08-12-2005, 02:22 AM
Hi,
While the majority of players would hate it, I have long wished for a 'numberless' MMORPG. Of course, numbers would have to be used on the server, but none of that should be visible on the client. Rather than '+2 to speed', a description like 'this sword feels exceptionally well balanced' would be used. It would be up to the game designers to ensure that there are enough attributes and different ways of expressing them that we 'number crunchers' could not do more than generalize. For instance, 'a fine sword' from a vendor in a newbie area might rate no more than 'piece of junk' in a more advanced area.
Similar things for all gear attributes.
For stats, etc., a player would not be told that he has gotten stronger, faster, better with a bow, etc. He would know that he could now wear mail because putting it on didn't make him fall to the ground. That his archery was improving because occasionally he would actually hit what he was aiming for. And so on. With magic, the ability to learn spells and cast them and how many he could cast would follow a similar pattern.
But, of course, such a game would only appeal to romantic freaks like me. Too much like RL (or real RP) for the bulk of the gamers.
I can still dream, though.
--Pete
While the majority of players would hate it, I have long wished for a 'numberless' MMORPG. Of course, numbers would have to be used on the server, but none of that should be visible on the client. Rather than '+2 to speed', a description like 'this sword feels exceptionally well balanced' would be used. It would be up to the game designers to ensure that there are enough attributes and different ways of expressing them that we 'number crunchers' could not do more than generalize. For instance, 'a fine sword' from a vendor in a newbie area might rate no more than 'piece of junk' in a more advanced area.
Similar things for all gear attributes.
For stats, etc., a player would not be told that he has gotten stronger, faster, better with a bow, etc. He would know that he could now wear mail because putting it on didn't make him fall to the ground. That his archery was improving because occasionally he would actually hit what he was aiming for. And so on. With magic, the ability to learn spells and cast them and how many he could cast would follow a similar pattern.
But, of course, such a game would only appeal to romantic freaks like me. Too much like RL (or real RP) for the bulk of the gamers.
I can still dream, though.
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?