Poor Mob Design Is Ruining MMO Games
I’ve been playing MMO games for over a decade and despite the massive leaps in technology and features within that time frame, there are some aspects of the MMO game that are falling behind. One of the features that bugs me the most, the lack of innovation when it comes to creating enemies and monsters; units which feature in practically every MMO available today.
Although this is a feature I’ve had issues with for some time it only really came to the front of my mind following my time in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Despite the fact I hold the game in very high regards, it’s an issue I felt should have been avoided considering the length of time the developers had to create its inhabitants. Final Fantasy has some of the most well-known boss fights and monsters in the entire industry. Most RPG fans will instantly recognize 1000 Needles, or the Malboro’s Poison Breath, iconic abilities from famous mobs within the franchise. However, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn doesn’t really treat these much loved enemies with the respect they deserve.
Before I even reached level 20 I discovered 2 almost identical types of Cactuar, a lowly version of the Ochu and an immortal version of the Malboro. Although the Malboro was introduced well, I have also been told that the specific enemy is available in multiple forms throughout the game.
This is the area that gets on my nerves, this is the area that I feel is largely being ignored by most developers. Encountering an enemy at level 1, before encountering the exact same enemy but in a different color at end-game, it’s just poor. It ruins the feeling of progression and any pride you’ve had in your achievements as a warrior with the game. I can understand practicing on Rabbits, Ladybirds and other pointless enemies at the start but after I’ve saved the world from destruction, I expect to be given more meaningful tasks.
Obviously I haven’t played every single MMO and I’d struggle to believe anyone that said they have. So I’m looking to you, the MMO community, to provide me with games where the developers have gone above and beyond to provide meaningful opponents every step of the way. Does your MMO game of choice reuse monster models and animations? Are you bothered or is it just a necessary evil in today’s MMO environment? Post a comment with your thoughts below.
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