What Makes us Return?
October 9, 2009
As I was playing WoW this morning, I was contemplating, what makes us return to this game? I’ve spent over 100$ in the last year on new MMORPGS thinking that i’m going to play them, and stick with them. (Darkfall and Fallen Earth) Both games were awesome when I first started them, and as I played for a month or two they just lost all appeal. I then soon returned to WoW because my buddy and I made the decision to go back. Why do we always fall back on WoW?
I for one feel so dirty that i’m playing World of Warcraft again, but I think I feel even worse that i’m enjoying it. The questing, the PvE, the PvP, the gear, etc etc. What’s weird is when most people go back to games they only last a month or two, when I return to WoW (I think this is my 6th or 7th time) I usually end up staying for 5-6+ months. It holds me that long. We tried to return to AoC and didn’t last more than a month. I know if we went back to Darkfall it’d be the same. Fallen Earth I wouldn’t even try, but here we are…back to Warcraft.
I think most people “fall back” on the game because it’s genuinely FUN. For what it is it’s well made, interesting, and has lots to do for a long time. Even with achievements (even though they are just a grind) it’s still a cookie our psyche still wants to gobble it up with a glass of milk. Now that the game has become even easier it’s so simple for 1-4 people jump in and have a blast for several hours a few times a week. Hit up an instance, or a battleground and “party on Wayne” in vent. Most of the quests are interesting, the combat, even though it’s push button wack-a-mole and takes almost no thought is entertaining and addictive. It’s so casual you can enjoy it once a week, and you do not feel like you suck because you didn’t play 24 hours for 5 days. Even if you are someone that can do that stuff nowadays you can, and still enjoy it.
Most of these MMORPGs now aren’t fun. Darkfall is a job, even with the new skillgain, you feel like an assclown if you don’t play all day. Even if you do play all day the game ends up feeling like a single player wanna-be Morrowind. Fallen Earth is so boring after a week. Even the crafting gets old. Harvesting constantly gets old, especially if you are using guns and have to supply your ammo. I enjoy a challenge but that hits levels of monotony that’s pointless.
I by far enjoy the low level game a lot more than end game. I enjoy the journey and everything it takes to get to the top. I won’t even go into end game stuff. I just want to level my little dwarf warrior with my buddies, hit up some instances and challenge ourselves to beat them with less than is suggested, and have a “good ol’ gamin’ time.”
It’s almost amazing how much i’ve changed over the years. I really miss the hardcore days of playing nonstop for hours with pure addiction and hardcore PvP, but I am almost having as much fun being casual and a newbie.
World of Warcraft – it’s amazing, once or twice a week.
