Immersing in the Desert

Ever since the NDA (non-discloure agreement) was lifted a little while ago, there has been many a discussion on message boards throughout the world. Mostly, or so I've found, has revolved around the Player versus Player dynamic which I don't find too surprising.

Player versus Player, after all, is a huge addition.

Player versus Player, whether you are for it or against it, is a major addition and must be handled with extreme care. If it's not, then it's a huge waste of resources, just like any other system. So the amount of talk about that system is understandable.

I'm not here to talk about Player versus Player.

Other talk has been revolving around new raid content, loot and targets, including the raising of the level cap.

I'm not here to talk about that either.

I am here to talk about something far more important whether my fellow players realize it or not. The Desert of Flames, quite simply, will add something we have been lacking for a long time: a sense of immersion and an enhanced community.

Immersion

I have firmly believed, no matter what MMORPG I have covered, that immersion is one of the single most important aspect of a games success, long term. Interestingly enough, EverQuest II has been much advertised as an incredibly immersive game but it has failed to do so on many levels.

Though this is unfair to say.

EverQuest II has gone ahead and made many leaps in the realm of immersion and it all starts with voice acting. Being able to wander through the streets of Qeynos and Freeport and having citizens and merchants interact with you as you walk by them is definitely exciting and immersive. Additionally, the graphics engine is so intense, so well done, that the world looks so real and hence immersive.

Sadly, this is not enough. Immersiveness with other players is not there.

This is the sad state of immersiveness of EverQuest II: NPCs do their role but PCs do not. In all fairness, however, the avenue to accomplish this role is simply not there.

What do I mean?

In terms of cities, in order for player immersiveness, there must be ways for players to influence and change the city around them, so it is visible to other players (and yes simply changing the way some NPCs interact towards you is not sufficient).

So how could this be done?

Well we will see this done in the city of Maj'Dul, in the Desert of Ro in the expansion. To remind my readers, when you enter the city and want to move upwards, you must choose a faction, and the two you don't choose will kill you on site, leaving you on your toes (and hopefully vulnerable to other players). There is also the avenue to start a fight at any time, with any one (PC or NPC) in the streets.

All of these things - and many more - all contribute to making a city feel alive, and hence more immersive. Qeynos and Freeport don't provide this. Those two cities, by and large, are static and lifeless. There is no real overwhelming need to return to the city, unless you're a crafter of course.

This is another thing that Maj'Dul hopefully will solve.

Every single MMORPG needs a central hub of some sorts. In Asheron's Call it was the Subway (or if you were from Harvestgain, the Hub). The original EverQuest had the East Commonlands Tunnel. Star wars Galaxies has the major cities on Corellia (Coronet), Tatooine (Bestine) and Naboo (Theed).

EverQuest II has two: Qeynos and Freeport. There is a problem, however: these hubs lack people.

There are two problems set with this predicament, hub wise: 1) the population is divided and 2) there is no need to be in those cities.

As we can fully expect, the city of Maj'Dul will solve both of these problems. Once this is done, I assure you, the game will feel much more immersive and there'll be tons of player generated content just by walking through the city streets.

Enhanced Community

The Desert of Flames expansion, more specifically the dynamic city of Maj'Dul, will give the community a much needed kick in the rear that we never thought could be possible.

Currently, as it stands right now, there is only one use for your fellow players: to work together to achieve objectives, be it raid, quest or items. In the Desert of Flames you'll have to pick your fellow players closely, for you don't know who is friend and foe.

Player versus Player, for all its faults, creates an enhanced community that cannot be seen anywhere else. Players, in the spirit of the game, possess a sheer hatred for their enemies and want to undermine them in anyway possible. Which, by the way, also includes attacking on site, no matter what they're up to.

It also works the other way, too.

Once you have found your allies there will be more dependence on keeping them close, for you don't know when tempers will rise and friends must be defended. It will truly be a unique experience.

But that's not the only way community will be enhanced in a large way.

I firmly believe that the city of Maj'Dul will act as a hub of sorts, not just for Player versus Player but for gathering players for groups and raids and to sell loot. It will literally become an interactive marketplace that will truly be a unique experience.

Quite simply, everyone will be in the same place, interacting with each other instead of far away, not interacting with each other.

Yet, with all of this in mind, one thing must be remembered: there is more to Desert of Flames then just immersion. Though, save for the addition of Player versus Player, immersion will be the most significant contribution and the one which will be least noticed.

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Posted by Anti PVP at 2005-08-31 12:54:16

Forced pvp great at least i now know what not to buy thanks

Posted by Calendri at 2005-08-31 20:30:04

There is no forced PVP in Desert of Flames.

Posted by Calendri at 2005-08-31 20:31:24

Darn me for hitting enter too soon. PVP is in the form of Duels and fighting in the Arena of Champions. Neither of which Ive personally parti*beep*ted in since I detest PVP. The expansion itself however is quite a blast.

Posted by penis stretcher at 2005-10-16 06:22:48

I agree with you the way you view the issue. I remember Jack London once said everything positive has a negative side everything negative has positive side. It is also interesting to see different viewpoints learn useful things in the discussion.