelling experiences made possible by Apple Immersive Video, a remarkable media format that leverages ultra-high resolution 3D video and Spatial Audio to put viewers in the center of the action.”

(Image credit: Apple)

Submerged is out on October 10, 2024, and is free for Vision Pro owners. It will also continue to expand the Immersive Video content available on the platform. That’s a good thing, and it marks the first jump towards scripted content, with hopefully more to come.

I’ll give it a watch once it drops, but I also think Apple’s Vision Pro works well with a regular movie or TV show. I’m excited to spin the upcoming Springsteen documentary – Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band – via Disney+. I hope that Netflix eventually joins the bandwagon to watch Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts concert film later in October. The device excels this way thanks to the excellent displays and great Spatial Audio - when supported – via AirPods Pro.

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