Server Name: AnthemRO
Rates: 5x/5x/3x
Owner: Talis
Summary – AnthemRO is a well populated low rate server. And extremely rare as it's running in Aegis instead of eAthena.
Ease of Use – The DL for aRO is extremely quick. I found my DL page easily and everything went smooth.
http://i46.tinypic.com/2pqt9wy.jpgEconomy Glance – It's kind of hard to tell how balanced the economy is in a server like aRO. They have donations for almost every item in the game, but you are able to vote for points so everyone is able to get the items. Because aRO's data base came from a preexisting community you have players that literally have EVERY item. At my last count the server population was at 368; 70 of them were vendors.
http://i47.tinypic.com/10f2oaa.jpg and more over here
http://i48.tinypic.com/2meu06b.jpgBalance –
Classes: If you enjoy playing any of the extended classes you will be over powered. The server has SQIs (God-like items) for all classes except Ninja, TKM, SG, Linker. So if you enjoy any of those as your main prepare to fall behind any of your friends.
PvP: I sat around in the non-trans PvP room, which I was told was the worst for “KoSing”, for 15 minutes or so and never got killed. http://i48.tinypic.com/975idv.jpg
Donations: You can donate for every card, headgear, and weapon available.
http://i47.tinypic.com/205ck5s.jpg Customs: They have custom Kahos, Valk Helms, and Special Quest Items. Some of the cards have been changed from their original buffs to custom buff for the server.
GM Responsiveness – Nothin. Not even a greeting from a GM. I never saw a GM on the servers or in-game. However, there are “PR”s on aRO. Player Relations, I was told. I happened to come across a very nice one PR Hobbes when I logged in for my last time:
http://i45.tinypic.com/21bsq69.jpg and
http://i49.tinypic.com/10dwlf7.jpg Forum Environment – Mmm, people did stop by to say hello. Nice and friendly
http://i48.tinypic.com/14l7yx3.jpg But if you venture further into their forums you'll come across the ranters section. Yikes.
http://i48.tinypic.com/73p185.jpg the forumers LOVE this section. A lot of drama going on.
In-game Community – Everyone was talkative and helpful.
X-Factors –
Commands: aRO has no @ commands because they are running Aegis. The only real trouble I ran into was the lack of @autoloot and apparently looting is some trouble because they have a section to report looters in the forums.
Events: They had a Halloween event recently and the “DA” which I talked to PR Hobbes about is an event for now until they officially release it to every guild.
Website: Outdated to say the least.
http://i46.tinypic.com/2pqt9wy.jpg They need a major makeover to bring them to out of 1999 and into 2009.
BONUS: When you change your job you get 10k and a weapon. Unlike other servers, I was given an appropriate weapon for my level
http://i50.tinypic.com/15zfst3.jpgConclusion – aRO is a few episodes behind other private servers and they are missing a lot of the new gear, but their player base keeps them alive. I was completely put off by the lack of GM availability on the server until the PR showed up to make everything better. If you want a server that is shiny and new I wouldn't choose AnthemRO. However, if you want a server that is tried and true give Anthem a try.
***You'll notice a lot of the elements of the review are the same as my tRO review. I was attempting to prove that each server has different elements making them unique. Please don't attack me saying I had ill intentions.***
