Intro
The rise of cozy gaming has brought with it a new way of seeing games and developing them. Many times in the past multiplayer RPGs were often stressful grind fests that took an immense amount of time and effort just to learn how to play. While there are certainly times when this can be fun there are many times when we want to play a multiplayer RPG with our friends without all the stress and frustrations.
One game that fills this role quite nicely is the free to play MMO RPG known as Palia that adds a new cozy twist to this classic game type. The game offers a sprawling landscape filled with intrigue, fun filled content, and lots of multiplayer potential. But is this game right for you? Keep reading on with the article and see if you should play Palia.
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Story
The story of Palia stars you (and thousands of other players) in a cozy quest to build a new life in a foreign land. In the world of Palia humans were thought to be extinct after their disappearance after not being seen for thousands of years. Now, humans are literally being dropped into existence out of nowhere from another plain. As those in Palia seek to discover what is behind this new phenomenon you are given the ability to build your own life in this vast and charming landscape.
The story of this game is fun one that sounds like it definitely could be a stressful experience. However, that’s not the case. As mentioned above, humans are being dropped in the lap of the small village of Palia with no rhyme or reason for their newfound existence.
While this is the case, the town folk welcome the player with open arms as they work to discover why a species that was thought to be dead and buried is now being thrust back into the world. You are given a plot of land to build on, many people to build relationships with, and a quest line that falls right in tow with the feel of the game.
There is no combat in this game but nearly every other mechanic that resides in the RPG genre is present in this game. The story feels very easy-going as you make your way through Palia in a way that is engaging and fun. Though there is a main story the game gives you a ton of content revolving around the tenants of Palia rather than the main plot.
Each villager is interesting for their own specific reasons and you always feel like a part of the town when you play, even if you are technically an outsider. While side questing and socializing are a big aspect of the game it feels genuine and not like an afterthought. This way of structuring the game brings the main plot out in its characters rather than just in what you do for the main quest.
Those looking for n epic quest to deliver the one ring to a giant volcano may want to look elsewhere for their next MMO RPG. However, those looking for an epic quest to do the cook’s chores so that he can be with his sick sister, or bringing steak to the town mechanic so she can make dinner for her father are right up your alley, then this may be the game for you.
Gameplay
Just as the story is engaging while simultaneously being relaxing, so is the gameplay. All the basic mechanics for RPGs reside in this game such as fishing, farming, crafting, mining, romancing (wink wink) and many other aspects that keep the game interesting. While there is an overarching story to the game it is not a huge epic built around grinding but of becoming an integral part of the community. Building your skill levels and fulfilling quests for the many NPCs in town is often what you will be doing in the RPG adventure.
Speaking of community Palia puts quite a bit of emphasis on their multiplayer mechanic. Gamers can play alongside their friends as well as strangers to help each other out in reaching their goals. While playing with others is by no means mandatory the game builds around this aspect of the game in a way that makes players want to join in.
Taking part in acts like mining, foraging, hunting, and even cooking with others allow all party members to gain experience and loot. This adds to the community aspect as everybody isn’t scrambling for resources but is encouraged to work together.
Palia is not a difficult game for new gamers either as the game is easy to learn and the community is encouraged to help others. If multiplayer gaming or NPC questing is not your style, then you might want to rethink playing Palia. However, if an easy-going cozy RPG that you can play with your friends sounds like a good time to you then consider downloading this game.
Pros
- Fun and laid-back gameplay.
- Fun main story.
- Great multiplayer aspect.
- You can collect stuffed animals in this game (seriously).
Cons
- Those looking for a more heavy-handed story will not find it in this game
- The relaxed form of gameplay may not be to some player’s taste.
Conclusion
Palia is a game that has taken the features of a cozy game and incorporated them into that of an MMO RPG. The developers have married the fun and engaging aspects of classic RPGs with that of cozy style gaming to create a world of fun. If you’re looking for a fun game to play with your friends or by yourself then maybe you should play Palia.
Ready to start your journey in Palia? Download it here for free on Steam
