MMOs--am i missing something?

[rkotm]

This topic may be discussed about and if so i'd love to read more on it. MMOs just aren't for me. Im sorry, but games like these in the RPG vein need endings. Not only that, but ive tried Everquest 2 and WoW. I just cant get into them, but everyone i know into PC gaming (or gaming in general) adores this and calls me out just because i dont devote my life to it or "dont get it." I dont want this to be senseless bashing without a cause, but i really dont understand the appeal in MMORPGs. I was at my brothers and saw 4 guest computers with 4 people playing the game all day and several all night, sometimes my bro's roomate calls out just to play it more, and ive seen this happen many times.

I mean everyone who plays this acts like its the best most addicting game/hobby/experience ever and always ask me the same question "when you gettin on (mmo of choice) and playin?"

Can someone explain to me what the real deal is here? Are people playing this game for hours and hours true gamers or is this like the new in thing to do like Guitar Hero?(which is actually fun). I would be willing to try an MMO again but i dont have the connection nor the time at the moment.

[cyberfluxor]

Actually a lot of MMORPGs have endings just there are a billion side-quests and areas to explore it'll take thousands of hours to cover a sliver of it. Also difficulties on some can be changed and the added bonus of PvP instead of the usual PvM environment.

I personally only log into Guild Wars once every month or so to just wonder around and complete a few side-quests. I've pured just over 200hrs into the adventure but other games tend to take my interest more, Quake, Unreal, SimCity... Yeah it goes on. Understand your point but it's just where a good chuck of the PC gamers are at.

[Sudo]

The ending is when you cancel your subscription. ;) That is, unless you get sucked back in and start playing again.

[Half Japanese]

I'm with ya. It may sound stereotypical, but I fear the commitment games like that tend to create. I had a few lazy summers in high school, and while it's great fun for two and a half months, I couldn't imagine living that lifestyle without seriously contemplating suicide. That sounds really unfair, as there are those that can balance time spent between the two 'worlds' and still be functional, but it seems like it would at the very least put a drain on your free time. I also have a habitually short attention span, meaning I'll often put a game away unfinished and move on to the next, especially if I feel like I'm wasting time and/or not getting any enjoyment out of it. I do the same thing with books, movies, TV series, etc.

On the other hand, there's the monthly fee. If I paid $50 for a game, I would expect to be able to play it online for free. I realize that this infrastructure is time-tested and not likely to go away any time soon, but to me they're equivalent to commercials: it's amazing they were put up with in the first place.

[bb_hood]

I was at my brothers and saw 4 guest computers with 4 people playing the game all day and several all night, sometimes my bro's roomate calls out just to play it more, and ive seen this happen many times.


Can someone explain to me what the real deal is here? Are people playing this game for hours and hours true gamers or is this like the new in thing to do like Guitar Hero?(which is actually fun). I would be willing to try an MMO again but i dont have the connection nor the time at the moment.

Yeah, my brother does this too...and I don't get it. It will be him and 4 other people woth thier computers. Frigging annoying having to deal with all these people.

I totally agree with you, I think they are the worst type of game. All a player does is just gain experience in most cases. Way too much time and effort in a single game.

[Cinder6]

Well, I got WoW on launch day, got to level 60, got all the high end gear, etc. etc., then quit after 7 months. During that time, I accrued a 30 day /play time (meaning, I logged 30 days' worth into the game), which is, very sadly, nothing compared to what some people in my guild did (one person had 90 days, and had had the game less time than I had).

All that said, I can honestly say I never want to touch another MMORPG again. Looking back, I really don't know what drew me into the game so much. Each individual part, taken on itself, is nothing special. But adding everything together, the experience is (to sound a bit cliched) more than the sum of its parts.

I only stopped playing when I realized that I was logging in, 5 hours a night, to do yet another pointless raid that I had no story background for being in, for the possible chance of maybe getting a new item, only so that I would be infinitesimally more powerful, so I could go a tiny bit further, and maybe get a chance to possibly get the next item that would make me just a teensy bit more powerful.

When you're leveling up in the game, doing side quests, having fun with friends, the game is great. End-game, though, it pretty much sucks. Hopefully, things have changed, with Burning Crusade. I, for one, plan on never finding out first-hand whether this is so.

[FantasiaWHT]

It's the same formula as Diablo... get stronger > kill stronger monsters > get better gear > get stronger > kill stronger monsters. It's an endless loop that can be very very addicting. Also, the potential for addiction is increased ten-fold by the social aspect of the game.

I've sworn off them, though, now that I've got a job, family, house... in short, a life ;) Nothing against those still playing, but playing an MMO is a huge commitment, and these days I'd rather be making progress in a game with a concrete end where I can set it aside and say "Boy, THAT was satisfying"

[otaku]

I don't get it either but I've never really cared for pc gaming in general. My brother loves pc gaming though more than console gaming (complete opposite of me) on top of that he primarily plays mmos. I think its kinda unhealthy though I mean I'm into gaming but this shit can seriously be addicting and draining on the wallet. His life would be far better without it imo and I just can't get into them.

[Cryomancer]

I don't think your view is a bad one to have. MMOs are a very love-or-hate genre. If you actually *want* to get into the genre, try PSO. I'm not a huge fan of MMOs but PSO tends to bridge the gap between full fledged MMO and console RPG, at least to some degree. PSU however I found damn boring, probably because there was literally nothing to do in the game early on.

PSO tecnically only has like 4 "levels" without the extra episodes, but they randomize a bit and there are quests that change how you play etc. It also greatly is designed for 2-4 player teams, and without friends to team up with no MMO is fun very long. PSO is ok by yourself, and the missions give you NPC teammates, but it is of course best played online.

My personal suggestion is PC version using the unofficial servers and a gamepad (xbox/360 works great). PC is also the only way to play episode 4 content. Full name of the game is Phantasy Star Online.

[Fuyukaze]

Try one of the free MMOs if you can. For the most part I hate them as they tend to suck two very valuable things up. Time and Money. True, the free games arnt as fun as the money games but at the very least you'll get an idea why they are so popular.

[Snapple]

If you don't get MMOs, BE GLAD. Don't try to get it!

I get it. Oh, I definitely get it. They're evil and addicting games. They will suck away the best years of your life. It will drive a rift between you and your loved ones. It will make you unhealthy. It will keep you from enjoying the outside world. Don't try to understand it. Instead, just continue to enjoy normal video games, that don't require such a huge investment of time. Games that you can put down when you want. Those are good. Oh, and normal video games don't have a monthly fee either. I mean, Guild Wars doesn't charge monthly, but you know what I mean.

[exit]

I've never really been a big fan of MMOs, the only one I ever go really into was when Ragnarok was in Beta. Of course my addiction quickly died out when the servers were updated and I lost my character right when it was about to become a Knight, so that was the end of that.

[kaedesdisciple]

Amen. I grew to hate MMO's after star wars galaxies and I loved PSO. Did it the same way you mentioned, too. I still have my PC CD lying around here somewhere. Those unofficial servers were great fun and not TOO addicting.


I don't think your view is a bad one to have. MMOs are a very love-or-hate genre. If you actually *want* to get into the genre, try PSO. I'm not a huge fan of MMOs but PSO tends to bridge the gap between full fledged MMO and console RPG, at least to some degree. PSU however I found damn boring, probably because there was literally nothing to do in the game early on.

PSO tecnically only has like 4 "levels" without the extra episodes, but they randomize a bit and there are quests that change how you play etc. It also greatly is designed for 2-4 player teams, and without friends to team up with no MMO is fun very long. PSO is ok by yourself, and the missions give you NPC teammates, but it is of course best played online.

My personal suggestion is PC version using the unofficial servers and a gamepad (xbox/360 works great). PC is also the only way to play episode 4 content. Full name of the game is Phantasy Star Online.

[geneshifter]

You are not alone. I tried to play WOW with friends a few months back and just couldn't stick with it. It's a neat game but not worth paying a monthly fee to play. I doubt any game on any platform will ever be worth that to me.

[Poofta!]

yes, youre missing something. and no, no one can explain it to you. there is no need to be sorry, and there is no need to make a useless thread about it. its not for you, great, move on.

-end-

[calthaer]

You are missing nothing - don't waste your time or life on those games. They suck people in and then keep them hooked with the typical carrot-on-a-stick routines.

Get a game that you can enjoy with a few close real-life friends and play coop instead.

[CosmicMonkey]

I sort of see the point in them, but they're realy not my type of game. I don't have that much time to devote in such large chunks to playing a single game.

One of my mates is well into WoW; one of his characters is level 64. He'll come in from work, place his ass in the 'Throne of Warcraft' in his front room and that's it for the night. He's got a fridge next to the ToW full of beers. While the PC is booting he'll crack open a beer, skin up a joint and then go of running round Warcraft land for the rest of the night. I'm still amazed his missus hasn't left him. It's been very, very close at times. And for what? A magic sword or suit of armour that doesn't even exist... Hmmm....

[Poorfamily]

I spent probably close to two years playing WOW to the exclusion of every other game. I would spend all day at work planning what I wanted to do in-game when I got home. Most of my free time outside of work and family activities that I "had" to do was spent either playing or researching for the next time I could get on. I haven't played since October but I haven't cancelled my account either.

I've played RPG's and consoles since the early 90's and never thought I would enjoy playing online with any game. There was no need to. But with WOW there was such a rush when a group of us would down a monster or complete a really hard dungeon. My guild really had some great people in it that I actually enjoyed talking to. I came to enjoy the social aspect so much that now I seek out online play with other games.

Getting a 360 for the holidays helped pull me away from WOW. Also, as stated earlier, once I maxed out one toon at 70 I ran out of quests and didn't really have the time to invest in dungeon crawling for the really good items. Then I started a different toon and got to maybe 40 and wondered why I was really doing this again and did I really want to spend another 50+ DAYS of playing time to eventually run out of things to do.

I think if I was a single guy with no social life I would probably still be playing.

[SamuraiSmurfette]

I just wanted to add a mathematical point to all those opposed to the idea of a monthly fee.

For example World of Warcraft...I pay by credit card in 3 month segments for $41.36. That boils down to about $0.46 a day. Technically, you could spend up to 24 hours of the day (not recommended!) and still experience new entertainment content.

A console game, for example, Half Life 2...great game, yes. About 10-12 hours to completion (on average) for a launch price of $69.99 CAD. Therefore, your entertainment is valued at $5.83-$6.99 per hour. And I know all the naysayers will be touting "But I play it again!" Ok. sure! You would need to beat Half Life 2 approximately 35 times to equivalate the value of said MMO's one month fee.

Ok, well what then of Guild Wars..the supposed 'free' MMO? Since it's launch, there has been the original game, as well as 3 paid expansion packs spanning a time frame between the end of April 2005, and end of August 2007. As well as a bonus mission pack. A total of 27 months. These all launched at Canadian retail at $59.99. ($9.99 for the mission pack). You are still paying approximately $0.31 per day to play this 'free' title.

So in my conclusion, you could pay $50 or whatever for a new release that you beat in ten hours, or you could continually pay a small fee for a game that you can continue to play. The latter is my choice, and the reason that I purchase very few new console games anymore. They just don't seem to be worth it for me anymore.

/end rant

[SamuraiSmurfette]

Now don't get me wrong, these types of games *can be* and *are* very addictive to some people. I'm not saying that everyone should give up console gaming for good and plunk down in front of Everquest day in and day out. The problem is, is that they supply a false sense of acheivement and accomplishment for people who have no real progression in their lives. And for some, that can be a very alluring thing.

[CosmicMonkey]

You forgot that Wow itself costs about $15 or £20. Then there's that expansion pack which is about $30 itself too.

[SamuraiSmurfette]

Oops. You are right. I'm off on my mark then.
However, for the record...Blizz *really* didn't need to charge us for BC :roll:

[otaku]

also keep in mind computers are more expensive and more frequently in need of updating than consoles

[CosmicMonkey]

Yeah, but SamuraiSmurfette was just illustrating the cost of the software and monthly subscription.

If you start including hardware you could go on forever; PC set-up versus PS3 and LCD telly etc...

[Jorpho]

Post on message boards instead.

[Trebuken]

I got out of MMO's a few years ago. I think the last thing I tried was a beta program for Horizons (actually I played Stormreach for a couple of days).

I grew up with AD&D and I think it molded my expectations for MMO's. They have failed to achieve the right recipe for me yet. I loved the exploration of the worlds, but ultimately found I spent more time finding quests than questing, and that there was very little in the way of larger, more final quests.

I think the worlds are actually too small. There aren't enough NPC's. The worlds become collections of adventurers instead of real worlds.

They can be plenty fun but ultimately you want more.

Leveling became the ultimate goal instead of adventuring. Progression in the games needs to be slower, but developers have determined that players need to achieve something in each game session in order to remain attached to the game, which is why there are so many levels. They had to change the leveling system of AD&D in order to accommodate this fact.

I have been interested in trying 'The Lord of the Rings Online' to see what sort of gameplay advancements have been made, but have not heard any good news on that front.

[Wolf]

Hmm ok I will give my 2 cents

First of all I am an ex 4 year veteran of FF XI online, it was my first MMO ( I originally bought the HDD for biohazard outbreak but got sucked into XI since I am an FF fan also ) and although I have tried a few here and there after that for about 2-3 weeks each ( I know longer play mmo as I collect console stuff these days ) I am for the most part done with this genre.

FF XI is an extreme example from the norm of mmo these days as it was quite a challenge in many areas, this may not have been the case if not for SE forcing players to interact in order to get anything worthwhile or "coveted" done. In alot of other mmo players can solo or play with less forced scenarios.

The nature of these games can easily become addicting and destructive depending on the individual, as the rare items that people want in the game are nowhere near as easy to get in single player rpg's, the drop rates etc are at times obscene and there is the factor of spawn rates from the mobs just to get a chance. This creates alot of nasty emotions in people and really brings out the worst in people. See there are two kinds of people in these games...elitist cawksuckers who try and enforce an ideal play style within these games and your average joe players who just want to play and get sucked in while having some fun.

In some cases if you do not have certain ( omg uber111 ) gear you end up being/feeling like that fat kid in school who never got picked for the team but in this case it is because the nerd elitist twats have made it this way from a social in game aspect, which really ruins alot of these games.

As time goes on things only get worse because you end up in a very stagnant situation, grinding to those ending levels becomes a crazy chore instead of a fun experience, but greed in people keeps them playing and "end game" as they call it is where the worst shit happens because people are at eachothers throats or causing drama daily in order to get the really insane rare godly items, it's kinda like having 6 junkies in a room and a dealer throwing down the last morphine pill...shit is gonna happen and the dealers/developers know this but they just want those monthly fees.

Then you have all the fake money sellers causing even deeper problems so that people have to farm even longer to save the cash to get items they badly want or need, it becomes a never ending cycle of fk'n shit.

However with that all said...in most cases mmo for the early parts or first half of your characters levels can be where you will have the most fun, people are in a honeymoon kind of state where they are noobs but slowly learning more and more about the game each day, friendships are formed and alot of laughs and fun times are had, it is just unfortunate that almost everyone gets corrupt in one form or another as time goes on.

I was one of the people that left no problem even after such a long time playing as I was really just bored as hell, I sold my character for close to $500 usd and spent that on some sexy j imports for my ps2, never looked back.

[rkotm]

I agree with most people here, its rediculous, but it has its good areas. it is a game but i wonder who it caters to- which crowd..the video gamer or the casual gamer or the PC exclusive gamer? several times i went to my best friends house, and me and my friends talked a little bit, but then after an hour or so they went online to play WoW for hours and hours. they ditched me for a game. but it doesnt happen often, it just pisses me off. if they did do this all time i wouldnt hang out. im a slight little bit intrigued by the dragon ball MMO, as long as they dont pollute it with those shitty american voices.

[debian4life]

You might want to try Guild Wars. It has no monthly subscription fee and the game at least the Guild Wars Prophecies title does in deed have an ending like and RPG. I believe Prophecies can be picked up for $29 - $39. Guild Wars also has other titles also such as Factions and Night Fall.

Regards,

Brian

[geneshifter]

yes, youre missing something. and no, no one can explain it to you. there is no need to be sorry, and there is no need to make a useless thread about it. its not for you, great, move on.

-end-

Wow. You can leave without saying anything you know.

[Stark]

I have logged in a "few" hours in MMO's and they all require lots of your time. That's the part most people don't understand. Some players are more dedicated than others and some even make a living off the pro gaming pvp aspect of WOW and a few others. Very few if any of these types of games don't have endings like console RPG's. Name one with an ending for me as I've played most MMO's since Meridian 59 and they never "end" until you stop playing. It's fun for me confusing to you well what about people who still play MUD's? I find MUD's boring and old and don't see how anyone could have seriously played them years ago but that dosen't mean you would agree.

[WanganRunner]

I had some fun with FFXI, but really only in that we played online "hide and seek" in the elf city, lol.

One thing I dislike about MMO's is that they all seem to be class-based, in that you are forced to mold your character into something that must fit into a party. It is very biased against solo adventuring. Something more akin to the FFVII materia system, wherein the character IS whatever items (i.e. materia) they carry would be far superior, IMO. It wouldn't force you to choose between A and B.

I also dislike the lack of a real story arc. My favorite game is Xenogears, which is to say that I like long complicated arcane storylines, and most MMO's just don't satisfy. Having other "real" players in the game really only matters to me in the sense that it creates a sense of spontaneity in the game world. I don't really have any desire to "quest with my friends". If I'm going to play videogames with my friends, I goddamned well want to be able to shoot them in the head with an assault rifle or I'm not going to do it, lol.

[Kyle15]

Can someone please explain to me how Maple Story is "deep"?
My little brother tells me that it is, but it does not look like it.

Anyway, I just do not like MMO's. If you don't play them, you're not missing anything. ;)