While there is still a massive market for MMOs, many players criticize the genre for its derivative nature. With strong RPG titles like Skyrim on the horizon which feature a giant, engrossing world and rewarding combat, it can be difficult to return to the grind and endless hotkeys normally associated with MMOs. Bluehole Studio's upcoming title TERA looks to change gamers' perception of the MMO genre though, and finally, they have provided an idea of when it will launch.

In a recent announcement, producer En Masse Entertainment has stated that TERA will see be seeing a spring 2012 release. This may initially disappoint some gamers who have been following the game since its first announcement and have been itching to get their hands on the title. In reality though, this extra time will afford the development team at Bluehole Studios the time required to ensure that the title launches with as much polish and content as possible.

According to Chris Lee, publishing VP at En Masse Entertainment,

“Adding time to our schedule will help us ensure we exceed people's expectations for TERA. The game’s action combat and depth has generated a lot of interest, and we are committed to making sure every aspect of the game lives up to our standard of quality.”

Even though the wait may be difficult for some gamers, TERA has some great things going for it, and if it can achieve a strong, stable and polished launch, it has the potential to take the MMO world by storm. Sporting unique features like a fully-fledged political system as well as action-based combat that feels more akin to that of a console hack-and-slash than of an MMO, there is a lot to be excited about, but also a lot that Bluehole Studios are no doubt hard at work refining.

There may still be quite a long wait before TERA launches, but if our hands-on time with the game as well as its nomination for Game Rant's Best MMO of E3 are any indication, it will be worth the wait to see how all of the game's features and mechanics come together. With World Of Warcraft subscriber numbers slowly dropping, there is no better time for a game like TERA to burst onto the scene and show gamers that MMOs don't have to be a mindless grind.

Are you excited to try out TERA's action-oriented combat? Do you think the game will be able to make a splash in the MMO market?

TERA is set to release in the spring of 2012 on PC.