My Dream MMO

Hello folks in blogger land, Kalari here. I am fighting a terrible cold so no getting to hear my lovely voice via the podcast s I tend to host. Not until I get this gunk out of my chest and don't sound like I smoke ten packs a day x_x.  I spent most of the day trying to get various work done including my writing but found myself with mind wandering syndrome.  Basically I cannot focus today so figured id type out some of the things I have been day dreaming about including my dream MMO. 


Now for those of you who know of me and my show kalsden http://mmosmacktalk.com/kalsden/  you know I currently play DDO, DC Universe online (have to really be in the mood for that one) and from time to time remember that I have characters for STWOR. 


Yes I am an admitted MMO lover, but there lately has been something lacking even in my favorite games. I am a huge mythology and legends buff, it is probably why I have played DDO so long. Being a pen and paper player of Dungeons and Dragons DDO has been the closest thing to a pen and paper session I can get right now but there have been more times then not I felt constrained by their limits. Including customization.  STWOR has the same issues with the prefab looks it can be daunting to create your own unique style and completely love it.  As someone who loves Elves DDO's disappointment comes with various things from lack of tattoos to hair length.  


With Star Wars the Old Republic it was lack of the ability to color my robes the way I wished to. 


And DC universe online had it right with gear customization and allowing you to keep the lock you wish no matter what gear you swap out, but lacked the game play sustainability for me to take it seriously.


I hear good things about Guild wars but I dunno, I think I have a vastly different idea for the kind of mmo Id like to play.


Some ideas Ive thought about are this:

• Fully customized lockable looks, no matter how gear intensive a game gets I think many people like being able to look the way they wish to. An avatar represents out creativity. Giving players the ability to save a look even after having to up grade out dated gear is a boon that many of us would pay a subscription for.

• Allow players to pick their path, whether they are the total crowd follower who cannot quest without a group, or the lone wolf looking to earn their way around your gaming world more options is always a better thing when going threw the pools of picky gamer types. I tend to be in between so my perfect MMO would have to give me the option to group when I wish to but solo whenever possible.

• Realistic armors for males and females, look I am not anti sexy, I will wear up a dancers outfit if the mood strikes me, but I in no way think its awesome to fight hordes of creatures half naked. It makes no sense and in many scenarios (fighting undead anyone) is just asking for something nasty to happen to you. I am not trying to be a feminist or anything like that but chain mail bikini armor does nothing to help me immerse myself in a game.

• Realistic challenges at higher levels, don't listen to the babies who are too casual to know better. When you hit levels higher then noob or newbie island in most games, the landscape should challenge you. Those who can handle it will thank you those who cannot will have plenty of low level areas or time sinks to keep them busy.  Like it or not its the challenge seekers who keep your game afloat and word of mouth on how kick ass a dungeon, quest or raid is can really bring in the crowd to your game.  Carebearing your game will only attract those with lack of skills to pay your bills trust me on this. 

• Direct participation of the creators via live events, I cannot say this enough along with time sinks for those who need other things to do (call them multitask gamers). Live events are the things people really get fired up about. You don't have to over saturate your game with them but 1-3 times a year get your player base salivating for a major episode that can and will effect their world and I know you have a recipe for success.  One of my fond DDO memories was that of the marketplace explosion when the devils of Shavarath invaded storm reach and took over the marketplace.  I got my elven tush handed to me several times but it was exhilarating.  The race to unlock the subterranean was another great memory.  Alas we have not had a truly big event like these in awhile thought they do tease us with some things like Mabar, and Pirates cove stuff. 

Honestly I am sure I do not have an original mmo idea, im still looking for Nintendo to realize the gold mine they have for a Pokemon MMO and id give my left foot for an Sailor Moon one (anime fan for life).  But there are so many things most major and indie MMO makers miss out on that if they added would get them a step closer in being the dream of many geeky gamers. Maybe one day someone will get it together and get this right. 
 
Till then i'll game hop till I find my one true MMO.  
 

More thoughts to come soon!