Category Archives: Lord of the Rings Online

When the combat system in 1997 was better than what we have today, you know we have a problem.

Posted on August 5, 2009 by SynCaine

Now that his resurrection is complete, Tobold has started a multi-part series of posts talking about why we play MMOs, with today’s topic being gameplay. In most MMOs today, gameplay generally means combat, and so the type of combat system … Continue reading →

Posted in Combat Systems, Darkfall Online, Lord of the Rings Online, MMO design, PvP, Ultima Online, Warhammer Online, World of Warcraft | 19 Comments

Gamer Bob says: MMOs suck.

Posted on June 30, 2009 by SynCaine

People often credit WoW’s success because, in part, it’s a little bit of everything for everyone (in theory at least), and while that’s a great way to get into the genre, if you really want to focus on any one … Continue reading →

Posted in Darkfall Online, DDO, EVE Online, FreeRealms, Lord of the Rings Online, MMO design, PvP, Warhammer Online, World of Warcraft | 45 Comments

Why do we still force alts to re-grind, and what about the new guy?

Posted on June 17, 2009 by SynCaine

Starting with the genre’s second major title, EQ1, the solution to raising the level cap without increasing the gap new players must cross to join their friends has been to reduce the time it takes to go from 1 to … Continue reading →

Posted in EQ2, EVE Online, Lord of the Rings Online, MMO design, Warhammer Online, World of Warcraft | 43 Comments

Giving credit when it’s due.

Posted on May 13, 2009 by SynCaine

It’s very easy to point out flaws in a game or it’s developer. When a server crashes, it’s impossible not to notice. When you are in a login queue, you know it. If your current class/race is underpowered, it affects … Continue reading →

Posted in Age of Conan, Darkfall Online, EQ2, Lord of the Rings Online, MMO design, PvP, Warhammer Online, World of Warcraft | 39 Comments

MMO games: Why are they more fun in beta?

Posted on April 24, 2009 by SynCaine

If you’ve been playing MMOs for a decent amount of time, it’s likely you have taken part in at least a few beta tests, be they open or closed. If a game really got you interested early, you might have … Continue reading →

Posted in beta, Lord of the Rings Online, MMO design, Warhammer Online, World of Warcraft | 14 Comments

Paid beta: You’re playing it.

Posted on April 22, 2009 by SynCaine

DarkFall is often referred to as a paid beta, and I agree. It has some serious issues, a multitude of minor problems, and countless little nagging annoyances. Despite all that however, it’s still the most engaging and enjoyable MMO experience … Continue reading →

Posted in beta, Darkfall Online, Lord of the Rings Online, MMO design, Pirates of the Burning Sea, Warhammer Online, World of Warcraft | 9 Comments

Guess what this post is about? (hint: tourists)

Posted on March 27, 2009 by SynCaine

A day after unsuccessfully going with “Without WoW WAR would not have sold 300,000 copies” and claiming that WoW tourists are actually good for the industry, Tobold today decides to go the “WoW is just that much better” route to … Continue reading →

Posted in EVE Online, Lord of the Rings Online, MMO design, PvP, RvR, Warhammer Online, World of Warcraft | 62 Comments

Solo vs Group MMO design

Posted on March 20, 2009 by SynCaine

If you’ve been keeping up with DarkFall impressions you might have noticed a trend. Solo players hate it; people in active guilds love it. If you are thinking of this breakdown in terms of a MMORPG, it’s not all that … Continue reading →

Posted in Darkfall Online, EVE Online, Lord of the Rings Online, MMO design, World of Warcraft | 13 Comments

Users and profit in the MMO space.

Posted on March 6, 2009 by SynCaine

Both Raph Koster and Tobold have posts up about a games user base and profitability. If this at all interests you, check both links out. The overall theme of the discussion is similar to my feelings about the iPhone app … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantica Online, iPhone, Lord of the Rings Online, MMO design, Random, World of Warcraft | 4 Comments

The highs and lows of RvR, a worthwhile tradeoff

Posted on February 23, 2009 by SynCaine

WAR RvR is one frustrating bastard, and I’m not talking about city PQs, scenarios, or why the layout of T4 zones sucks/rocks. It’s frustrating because when everything aligns and you get the right (not even) number of Destruction and Order … Continue reading →

Posted in EQ2, Lord of the Rings Online, MMO design, RvR, Warhammer Online, World of Warcraft | 16 Comments