Living in a virtual world: the absolute and total immersion of a persistent world that does not capitulate to player whims, but is unwavering and consistent. The world doesn't have to be fair. It just has to be consistent.
Mystery and speculations-gone-rampant.
The unexpected changes in how the gameplay evolves by the players discovering ways to do things that were unintended or not thought of (dropping items on the ground to trade to an alt, swarm kiting, etc.)
The lore and being able to live within that story.
Complexity
My favorite aspect...and what I am hoping to return in Pantheon - is the rush of adrenaline I got from knowing there are real consiquences for death. When you pulled too many mobs, and your tank drops and you're not sure if you're whole group will wipe...and you're bound 4 zones away...that feeling of anxiety and adrenaline...that is what EQ gave me, that is what I hope returns. New MMO's make it so easy, die...respawn right outside the dungeon entry with all your gear and a small debuff...and run in again. No real fear of dying or failing or mistakes....I want THAT FEELING....back! :)
Building/growing a community in the game and seeing it successful. I love the idea that you log in to see the wave of greetings in guild chat.
Dungeon crawls are a close 2nd. They don't exist in many games anymore, but when you feel like you have to work your way through an area and not just smash your face through it.
Fantasy World
When I was young you could only read about fantasy worlds like Tolkien’s.
I always dreamed of being able to visit and interact with these worlds I had read about.
MMORPG's have brought those fantasy worlds to life and allowed us all to be a part of that reality.
Kilsin said:What is your favorite aspect of playing MMORPGs? #MMORPG #communitymatters
Well that is tough question becuase there is many aspect of MMORPGS that I love.
Overall the immersion of game that draws into that world not on just a gameplay. Let me explain, on communtiy level where I am grouping, raiding or whatever then suddenly gets side track because we failing at the raid, raiding /"drinking" and having a good time becuase no one cares if we succeed ...its all about making friends and having fun. Sure its a great when we succed but its even better when have fun and fail.
Being able to invest into my character and knowing that I will look different from others and others will know me based on my action and behavior...not on some gearscore.
Having a game challenge in all aspects wether it is crafting, grouping, raiding and etc., but not taking away from one area to satify another. Not being having to forced into action combat but more strategic combat where it allows me to socialize with others. Also allowing me to solo at times in either categories when I chose to. The lore of game must be present and imbedded into the game so the story keeps making you want to know more or force you to choose a side and gets you emotionally drawn into that world ... your friends, guildmates and your toon.
Immersion is not just at individual level but also at the community level.
The concept of building your character. I always liked the aspect of logging back on and my character is still there. Most other genres give you ranks, skins, and levels now, but back in the day it was just MMOs that brought that, and I liked seeing my accomplishment(character) load up and still have all of his hard earned stuff. Also, like the aspect of getting into tough situations and persevere.