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The MMORPGs Of 2003 - Disappointing?
Thanks to GameSpy for their article presenting an overview of the massively multiplayer RPGs released so far in 2003, as the piece advances the opinion that "on balance, the year seemed a bit disappointing." The author bases this on the fact that "...too many games, like City of Heroes, Dragon Empires, Lineage II... and others have slid into 2004.", but also takes issue with the released titles: "Even though we got some hotly-anticipated MMOs like Star Wars Galaxies and PlanetSide, they suffered from some notable feature trim." Although profiling interesting new MMOs like A Tale In The Desert and Rubies Of Eventide, the article ends on a cautionary note: "There just don't seem to be enough players for all of these to garner big numbers. [In 2004] we're going to see some of these MMO publishers doubled-over in pain."
It seems like everyone agrees with me when I say the best MMORPGs were the originals in their first few years. Now the greats, most notably EQ and UO have deteriorated in veteran players' eyes and the new releases leave much to be desired. Not all is dim, however. I suppose a set of dismal releases makes the next great one that much more appealing to the fans.
You're right, I wouldn't steal a car. But if it were possible, I sure as hell would download one!
Every genre has loads and loads of stinkers coming out for every gem. FFXI for instance, looks good and gets a nod from them. So why are MMORPGs rated by their entire game-base, and not other genres? Just because they aren't 5000 MMORPG clones like there are racing car games?