Back in 2021, Amazon Games launched its first MMORPG, *New World*, and it initially saw a lot of success. However, over time, the game faced issues like bugs and a lack of content, especially for endgame players, causing its player base to shrink. Now, in 2024, *New World* is getting a fresh start with its *Aeternum* release, which introduces the game to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. This relaunch brings major updates and changes to the game, acting like a soft reboot. Players on PC also get these changes for free, and all versions now support cross-platform multiplayer.

That said, the changes in *New World: Aeternum* aren’t as massive as what we’ve seen in other games like *World of Warcraft: Cataclysm*, which completely overhauled its world, or *Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn*, which was practically a brand-new game compared to its original. Instead, *Aeternum* focuses more on tightening up the core storyline, making it easier for new players to follow without feeling lost.

While the story is now better paced, it’s still not particularly engaging. After an exciting prologue that teaches you the game’s basics, the plot slows down and gets wrapped up in local politics. You’ll deal with a regent struggling to manage a town while the ruler is missing, and a shady minister with questionable motives. The storyline is filled with familiar tropes like good versus evil, and even the main villain feels somewhat dull. Most of the time, she just taunts you while failing to be a real threat.

But here’s the thing: the story isn’t really why you play *New World: Aeternum*. The real joy comes from exploring the world itself. The game’s massive open world is its highlight, and even non-combat activities revolve around it. You can gather resources through skills like logging and mining, which level up over time. As you progress, you’ll be able to chop down bigger trees or mine rare ores. These materials can then be used to craft items like powerful gear, consumables for buffs, healing potions, or even furniture for your house.

Living in the world of *Aeternum* can be rewarding on its own. Even if you’re not fighting bosses or engaging in PvP battles, you can spend hours gathering resources or crafting items to sell to other players. This could eventually lead to a dynamic in-game economy where players trade freely with each other. Plus, with the housing system, you can own and decorate homes in different cities across *Aeternum*, filling them with things like benches or trophies.

When it comes to combat, *New World* moves away from traditional MMORPG systems like tab-targeting (as seen in games like *World of Warcraft*) and opts for real-time combat. You can block or dodge attacks manually, and positioning matters when aiming with ranged weapons. Each weapon offers two main actions and three special abilities. For example, if you’re using a greatsword on PS5, L2 blocks attacks, R2 hits enemies, and the special abilities are mapped to L1, R1, or a combo of L1 + R1. You can equip two weapons at once, giving you six abilities to mix and match during combat.

Your choice of weapons also defines your role in battles. You can tank with a sword and shield, deal damage with bows or muskets from a distance, or heal your team using staves. Magic users get different elements to play with, including healing magic using Life staves. What’s great is that the main storyline can be completed with any loadout you choose, and switching between roles is encouraged.

Outside of the story, there are different activities to keep you busy. Solo players can roam freely through the world, while group content includes 5-player dungeons (called Expeditions) and a 10-player raid. Unfortunately, for PvE-focused players looking for a robust endgame experience—like epic boss fights—you might find the content lacking. But if you’re into PvP, there’s more variety: from 1-on-1 duels to large-scale faction wars where players fight for territory control.

*New World: Aeternum* may not offer the same deep endgame content as games like *World of Warcraft*, nor does its story reach the emotional heights of *Final Fantasy 14*. However, it excels at offering players something to do during the leveling process. While other MMOs may focus on reaching the level cap as quickly as possible to get to “the real game,” *Aeternum* allows you to take your time—pause the story when you want—and go explore or gather resources.

The downside is that once you’ve completed the story and dungeons or gotten your fill of PvP battles, there may not be much left to do. Over time, this lack of content could hurt the player base again. Whether Amazon Games can keep players interested in *New World* after this console release will become clearer as time goes on.