Hello people of RMS.
Today I would like to share with you my experiences and observations of the SHR server, YatagarasuRO. I have played this server on and off for just under a year now, and it has remained in a form of population stasis during that time. I'm going to start off by saying that if you do not fancy high customization particularly, then this probably isn't the server for you. However, if you do prefer high customization, then do continue reading, as it may be one of the most unique servers that you'll play.
Without further ado, the server analysis.
Server Stability: 8.5/10- The server is generally stable, but there are the odd times in which lag does occur and many players do feel the effect, so it is not a player specific issue.
Server Availability: 10/10- The server is almost always up and ready to play. Although lately the host has been having some issues with disconnections and crashes, the problem has been seemingly fixed, and if the Admin cannot be available to restart the server, she will always post on the forums as to why the server is down, and what will be done to fix the issue. Any routine downtime due to maintenance or updates are logged on the server's forums and Changelog.
Game Master Friendliness: 9/10- I do not know her very well, but then again, I'm generally a pretty anti-social member of the community. I’m more of an observer if you will. However, the interaction between GM Tiffany and the public seems to be quite polite and professional. She'll answer questions that people may have, and cuts straight to the point, which will usually end up being an event of some kind. There is no dilly-dallying and favouritism from what I've seen.
Game Master Availability: 7/10- The GM is rarely seen, but there are plenty of veterans that will help out new players in most cases. The Admin prefers to steer clear from the community, but logs into the server daily in a concealed manner to check up on the server and most likely watch over players from time to time. Nobody really knows what exactly she does upon logging on. If you have a problem however, issues are taken care of quite promptly when posted on the forums.
Game Master Helpfulness: 9/10- As I've stated, although the staff is rarely seen in game, they are checking the forums daily. Questions get answered, problems get fixed, wrongdoers get punished and adjustments to balancing the server are made accordingly. Although this may be perceived as abrupt to many of you, this style of management is actually quite successful. Less drama, more production, people remain content.
Community Friendliness: 9/10- Every community has its share of arseholes, but the community of YatagarasuRO is generally quite benign, as long as you don't spam or beg repeatedly for items, you'll usually mesh into the scene nicely. Most of the veteran players here know how hard the server is to adjust to, so they will more often than not lend a helping tip or two about the server. After all, there is A LOT to learn and adjust to.
Community Eventfulness: 7.5/10- There are a few key events that strike the interest of most players daily. These events are King of Emperium and Last Man Standing primarily. When these events are not active, there can be spells during the day in which are quite dead and inactive. During such times, players will usually just talk with one another, mess around in PvP, or go complete the bi-weekly quest that is made. Some players have been known to host their own events, but this doesn't happen all too often.
Economy: 8.5/10- The economy on YatagarasuRO is heavily based on a few rare pieces of headgear (that ANYONE can obtain at random from Old Yellow Boxes, which are traded for TCG, which are the reward to participating in/winning events), Cash Point items (which again, ANYONE can obtain by simply logging in every day) and MvP cards that aren't overly hard to obtain once you get the hang of the server's mechanics. However, many people sell things that are lying around in their storage characters on a daily basis by Vending them. Over all, not bad for a SHR server.
Guild Competition: 4/10- Not very good at the moment. However, in the past, I have seen how intense the WoE scene can get on this server. The problem is the simple lack of players that we have at the moment. As I've said though, judging by how good things used to be, there's no reason why the WoE scene couldn't be as great as it was, with a higher population.
Class Balance: 9.5/10- A valiant effort at class balance for such a vastly customized server. Although there are a few issues here and there that could be fixed, and most likely will be in the future after some inspection. All classes can really give all of the other classes a run for their money if the person behind the keyboard knows how to itemize well enough. The problem that many new players have is that lack of knowledge when beginning. There are many headgear effect cards and items that, if used at the right time can turn the tide in a battle heavily. All in all, the server is definitely on the higher end of the spectrum for the quality of balance than most SHR servers.
Total: 82/100Conclusion:- YatagarasuRO is one of those servers that you'll either love or absolutely despise in all honesty. It depends heavily on your tolerance to high customization and itemization. I guess you won't know until you try it, but below I shall post the link to the server's Wiki to help you get a feel for how truly unique it really is.
"Why join YatagarasuRO? You've said that the server is unique, but how is this so?"
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http://wiki.yatagarasuro.com/ ~ The server Wiki says it all really. Just have a look through the items and effects available. There is simply way too much information to cover in this review.
