To the masses...suggest me a MMORPG. PLEASE?!?!

thovind1

Well, I guess I've put off getting into the genre long enough. I just never wanted to get addicted to the whole thing. But before I just dive in, I'd like to at least find a game to my liking. I've tried to do my homework, but the info is so scattered, it's hard to compare one to another. So could ya'll help me out, and tell me which game(s) might match my criteria?

First off, I want a game that lets you roam the world...which sadly eliminates D&D right off the bat. But most importantly, I want in-depth character creation and customization. If I'm gonna get sucked into these, I might as well fall in love with my character. Graphically, I'd love something that could compete with modern technology...but it doesn't have to be top of the line. I'm leaning toward Guild Wars, just because of the price factor..but from what I gather, character creation isn't all that complex? I do love the fantasy genre, but I guess if there's a game that better suits me, that's not fantasy, I might look into it. And lastly, I'd love a game that will keep you compelled to play it, which eliminates...from what I gather...City of Heroes and, to a lesser extent, WoW.

Is there a game out there that really fits me? Or do they all have their ups and downs? The game doesn't necessarily have to be out right now...I guess if "my" game won't be out for a bit, I'd rather save my money for it, than waste it and have my perception of the genre ruined.

THANKS!?!?! ahead of time for the help.

Kibs

Hmm you could try Ryzom. It does have a powerful graphics engine, good character creation, a beautifle world to explore with 5 different main continents all with a different style. It is mostly fantasy, with some sci-fi thrown in and it is very different from the norm in terms of species. Its all origional, no orcs or goblins etc.

There is a free trial you can try, and I suggest you give it a go.

www.ryzom.com

LadyTyger

Allo there,

First off, to respond to your inquiry about GW...I played for a couple months. I really just couldn't get into it, like I usually do. It really feels like a Single Player game that's connected to towns to make it Multiplayer.
I really just didn't suit me and character creation was certainly lacking, at least while I was there.
GW is not one I would recommend for someone that wants to really dive into a true MMORPG. It has it's good points, they just, personally, weren't strong enough to keep ahold of me.

Saga of Ryzom - I played this one for quite a while. It's absolutely gorgeous once you adjust to the UI, figure out how to mold it to your liking and once you're strong enough to venture out. The world, graphicly is so beautiful.
However, I took my leave of this game to test a few others. I've gone back a couple times with the free trail. I was afraid this game would go PvP and it looks like it has. I'm not sure of the context, but I know it's out there now. I'm not a fan of PvP - but if you are, or you wouldn't mind it so much, give Ryzom a try. It's a very unique world. And as far as I know they still have the 14 day free trails - that's always good.

That's one thing I strongly suggest to stick with until you find your game. There are plenty of games out there right now that offer free trials. Before you find a game and pay for the software or pay for subscription - find one with a free trial! This way, you can get a taste for it before you pay..if you even pay or stay.

I'm currently playing World of Warcraft. I never, honestlly, thought I would like it. But I do

But seriously, the most you can get at this point are the things people do and do not like about MMOs.
Just go out and find free trials. That's the best way to do it, in my opinion. This way you can form your own opinion, get an idea of the community, etc.

Good luck to you!

Pride7

I am in the same, looking for an MMO but I have been an avid MMO fan for several years.

Here is what I have tried:
- COH:  Great initial fun but turned out to not have enough depth for me.
- WOW:  Loved it!  Played 2 characters to Lvl 60 and then decided to spend time with my family again.  Also endgame was majority raid groups and I prefer solo play.
- AC: Played for a year and a half.
- DAoC: Played for about a month at launch, thought it was ok.
- AO: Played for the 1st 3 months then got tired of them screwing over their customers.  Did like the PVP zones and level restrictions.
- AC2: Played a character to 50 (level cap) then realized how bad the game was.  PVP was decent.
- Eve:  Played it for an hour and just didnt get it.
- SWG: Played for about 4 hours after I bought the collectors edition and then realized I wasted $80!

I played the beta of Saga of Ryzom and thought it was ok, was thinking about trying it or Matrix Online.  Any thoughts?  I enjoy PVE and PVP at higher levels, prefer to solo 75% of time and group 25%.  Any input would be appreciated.

Kibs

Ryzom has changed a huge amount since Beta, its a massivly improved game. I do suggest you try it if you thought it was ok back then, because its really matured now.

runkle

Eve online cleared up at this years MMORPG awards taking 4 including best game.
However, Eve Online appeals to a very specific personality.

If you are;
Intelligent (This game requires a lot of thought)
Mature (most players are over 20)
Patient (Theres not much you can rush)
Independant (Theres no obvious path of progression like in other games...beat your own path)
Like Competing (PvP pervades everything from the market to actual fighting)
Social (Everything is done in groups, called corperations. This isnt a solo players game)

Also while this isnt essential, you will LOVE this game if you;
- Love PvP with proper death penaltys (it makes it so much more exciting and meaningful)
- Or, Love what is probably the best market sim in any game, with full supply chains, price wars, etc

You will not be suited to this game if you;
- Want to know exactly what to do all the tiem
- Have no imagination
- Want Elves and Orcs (its space-based)
- Want to solo
- Have little patience
- Dont like reading.