Those of us playing Final Fantasy XIV have had about two months with Stormblood now, which has prompted one complaint to come out as the “main” complaint of the expansion: it’s not all that different from what the game was before. Which strikes me, at least, as a somewhat silly complaint; of course it’s not all that different, it’s an expansion to the same game. I wouldn’t buy a Star Wars: The Old Republic expansion expecting the game to suddenly become something other than it already was, after all. Why would I be upset that the expansion to a game I enjoy is… more of that game?
But then, that may just be me. Heck, it may just be that this particular game aligns nicely with my personal interests. After all, Guild Wars 2 had an expansion which arguably changed the core of its gameplay already, although there’s some debate about whether it was for better or worse. World of Warcraft has been through many sea changes with its various expansions. So maybe that’s what people really want from an expansion?
Let’s put it to you, dear readers. Should expansions change the core of an MMO? Or would you prefer that a new expansion gives you the same core game with enhancements rather than changing the heart of the experience?
Every morning, the Massively Overpowered writers team up with mascot Mo to ask MMORPG players pointed questions about the massively multiplayer online roleplaying genre. Grab a mug of your preferred beverage and take a stab at answering the question posed in today’s Daily Grind!
