MMORPGs have been developed with the idea that worlds are inhabited not (only) by NPCs, but mainly by players who act together or against each other. However, single-player elements often find their way into games – though not always.
Shroud of the Avatar
The “Selective Multiplayer RPG” Shroud of the Avatar aims to blend single-player and MMO gaming experiences and even offers an optional offline mode where the game is supposed to play like a regular single-player game. This leads to conflicts within the community as each side believes that their gaming experience could be negatively impacted by the other.
Currently, there is no sign of the actual single-player experience in SotA, but discussions in the forum flared up again last week. Meanwhile, the developers have been working on a new scene for the game, which will be completely playable in single-player mode and only solo, advancing the story: Highvale Village.
Star Citizen
At their own convention, CitizenCon, Cloud Imperium also presented the single-player mode Squadron 42 in Star Citizen. In this, a story similar to that of the old Wing Commander games is presented. Mark Hamill (Star Wars), Gary Oldman (Harry Potter), and Gillian Anderson (The X-Files), along with other well-known actors, portray characters in the story and lend their appearance and (in the English version) also their voices through motion capturing.
Additionally, for the first time, it was shown how the multiplayer interaction will function – in an alpha demo, all previous modules have been combined. It seems that the statements from “industry expert” Derek Smart may not be true after all. Because Star Citizen gives a very lively impression and seems to be making significant progress.
The Park
Funcom, known as the developer of the MMOs The Secret World and Age of Conan, is now attempting a single-player game. The Park is a horror game in which you embody a mother who loses her child in an amusement park. Things are not right there. A video has now been released for the first time that explains what it is about – featuring in-game scenes.
The Park is a sort of spin-off to Funcom’s The Secret World and even uses the same engine. This makes sense here: Because TSW is especially praised for its exciting, challenging quests, which is why it received the label “Best Single-Player MMO” in our review. One may not only look forward to the game itself, but also to what Funcom learns from the development and how, for example, the company’s MMOs can benefit from story elements. One can hope that Funcom – after the recent negative reports about the financial situation – will achieve success again.
Novus Inceptio
Single Player is in the foreground in this sandbox, although it also offers MMO elements. You are one of the few survivors of a global catastrophe on an unknown planet. Survival is therefore the main focus. While you initially start alone and have to struggle through like in a typical survival game to obtain equipment and protection, you can later team up with other players to build fortifications. But who can you really trust?
This interesting indie MMO is currently in an early access phase and has now been expanded with a ghost mode that allows players to play completely alone – even offline. This shows that the developers place great importance on the single-player aspect.
Crowfall
The MMO Crowfall has nothing to do with single-player and does not hide that fact. Sandbox and PvP are at the forefront. Nevertheless, there is also a story, and with Zaleena, an important NPC has been introduced. She is referred to as the daughter of the serpent and avoids sunlight. What this mysterious person is about will probably be revealed soon. Additionally, the official Crowfall website provides insight into the creation of the castles, which will play an important role in the conquests.
Life is Feudal
You can also venture alone in the sandbox MMORPG Life is Feudal, but it is generally not advisable. The open PvP system makes every lone wolf easy prey for bandits. The latest version of the MMO has now introduced a trading system between players and brings more stability. Cultivating fields and other activities should now be more manageable.
And what has happened this week predominantly in the indie MMO scene will be revealed next Monday. Because then the new issue of our article series “Respec” will be released.
