Well we got Fallen earth and vanguard. both can be considered Themeparks with sandbox elements and sandbox with themepark elements and both are kinda dying due to low subs.
mmo gamers are a fical bunch. they cry and bitch about wanting a certain thing even if its right there to grab.
Vanguard was a step in the right direction, I agree. However, the idea behind Vanguard wasn't flawed, it was the implementation of the design that was flawed. Poor project management and lack of support from its new owner (SOE) didn't help.
The advantage that SWG had over Vanguard was the Star Wars IP. The IP created the setting for the game and helped to pull the customers in. Where Vanguard failed was like where sandbox style games tend to fail: it had no background or main story arc running through it. Therefore, it felt like the player didn't have purpose or direction in the world. We tried telling Sigil before launch about the importance of "lore" and story arcs. But I guess they had too much on their plate to listen.
As for FE, I haven't played it.
Now Bioware on the other hand are in the unique position of being a company that places great emphasis on stories. But, the big question is, just how much does SWTOR incorporate "sandbox" style elements? Many signs are indicating that it won't be many, if any. However, SWTOR is in a good a position as others to implement them after launch if necessary. Whether or not they WILL, is a different matter.
It's a shame that in each case, an MMO seems to excel in places where others fail, but at the same time fail where others excel. No one seems to be able to get the balance just right.
Just to add, I played FE and it is a themepark MMO make no mistake there. The only sandbox element FE has is a huge seamless world, everything else is a classic themepark.
EDIT
Seamless meaning as no loading screens, just to be clear.
Lets say someone released a sandbox mmo with a capless skill system.
The game focuses on non instanced dungeons, gaining fame with factions, world/rare boss monsters with a clear focus on co-op play and solo viability in a pve environment.
The game has a heavy crafting and non-combat (gathering, social) mechanic focus also.
While having a more pve/social focus the game offers pvp. A basic faction system with a couple dedicated pvp (flag enabled) zones that are completly optional.
Would you play this game.
A sandbox with pve progression from day 1, the option to pvp but it isnt forced and a real focus on social activities, rp and crafting/gathering.
Again would you play this?
Would have to provide a compelling and evolving storyline that gave my character a reason to exist and change. It would have to OFFER PvP abilities, and it would have to be a true sandbox, not a game simply devoid of features.
Comments
Just to add, I played FE and it is a themepark MMO make no mistake there. The only sandbox element FE has is a huge seamless world, everything else is a classic themepark.
EDIT
Seamless meaning as no loading screens, just to be clear.
Would have to provide a compelling and evolving storyline that gave my character a reason to exist and change. It would have to OFFER PvP abilities, and it would have to be a true sandbox, not a game simply devoid of features.
Tecmo Bowl.