Dear readers, we are expecting an insane MMORPG year 2014. Seriously, if you compare it to the hibernation in 2013, there are worlds apart. It will be exciting to see which MMO will convince us or maybe even disappoint us.
A whole series of supposedly top-notch online role-playing games will be released, all of which can be called AAA titles:
The Elder Scrolls Online, WildStar, ArcheAge, and Everquest Next (Landmark) – these are probably the greatest MMORPG hopes for 2014, which could not be more different, and from which we will certainly hear a lot. It also looks very much like there will be something for every type of player.
Wait a minute! We forgot someone here. There’s also the genre primus World of Warcraft. He must not be missing, but it’s almost like with Klitschko: Only retirement will make room for a new king – unless the mighty, gigantic, and intimidating WoW has already exceeded its prime. Will a certain frailty become apparent this year?
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The Elder Scrolls Online
Let’s start with the ambitious MMO project from Bethesda. Elder Scrolls Online is set to release at the beginning of April and will most likely be the first contender in the ring. TESO’s gameplay is oriented towards the extremely popular single-player RPG Skyrim, which is the absolute mainstay in the genre.
Let’s look back: What do we associate with Skyrim? A distinctive atmosphere with beautiful scenery, an active combat system, and the captivating story. While these are not the only parallels between the two games, they are enough to give you an impression of what you can expect at a similar level here. Also in The Elder Scrolls Online, which takes place about 1000 years before Skyrim.
But since this is an online role-playing game logic dictates that social features also play a significant role. Who wouldn’t want to defeat mighty creatures alongside friends in the Elder Scrolls Saga or face human intelligence in the enemy factions? Exactly, prepare yourselves for group content like dungeons or an exciting PvP spectacle for dominance over Tamriel, in addition to solo missions!
We believe that Elder Scrolls Online will be a major blockbuster simply because of its very famous license. The experienced developers know exactly how to captivate players, as you can practically count on an immersive open world. The open PvP should be anything but trivial, since here DaoC legend Matt Frior pulls the strings.
The question is whether its gameplay, which comes across as somewhat atypical for the genre, will appeal to classic MMO players as well. And was the bold pay-to-play model the right choice here? In less than three months we will know more about whether the perhaps already high expectations can be met!
ESO was released on 04.04.2014, read here how we rated the MMORPG:
- The Elder Scrolls Online in Test: Is TESO Worth It?
- Tamriel Reborn – Fresh Start with PS4 and Xbox One Version?
- Test Diary: As Much Long-term Fun as Skyrim
- After Launch: An MMO Refreshes Itself
WildStar
Crazy, crazier – WildStar! 8 years, the 200 employees from Carbine have been working on creating an MMORPG that will leave a lasting impression on everyone – probably a disturbing one, but also a positive one at the same time. That sounds a bit paradoxical, but somehow also awesome? Congratulations, then you are already successful.
The list of planned features for the release is very long; they want to offer visitors on the planet Nexus a lot of variety. Whether it’s challenging raids, extensive housing, an innovative combat system, or a sophisticated path and profession system – you definitely won’t get bored quickly here, and that is not just due to the humor but also the game’s quality. By the way, many old WoW developers are on board, who have chosen this sci-fi adventure as a new challenge together. Rumor has it that it could be a good sign to rely partly on successful virtues from back then.
First experiences already show that WildStar could be the ultimate savior. It seems to attract players who long for innovations as well as those who seek something new but do not want to miss classic elements. These are not split personalities; no, that describes this MMORPG hope very well: You feel at home and it is even exciting! It almost reminds you of couples who have been together for 20 years and still find ways to experience wild adventures together, playing with their tongues as if it were the first time. But will everyone warm up to the stylistically exaggerated style and the insane characters?
WildStar was released on 03.06.2014, here you can read how we rated the SF-MMO:
- WildStar in Test: The New Star in the MMO Sky?
- The Endgame in Test
- 10 Reasons Why WildStar is Worth It
Everquest Next (Landmark)
The sandbox adventure Everquest Next goes through as the double Lottchen for us. It almost borders on anti-competitive behavior since Sony wants to create a stir with two titles! Everquest Next and Everquest Next: Landmark. The free MMOs are, however, more different than their titles might suggest, but both could revolutionize the genre in their own way.
Already Everquest Next has set high ambitions. With a fully destructible voxel environment, 40 playable classes, and mob hordes that follow their own agendas, the next-gen MMORPG is setting new standards. Moreover, it is a real beauty and incredibly good-looking. It will also be exciting to finally discover what the Everquest makers have learned from the upheavals in the MMORPG field. After all, Everquest has long been the first address when it comes to fantasy MMORPGs. Perhaps Everquest Next signifies a return to the throne for Sony?
Recommended articles:
- Everquest Next: The Next Big Thing
- Landmark Trailer
- Sandbox is the Future and the Hype around the Sandbox
- EQ Next: Release 2015?
- Everquest Next/Landmark: How Are SOE’s MMO Hopes Doing?
However, things get really crazy with the sandbox game Everquest Landmark, which is set to release this year, compared to the role-playing version. Here, players are to have the opportunity to create their own realm. The player is no longer just a visitor in a world but becomes its creator. Everquest Landmark is not just limited to fantasy elements but is supposed to allow creative players to let their imagination run wild. This marks the dawn of a whole new era in MMORPGs!
ArcheAge
The Asian free-to-play fantasy MMO ArcheAge builds literally on numerous sandbox features in a medieval setting that should also find resonance in the West. The almost limitless possibilities are considered the flagship here.
ArcheAge offers many opportunities in an open world to pass the time: Build houses, castles, or farms and breed animals? No problem. With the multifaceted professions, it is also a paradise for crafting enthusiasts, and during the battles at sea, one almost feels like Captain Jack Sparrow. A player-driven economy, gripping besiege wars, and the immensely comprehensive class system round off the list but only reflect a small part of the possible player experiences.
Recommended articles:
- My MMO Interview with ArcheAge Chef Scott Hartsmann
- ArcheAge Release on 16.09.2014
- Alpha Trailer and Housing
- Gameplay Scenes
After annoying delays regarding the release, it is finally getting serious! Recently, the CEO of Trion Worlds (publisher for ArcheAge in EU/NA) revealed to us that there is already a playable English version and the release date is approaching rapidly. A reason to rejoice. Since they are opting for a free game model, probably only Everquest Next is a direct competitor – both games are also referred to as sandbox MMOs. In hindsight, it may have been a clever ‘move’ to postpone the release since the Korean version initially faced many problems.
World of Warcraft – Warlords of Draenor
Blizzard wants to remain at the top of the food chain with World of Warcraft also this year. In recent years, many WoW killers have been conjured up and the downfall of the giant has been predicted, but ultimately, it was nothing more than hot air. To ensure that the privilege of being the genre head remains in favor of WoW, they are launching a counterattack with the expansion Warlords of Draenor!
This year, the battle for first place could be more exciting, as never before has the competition been this fierce! The developers’ blog entries are already sounding like a declaration of war, as if they want to say: “We won’t hide this year and will give it our all!”.
Recommended articles:
- WoW Strikes Back! and Level Boost
- Warlords of Draenor: What’s New? and part 2 with more info on WoD
- New Character Textures
- Garrison: The “WoW Housing” and Follower System
- Warlords of Draenor releases on 13.11.2014
To give substance to this indirect promise, they are relying on proven improvements with the latest expansion and also on content that players have been wishing for a long time. The long-awaited housing finally receives its entry into the world of Azeroth after many years. And the fact that character models are getting a major overhaul or the story ties back to old times only clearly shows what the goal is: Keeping active players engaged, winning back former players, and attracting new players with notable modernizations. Whether this can be achieved for another year, we will know at the latest in 2015.
Was there not more?
Certainly, we are fully aware of this – but here, the focus is on the big new releases.
The doomsday MMO shooter The Division was not listed here incidentally because it reportedly only releases in 2015 according to the latest reports. That would have also been a candidate and could have given the whole thing a different title.
Of course, there are also some other MMO(G)s from the last few years that can show off with some developments. We are excited to see how Guild Wars 2, Neverwinter, Final Fantasy XIV: ARR, Dragon’s Prophet, Defiance, Tera or Star Wars: The Old Republic will face the competition in the highly contested market!
Furthermore, many are still hoping that Blade&Soul will eventually release in Europe and America! Since the announcement over a year ago, it has unfortunately been extremely quiet about the very popular Asia MMORPG from NCSoft. Is the focus now on the West entirely on WildStar at least in 2014?
And how does the indie MMO The Repopulation fare, which has gained great popularity on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter and also focuses on sandbox elements like Everquest Next and ArcheAge? As soon as we know more, we will definitely report separately on that! Similar is the case with the Ultima Online successor Shroud of the Avatar. These are certainly games with potential, but a soon release is debatable.
Who will take the throne?
Yes, who will win the favor of hungry MMO fans? Ah, we don’t know that yet – we are many things, but not prophets. Only when the games are released on us passionate gamers can we assess how things will likely continue and especially what ratings we will give. And who knows, like in boxing, there are several belts to be proud of. We may even crown several world champions in different categories!
But since we still have something to say, we will do so. If you want to know what the Mein MMO editorial team is particularly looking forward to, then click through the tabs.
What we are eagerly interested in is what you are looking forward to in 2014?
Björn is Excited
As an absolute MMO fan, I’ve actually been looking forward to 2014 for over a year! YAY – this is NOW! Why? Because as a fan of online games and the Elder Scrolls series, I am of course very much looking forward to the combination of both – The Elder Scrolls Online! YEAH!
There’s no question, the combination of both elements will inevitably lead to the loss of certain attributes, but I firmly believe that the game will still captivate me for a longer time. For how long? Well, we will have to see. But the odds are good that I will probably still be engaged during the next Christmas and New Year holidays for you. And while I can’t tell you anything (yet) about the beta, I can at least reveal that my impressions were mostly very positive. 🙂
Almost a bit sad with all the joy could be the release of WildStar this year. Initially not convinced by the colorful world, a somewhat deeper engagement with the content-rich game slowly but surely raised my interest significantly. I fear that TESO will have to endure some occasional breaks. But that might not be a bad thing because it will curb the consumption a bit and I might enjoy my favorite longer.
I’m also curious about the F2P MMO ArcheAge and EverQuest Next (if it comes in 2014). I give both games a very good chance to establish themselves well in the fiercely competitive MMO battlefield. Coming from a completely different theme, MMOTPS Defiance has, to be honest, captivated me with its concept, and I am burning with interest in how it will progress. Moreover, the shooter together with colleague Planetside offers a pleasant change from the otherwise fantasy-rich offerings.
And last, but not least: World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor. I definitely need to try out the latest add-on of the MMO grandpa. Especially due to the strong reference to the good old Burning Crusade, I can imagine that at least one or the other long-lost gamer will hop back into the lap of the original.
On the other hand, the competition this year is extremely fierce, and the enthusiasm for the title is not exactly at its highest level. WHO CARES! 2014 will be really exciting, and I hope I can still get some (extra) sleep with all these great games! 😛
In this sense! See you ON THE LINE!
Your Björn
Schuhmann hopes for Everquest Next and WildStar
I am looking forward to the diversity of different MMOs this year. As someone freshly divorced from WoW, I have the freedom of choice, have no obligations, and want it to stay that way. Because being on the treadmill in a guild with fixed raids often makes an MMORPG feel like an unpaid job – I don’t want to deal with that for the foreseeable future.
But I am definitely looking forward to WildStar. The little I have read so far sounds like a wonderful opportunity to dive in and switch off. I expect a sugar rush from WildStar like from Borderlands 2: Log in, walk two meters, and off you go.
I am still very interested in Guild Wars 2 with its crafting system and the possibility to drop by every now and then to see how the story has progressed. I could well imagine spending my summer vacation in Tyria.
A hardcore trip that I have wanted to indulge in for years leads me to Eve Online. Even in 2014, the game exerts an enormous appeal. But the threshold to really get into it has always been a little too high for me over the years. Perhaps 2014 is finally the year.
Depending on whether it comes out in 2014 or not, the crown jewel for me is also Everquest Next. The philosophy of the game and the ideas behind it simply convince me, and I am eager to dive into the world and establish myself there. And preferably from the beginning, to enjoy that virgin stage where everyone is a bit of a noob. I haven’t had that last time over ten years ago in Dark Age of Camelot, and I miss it a bit.
Cortyn: WoW, Hearthstone, and WildStar are on the list
For me, three games in particular stand out for the year 2014.
Starting with the CCG “Hearthstone”, which should soon enter open beta and has already kept me glued to my computer for many nights. Many additional contents are already announced, so the card game will remain fun for a long time.
Secondly, my list contains the new WoW add-on “Warlords of Draenor”, which will probably lead me back to my MMO roots and ruin one or the other semester paper while I face the iron horde.
However, at the top of my list is WildStar. If the developers manage to present a playable open beta version before the release of “Warlords of Draenor”, all other role-playing games will be dead to me for now since I will probably spend weeks – if not months – setting up my Esper’s house and exploring every corner of Nexus with her.
And as soon as that’s done, I will dive into the promising RP of the world and finally allow myself to get fully immersed in an MMO – farewell, my fellow students! See you during the first maintenance activities!
The Elder Scrolls Online and WildStar are Dawid’s Highlights
I am honestly still a bit torn by the incredible selection, which is why I am quite happy that the games are not all releasing at the same time. This way, I can take my time to examine each highlight in peace.
My starting point will be The Elder Scrolls Online. My first impression is that it will captivate me for a while. Currently, however, I don’t see it as the savior but rather as a great change after a hard day. It remains to be seen whether TESO can bind me in the long term. I am still a bit critical of the ‘end content’. Does a story-heavy game still convince when the story is over? Sure, the PvP mass battles have their appeal, but as mentioned, it’s more for me a change. If I don’t find motivating PvE content that doesn’t come across as generic, it will likely stay that way.
ArcheAge and Everquest Next (Landmark) are of interest for the simple reason of letting one’s creativity run wild. Sandbox games have appealed to me since childhood, and with these sandbox MMOs, I don’t even have to get dirty if I want to build something! Since my free time is quite limited and games of this kind often consume a lot of time, I am first turning to other MMORPGs. One must set priorities!
In summary, it boils down to TESO and WildStar for me. If time permits, I will surely take a quick look at the sandbox variants as well.
