The first fall quarter of the new console generation is just over the horizon. It reminds me not only of all the games that are set to arrive, but also of one of the main buzzwords that seems to be defining the start of the PS4/XBO generation, “Console MMO”. Among all the other major breakthroughs promised, the games of this new generation seek to set a new standard for online multiplayer: player populated open worlds. Destiny, created by Halo developer Bungie, seeks to be a pioneer in this brave new genre. However, will it really be like World of Warcraft on a console? Using the Destiny Beta as an early indicator, allow me to shed some light on the topic.
First and foremost is the character creation.
The ability to choose and customize your own avatar within the virtual world is a hallmark of the genre. Facial features, gender, body type, species, and (most importantly) combat class are all typical options during this earliest of early stages. Well, right off the bat, as a new player you’re asked to choose between three classes which are fairly reminiscent of the knight/rogue/mage trope seen in many WoW-like MMOs (respectively the Titan, the Hunter, and the Warlock). The customization options following this step are certainly not limitless, but choice of race, gender, and facial features are all included. It’s also safe to say that there enough possible combinations for accidental twins to be unlikely. The only gripe I have with this early step is the lack of the ability to name your character. However, considering the usage of one’s gamertag/username for in-game identification, it’s a fairly trivial matter.
Next on the MMO shopping list is the RPG elements.
This is one of the factors that makes up the main meat of a game. It’s the sense of progression that drives a player to keep playing in order to make their character as awesome as humanly possible. Typically, this is achieved through a combination of various class skills and stat-augmenting gear. Once again, Destiny comes through in this department. The game uses a skill system based partially on leveling and partially on ability usage. These are further augmented by an equipment system where bits of gear can be acquired through random drops in the field or bought at the Tower (the player hub area). While the latter aspect once again takes advantage of the usual WoW formula, with the improvement of skills based more on usage, this is a technique that not many games of either the first-person shooter (FPS) genre or the MMO genre use very often.
Finally, the bread and butter of any MMO is the ability to interact with the other players.
Most often, players will cross paths in the wide expanse of the open world environment. However, the most lasting allegiances between players always seem to occur in one of two places: in cooperative dungeon raids or player vs. player match-ups. Enter Raids and the Crucible. Raids, much like story missions on steroids, typically have an unsung requirement that more than one player tackle it at a time. Much like Dungeons in WoW, they often take some degree of semi-organized teamwork to complete due to horde mode-esk sequences and literal tanks acting as bosses. Conversely, the Crucible certainly hits far closer to the old Halo matchmaking design of Bungie’s youth. Still, it’s encouraged that players bring a well-balanced fireteam with them as the other team most likely won’t be just some motley crew.
All of this being said, there are certainly still elements of Destiny that may cause one to pause before awarding it the title of “First Great Console MMO”. While I myself enjoyed the beta and the small peek of the game it gave me behind the curtain, Bungie constantly says that said glimpse didn’t even scratch the surface. So I ask you all,
Will Destiny be the one to bring the MMO scene to consoles? Is there anything you think should be added to the game prior to launch?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
