01-10-2004, 09:35 AM
I can understand nobbie's point of view - although I end up with the opposite opinion on MMORPGs.
I think everyone agrees MMORPGS are for a certain type of person.
I can honestly say that since getting into MMORPG's they have basically killed every other genre of game for me. I play single-player games that I once would have liked and find myself thinking 'this is boring... whats the point in playing?'
having said that I'm not actually playing any MMORPG at the moment because I find that the current batch out has too many flaws (that I hope WoW will correct). however having said that i'm not playing any game at all because every game I try - I compare to a MMORPG and find it lacking.
I happily pay the price a MMORPG costs (initial outlay + monthly cost + cost of internet connection) because I find it provides me with a level of enjoyment and immersion that (over a long period of time) is unequalled by any other genre of computer game.
Here are some of the reasons why I enjoy MMORPGs
(1) The continuing development of your character. OK fine so any RPG has character development. However single player RPG life spans are measured in days to weeks. MMORPG life spans are from months to years.
(2) Social Aspect and Community. D2 - which does not have a persistant online world - and can only have 8 players per world - only cultivates a relatively small community spirit and bonding. Most people don't know who other people are. MMORPGs have complex social interactions which are unpredictable - and which I find quite fascinating.
(3) Scope of MMORPGs. They just seem so much more epic. The fact it takes 2 hours to walk from one side of the world to the other. (That's if you don't get killed by the myriad of powerful creatures as you pass through the high level zones). The fact it takes multiple high level people to kill the most powerful monsters in the world.
(4) Immersion. No other genre makes me feel as immersed in the game as an MMORPG does. You fear (and excitement) as you carefully tread solo through areas which you really shouldn't be in. You feel proud as you and your group achieve your goals and milestones.
(5) Juxtaposition of high and low level characters successfully. In Diablo you (usually) only play with people your own level. I don't like that. I like in EQ for example there sand giants and spectres roaming the desert of Ro as well as the usually wimpy monsters (orcs, gators, etc). Thus both high level people can co exist with the low levels and as you progress through the levels you get to revisit old favourite areas but with a new viewpoint.
As a low level you spend your time hunting orcs and gators, and all the time watching your back in case a giant sneaks up on you and squashes you. In fact quite a community forms around people helping each other watch peoples backs for giants. You also look in wonder at the people who actually fight the giants and think about the day you will fight them.
As a high level you don't bother with the orcs and gators (except for the occasional unique gator which drops better treasure) and spend your time with a party fighting the giants and spectres. For this the lower levels and thankful that they don't have to watch their backs as much and occasionally ask you questions about mid-high level skills and item decisions.
It's a very interesting social structure that I like to observe (as well as be part of).
Some of the people who in this thread have never tried a MMORPG before - I think that if you are curious, then you should definitely try one. You may get a pleasant surprise like I did. If you don't you'll never know what you are missing out on.
I think everyone agrees MMORPGS are for a certain type of person.
I can honestly say that since getting into MMORPG's they have basically killed every other genre of game for me. I play single-player games that I once would have liked and find myself thinking 'this is boring... whats the point in playing?'
having said that I'm not actually playing any MMORPG at the moment because I find that the current batch out has too many flaws (that I hope WoW will correct). however having said that i'm not playing any game at all because every game I try - I compare to a MMORPG and find it lacking.
I happily pay the price a MMORPG costs (initial outlay + monthly cost + cost of internet connection) because I find it provides me with a level of enjoyment and immersion that (over a long period of time) is unequalled by any other genre of computer game.
Here are some of the reasons why I enjoy MMORPGs
(1) The continuing development of your character. OK fine so any RPG has character development. However single player RPG life spans are measured in days to weeks. MMORPG life spans are from months to years.
(2) Social Aspect and Community. D2 - which does not have a persistant online world - and can only have 8 players per world - only cultivates a relatively small community spirit and bonding. Most people don't know who other people are. MMORPGs have complex social interactions which are unpredictable - and which I find quite fascinating.
(3) Scope of MMORPGs. They just seem so much more epic. The fact it takes 2 hours to walk from one side of the world to the other. (That's if you don't get killed by the myriad of powerful creatures as you pass through the high level zones). The fact it takes multiple high level people to kill the most powerful monsters in the world.
(4) Immersion. No other genre makes me feel as immersed in the game as an MMORPG does. You fear (and excitement) as you carefully tread solo through areas which you really shouldn't be in. You feel proud as you and your group achieve your goals and milestones.
(5) Juxtaposition of high and low level characters successfully. In Diablo you (usually) only play with people your own level. I don't like that. I like in EQ for example there sand giants and spectres roaming the desert of Ro as well as the usually wimpy monsters (orcs, gators, etc). Thus both high level people can co exist with the low levels and as you progress through the levels you get to revisit old favourite areas but with a new viewpoint.
As a low level you spend your time hunting orcs and gators, and all the time watching your back in case a giant sneaks up on you and squashes you. In fact quite a community forms around people helping each other watch peoples backs for giants. You also look in wonder at the people who actually fight the giants and think about the day you will fight them.
As a high level you don't bother with the orcs and gators (except for the occasional unique gator which drops better treasure) and spend your time with a party fighting the giants and spectres. For this the lower levels and thankful that they don't have to watch their backs as much and occasionally ask you questions about mid-high level skills and item decisions.
It's a very interesting social structure that I like to observe (as well as be part of).
Some of the people who in this thread have never tried a MMORPG before - I think that if you are curious, then you should definitely try one. You may get a pleasant surprise like I did. If you don't you'll never know what you are missing out on.