to be honest games like Legend Of Mir, one of the first of its kind MMO's that set the grade..... and even Lineage2 should be in there, not matter the state of the game now, back in the day it WAS the best of its kind
I think Bill was pretty solid on this list. Mine would be different and so would thousands of others given this opportunity. Top 10 is tough to do for this genre and we all have our own personal paths through this awesome genre. AC1 was no doubt a huge innovator for MMOs - I loved this game, I wanted so bad for AC2 to be 5x of it predecessor, and it was nowhere near it. As with all of our articles this is just the opinion of one person, and no matter who gets the honor of putting pen to ink not everyone will agree with the end article.
I think it is just best to post your own "top" list here to share your own viewpoint on it. This site is founded on player discussion so let us know how you feel the past two decades of MMORPGs has left you feeling and what your own Top 10 is.
Point of order, the article is not written as if its Bill's personal list.
We, our, us, are used instead of I, me, my.
I assume it is the compiled opinion of multiple editors, as I doubt any one person could have played all possible MMORPG candidates that could be considered, at least not for any length of time to form a valid opinion.
I didn't list UO, AC1, SWG or FFXI as I've never played them, but I suspect some here included them on their lists based more on legend than actual experience.
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
I think Bill was pretty solid on this list. Mine would be different and so would thousands of others given this opportunity. Top 10 is tough to do for this genre and we all have our own personal paths through this awesome genre. AC1 was no doubt a huge innovator for MMOs - I loved this game, I wanted so bad for AC2 to be 5x of it predecessor, and it was nowhere near it. As with all of our articles this is just the opinion of one person, and no matter who gets the honor of putting pen to ink not everyone will agree with the end article.
I think it is just best to post your own "top" list here to share your own viewpoint on it. This site is founded on player discussion so let us know how you feel the past two decades of MMORPGs has left you feeling and what your own Top 10 is.
Which staff member is posting as Admin here?
It's an AI that has taken all the staff as hostage and is selling all articles to sponsors.
Constantine, The Console Poster
"One of the most difficult tasks men can perform, however much others may despise it, is the invention of good games and it cannot be done by men out of touch with their instinctive selves." - Carl Jung
Very good your list, has some coherence, but even so I still think that listing to be more correct it should be made by the game version and not considered the whole game franchise. You consider the franchise is a mistake, you are adding up credits and the games are not exactly the same. For example: EverQuest. But why? Because every game version has its base of characters and players, it is not like an expansion that is a continuity, a new version is a new game, it changes a lot more things. I also think that the question should be considered if the game was improved. For example: ESO was a highly criticized game, but there were so many improvements, but so many that today it is classified among the biggest MMORPG's of the present time. I think it does not matter if the launch was bad but yes they improved and made it a great game. Before someone criticizes, I want to make it clear that no MMORPG is perfect, I do not know about you, but my friends and I seem to be always running after the perfect MMORPG, testing several times ... I can say that it does not exist. Everyone has their problems, the difference is the sum of their qualities, so if any game you do not like or agree with is on this list, it's because he has something that makes him deserve to be here. But not that I own the truth, that's just my opinion. So please kindly respect me, I would love to have a further discussion on this subject as long as you are polite and focused on the goal.
1. World of Warcraft
(Blizzard not only shot at the right moment, but also had great professionals at the beginning to make the best lore, better artistic conception of fantasy archetypes, more immersion into the fantasy world ... I do not think any other MMORPG in the world will be able to have so many players for as long as WoW had.While I was not a part.But this Blizz project was undoubtedly a fucking game design for the time.)
2. Lineage 1
(Do not go crazy with me.I'm honestly not a fan, I much prefer Lineage 2 that I played for years.I may not understand, but how can such an old game be one of the most profitable of all games in the world until today? I do not understand, we can not see, for many of us it may not be, but must have something very good in this game, it is kind of a phenomena that needs to be studied.)
3. Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns
(Undoubtedly. And it is the best third generation MMORPG, its features, unique features, daring to get away from grind games, super fun, brilliant game design, beautiful artistic design and unique, original, very good decisions from the developer regarding their services...)
4. Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited
(Bethesda is very clever by following several of the steps that worked for Guild Wars 2, Eso has become a great game too.)
5. EVE Online
(A software architecture technology fucked (great), I never imagined that a space game would be so successful.)
6. Final Fantasy XIV
7. Ultima Online
(It was a crucial game for the existence of all others, no doubt. I played for a while when I was young, although I liked it a lot at the time, but for me it always seemed to be a game with no purpose at all, besides getting stronger and killing the others.)
8. Dark Age of Camelot
9. Everquest II
(You must be burning me with your eyes, hating me. EverQuest 1 was certainly one of the games that were also crucial for everyone else, but for me EverQuest II is incomplete compared to WoW, with both being released around the same epoch. I'm not saying it's bad, I just rated it as a version and not as a franchise.)
10. Rift Online
(It's the most underrated MMORPG in my opinion.)
11. Star Wars: The Old Republic
12. City of Heroes
13. Black Desert Online
(Difficult to talk about such a new game, usually a MMORPG looks good about 2 or 3 years after its release, which is the developer's time to listen to the players and arrange everything, make it better, examples: GW2 and ESO. At the beginning it is very innovative, it has an immersion to the environment and a very good climate, you feel alive inside the game, it has a reality regarding the intimacy of npc's, the behavior abstractions in the game are very close to the real world and have the best action combat of all so far without a doubt.)
14. Ashes of Creation
(For the hype they are creating)
15. Aion / TERA / Ragnarok
(Because Ragnarok figured this list? I think it was one of the MMORPG's most had pirate servers all over the world, had a time that was a fever, turned the game into several other market products like anime, dolls ...)
Maybe you might be complaining about why Lord of the Rings is not on the list, even though it's the universe that I most appreciate, in my opinion about the game is a kind of situation that equals Neverwinter's. It is the situation that a developer buys a famous name franchise and makes an MMORPG, but this game does not have any innovative features, only things that already existed in other games of the market, ends up becoming just a game with the theme of the franchise and there who then end up making it a pay-to-win game and everyone gets disgusted. Oh you wonder, but what about Star Wars The Old Republic? At least he had innovative things such as the npc's storytelling in quests and stories.
Sorry for the english, this was translated into google.
Still think that Asheron's Call is missing though, maybe a typo? ;-P
I think that AC would definitely be tied for 2nd with EQ. AC was my first love when it came to MMO's!
@ripperx would agree with both of you. I just couldn't find a spot for it. Without some of the newer games, maybe in the back 5. It was a great game, but doesn't have the lasting impact of some other older titles.
Pretty simple decision (IMO): bump ESO or COH for it.
Still think that Asheron's Call is missing though, maybe a typo? ;-P
I think that AC would definitely be tied for 2nd with EQ. AC was my first love when it came to MMO's!
@ripperx would agree with both of you. I just couldn't find a spot for it. Without some of the newer games, maybe in the back 5. It was a great game, but doesn't have the lasting impact of some other older titles.
Pretty simple decision (IMO): bump ESO or COH for it.
You know, ESO is a favorite game of Bill's so no surprise its on the list.
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
Still think that Asheron's Call is missing though, maybe a typo? ;-P
I think that AC would definitely be tied for 2nd with EQ. AC was my first love when it came to MMO's!
@ripperx would agree with both of you. I just couldn't find a spot for it. Without some of the newer games, maybe in the back 5. It was a great game, but doesn't have the lasting impact of some other older titles.
Pretty simple decision (IMO): bump ESO or COH for it.
I wouldn't bump CoH for it. CoH was unique in its time, and the fact that it was a superhero game without the bacling of DC or Marvel made it an incredible risk at the time. Cryptic pulled it off very well. It was also revolutionary in its character customization (again, at the time).
lololol dead pieces of shit like swg and coh and no ragnarok and lineage 1/2?
wtf is this list made of? redditors wet dreams?
Pretty much a list of games players in the West are most a familiar with, which the OP mentioned I believe.
SWG and COH died mostly due to management mistakes on the part of their creators, and there's still some who would be willing to play them again today were they to re-open and start growing again.
A list on an Asian web site it would be very different I think.
Granted Asian's seem to really prefer the grind it out, pay-to-win features. Most of us just do not see the point of working really hard on a game only to see someone with lots of cash surpass all that hard work without breaking a sweat.
That sort of monetization is just a no play for most of us.
A good list, but DAoC classified higher than ESO? Hum, no way.
Hipster.
In my experience, both GW2 and ESO have much better 3 realm PvP than DAoC ever had. Just my opinion, of course.
Could be, I quit both GW2 and ESO with less than a month of play as they weren't enjoyable to me. (Action combat and I don't get along)
Besides I never really liked DAOCs 3 Realm PVP either, I preferred their FFA PVP servers back in the day which is why I tired of the free shard after 6 months this year, traditional RVR still holds little appeal to me.
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
It is VERY sad to see in the FFXIV list and not FFXI.
FFXI has objectively: E
1- The best and biggest Endgame PVE that has ever existed (Sky, Limbus, Einherjar, Nyzul isle, assaults, HZNM, Ambuscade, Campaign, Escha, Omen ... and MORE)
2- It has one of the best systems of classes with more possibilities of the genre.
3- Graphics that are pleasing to the eye even with more than 14 years behind.
4- Great difficulty even today with great rewards and satisfactions (and also dislikes XD)
5- The richest combat system that exists with the Skillchains + magic burst system (combined attacks between ALL members of the party)
6- System of equipment almost eternal, as you can combine equipment ALWAYS you are improving the character with new pieces (for set of Fast cast, Enmity, mele, Weapon skill, acc ...)
And on the other hand we have FFXIV, a game that is 90% World of Warcraft, with puzzle battles of about 15 minutes average as much in a room ALWAYS closed. General difficulty VERY low except 4 or 5 battles at the end of the game ... lots of useless and stupid content just for appearances or nonsense.
A CASUAL game in its maximum expression.
It is very sad that in a portal of MMORPGs like this one, that is referent, it is valued before a game that gives less content and less diversion than another that gives a lot more. It is very sad.
It is VERY sad to see in the FFXIV list and not FFXI.
FFXI has objectively: E
1- The best and biggest Endgame PVE that has ever existed (Sky, Limbus, Einherjar, Nyzul isle, assaults, HZNM, Ambuscade, Campaign, Escha, Omen ... and MORE)
2- It has one of the best systems of classes with more possibilities of the genre.
3- Graphics that are pleasing to the eye even with more than 14 years behind.
4- Great difficulty even today with great rewards and satisfactions (and also dislikes XD)
5- The richest combat system that exists with the Skillchains + magic burst system (combined attacks between ALL members of the party)
6- System of equipment almost eternal, as you can combine equipment ALWAYS you are improving the character with new pieces (for set of Fast cast, Enmity, mele, Weapon skill, acc ...)
And on the other hand we have FFXIV, a game that is 90% World of Warcraft, with puzzle battles of about 15 minutes average as much in a room ALWAYS closed. General difficulty VERY low except 4 or 5 battles at the end of the game ... lots of useless and stupid content just for appearances or nonsense.
A CASUAL game in its maximum expression.
It is very sad that in a portal of MMORPGs like this one, that is referent, it is valued before a game that gives less content and less diversion than another that gives a lot more. It is very sad.
1) authors of article may not have played it much. (It really was never that popular here in the west, especially among the "older" crowd. ) 2) despite its many unique features when making a sequel its creators chose to eschew most of them in new title (same fate of AC1) 3) authors really wanted to give kudos to FFXIV for its unique comback from the dead relaunch which has no similar parallel, and were not going to add two titles from the same studio to the list. (Hence no EQ2)
Its no doubt a legendary game, yet if no one saw fit to carry forward its legacy, understandable how it might not be on some peoples list.
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
No Anarchy Online? :[
imo Lineage 2 should be in the top 5. I also enjoyed Pirates of the Burning Sea, unique game.
Granado Espada, when i played it was fun and interesting and could have been big but there just wasn't enough content.
Where's Raganarok? Couple of these i've mentioned might be in the top 40.
This article is just asking for internet fights, haha.
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We, our, us, are used instead of I, me, my.
I assume it is the compiled opinion of multiple editors, as I doubt any one person could have played all possible MMORPG candidates that could be considered, at least not for any length of time to form a valid opinion.
I didn't list UO, AC1, SWG or FFXI as I've never played them, but I suspect some here included them on their lists based more on legend than actual experience.
"True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde
"I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
But WoW as number one? Come on
1. World of Warcraft
2. Lineage 1
3. Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns
4. Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited
5. EVE Online
6. Final Fantasy XIV
7. Ultima Online
8. Dark Age of Camelot
9. Everquest II
10. Rift Online
11. Star Wars: The Old Republic
12. City of Heroes
13. Black Desert Online
14. Ashes of Creation
15. Aion / TERA / Ragnarok
Pretty sure none of those are MMORPGs.
Sandbox, MOBA, SP FPS shooter, FPS shooter. Pffft
/Cheers,
Lahnmir
Kyleran on yours sincerely
'But there are many. You can play them entirely solo, and even offline. Also, you are wrong by default.'
Ikcin in response to yours sincerely debating whether or not single-player offline MMOs exist...
'This does not apply just to ED but SC or any other game. What they will get is Rebirth/X4, likely prettier but equally underwhelming and pointless.
It is incredibly difficult to design some meaningfull leg content that would fit a space ship game - simply because it is not a leg game.
It is just huge resource waste....'
Gdemami absolutely not being an armchair developer
Godfred's Tomb Trailer: https://youtu.be/-nsXGddj_4w
Original Skyrim: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/109547
Serph toze kindly has started a walk-through. https://youtu.be/UIelCK-lldo
Pretty simple decision (IMO): bump ESO or COH for it.
"True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde
"I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
They are all garbage, that's why they aren't on this list.
*drops mic*
"The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently."
- Friedrich Nietzsche
That sort of monetization is just a no play for most of us.
Besides I never really liked DAOCs 3 Realm PVP either, I preferred their FFA PVP servers back in the day which is why I tired of the free shard after 6 months this year, traditional RVR still holds little appeal to me.
"True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde
"I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
FFXI has objectively: E
1- The best and biggest Endgame PVE that has ever existed (Sky, Limbus, Einherjar, Nyzul isle, assaults, HZNM, Ambuscade, Campaign, Escha, Omen ... and MORE)
2- It has one of the best systems of classes with more possibilities of the genre.
3- Graphics that are pleasing to the eye even with more than 14 years behind.
4- Great difficulty even today with great rewards and satisfactions (and also dislikes XD)
5- The richest combat system that exists with the Skillchains + magic burst system (combined attacks between ALL members of the party)
6- System of equipment almost eternal, as you can combine equipment ALWAYS you are improving the character with new pieces (for set of Fast cast, Enmity, mele, Weapon skill, acc ...)
And on the other hand we have FFXIV, a game that is 90% World of Warcraft, with puzzle battles of about 15 minutes average as much in a room ALWAYS closed. General difficulty VERY low except 4 or 5 battles at the end of the game ... lots of useless and stupid content just for appearances or nonsense.
A CASUAL game in its maximum expression.
It is very sad that in a portal of MMORPGs like this one, that is referent, it is valued before a game that gives less content and less diversion than another that gives a lot more. It is very sad.
1) authors of article may not have played it much. (It really was never that popular here in the west, especially among the "older" crowd. )
2) despite its many unique features when making a sequel its creators chose to eschew most of them in new title (same fate of AC1)
3) authors really wanted to give kudos to FFXIV for its unique comback from the dead relaunch which has no similar parallel, and were not going to add two titles from the same studio to the list. (Hence no EQ2)
Its no doubt a legendary game, yet if no one saw fit to carry forward its legacy, understandable how it might not be on some peoples list.
"True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde
"I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
Those would be my top 2. I'm not saying for being innovative or bringing something new to the genre. Only because I really love playing those two.
imo Lineage 2 should be in the top 5. I also enjoyed Pirates of the Burning Sea, unique game.
Granado Espada, when i played it was fun and interesting and could have been big but there just wasn't enough content.
Where's Raganarok? Couple of these i've mentioned might be in the top 40.
This article is just asking for internet fights, haha.
Says enough how mmorpgs are evolving.....
Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.
Edgar Allan Poe