Originality in EO

Regarding the comments that were left after my 'Things RO has that EO needs' post, I'm turning it into an entry of its own. Because I've been thinking along the same lines recently. So sorry people (aiixo :P) but part 2 isn't up -just- yet.


The comment which got me thinking was from Kamileah. Hope you don't mind me reposting it here, Kam. Also, please note this post isn't directed at you. I'm just using your comment as the starter.

"Well, Vult is trying too hard to make the game totally original, and his "originality" could go a bit too far and use a totally absurd idea, when the best choice would be going for the conventional, maybe a bit twisted, but the conventional.

He tries too hard."

I partially agree with this. It does seem like he's going for something not seen before, what with the introduction of frankly bizarre classes like the skeleton, panda, and orcs (Seriously Vult.. an endangered species, a fictional species, and a dead species?). But apart from the races, there's not that much originality in EO yet. The only two other completely original things I can think of are the fairysoda effect and the idea of moderating the game entirely on detection programs (which I still think is a TERRIBLE IDEA).

The game layout, appearance and general feel is very similar to Dark Ages. But that's been discussed enough in other places, so I won't start here. There's also the argument that items like the Dragon Blade, Ultima Blade and D Armor were copied from other games. If we really wanted to, we could pick holes in EO and establish links to other games all day.

But there's no point. The truth is that no game out there is 100% original. Even the first videogame ever, Pong, was inspired by tennis. With all the creation in the world, some ideas are bound to influence or appear similar to others. It doesn't always mean it's intentional.

Furthermore there's nothing wrong with an idea that works! Taking the example from my previous entry reagarding player shops, the reason most MMOs have these are because they're so popular and work so well. If it was left out of EO purely on the grounds of 'not being original enough', the game would miss out on a great feature.

Which is why I don't see anything wrong with copying ideas from other games. EO can still be different and innovative without having to avoid features from other MMOs. A few months ago Wickedfrost suggested using the softpad technology to make Endless playable on PDAs. How cool would that be? I believe this would also be the first time any online game has tried such a thing, if it were to happen.

One final point. Classes are rumoured to be introduced in v26. I hope Vult sticks to the traditional classes of fantasy games (warrior/mage/ranger/healer) when this is added, and not try to be too original. Looking at the current state of EO, you could easily come up with classes such as: beggar, backstabber, drama queen, KSer, irritating ctrl-humping bard.... :P

Off now. Ta-ta.