Roleplaying in Anarchy Online
I'm sorry to post an ooc message on this board, but I felt it was the only place I could get an accurate response. I am thinking about purchasing AO, but I have a few concerns about it.
I'm looking for the MMORPG with the most roleplaying opportunities, as well as the most roleplaying actually done in it. As I research the game, I see many positive and many negative signs. I read about the story arc, the news stories about the attempted assassination, being able to attend the committee meeting, and all these other things, and I am blown away. Then I read posts on message boards that sound like something about EverQuest except 'cleric' is replaced by 'doctor', 'spells' by 'programs', etc.
I just wanted to hear, from people who have actually been in the game, and know what roleplaying is, which one of the two is prevalent. Do a fair amount of people roleplay, and does the game provide a good environment for it? Or is it very similar to EQ, with a total minority roleplaying, and the vast majority happily camping so they can get experience and advance their character in a world that is made for people to do only that.
I also want to make a distinction here...I feel like there is a significant difference between a realistic world that provides a good overall sort of political roleplay environment, which this game seems to be, as opposed to a game that encourage more individual, character roleplaying. From what I have heard from people, AO is more of the former, with a lot of struggle between the factions and animosity between the opposing groups, but not as much individual personality. Please clear this up for me, as it is really important to me to have the individual style be the focus.
Am I making the distinction clear here? I realize many people may have personalities and backgrounds to their characters, but how much interaction is there that involves this and makes it worthwhile and fun?
Any help you guys can provide would really assist me in deciding whether to play this game or not, so thanks a lot.
yet another sidenote (wink)
lotsa RPing, especially if you know where to go... its especially good on the political side imho tho. You almost never fail to get a good reaction by making a political statement. Its like magic :)
3 days in and I'm loving it!
OOC:
I've played many RPGs, both online and in Real Life(tm). I beta tested Ultima Online and left when I realized that it would never
live up to my expectations. I want a world where players can make a difference, where roleplaying is respected, and expected.
I'm only 3 days in, and level 7, but already I am impressed with AO, both the players and the game itself. The players are great, passionate, not afraid to discuss, argue, flame, whatever is necessary. I've been trying to stir things up in the "In-Character" and "Story" boards a little for that reason. I feel good about the
player base, in general.
The game itself is great, lots of choices everywhere you turn ... great scenery, lots to see and do ... and it appears that Funcom is really serious about player interactivity with their storyline. (Something many other MMORPGs have promised and never delivered.) That alone is awesome, as well as difficult to pull off. Someone will always be unhappy with how they handle it, but oh well.
All in all, I can't wait to get out of work and go play some more!
See you all in Rubi-Ka!
- Sllaagor
Clan Atrox Enforcer