Christmas is just around the corner, and so is the end of the year. Instead of looking back, I’m taking a look forward to the MMORPGs that I’m particularly excited about in 2016.
Shroud of the Avatar
By now, it should be clear that this is an absolute highlight for me. Yes, I complain a lot about certain game mechanics and I’m skeptical whether the Selective Multiplayer RPG can really deliver what it promises, but only because I expect so much from it. And that involves several things: On the one hand, I wish for a sandbox MMORPG in the style of Ultima Online; on the other hand, a single-player RPG that can connect to the classic Ultima 7.
2016 will be an interesting year for SotA, as the foundation is nearly complete, the game elements are set, and now flesh must be added to the bones. I’m especially curious about how the story plays out and how sandbox and narrative can be combined. Hopefully the game will also be released in 2016 – although I prefer that the developers take the time they need to do it right and well.
Chronicles of Elyria
A game that simply sounds too good to be true. Chronicles of Elyria aims to provide a sandbox world where players can enjoy a lot of freedom. Whether you are an adventurer or a trader, you will be able to sustainably influence the world and its history.
The permadeath system with your own family dynasty carrying on the works sounds very exciting. The dynamic story that develops based on the players’ actions, the interesting housing system, and the vibrant game world could keep me engaged for a long time – provided everything plays out as it sounds.
Revival
A dark world that is dirty and brutal. Revival by Ilfonic could offer players something that most colorful MMORPGs can’t – realism. As nice as it is to jump through colorful woods with elves, dwarves, and gnomes, sometimes it’s fun to explore the dark worlds. Revival aims to mix sandbox elements with quests and a story similar to Chronicles of Elyria.
The stories will be created around the clock by a team and will impact the world. Entire cities can be brought to the ground. Additionally, sex plays a role, allowing you to gain a temporary boost. Or you can hunt whales in the vast oceans of the game world.
Star Citizen
Okay, the chances are probably slim that Star Citizen will be released in 2016, but one should never lose hope. Chris Roberts’ space epic could be what fans of Freelancer or Wing Commander have always wanted. A huge galaxy full of adventures where you can travel as a pirate, mercenary, or trader, engage in space battles, explore abandoned stations or planets, and try to become living legends in space with your crew.
The Repopulation
While Star Wars: The Old Republic satisfies my hunger for science fiction in MMORPGs, sometimes I just want to do my own thing and not follow a predefined story. The sandbox elements of the online role-playing game The Repopulation sound simply enticing. Exploring a wild planet, building cities, and fighting against the aliens of a foreign world. That could be very appealing to me!
Whether the listed games will really be released in 2016 is of course uncertain – as is always the case with computer games. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to the online games. And looking at this list, I don’t get the feeling that the genre has less and less to offer – on the contrary! 2016 can come!
