New MMO Called TERA Promises Mind-Blowing Fantasy Fashions and Super-Stylish Combatants

Iris Ophelia's ongoing review of virtual world and MMO fashion

Even though I wrote about my current favorite MMO just yesterday, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking out for my next big MMO obsession. While The Old Republic is a solidly designed and beautifully written game, after awhile all the very realistically designed gear starts to feel a bit... bland. Where's the panache, the zazz, the razzle-dazzle? That's probably why I'm so excited about TERA, a fantasy themed MMO with some of the most breathtaking and fanciful armor designs available in any current MMO.

Skeptical? Keep reading for more proof!

I've been waiting for TERA's North American release for years (seriously!), so I'm ecstatic to play the closed beta, launching today. TERA's armor designs range from sturdy plate-mail to ornate gowns, with plenty of ensembles that wouldn't be out of place on the catwalk. Each race has their own distinct aesthetic, and although much of the female gear heavily favours the impractically sexy approach to fantasy costuming every piece is just so gorgeous that I have a hard time being bothered. It's not exactly like the men of TERA are without their own strange and sexy options...

A series of beta testing periods are scheduled between today and the games projected release on May 1st, including an open beta in April that will be open to everyone. Until then check out TERA's website for more detailed information or, if you're like me and are interested in more eye candy, take a look at TERAfans.com's gallery of gorgeous armor renders from the game.

Iris Ophelia (Janine Hawkins IRL) has been featured in the New York Times and has spoken about SL-based design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan and with pop culture/fashion maven Johanna Blakley.

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Comments

[Pussycat Catnap]

That looks like a Guild Wars / Perfect World clone.

It worked for Guild Wars because the avatars where animate and had an assortment of emotes. It failed for Perfect World because they were like stuck-still statues.

But the fashions are just guild wars meets chainmail bikini (minus the chain or mail).
- You know, the stuff folks have been declaring misogynistic ever since Boris Vallejo was illustrating Conan. :)

Its funny how we're back to liking this style.

[Ann Otoole InSL]

Is it UGC? If not it is still just a menu of stuff someone else thinks is cool. And as such it will become stale and boring in a matter of weeks.

[Eleri Ethaniel]

Some of those look like *serious* wedgie material.

[MrBungle]

Most of the women I know who have been trained in hand-to-hand combat disciplines swear by peekaboo armor and high heels.

[Aleida]

Oh my :D I'm very sensitive to awesome or should I say 'fashionable' character designs! So I will definitely look into TERA. I'm looking forward to reading your opinion about the gameplay, once you're allowed to write about it of course.

[Rin Tae]

Those look nice .. but .. I rather like good looking AND practical armor. And I admit to hate high heels on armor but then I am one of those few ones who place immersion above looks. The grafics however are nice and the outfits show some imagination so maybe tehy will come up with nice things for all tastes ^_^

[bobo]

ooh spikey sht..shiny;.