It was bound to happen. That new shiny feeling of falling in love starts to get just a little tarnished. Somewhere after that initial “Wow!” factor dies off, you inevitably move into the more steady routine with your new love. Some of those quirky, new things that made your heart do a little pitter patter in the beginning now start to irritate the piss out of you every now and then. But you still love them. You just have to take big deep breaths and walk away every now and then.

That’s where I am right now with The Secret World. No, this isn’t a doom and gloom post. I’m still enjoying the game immensely. But it isn’t all shiny, happy feelings all the time anymore. Our love affair has diminished, just a little.

One of the things I found quirky and entertaining initially was the depth of the story telling. I still love it. But everything is just so lengthy. Between the cut scenes and the difficulty of the game itself, it is almost impossible to just jump into the game and do something quick. Unlike real love affairs where the quickie becomes more the norm and you long for something, err, longer… with TSW, I’d like a few quickies now and then.

The other thing that I’m finding increasingly irritating is the number of solo instances. I’m not sure what the thinking was with this one. I understand doing some solo instances in the main story quest line. Having to progress in your story, working some puzzles on your own. I’m assuming if you are running a different faction, the story is going to differ a bit. So solo instances in your main mission makes sense. But frequently, I’ll be running regular missions alongside my fellow Templar, Purrcy, when bam! Solo instance at the end.

I mean, I love you baby, but can’t I spend some time with my friends?

I’m still enjoying my love affair with TSW though. But every once in a while, TSW gets that exasperated glare and huff signaling we need a little break. But it’s okay, baby.  I always come back for more.