In terms of the cycle of MMO player base death and rebirth FFXI is sort of fading away from peoples memory. The earlier generations are definitely absent, CKD is long dead, and the remnants of NA HNM shells are slowly and painfully dying out even from the stock of newer generations. Its a terrible, slow, and agonizing process, but lo on the horizon distant obsessions call. They're new games in the works, more mind-numbing MMO grinders to happily throw our hours at. So what new games are you looking for? What are you hoping will be your next FFXI? (Or even your next WoW). Or.. have you decided to call it quits for good and spend more time with that special someone? What on hopes of hopes are you looking foward to in terms of the MMO scene? For me honestly one of the most exciting parts was looking foward, and finally, creating a character in a game I really wanted to play. So, let me rekindle that giddy excitement of upcoming gaming goodness. Let's set aside our FFXI sins and join hands to take a peek at any upcoming prospects...
Lord of the Rings Online: Backed by a very big franchise, this game looks to be a true overlord of the MMO scene. I know they're people who know a lot more about this game than I do since its in beta, however, this is still most likely a clear pick in my mind for people who're after the classical and familiar fantasy setting.
Vanguard: Saga of heroes: They're nothing but glowing reviews from any fan or from any PR person behind the making of Vanguard, but much like Bush's policies, believing in something doesn't always make it work.. so, with that in mind, I have no idea what to see in this game or if it is really any good. I hear "amazing" but I also hear its convoluted and the biggest time sink of anything conceived, ever--quite contrary to the advertising towards hardcore players without somehow taking their lives away from loved ones. Love it or hate it, if your looking forward to it please do tell.
Aion: Tower of Eternity: Corwin introduced me to this game last night and I have to say it does look attractive. Angels versus Demons versus dragons, the former two player controlled and the latter computer dragon faction to bring a little balance in case the holy crusading or the satanic rituals get a little out of hand.
Pirates of the Burning Sea: Pirates set in a faux historical setting of the Caribbeans in 1720 where Pirate, English, Spanish, and French factions struggle to fuck each other over, take ports, take ships, take loot, and just generally plunder. Sounds like the ultimate grief game, but we'll see, haha
These are a handful of some popular picks coming down the line. There's still more WoW content on the horizon so I imagine many are going to stay put, and there's possibly World(s) of Starcraft, another Blizzard title to consume more souls. Or are you sick of MMOs? Do you want to swear off the genre for good? Have you made the choice to either give them up for irl or just off line games? What're you looking forward to if you want to keep up with the genre?