The freedom to do whatever I want, however I want, wherever I want, for the most part. It's just that simple. Kinda sounds like any sandbox game since I described it like that. I haven't delved too deep into other MMOs so idk if it works similar.
Old School Runescape
All things OSRS
Other MMOs are not like OSRS at all tbh, that's part of what makes it so successful I think
There's a lot that I love about OSRS but I'd say the quests and skilling are my favorite activities by far. While I always just use a guide (shoutout to Slayermusiq1), I find them way more interesting and in depth than other MMO's quests. What would be an entire quest chain in WoW could just be one quest in OSRS. As for skilling, there's just something relaxing about grinding out some stats while watching a show or just chillin
Haha I've been reading while grinding sand crabs and it's very chill
Quests are by far the most interesting part of OSRS and what sets RuneScape as a whole in another league compared to most MMORPGs.
I'm a skiller through and through. the combat system in osrs is way too clunky imo to get much enjoyment from the mess of menus. The game has a lot of character to it (I also love the charming chunk of the graphics and humor, but that might be boomer nostalgia).