I have come back to FA after about 5 months away, partly because I liked the game (I was dragged away to play another with friends) and partly because I am running out of games that interest me. On top of this they had a big patch recently. Finally, I wanted to complete my crafting of a car (and boy that takes a lot of work).

The patch seems to have made mobs slightly tougher, which is good, I like challenging combats. It does make some group difficulty quests actually require a group.

There seems to be more resources around than I recall, I used to have to do a fair amount of travelling at times, but lately I have been running into stuff regularly.

They seem to have re-organised the mutation skills, or labelled them better. I now undstand a bit better which skills work when and how they stack, although it seems to have reduced my options a bit (my impression only).

Yes they have brought in a shop, but it is currently selling convenience only, extra bank slots, one time fast travel tickets, some vehicles which you could buy on the market if you wanted to. Nothing game breaking at all, and nothing you cant ignore.

My biggest problem with the game is that I find it difficult to get a group, which is partly my preference, but the game probably needs an automatic quest grouping tool of some kind... ie list all my group quests, compare them to others group quests, find matches for me, form a team.

Game population is a bit low, but you have to expect that, especially in my time zone (aussie).

They need fast travel between major towns, stage coaches or buses or soemthing, that you just pay cash for.

Things I still like:
Detailed, complex crafting, really enjoy the crafting system in this game, and I say that as a non-crafting person.

World size - the game feels BIG, to the point where it takes a significant amoutn of time to get around, which can be bad thing if you dont have transport.

Character skill system, lots of options and variations, although there is some danger of optimal builds syndrome. The designers need to broaden the top end rather than funnel it in specific directions (my opinion). You do pick a class and your class forces you into skill choices, so that is just part of the game.

Look and feel, they use a fairly realistic art style (comparable to LOTRO) and they have made some really good colour choices. The look and feel of the game early on is really suited to the post-apocalyptic theme. The fact that you move into a more colourful world as you progress is also good, nobody wants to be depressed forever.

Balance between melee and shooting is pretty good. If shooters see you coming then they have the advantage, but if a meleer gets up close then you are in trouble. Reasonable element of luck as skills and abilities go off or fail, stuns and such can make or break you.

Negatives:

Time for a new zone! Its there already, with a big wall protecting it, but the game needs it soon, with matching advertising to get people back into the game.

Fast transport system between sectors.

More bike and car models, this is a no-brainer and I cannot understand why they have restricted the graphics on this so much. I want different models!!!

Overall: one of my top 5 games. (not in order: Ryzom, LOTRO, COH, AO).

nice mini-re-review.

they do have fast travel between three cities now by the way. I forget which cause i'm always broke.

Great review - thanks.  I've been contemplating coming back also.