Hands-On Impressions: Wakfu - Preview
by VGChartz Staff , posted on 21 October 2011 / 4,642 Views
With FF14 being completely redesigned, Square Enix hopes to fill the void by publishing an MMO that may actually gain a following. Though not designed by them, the spiritual sequel to the Ankama Games MMO Dofus, Wakfu, hopes to succeed where FF14 couldn't. And you know what? It's comin' along quite nicely.
Using a crisp anime fantasy art style, Wakfu mixes a touch of FF Tactics Advance with a liberal dosing of Bastion's soft textured look, yet impresses nonetheless. It sets the tone for the more lighthearted free-to-play affair. With unique races representing the class pool of 14 (the demo and beta only have 8) that were both fun and eccentric - a great fit for the World of 12 (as it is known). While straying from using the typical class names, each race essentially breaks down to either fighter, mage, monk, ranger, etc. 
What separates Wakfu from the rest of the pack is the turn-based tactical combat, set on a grid. You'll have 30 seconds to move, attack, and use skills that take from a set of action points. Each uses a separate pool so you'll have to tactically (ohhh) plan out your moves ahead of time. It works - severely speeding up the deliberate feel of most tactical RPGs, and a great mix of tactics and classic MMO gameplay, appealing to fans of both genres alike. Skills were varied enough and the tree was promising, allowing for certain magic to be used across classes, but they weren't too exciting in the early runnings of the game.
One of the most alluring parts of the game is that currency, equipment, and item purchasing are player driven, allowing for a plethora of crafting options. Recipes are well organized and easily sifted through with the handy searchbar. However, being a free-to-play system, things could get a little hairy if recipes and crafting items can be purchased for cash. Even currency is crafted, rather than rewarded or found, and the materials are given as quest rewards or looted off of enemies. Profession will be vital, as you'll only be able to create certain equipment with different jobs, having to buy and sell from other professions to be successful. 
Wakfu seems to be on the right track, with a unique and finely tuned combat system that makes tactics easy to get into. With most professions providing the player-driven economy and a great anime style fuelling the visuals, Wakfu could be serious contender on the MMO front. Closed beta is on-going and easily applied for. Look for a full release sometime next year.
