Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick Koan
I just don't have the time for strategy games. Plus, I'm more of a story and linear progression guy, and strategy games are more of a sandbox. |
Theoretically, a sandbox style game or MMORPG seem like awesome games. They're unlimited in scope, have massive (even perpetual) replayability, etc. But in practice I have to agree w/ Nick... they're boring. Even if you go out of your way to create your own entertainment in a MMORPG it still is about gaining levels and "stuff" than it is about playing through the story.
I know Neverwinter Nights was supposed to do this and failed, but IMO a sandbox style game needs to be more of an engine/environment where the gamers can make up their own stories for each other. So the leveling and item gathering stuff isn't the point... all that's secondary to playing through the chapters of an epic story that's being created in real time. But I think the only way to have any shot at something like that is to drastically limit the number of people in each virtual world. Say 10-20 main characters that stick together for the life of the tale, with 1-3 people that are the storytellers/DMs that create the details of the story. But even then, the gameplay quality is directly related to the DMs' ability.
Ideally, you'd have an online game with professional and creative DMs running your guild's adventure custom tailored for you and your e-friends. (Only $150/mo!)