When we look at MMOs, there are typically two different set ups to them. The first is a “theme park” set up which is where you follow a very strict guide line (going from quest to quest) and that’s that. These type of MMOs typically are easier to play and don’t require as much time devoted to your character. A “sandbox” set up is where you have a lot of freewill and can do more of what you want. However, the flip side is that you need to spend a ton of time developing your character to get the results you want. Furthermore, the game is typically much more complex.
The question that people ask is which is the better of the two for a MMO? Do we want a theme park (like WoW) or do we want a sandbox (like Eve Online)? The answer to that question is really dependent on what you love. However, we have to ask ourselves who is going to make the last decision: Bioware. Because of that, we need to compromise. So, the best compromise is a little bit of both. Try and add the aspects of both a theme park and a sand box into the game.
The real difficult thing, though, is how to make that implementation. How do you give players enough of both things without jeopardizing your goal? Bioware has specifically said that TOR is going to be a very strong story because they feel that a good story is another pillar in a MMO that is necessary, one that other MMOs have forgotten. So, they want to offer a great story. But, how do you offer a great story and then, on the flip side, offer the opportunity to do something else other than the theme park?
That’s going to be something tricky for Bioware and I am not sure what they are going to do. But, if you look at the other most successful MMO, WoW, you’ll know that they are very theme park set up, but then they allow crafting which is very sandbox oriented. So, if Bioware allowed for you to do your own things such as creating a very unique look to yourself and perhaps constructing your own lightsaber, it might give players that unique feeling that they want.
I know that I am incredibly excited about the story aspect of things, but that’s because I am a total and complete Star Wars nerd. But, at the same time, I am also a role player and I want to be able to enjoy that aspect of things. And, on top of that, I want to be able to create my own character that isn’t going to be a carbon copy of the other ten thousand players who are the same level and class as me. So, a certain aspect of sandbox would be great.
But, in the end, I am really most interested in the story. So, I think that I want a theme park style game with a little sandbox. What about you? What’re you most interested in?
