Shopping For An MMORPG To Play

How do you choose a massively multiplayer online game to play? I’ve been thinking about this question many times over the course of a week, especially after my video card conked out (again), and keep coming up with the same answers. There are only five factors that push us to play an MMO. Of course, our preferences differ, with one player identifying closely with only one factor, while other players claiming all five.

I’m looking forward to playing Shaiya from Aeria Games.

In the end, however, all five factors must be met for a player to stay and continue playing an MMO. Let’s take a closer look at these considerations:

Sound Effects and Background Music. The thought that a player can be turned on—or off—by video game sounds and music may seem ludicrous to some, but it’s the truth. Don’t believe me? Ask yourself this question: “Would you play Counter-Strike even if the virtual guns sound like the tapping of a typewriter?” Or maybe, “Would you play Call of Duty 4 if its sound effects were taken from Space Invaders?”

Video and Graphics. Definitely a big come-on for any video games addict, graphics is the first—and maybe the only—reason why people upgrade a computer. While text-based and 2D MMOs have a certain allure, you just can’t discount the fact that 3D virtual worlds where art imitates life draw the biggest crowds.

Character Customization. In recent years, we’ve witnessed the dawn of MMOs that offer good character customization options ranging from hair and skin color to massive wardrobe changes. Some even go as far as allowing you to alter every feature of a character’s face and body, from wrinkles to facial hair to moles. An MMO is more exciting if your character doesn’t look like the characters of other players.

Unique Systems and Gameplay Modes. Nothing says play me more than a game’s unique features. Unfortunately, most developers stick a label claiming original content leaving players to discover that there’s nothing really special about it. This is especially true for massively multiplayer online first-person shooters whose developers deny copying some features from well-known FPS like Counter-Strike and Quake.

Community. This is perhaps the single most important feature that an MMO should have in order to be successful. Some really old MMORPGs are still operating because of the strength of its community. Ragnarok Online comes to mind. It is very unfortunate that not all communities have the power to keep MMOs going. Despite having a hardworking and loving community, the Philippine server of Khan Online still went offline last year.

Well, there you have it—the five most important factors that affect a player’s choice of MMOs to play. I subscribe to all five. How about you?