Funcom has announced that it is offering new registrants for The Secret World three days of free game time if they sign up by August 19th. Players can also score an additional two days if they complete thirty missions during the trial.

Funcom is also on hand at Gamescom handing out cards that might unlock a four day trial.

Among the content being revealed for the very first time at GamesCom is the first raid that will be introduced to the game in a couple of months time. The raid, set in a devastated New York City, builds on the story focus in  'The Secret World' to create a truly unique raid experience. Starting out, players will be introduced to the story by listening to the accounts of characters that have taken refuge in the New York subway system, and eventually players will battle a monster that towers over the skyscrapers in the middle of Times Square.

Register on The Secret World's site to get started.

I'm not sure why all devs don't offer free trials in this format. It gets people into the game so they are more likely to buy. Nice idea Funcom.

I'll be the first to admit, I wasn't a big fan of this game at first, but my years in MMO gaming have taught me not to judge an MMO after the first hour of play. Once I did the investigation quest "Men in Black Vans," there was no going back.

Great game...I look forward to what TSW is going to look like 6 months from now.

Downloading now, will give it a whirl tonight.

To be fair, I'm sure my negative bias will effect my judgement of TSW but I shall try to remain objective and "see the forest for the trees."

I think it is the start of the Funcom shift to free to play model.

Folks, Funcom had a "secret" TSW share holders meeting and basically admitted it isn't a big smash, and then tried to blame agregated review scores, I mean c'mon here.

Bottom,  line not a smash hit, but one that can make money if handled well.

The writing and creativity behind this game is phenomenal. I was entranced by the setting as I was playing last night. I can't believe there is any talk of this game not being a success. I will be back at it tonight. Can't wait to see what lies beyond Kingsmouth.

The closest and most recent experience I can compare this game to is SWTOR. The difference is that I am actually interested in what the people are saying in this game, the environments are much more compelling, and the combat, skills, and crafting systems are all very fresh. I can see why some people might not like it. The mature content and unfamiliarity of some of the game systems may repel less sophisticated MMO gamers.

Originally posted by BadSpock

Downloading now, will give it a whirl tonight.

To be fair, I'm sure my negative bias will effect my judgement of TSW but I shall try to remain objective and "see the forest for the trees."

 

You may be surprised to find that TSW turns out to accomplish what many had hoped TOR would.

As far as your negative bias, take this as a challenge:  successfully complete the 2nd dungeon (Hell Raised) and tell me you still hate the game.   I mean, if you do and you do, it's probably not for you, which is fair enough.  But it would be a mistake to judge TSW before getting a true taste of its combat potential, which you only really discover in that dungeon.

If you want some help or whatever, feel free to send me a note, i go by "Sand" (server doesn't matter in TSW).  I'm happy to give non-spoilerish mission hints or just general advice.