In Camelot Unchained, the spiritual successor to the PvP classic Dark Age of Camelot, the stats system has now been introduced. And it is surprisingly retro.
Inspired by Pen and Paper
Inspired by Pen and Paper games and a lovely “earlier time”, the concept of the system becomes clear. Unlike modern MMOs, where everything can be customized in character creation, except for anything that affects gameplay, Camelot Unchained will allow for disastrous skill builds even at character creation. The player receives some points to invest in attributes.
Lead developer Marc Jacobs sees it as the players’ freedom to intentionally gimp themselves. And anyone who insists on running around with a weak and sickly tank can certainly do so and bear the consequences. However, unlike MMOs from earlier generations, there will be respec options available.
Stats Increase with Use
The stats in Camelot Unchained intentionally diverge in several ways from the current MMO standard. The concept papers state clearly: “Does not conform to today’s standard -> Good!” There will be stats like “Weight” that make it easier to shove opponents and harder to be shoved yourself. Furthermore, values will determine hearing and vision capabilities.
Additionally, they want to break free from an XP system where a character magically gathers points to then make a career leap by using a “thing” to suddenly distribute the accrued points in attributes they might not have even trained. Therefore, in Camelot Unchained, values will increase through use. Moreover, points in individual attributes won’t make the character “directly” stronger, but rather allow access to new items and abilities.
By the way, with items – similar to the early Dark Age of Camelot – there will simply be no stats. This is to avoid stats inflation.
My MMO believes: Even if Camelot Unchained is something that will only be explored in more depth in 2015/2016, several interesting concepts are already identifiable that seemed a bit out of fashion. However, such a path can help distinguish itself from the mass of MMOs.
Since Camelot Unchained has a clear target audience (former Dark Age of Camelot players), it will be very interesting to see if Jacobs can excite the fans, many of whom reminisce fondly about their time in DAOC but have likely outgrown the typical MMO power gamer age. Therefore, systems that prevent grinding fit well into the concept. The stats system, as unusual as it may seem, certainly makes sense and could provide an interesting variation.
