I tried out Archlords, it seemed competent but utterly failed to stand out in my mind. Also I couldn't identify with any of the classes or races, so I really didn't feel like I could make a character that was compelling to me. So between quests, combat, and characterization that just didn't appeal, I found no reason to play beyond just a few hours.

Thankfully I tried it during an open beta so didn't waste any money on it.

I know that the 'true value' of an mmorpg is your progress over time, but with so many mmogs out there one shouldn't waste their time on one that isn't particularly appealing. AutoAssault, World of Warcraft, Guild Wars, City of Heroes/Villains, Time of Defiance, if I spent a few more minutes I could think up another half dozen games that simply had more 'character' than Archlords and had just as polished or more polished implementation and gameplay.

The principal 'Archlords' feature of said game would be a good feature if you liked serious, big-guild play and would be satisfied helping someone else become Archlord rather than doing it yourself; to make someone win the vast majority of their supporters would need to make that compromise.