6. Accessibility/Difficulty - Is the travel in the game really frustrating or time consuming? Is the game a complete grind? Must you group for everything? If so, do you LOVE that or HATE that? Are certain bosses too hard and no one can beat them?
I didnt vote because I cant really chose just 1 aspect. Usually I like the MMO's that offer a lot of features, instead of just PVP/PVE combat.
I do find it interesting though, that you put timeconsuming things (travel, repetitive gameplay) under the same point as skillfull challenges. I cant stand the timeconsuming mindnumbing stuff, while i love learning curves in games. This shouldnt even be the same point.
There were only 10 options max, and people are complaining about the amount of points as it is.
In regards to the LotRO comment, they are revamping the combat for the next expansion so it doesn't have the queue system anymore.
I dont see Community on your list and that to me is the most important factor in any multiplayer game I play.
I really dislike playing WoW but I have done it off and on for a while now simply because it is the game my friends choose to play. Ive played crap games (EQ2, AoC, WAR, VG) because that is where my guild went. I played decent games that Im sure I would have loved to play long term, but without my friends/guildies I only played it a little.
Im sure some people dont mind starting from scratch with every new game that comes along, but I game with friends that have been in the same guild and moved between various MMOs since 1999.
I dont see Community on your list and that to me is the most important factor in any multiplayer game I play.
I really dislike playing WoW but I have done it off and on for a while now simply because it is the game my friends choose to play. Ive played crap games (EQ2, AoC, WAR, VG) because that is where my guild went. I played decent games that Im sure I would have loved to play long term, but without my friends/guildies I only played it a little.
Im sure some people dont mind starting from scratch with every new game that comes along, but I game with friends that have been in the same guild and moved between various MMOs since 1999.
Since it's an MMO, I say the community. If the other people are tards then I don't care what the game looks like or plays like, I won't pay for it or stick around.
The thing is, this isn't something the developers can control. I guess I should have mentioned that this poll is based on what a developer would be able to determine.
Personally, I think you are wrong. The developers need to take a more active role in the community. Today's players need someone to look up to and to guide them. If there were more interactive gameplay mechanics such as quests or faction/guild wars or whatever that was done directly by in-game developers or GMs, it would give players direction that isn't constantly shallow and material. You coulnd't look up what to do on the internet, because nobody but the dev/DM/Faction Leader knows what is going to happen. Hell, maybe they don't even know what is going to happen from day to day, hour to hour.
Imagine WAR with real faction leaders who hand out quests, tell players where to attack next, etc. In my opinion if you just make content and throw players in there with little interaction besides patch notes and nerfs, how can you foster any sort of community. There are no realtionships outside using other players to get what you want out of the game in many cases. Anyway, I've said my piece. If you don't feel it can be done or isn't worth mentioning because the mountain is too steep to climb, I understand.
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
PvP is for me personally unimportant. If I want PvP I play TF2, which is fast, balanced and noone whines about ganking or whatever. I mean, I'm sure there are many peopl who play PvP in MMORPGs because they get their ass whooped in FPS, where skills and teamplay decide who wins, and not only who spent more hours grinding for PvP equip.
This response is moronic and I see it constantly by those who hate pvp.
It's a completely different game and setting. Why should pvpers go play an FPS game? Why shouldn't crafters PvEers and roleplayers go play any single player RPG game?
I would expect a professional MMO pvper to not be the best in an FPS game, just like I would expect a professional FPS player to be bad at an MMO. MMO pvp is not all about gear, if you believe that than you are either terrible at it, or have never done it.
God I get sick of hearing that idiotic and hypocritical statement.
Truth hurts.
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
PvP is for me personally unimportant. If I want PvP I play TF2, which is fast, balanced and noone whines about ganking or whatever. I mean, I'm sure there are many peopl who play PvP in MMORPGs because they get their ass whooped in FPS, where skills and teamplay decide who wins, and not only who spent more hours grinding for PvP equip.
This response is moronic and I see it constantly by those who hate pvp.
It's a completely different game and setting. Why should pvpers go play an FPS game? Why shouldn't crafters PvEers and roleplayers go play any single player RPG game?
I would expect a professional MMO pvper to not be the best in an FPS game, just like I would expect a professional FPS player to be bad at an MMO. MMO pvp is not all about gear, if you believe that than you are either terrible at it, or have never done it.
God I get sick of hearing that idiotic and hypocritical statement.
Truth hurts.
I second that....remember that you PvPers came later. You have your niche and continually down those who don't like PvP in an MMO. I agree with maji...I'll play TF2 or something with more control and takes more skill....thanx
To the topic:
I think World is where it's at. Most MMO's seem to lack depth. I can't get into most worlds the put me into. I never get into the story and seem to click right through the quest text. I dunno, maybe I'm just bored....
"This may hurt a little, but it's something you'll get used to. Relax....."
Music/Sounds/Voices Graphics Combat Mechanics PVE/Story PVP Accessibility Endgame World (Size, look, etc.) Customer Service Crafting/Economy
Why is "FUN" not on the list? An MMO is entertainment. The most important aspect of a game should be FUN. If the game is not FUN, nothing on that list matters.
Because then everyone would pick this, obviously. It would be the most open-ended, ridiculous option someone could put in a poll like this. "Um... I like fun. I like to have fun... Hurf durf I'll pick fun so I don't have to think."
Basically what I'm getting at is what either causes or ruins your fun the most?
1) AOC had candy eye graphics and awesome music but still that was not enough to hold me on
2) WAR had open RVR and it was fun but still lacked own character development was not enough to hold me on
3) Darkfall Online was the pinnacle in open world PVP u get but then ateleast in Darkfall case there were many things going against of it .
4) LOTRO had awesome storyline + PVE + itemisation + hosuing but the combat was sluggish and boring , opted out of it.
Many a times we feel that a certain part is a make or break but that not true in case of MMO its better they be Jack of all trades and master of none.
I am playing AION at the moment and as of this moment I am enjoying it more than all the games I had played earlier.
AION has the right mixture of self devevlopment , crafting , ietmisation , not bad PVE storyline and PVP .Only few months down the line will tell but I feel AION has got some thing sworking in their favour .I cannot pin point is accurately but I enjoy crafting , PVE , started off with PVP , grouping quests etc
It's a bit difficult for me to pick just one...it's a combination of all listed really...but...
A LARGE wrap around world; with no bushes, fences, walls, cliffs...limiting access and ultimately guiding you where to go. Is very desirable in my opinion. Also a good crafting and economy system, where you feel you are actually taking part in the creation of things is a nice touch...of course graphics are always good... I liked Wurm Online because of things like actually cutting and replanting trees, building structures and forging stuff and probably the number one thing of being able to terraform the landscape...this is a very good game in my opinion...if only it were prettier and had better animation...the combat system in that game stinks in my opinion...anyway it's a combination, can't say any one thing is going to make or break a game...except maybe the community. : P
Getting old is mandatory...growing up is optional.
Originally posted by maji PvP is for me personally unimportant. If I want PvP I play TF2, which is fast, balanced and noone whines about ganking or whatever. I mean, I'm sure there are many peopl who play PvP in MMORPGs because they get their ass whooped in FPS, where skills and teamplay decide who wins, and not only who spent more hours grinding for PvP equip.
This response is moronic and I see it constantly by those who hate pvp.
It's a completely different game and setting. Why should pvpers go play an FPS game? Why shouldn't crafters PvEers and roleplayers go play any single player RPG game?
I would expect a professional MMO pvper to not be the best in an FPS game, just like I would expect a professional FPS player to be bad at an MMO. MMO pvp is not all about gear, if you believe that than you are either terrible at it, or have never done it.
God I get sick of hearing that idiotic and hypocritical statement.
First, the OP asked about opinions and I gave mine. And you reply with insults? Either you lack arguments, self-control or maturity if you can't reply without trying to insult me. Opinions can't be right or wrong, they can just be based on wrong facts or a misunderstanding.
Your comparison makes no sense either. Why shouldn't crafters and roleplayers play a single player RPG instead? Well, maybe, and this is just a rough guess, because they like the interaction with other players. But as said, this is just a guess.
Also, I never said that PvPers should not play MMORPGs. People should play what entertains them most. Nor did I ever state that I hate PvP in MMORPGs. I just said it's an irrelevant aspect in MMORPGs for me.
And you are right, MMORPG PvP is not all about gear. I exaggerated to stress my point. There are also other aspects like the computer you use (people with a bad fps have a disadvantage). Or how distracting your environment is (barking dogs, quarreling children etc). To elaborate: I say that gear plays a very very large role in most MMORPG PvP. And that PvP gear can in most MMORPGs be aquired by grinding, which requires committment in matters of time as well as patience. It does not require you to be a good player though. Is it in all MMORPGs that way? No. But in most. Because the devs know that this is needed to keep weaker PvP players playing the game. It allows them to even out their weaker gameplay by simply investing more time. If they grind a long time for top notch gear, then they have a very large advantage over players who didn't spend that much time for gear grinding, and can beat them even if they are the worse players.
Originally posted by maji PvP is for me personally unimportant. If I want PvP I play TF2, which is fast, balanced and noone whines about ganking or whatever. I mean, I'm sure there are many peopl who play PvP in MMORPGs because they get their ass whooped in FPS, where skills and teamplay decide who wins, and not only who spent more hours grinding for PvP equip.
This response is moronic and I see it constantly by those who hate pvp.
It's a completely different game and setting. Why should pvpers go play an FPS game? Why shouldn't crafters PvEers and roleplayers go play any single player RPG game?
I would expect a professional MMO pvper to not be the best in an FPS game, just like I would expect a professional FPS player to be bad at an MMO. MMO pvp is not all about gear, if you believe that than you are either terrible at it, or have never done it.
God I get sick of hearing that idiotic and hypocritical statement.
First, the OP asked about opinions and I gave mine. And you reply with insults? Either you lack arguments, self-control or maturity if you can't reply without trying to insult me. Opinions can't be right or wrong, they can just be based on wrong facts or a misunderstanding.
Yeah bro......hack and slash
Getting old is mandatory...growing up is optional.
If I lose track of time while playing, then it's a good game. Different games accomplish this in different ways, but that's what it really comes down to for me.
Originally posted by gtwhalley Originally posted by zaxxon23 I couldn't just pick one aspect of a mmo that's important. It's how the pieces are together that ultimately matters to me. For example, combat is very important, and in that aspect wow does wonderfully. However, I don't like raiding every night or otherwise always out fighting mobs, I need variety. Therefore, crafting, economy, and other social aspects are just as vital to a good mmo. That's where wow (and its clones) ultimately fails for me.
I understand this, however there normally is one aspect that stands out in your mind, as I said in the OP. It is this specific aspect that I want you to pick.
Still too many choices. Here is what I consider the MOST important aspect of an mmo, and it contains at least 3 of what you have as choices. Graphics, World(size, look, feel, etc.), Music/sounds = IMMERSION. That's my choice. If I can't be sucked into the world that it isn't an mmorpg to me. But it takes all those aspects to do it.
My second choice then is a combination as well. Crafting/combat/accessability/FUN/deep progression systems = Gameplay
As many above have posted, with MMORPGs we can't just pick one part out and say that's what I most look forward to. I give AoC as an example. Awesome look, sound and combat, but lacking in progression and gameplay areas. Same with WAR.
I chose storyline/PVE, because any game that has a wonderful storyline automatically jumps right to the top of my favourite game list. I love games that have meaningful storylines, that make me feel as if what I do actually matters. This is especially why I love cutscenes as well, it's like watching a movie about yourself making a difference, and that's what I love. I also love games with meaningful npcs as well, those that really remind you of actual people; it makes the game more meaningful to me.
I chose storyline/PVE, because any game that has a wonderful storyline automatically jumps right to the top of my favourite game list. I love games that have meaningful storylines, that make me feel as if what I do actually matters. This is especially why I love cutscenes as well, it's like watching a movie about yourself making a difference, and that's what I love. I also love games with meaningful npcs as well, those that really remind you of actual people; it makes the game more meaningful to me.
I completely agree with you. I've never understood the type of people who just skip through all the quest stories. I like to actually know why I'm doing it, and hopefully there is a good story behind it. I can understand skipping crappy story.
Comments
I didnt vote because I cant really chose just 1 aspect. Usually I like the MMO's that offer a lot of features, instead of just PVP/PVE combat.
I do find it interesting though, that you put timeconsuming things (travel, repetitive gameplay) under the same point as skillfull challenges. I cant stand the timeconsuming mindnumbing stuff, while i love learning curves in games. This shouldnt even be the same point.
There were only 10 options max, and people are complaining about the amount of points as it is.
In regards to the LotRO comment, they are revamping the combat for the next expansion so it doesn't have the queue system anymore.
-Computer specs no one cares about: check.
-MMOs played no one cares about: check.
-Xfire stats no one cares about: check.
-Signature no one cares about: check.
------------------------------------------------------------
-Narcissism: check.
Actually I collected data similar to this.
Based on results of players who use the MMORPG Finder (about 12,000 searches)
What was most important. Here are the results
Hope this helps
Torrential: DAOC (Pendragon)
Awned: World of Warcraft (Lothar)
Torren: Warhammer Online (Praag)
I dont see Community on your list and that to me is the most important factor in any multiplayer game I play.
I really dislike playing WoW but I have done it off and on for a while now simply because it is the game my friends choose to play. Ive played crap games (EQ2, AoC, WAR, VG) because that is where my guild went. I played decent games that Im sure I would have loved to play long term, but without my friends/guildies I only played it a little.
Im sure some people dont mind starting from scratch with every new game that comes along, but I game with friends that have been in the same guild and moved between various MMOs since 1999.
There I edited the OP for you.
-Computer specs no one cares about: check.
-MMOs played no one cares about: check.
-Xfire stats no one cares about: check.
-Signature no one cares about: check.
------------------------------------------------------------
-Narcissism: check.
The thing is, this isn't something the developers can control. I guess I should have mentioned that this poll is based on what a developer would be able to determine.
Personally, I think you are wrong. The developers need to take a more active role in the community. Today's players need someone to look up to and to guide them. If there were more interactive gameplay mechanics such as quests or faction/guild wars or whatever that was done directly by in-game developers or GMs, it would give players direction that isn't constantly shallow and material. You coulnd't look up what to do on the internet, because nobody but the dev/DM/Faction Leader knows what is going to happen. Hell, maybe they don't even know what is going to happen from day to day, hour to hour.
Imagine WAR with real faction leaders who hand out quests, tell players where to attack next, etc. In my opinion if you just make content and throw players in there with little interaction besides patch notes and nerfs, how can you foster any sort of community. There are no realtionships outside using other players to get what you want out of the game in many cases. Anyway, I've said my piece. If you don't feel it can be done or isn't worth mentioning because the mountain is too steep to climb, I understand.
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
This response is moronic and I see it constantly by those who hate pvp.
It's a completely different game and setting. Why should pvpers go play an FPS game? Why shouldn't crafters PvEers and roleplayers go play any single player RPG game?
I would expect a professional MMO pvper to not be the best in an FPS game, just like I would expect a professional FPS player to be bad at an MMO. MMO pvp is not all about gear, if you believe that than you are either terrible at it, or have never done it.
God I get sick of hearing that idiotic and hypocritical statement.
Truth hurts.
Vault-Tec analysts have concluded that the odds of worldwide nuclear armaggeddon this decade are 17,143,762... to 1.
what i find moronic is whinning crybaby pvper who beg for nerfs that affect the pvers. i am sick and tired of it.
Most important aspect for me is something you didn't even consider in the list.
Why is "FUN" not on the list?
An MMO is entertainment. The most important aspect of a game should be FUN. If the game is not FUN, nothing on that list matters.
"Don't corpse-camp that idea. Its never gonna rez"
Bladezz (The Guild)
Simple question, too many choices for me though. I land on the following:
Fun combat, options, grouping, classes, good PvE, required team coordination, skill > build.
DDO
Definatly pvp for me
I promise you a logical death.
This response is moronic and I see it constantly by those who hate pvp.
It's a completely different game and setting. Why should pvpers go play an FPS game? Why shouldn't crafters PvEers and roleplayers go play any single player RPG game?
I would expect a professional MMO pvper to not be the best in an FPS game, just like I would expect a professional FPS player to be bad at an MMO. MMO pvp is not all about gear, if you believe that than you are either terrible at it, or have never done it.
God I get sick of hearing that idiotic and hypocritical statement.
Truth hurts.
I second that....remember that you PvPers came later. You have your niche and continually down those who don't like PvP in an MMO. I agree with maji...I'll play TF2 or something with more control and takes more skill....thanx
To the topic:
I think World is where it's at. Most MMO's seem to lack depth. I can't get into most worlds the put me into. I never get into the story and seem to click right through the quest text. I dunno, maybe I'm just bored....
"This may hurt a little, but it's something you'll get used to. Relax....."
freedom.
FREEDOM.
YEAH. FREEDOM. GOOD FUCKING CALL.
FREEDOM FOR THE PLAYERS ON ANY POSSIBLE ASPECTS OF DESIGN DECISION.
Freedom to engage others in combat, even if its a mistake.
Freedom for making mistakes.
Freedom for being held accountable for said mistakes.
Freedom to seek justice on whoever is accountable for mistakes.
Freedom for making whatever type of character they can think of without any boundaries of classes/levels.
Freedom to evolve my character in any way I want.
Freedom to customize my character, my shortcuts, my hud, my options.
Freedom to go wherever I want too and feel the consequences.
Freedom to not understand the game mechanics.
Freedom to not know what to do.
Freedom to not be held by the hand.
Freedom to not be forced to follow any kind of linearity.
Freedom to assembly three hundred players in the same screen to slay the big dragon who is destroying the town. YEAH.
Because then everyone would pick this, obviously. It would be the most open-ended, ridiculous option someone could put in a poll like this. "Um... I like fun. I like to have fun... Hurf durf I'll pick fun so I don't have to think."
Basically what I'm getting at is what either causes or ruins your fun the most?
-Computer specs no one cares about: check.
-MMOs played no one cares about: check.
-Xfire stats no one cares about: check.
-Signature no one cares about: check.
------------------------------------------------------------
-Narcissism: check.
1) AOC had candy eye graphics and awesome music but still that was not enough to hold me on
2) WAR had open RVR and it was fun but still lacked own character development was not enough to hold me on
3) Darkfall Online was the pinnacle in open world PVP u get but then ateleast in Darkfall case there were many things going against of it .
4) LOTRO had awesome storyline + PVE + itemisation + hosuing but the combat was sluggish and boring , opted out of it.
Many a times we feel that a certain part is a make or break but that not true in case of MMO its better they be Jack of all trades and master of none.
I am playing AION at the moment and as of this moment I am enjoying it more than all the games I had played earlier.
AION has the right mixture of self devevlopment , crafting , ietmisation , not bad PVE storyline and PVP .Only few months down the line will tell but I feel AION has got some thing sworking in their favour .I cannot pin point is accurately but I enjoy crafting , PVE , started off with PVP , grouping quests etc
It's a bit difficult for me to pick just one...it's a combination of all listed really...but...
A LARGE wrap around world; with no bushes, fences, walls, cliffs...limiting access and ultimately guiding you where to go. Is very desirable in my opinion. Also a good crafting and economy system, where you feel you are actually taking part in the creation of things is a nice touch...of course graphics are always good... I liked Wurm Online because of things like actually cutting and replanting trees, building structures and forging stuff and probably the number one thing of being able to terraform the landscape...this is a very good game in my opinion...if only it were prettier and had better animation...the combat system in that game stinks in my opinion...anyway it's a combination, can't say any one thing is going to make or break a game...except maybe the community. : P
Getting old is mandatory...growing up is optional.
Fun. Thats it
This response is moronic and I see it constantly by those who hate pvp.
It's a completely different game and setting. Why should pvpers go play an FPS game? Why shouldn't crafters PvEers and roleplayers go play any single player RPG game?
I would expect a professional MMO pvper to not be the best in an FPS game, just like I would expect a professional FPS player to be bad at an MMO. MMO pvp is not all about gear, if you believe that than you are either terrible at it, or have never done it.
God I get sick of hearing that idiotic and hypocritical statement.
First, the OP asked about opinions and I gave mine. And you reply with insults? Either you lack arguments, self-control or maturity if you can't reply without trying to insult me. Opinions can't be right or wrong, they can just be based on wrong facts or a misunderstanding.
Your comparison makes no sense either. Why shouldn't crafters and roleplayers play a single player RPG instead? Well, maybe, and this is just a rough guess, because they like the interaction with other players. But as said, this is just a guess.
Also, I never said that PvPers should not play MMORPGs. People should play what entertains them most. Nor did I ever state that I hate PvP in MMORPGs. I just said it's an irrelevant aspect in MMORPGs for me.
And you are right, MMORPG PvP is not all about gear. I exaggerated to stress my point. There are also other aspects like the computer you use (people with a bad fps have a disadvantage). Or how distracting your environment is (barking dogs, quarreling children etc). To elaborate: I say that gear plays a very very large role in most MMORPG PvP. And that PvP gear can in most MMORPGs be aquired by grinding, which requires committment in matters of time as well as patience. It does not require you to be a good player though. Is it in all MMORPGs that way? No. But in most. Because the devs know that this is needed to keep weaker PvP players playing the game. It allows them to even out their weaker gameplay by simply investing more time. If they grind a long time for top notch gear, then they have a very large advantage over players who didn't spend that much time for gear grinding, and can beat them even if they are the worse players.
Let's play Fallen Earth (blind, 300 episodes)
Let's play Guild Wars 2 (blind, 45 episodes)
This response is moronic and I see it constantly by those who hate pvp.
It's a completely different game and setting. Why should pvpers go play an FPS game? Why shouldn't crafters PvEers and roleplayers go play any single player RPG game?
I would expect a professional MMO pvper to not be the best in an FPS game, just like I would expect a professional FPS player to be bad at an MMO. MMO pvp is not all about gear, if you believe that than you are either terrible at it, or have never done it.
God I get sick of hearing that idiotic and hypocritical statement.
First, the OP asked about opinions and I gave mine. And you reply with insults? Either you lack arguments, self-control or maturity if you can't reply without trying to insult me. Opinions can't be right or wrong, they can just be based on wrong facts or a misunderstanding.
Yeah bro......hack and slash
Getting old is mandatory...growing up is optional.
RMT = break
"Good? Bad? I'm the guy with the gun."
If I lose track of time while playing, then it's a good game. Different games accomplish this in different ways, but that's what it really comes down to for me.
I understand this, however there normally is one aspect that stands out in your mind, as I said in the OP. It is this specific aspect that I want you to pick.
Still too many choices. Here is what I consider the MOST important aspect of an mmo, and it contains at least 3 of what you have as choices. Graphics, World(size, look, feel, etc.), Music/sounds = IMMERSION. That's my choice. If I can't be sucked into the world that it isn't an mmorpg to me. But it takes all those aspects to do it.
My second choice then is a combination as well. Crafting/combat/accessability/FUN/deep progression systems = Gameplay
As many above have posted, with MMORPGs we can't just pick one part out and say that's what I most look forward to. I give AoC as an example. Awesome look, sound and combat, but lacking in progression and gameplay areas. Same with WAR.
I chose storyline/PVE, because any game that has a wonderful storyline automatically jumps right to the top of my favourite game list. I love games that have meaningful storylines, that make me feel as if what I do actually matters. This is especially why I love cutscenes as well, it's like watching a movie about yourself making a difference, and that's what I love. I also love games with meaningful npcs as well, those that really remind you of actual people; it makes the game more meaningful to me.
Main characters:
Jinn Gone Quiet (Guild Wars)
Princess Pudding (Guild Wars)
I completely agree with you. I've never understood the type of people who just skip through all the quest stories. I like to actually know why I'm doing it, and hopefully there is a good story behind it. I can understand skipping crappy story.
-Computer specs no one cares about: check.
-MMOs played no one cares about: check.
-Xfire stats no one cares about: check.
-Signature no one cares about: check.
------------------------------------------------------------
-Narcissism: check.