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Why the original, 1999 version of EverQuest is still one of the best MMOs to play today
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this post was submitted on 29 Oct 2023
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Old-School RuneScape is still the best designed MMO:
It doesn't require you to choose a class and miss on content, you never have to "reset" or "prestige" an account and restart, the skills, the world and the quest are deeply intertwined, you're not forced to follow one specific order or way of doing things - but there are natural entry points into quest lines for those that want some direction. As hard as levelling some skills are, once you conquer even 1 exp your effort is never lost or reduced.
Perfect MMO design, IMHO.
I wish I could enjoy it that way, it really does sound amazing, just as a consequence of its age and engine... It's feckin ugly and the combat doesn't feel like much of anything is happening.
The combat is by far the weakest point of the game, that I agree with. It fits well with the idea of keeping it in a second monitor while you watch something else, but it's not engaging alone.
But as for the graphics, using RuneLite plugins you can get a really interesting look where the game still uses the old school models, but a modern lighting system, improved textures and smoother animations. It actually looks super good.
Everyone has their own opinion. I could never stand RuneScape because literally every single activity was a boring grind fest with little to no fidelity or depth. Nothing about it is exciting or engaging.
The fact that most people recommend the game as an afk game or something to do on the side is evidence to me that the game is boring and not worth the grind.
You're not wrong, it's your opinion after all.
But keep in mind I said "perfect MMO design" and MMOs where purposely designed like this: you're supposed to be talking to people around you, making friends, stumbling around the same players in your next mining trip.
Today we talk via Discord, WhatsApp, talking via a game is... Irrelevant. Finding another player? Of course, that's trivial. The Wiki is almost complete. So people only focus on the RPG part of MMORPG. RuneScape gives you the incentive, time and space for the MMO part too - this forces skills to be somewhat idle.
Agreed. Which is why I think EQ is the best of the old mmos because the world, quests, combat, adventure, etc, have a bit more depth and challenge to them, and the game is still slow enough where socializing is a thing. The game was designed to be that way. There is a lot of down time involved between waiting for mobs to respawn, so there was a lot of opportunity to chat with your group/guild mates.
RuneScape is all essentially the same thing, but feels watered down.
Hey, I'll take every oldschool MMO friend - doesn't matter if we come from different tribes.
It's way too grindy, but then again, that's why I don't play MMOs generally. It is the one I put the most time into, so I guess there's that.