Amazon Games' New World has stirred the gaming community, transporting players to the mystical island of Aeternum, a land promising adventure, danger, and riches beyond imagination. Since its release, New World has experienced its share of ups and downs, with intense initial popularity followed by challenges typical for any new mmoexp. However, New World shines in many respects, and its setting in Aeternum provides a refreshing take on survival, combat, and exploration. This review will dive into the details of Aeternum’s allure and the game’s ability to keep players invested in the experience of “settling in.”
Setting and Lore: Aeternum’s Mystical Allure

Aeternum, the fictional island in  in mystery. Inspired by a blend of historical mythology and fantasy, the island draws explorers with the promise of "Azoth," a powerful resource that supposedly grants eternal life and abilities beyond mortal limits. This mix of mythos creates an engaging backdrop for the game's events, enveloping players in a world where lore is found in forgotten ruins, mysterious flora, and echoes of ancient empires.

The island’s charm isn’t just in its backstory but also in its design. The world of Aeternum is divided into various biomes—lush forests, ominous marshlands, eerie ruins, and frozen mountain ranges—each with distinct flora, fauna, and challenges. Players feel a sense of wonder as they venture into uncharted territories, discovering new enemies and resources that serve the core survival experience.

The lore of New World is woven through quests, environmental storytelling, and documents scattered across Aeternum. Although some players may find the lore delivery a bit scattered, those who dive into it will discover a history rich with tension, from ancient civilizations to cursed forces struggling for dominance over Azoth. This background narrative lends a sense of purpose to the player's journey, making each area exploration more meaningful.
Visuals and Atmosphere: Aeternum’s Beauty and Dread

Amazon's Lumberyard engine delivers a visually stunning game, especially for an mmoexp. Aeternum is richly detailed, with realistic lighting, stunning landscapes, and meticulously crafted structures that add a layer of immersion. Forests sway in the wind, rivers reflect the sky, and the change in time of day impacts how environments feel—sunset over a mountain ridge can be breathtaking, while nighttime in a foggy marsh can feel menacing.

Enemies in Aeternum are also beautifully (and sometimes terrifyingly) designed. The Corrupted—one of the island’s main antagonistic forces—are human-like but twisted, representing an evil spread by Azoth. Whether it’s a giant lumbering through the woods or an ancient skeleton guarding ruins, each enemy feels appropriately creepy, adding to the island’s mysterious atmosphere. However, while the aesthetic quality of Aeternum is generally outstanding, some players have noted occasional graphical glitches and pop-ins that can disrupt the immersion.
Combat: An Action-Packed Experience

One of New World's defining features is its action-oriented combat system. Instead of the typical mmoexp fare of tab-targeting and auto-attacks, New World relies on a more dynamic approach. Players engage in real-time combat where they must manually aim their weapons, block, dodge, and manage stamina. This system combines elements from popular action RPGs with mmoexp strategy, demanding that players stay actively engaged, whether fighting wolves in the wild or taking down corrupted behemoths.

The weapon system is flexible, allowing players to wield different weapon types such as swords, hammers, bows, and magic staffs. Instead of classes, New World lets players build their character based on weapon choice and attributes.