The Free MMO Part 7: Combat Arms (FPS)

Today we’re taking a good look at Combat Arms, a free MMOFPS released by Nexon. When I first heard about Combat Arms, I was surprised to see what appeared to be a genuine FPS available free that didn’t have some serious drawbacks listed in user reviews. Nexon is a Korean company that has been around since 1994, bringing the first MMORPG to the world in the form of “Kingdom of the Winds” back in 1995. Since then, Nexon has branched off and created Nexon America, intended to bring Nexon’s award winning games to America. How have they faired? This week I will cover 4 of their current free titles.

Combat Arms is the first title on the chopping block. Downloading was relatively quick and signup was impressively easy. Signing up for Combat Arms also gave me a valid login for Nexon’s other titles as well. I found that the consistent download speed of 750kbps was quite refreshing when compared to the average 200-400kbps I’ve been experiencing downloading other titles I’ve reviewed this month.

Because it is, after all, an FPS, character creation and is somewhat simple. You click the face and model you like the best out of a lineup of 4, and head on through to server selection. This is typical of any FPS out there; after all, on first person shooters you never notice your avatar.

Graphics are pretty reasonable. There isn’t much to amaze or impress you, though it should certainly be noted that Combat Arms certainly doesn’t lack in the department of aesthetics. The game is comparable to most big-name FPS circa 2003-2004. They are also well optimized, giving older computers a chance to enjoy the game alongside modern gaming machines. 3d models on maps are well-structured with integrated sound effect hit boxes for bullet ricochets and grenade impacts. You can climb to the top of a giant building and snipe just as easily as you can run through a tight tunnel with shotgun ready.

Lag is not a big problem on Combat Arms. They manage servers on their side, with no client-side servers to worry about. You can create your own custom room and set passwords, manage maps and game types, and even boot unruly players. Having a centralized host for every server allows for a fairer game between friends as there isn’t one member with a substantially lower ping than the rest of the combatants. The servers even have an indicator letting you know their current stress levels to assist you in determining which ones to avoid and which ones are open. I’m going to give credit to Nexon for this innovative take on how a multiplayer FPS should be operated.

Like Call of Duty 4, you are on a points system. The more you fight the higher your rank. The same goes with your equipment. Over time you earn money towards purchasing new weapons and armor. These purchases are temporary as you “rent” them for a given number of days. In order to keep your guy equipped with your favorite goods, you need to keep playing. The more you play, the better your options. I found a great pair of shades to wear with some urban camouflage and a heavy vest.

Weapon accuracy was standard and appeared to be closely tied to counterstrike. The more you shot the worse your aim until you let off the trigger long enough to retain your bearings. Some guns are more accurate than others, and some more powerful. Sniper rifles are effective, but I did not find any way to hold breaths to make for a more accurate shot. In this way the game was very much like counterstrike and least like Call of Duty 4.

Overall, if you’re looking for a solid FPS without having to worry about the hassle of finding a good reliable server then take a good look at Combat Arms. It will change your mind about free games and their quality standards. This game packs a very mean punch and has the makings of a real competitor to many of the overpriced shooters on the market.

Special thanks to the players that assisted in the test:
Loonsbury
Bogger
Alicat
Zackypie
Finalshoot
Dyll

If you have or know of a free game you would like reviewed, please leave a comment below and I will put it on the list.