If it were fixed of many game breaking mechanics, APB would be a very fun game.
I won't get too far into detail here as APB has already closed down - I'm more or less waiting for the APB: Reloaded re-launch which will hopefully fix the issues that original creator Real Time Worlds never addressed.
To make things quick lets get a few things APB did right:
- Awesome character creation system allowing for some serious artists to go to town on tatoos and clothing designs. Could probably use a few more clothing options though.
- System is also implemented well in car design. You can pretty much custom paint a car only limited by your imagination.
- 3rd Person shooting mechanics are actually very fun. Some polish is needed (more cover mechanics too) but it's easy to pick up and fun to play.
- Team orientation is great. Even for solo-minded MMORPG players like myself who generally dislike mic-chat, APB easily nudges you into open groups and encourages mic chat. Most people are generally pretty mellow and enjoyable but when an annoying one comes along groups are easy to leave and even easier to find.
Wrong:
- Weapon modifications need a lot of work. Some need to go out entirely (like damage mods) and others need serious balance work. Even as a good FPS player, if you encounter a higher ranked group rocking heavily modded weapons your in for a long match.
- Exploits/Cheats are pretty rampant. Be it using the opposing side to quickly level or the obvious use of aim-botting, these things quickly make the game frustrating and unplayable.
- Simple bugs from not getting into the right car seat to shooting through vehicles - things that can easily be addressed just never done by RTW. Individually they aren't bad but over time they add up.
- Pay to Play - I'm usually a fan of pay to play games and have no problem doing so but APB never really felt like it had enough to support this subscription base. Compared to real MMOs the world is very small and the content is lacking.
GamersFirst has since taken over this game and is about to launch APB:Reloaded. They are addressing not only every issue above but also many more. So far things sound promising but we'll see. IF they can fix those issues I'd consider APB a game worth investing some time in come this summer as not only will it be Free to Play but it also is a lot of fun.