What is up with MMORPG combat these days?

Waffleton

It seems like the current mindset for all the MMORPG developers out there is to make combat as action-packed and exciting as possible, but all they really end up accomplishing is making combat look like some sort of ballet number on crack. Combat has gotten so rediculous in recent MMORPG titles; it consists of mashing buttons, watching numbers, and looking at the excessive amount of colorful particle effects. I never heard much about medieval warriors charging into battle with a trail of brilliant blue, performing over-the-top "abilities" such as continually stomping the ground (resulting in a brilliant display of colors radiating from the ground under the warrior's feet), and spinning about like a brightly colored top (a technique that would be sure to get one killed on the battlefield). I dunno about you, but for me, all these lame attempts to make MMORPG combat an action movie ruins the immersion of the game. Hell, personally, I think the simpler the combat system, the better! I don't see why I should have to aquire a "Dire Giant Two-Handed Bloodsword of Fate +113", and use techniques like "Barbarian's Unleashed Rage" or "Whirlwind of Blades" or something overly done to get anything accomplished. I think combat would be more interesting if everyone just donned some armor, a sword or spear, and went at it. Enough numbers and particle effects, eh? I don't think real medieval warriors worry really about their "HP" and "Damage per Second" when in combat, they worry more if they get stabbed. But with all these "Tornado of Bersker Fury Attack"s, who really gives a crap if you get stabbed?

sygmas

So ...what drugs do you do and where can I get them?

LightSlayer

Can I get some too?

Honestly who cares, lol, if you dont like the game don't get it and play old school MMO's

leipuri

I would also add that it doesn't make much sense that when player look item he see all sort of statics like +10 piercing, +5 fire damage, +10% change to paralyze and 80% of durability. Instead player should be able to figure how good item is from name and how the item actually look in game.

JoeyNipps

---

Originally posted by Waffleton

It seems like the current mindset for all the MMORPG developers out there is to make combat as action-packed and exciting as possible, but all they really end up accomplishing is making combat look like some sort of ballet number on crack. ....

---

I agree completely.  Basically, the developers are taking the easy way out - in hopes that this "glitter" will hold the attention of players.  Instead of spending their development efforts into making the game deeper in roleplay value, deeper in tactical and strategic elements, deeper in storyline elements, deeper in simple adventuring elements - they keep boosting the "glitter" effects.

Kaos_nyrb

Been playing "Final fantasy: tactics" recently and was thinking how i would love to see this form of combat in an mmorpg.

It's like a cross between chess and final fantasy

Deadhead905

---

Originally posted by Kaos_nyrb

Been playing "Final fantasy: tactics" recently and was thinking how i would love to see this form of combat in an mmorpg.
It's like a cross between chess and final fantasy

---

I totally agree, it would be like a Real Time Strategy+Fantasy MMORPG All in one. FF Tactics is a good game, you're talking about the one for gba correct?

Kaos_nyrb

Yeh the gba one. i've put in like 11 hours in the first week
(quite alot for a gba game)

Hurpy

Waffleton, if you dont like good graphics and complicated weapons and armour, play runescape

But i agree that combat in MMORPGs needs a lot more tactics. its too much of just running in and clicking on them, not enough hands-on tactics.

zethcarn

---

Originally posted by Kaos_nyrb

Been playing "Final fantasy: tactics" recently and was thinking how i would love to see this form of combat in an mmorpg.
It's like a cross between chess and final fantasy

---

I'm not sure if turned based combat would ever work in an MMORPG.  However, I always wanted a mmorpg where you could control like 3 characters at once, it would eliminate the need for multiclassing and add a lot of strategy I would think.

Ken`Shiero

Controlling one character (your character) is the best I think. Its what I am used to in mmorpgs anyway. Combat wise they are getting better but attacks can sometimes ge a little bothersome. For instance when you attack and you hit what I all the "Angelic Glide" and hit the other guy, that really "erks" me.

 

While bothersome in cases I would rather keep it the way it is and slightly build upon it.

Just a thought

manday

Fairyland did turn based.. Also, you dont run up to a mob, you just walk around in an area till something attacks you lol.. Its kind of weird, but yeah, it has been done.

I cant say that I like it. I sure wouldnt pay $15 a month to wait for turns :S I *do* love single player RPGs, for when Im not MMOing tho, I just dont want my single player RPG and MMO mixed.