The Digital Continuum: Five criminally unused MMO settings
Conventionally, an overlooked setting or genre for MMOs is considered science fiction, but that's quickly becoming an invalid argument. Instead, a spotlight on some very specific IPs and settings left to collect dust was in order.
The goal I set out with was to pick concepts that were both deserving but also not immediately obvious to every person. So I hope that after checking out what's after the break, you'll find at least one or two setting you may not have considered until today.
Shadowrun
Without realizing it, last week I basically wrote a long-winded and indulgent declaration on why there really and truly needs to be a Shadowrun MMORPG. Since you can go read last week's column I won't spend too much time opining yet again on this particular IP -- even though such a prospect whets my geeky appetite.
When a world where urban fantasy and cyberpunk merge into the mundane modern world as though it were no different than a new iPhone coming out, you'll find me somewhere at a podium hand slamming hyperbolic speeches on why we need to mobilize on this immediately. Do you want to be an elf touting a sniper rifle, teleportation and a couple combat knives for good measure? You got it! Oh and hey, don't forget you can log into the worldwide wifi Matrix and navigate through it with your VR interface.
Do I really need to go on? If I've sparked an interest in some of you out there, then I'm more than happy to plug your braintips into the world of Shadowrun. Enjoy.
Harry Potter
Apparently I'm not alone in wanting to explore an online world of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. At least, I'm not alone in my age group. Our site lead Michael Zenke also agrees that a Harry Potter MMO experience really needs to happen.
Another point we both agree on is that free-to-play is the right way to go. Just take a look at Free Realms and its smart, super-slick and plucky design. Now imagine a Harry Potter MMO of that caliber. Now, with your eyes closed tightly, imagine a version of Niagara Falls where all the water is replaced with money.
Kids who've been growing up on stuff like Nexon games are already used to spending their money in small, optional chunks. They also don't have a prejudiced concept of quality and content that most assume is non-existent with the business model. As for the rest of us, well we're kind of a foot note. Harry Potter fans are legion.
Disgaea
All I should have to say here is, "Prinny, dood!" and be done, right?
Okay fine, I suppose that more explanation than that could be required. For those unfamiliar with Disgaea, it's a turn-based, 4x grid, strategy RPG. Build your party of varied classes, level 'em up, and fight your way through all sorts of battles -- it's that simple. Except with the added insanity of the underworld constantly vying for the king's throne, backstabbing demons and repenting souls trapped inside peg-legged, demon-winged penguins that explode when thrown.
Ah, how I love Prinnies.
Beyond the distinct and most profoundly succulent flavor of the Disgaea series, making an MMO version adds the obvious benefit of PvP matches. But there's more to be done than simple deathmatch mode. It would be missing the bigger picture to forget about the untapped concept of cooperative battles again epic foes or eye-straining weekend tournaments.
Sure, there are other entries in this genre already, but the draw of Disgaea cannot be underestimated. It's nectar is a powerful aphrodisiac for turn-based strategy gamers. With the right marketing, and of course proper course of development it could be a very strong multi-business model MMO.
