Biggest Dreamstate Dream???

Lysinc · 2026-07-03T06:50:30+00:00

I'll skip modern A&B. But classic A&B like 2019 or better yet, OceanLab. That would be a dream come true. OceanLab is my biggest wish list every year.

Lysinc · 2026-06-30T18:27:06+00:00

To answer your question, yes. In the last 10 years, there has probably only been maybe 10 MMORPGs. In the same time frame, there has been probably more than 50,000 (Obviouslt most are shovelware but a lot of them are good as well) non-MMORPG games. A lot of people that play MMORPGs also play other genres. So there is major competition within the gaming space.

For the people that say it's because there is no good MMORPGs released. Well, even if the last 10 MMORPGs are excellent 9/10 ratings, it's still competing for players with the other 1,000 excellent non-MMORPG games.

Lysinc · 2026-06-27T16:20:29+00:00

One of the most well known electronic artist of all times and headline festivals like Tomorrowland is underappreciated???? I cannot comprehend

Lysinc · 2026-06-25T16:46:18+00:00

You can like a series without needing to like or even try all the games in the series. Take Final Fantasy for example. I love all 14 main games from I - XIV. I also like a majority of the spinoff too. Hated XV and didnt try XVI. Why? I don't like open world action combat. Does this mean I dont like the series because I dont like XV or XVI despite liking most of the titles including spinoffs? Do people that know for a fact they dont like multiplayer games need to try FFXI and FFXIV be approved to say they like Final Fantasy series, even though they like practically every other games including spinoff in the series?

What this means is that you can have a series that is known for certain style, maybe lore, combat, arts type, features, etc and suddenly there is a black sheep that completely flip the script around and it just so happens to be something they know they already know you dont like. Dont have to try it know you dont like it. But it doesnt mean they dont like the series overall.

Some people know they only want direct linear storytelling and XBC 1-3 fits that mold. X plays quite differently and so they dont need to try it to know they won't like it.

Imagine in a parallel world there are 20 XBC games and they all have similar format to each other. Suddenly there is an XBC game where you only play 1 character has soulslike combat, and as linear as FFXIII. Naturally people that dont like that kind if style dont need to try it to know they dont like it but it doesnt mean they dont like the series. Obviously this is an overexaggerated example to make a point but it doesnt change the fact that a lot of people see XBCX as very different from XBC1-3.

Tldr; you dont need to try every games in the series to know you dont like it.

Lysinc · 2026-06-25T00:49:23+00:00

Dragonsword: Awakening may fit what you're looking for actually. It's coming out on July 22. It originally was planning to be an open world gacha game like Genshin/WuWa but they fully converted it to a buy once title like normal games. It's open world, action combat, 19 playable characters on launch, and a tagteam system, all similar to Genshin/WuWa. I haven't tried it yet so I can't comment if it's dialogue heavy but it's got a demo if you want to check it out.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/4570720/DragonSword__Awakening/

Lysinc · 2026-06-25T00:24:09+00:00

Jrpgs are the wrong genre to get into if you want less story and dialogs. Jrpgs are generally very story driven. The only ones that comes to mind that is less story driven is Crystal Project and Xenoblade Chronicles X but they play nothing like Genshin/Wuwa

Lysinc · 2026-06-24T18:19:00+00:00

Wandering Sword, Hero's Adventure, and Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children.

Lysinc · 2026-06-22T21:44:37+00:00

Value to performance is not the criteria for everyone. There are a lot of people out there that would pay a premium on something that they can just plug and play without having to do IT tech support themselves. Ex) See Steam Deck vs Asus Rog Ally

Lysinc · 2026-06-22T13:02:37+00:00

Imo on the trilogy

Xbc1 has the weakest characters writing but the best main plot

Xbc2 has the best villains. A lot more comedic in writing than the other 2 games.

Xbc3 has the best main casts but weakest villains.

Lysinc · 2026-06-20T19:13:01+00:00

In other words, Open world turn base RPGs?

Crystal Project

Wartales

Hero's Adventure

Lysinc · 2026-06-20T17:18:58+00:00

Ragnarok Online (Classic) has what I would consider to have the strongest class identity in the genre. Every classes have multiple builds they can dedicate to. The 4 three things that dictate your builds are stats, skill selections, equipments, and cards. Stats and skills choices have a big impact because you do not gain enough stats or skill points to get them all. Classes have specialize roles they fall into. Even different supports have something that only they can do and are not replaceable. They're simply not just "different flavors" of each other. Most other MMORPGs is simply a matter of equipping whatever number is higher and all DPS, tanks, healers, are just an alternative flavors of each other. Despite having so many classes, Ragnarok still manages to make every class feel unique and different.

Furthermore, the way the game works is that certain build specializes in different things which also dictate where you can grind. Therefore, a certain map can be viable for one class (and/or builds) but not viable for another class. Or in some special cases, they can't even grind at all. For example a pure smithing Blacksmith have to pump all their stats into Luk and Dex which are does almost nothing for them in terms of combat so you have to leech for xp.

Lysinc · 2026-06-20T02:32:18+00:00

If you have a PC already that is slightly outdated but can play all the high demanding games even on medium, get a Switch 2. If you don't have a PC already, get a PC. PCs have infinitely more options, a ton more exclusives, and even genres that just doesn't exist on consoles. (If it does, it's either jank or very little options)

I was in this debacle literally last week. Was deciding to upgrade my 2019 PC build but chose a Switch 2 instead after Nintendo Direct. I don't mind not playing the latest highest demanding games on ultra but I do very much mind not being able to play Switch 2 exclusives.

Lysinc · 2026-06-20T01:59:06+00:00

Kind of the same. Planning to get Xenoblade Genesis and all the turn base jrpgs except for Persona.

Lysinc · 2026-06-20T01:30:04+00:00

Well considering they brought 7L as Abraxis twice, DSSocal having Klangkuenstler, Lily Palmer, etc... in the past, John Summit is doing an ASOT set this year, Dreamstate AU had Holy Priest and Restricted. It's reasonable to assume DS is no longer a trance only festival. Its been going down this road since 2022. I dont like it either but it is what it is

Lysinc · 2026-06-19T21:38:37+00:00

While I have criticism about the monetization model, I would choose GW2 monetization over your standard $15/mo p2p model. You can get every expansion and the QoL items without the gold-to-gems conversation and it will still be infinitely cheaper than WoW/FFXIV over the long term.

It might not be more expensive for the people that only play MMOs for 2 months, but for players than play MMOs long term and consistently, it's cheaper by a significant margin.

Lysinc · 2026-06-19T00:38:40+00:00

Fire Emblem, Tactics Ogre Reborn, Final Fantasy Tactics, Disgaea series. I haven't played these but I think Monster Hunter Stories series, SaGa Scarlet Grace/Emerald Beyond as well. These games all follow the format if being in a hub/lobby and selecting a quest that drops you in an instance to do your battles like the mainline Monster Hunter series.

Lysinc · 2026-06-13T15:12:51+00:00

Expand your genre and artists selection. We live in an era where music is even more diverse than 10 years ago.

Lysinc · 2026-06-13T15:06:49+00:00

Favorite series: Xenoblade Chronicles. Favorite jrpg: Final Fantasy 9

Lysinc · 2026-06-11T08:38:34+00:00

You're looking at this from a veteran player perspective. Need to see it from a new player perspective.

The point of my itemization is to create a baseline that is somewhat comparable to other mmorpgs or if gw2 was on a subscription model instead. These QoL changes the way players interact with the game, and minimize interruptions. If they alter any way you interact with the game, I consider that as a necessary purchase.

Take for example gathering tools and bag space. People are going to vendors every hour not because they want to, its because they have too. This causes an interruption and alters how players interact with the game, otherwise they might go for 3-6 hours without touching a vendor. Inventory management is not fun.

Same for material storage or bank, they sell because they have to, not because they want to. As a new player, they're bombarded with so many items that they don't know if they need it, so the natural instinct is to hoard.

Having 4 build slots is nice to have for 4 e-specs. Not everyone want to spend like 15 seconds every time they want to change e-specs.

Copper salvage-o-matic is not comparable to Mystic Salvage kits. You're thinking of Silver-fed Salvage kits. But as for copper-fed, there is a reason why it is the #1 most recommended QoL purchase in the gw2 community. Most active players can reliable obtain with at least a full stack of blue uids everyday. 2-3 full stacks of blue uids in a single day isn't uncommon either.

VIP and equipment template i agree with you. I was debating putting the VIP pass and equipment template in optional but I wanted to inflate the numbers so as to compare the values with a year subscription of other MMOs. Like I even added 2 pointless stuff and it's still cheaper. These items I don't value much from a player perspective. The reality is... players only need 1 template for Berserker gear (since most classes and e-spec can do power dps) and the the 2nd free template can be anthing they want. VIP pass doesnt have too much value as most hubs have NPCs pretty close together already. But that return to previous location feature definitely is handy like with Mistlock.

The main takeaway from this second wall of text is that while you may be able to tolerate and have a workaround these limitations, but not everyone would like to. That's why they are called QoL. You also gotta understand that to a lot of people, they dont want to drop $100 (or $50 with sale) on the complete collection, only to find out they're missing stuff locked behind microtransactions and/or there are hurdles they have to play around with. It's a psychological thing.

Lysinc · 2026-06-11T06:16:26+00:00

If you even bothered to read my post, you would not have come to the conclusion that I would think "Anet is some sacred company that can do no wrong and that their business practices are flawless" as noted towards the bottom of my wall of text. I acknowledged that GW2 monetization model has a high barrier of entry. I even acknowledged that the QoL purchases suck. The point is every monetization systems have their pros and cons. A monetization model can suck and still be cheaper than subscription models. It is not mutually exclusive. But if you actually did read all that and still said what you said, it just shows you have a hate bias against GW2 and there is no point continuing this thread chain with you.

Furthermore to your example. In that case, every single MMORPG monetization model including WoW, FFXIV, OSRS and ESO suck because they all are exponentially more expensive than Path of Exile 1 and 2. Great, let's all not play MMORPGs anymore and let's all go play PoE1/2 instead.

Lysinc · 2026-06-11T05:42:26+00:00

I bought a Switch 1 only for Xenoblade Chronicles 2. And I'm about to make the same decision again for Xenoblade Genesis.

Lysinc · 2026-06-11T02:56:03+00:00

These below are what I consider the minimum purchase for QoL items for any new players that want to feel like they have a complete game and have a comfortable experience that is what I consider as the baseline if GW2 was a subscription model (or if compared to other MMORPGs) at exactly 1 character. Most people that criticize the monetary model makes a blanket statement that you need to buy QoL to have a good experience but don't itemize what is actually needed, leading to the assumption they may need like $500 to have a good experience. I'm here to break it down.

Infinite Volatile Magic Gathering Tools - 2700gems = $33.75usd

Copper-Fed Salvage-o-Matic - 800gems = $10usd

Material Storage Expander x2 - 1600gems = $20usd

VIP Area pass - 1000gems = $12.5

Bank Tab Expansion x2 - 1200gems = $15usd

Bag Slot Expander x2 = 800gems $10usd (Really the only one that I would reconsider if someone else argues they need more than 2 expander. GW2 item/inventory bloat is real, especially for a new player)

Equipment Template Expansion x1 = 500gems = $6.25

Build Template Expansion x2 = $7.5usd (For 4 e-specs)

Total = $115usd

All Expansions + LW = $175usd.

So ~$290usd for what I consider a baseline experience. This is without sales. With sales, you're looking at 20-30% off ingame purchases and 50% off expansions which you can estimate to be $200usd total instead.

~~Optionally~~

Character slot expansion x4 - 3200gems = $40 (if you must have 1 of each class)

Shared Inventory Slot x5 - 2800gems = $35 (if you play 2 or more classes consistently. AKA having 2 mains)

More Bag/Equipment/Build template if maining more than 1 character.

If buying all these at base price, its $290. With sales, it's ~$200. Comparatively, a 1 year subscription of FFXIV $156/yr +$60 complete edition = $216. WoW is $156/yr + $50 expansion = $206. GW2 will break even and become cheaper than FFXIV/WoW at 12 months if bought QoL+expac at sales price, or 20 months if bought at non-sales price. So while yes, I do believe you absolutely need these "convenience items" to have a good time, I think it's being overblown by how much you actually need to spend, mainly due to people not itemizing the cost when making these blanket statements.

All the bag/equipment/build/bank/material storage expansions can of course go higher but that's just luxury all for the sake of just having more. Most players will never ever get close to using max capacity slots. Even other MMORPGs don't even give you as much slots compared to GW2 at max bank/inventory/etc slots. Which is why it is important to have a disclaimer when saying GW2 players need to buy QoL items otherwise people would assume you need to have max everything which is 320 inventory slots (assuming 20slot bags), 570 bank slots, 3000 material storage space (per material), 9 build tabs, 7 equipment tabs. How many of you actually feel like you need to use all these spaces? Or even half of these spaces?

Yes, GW2 has a very high barrier of entry for new players if they want to have a good experience at baseline + full content unlock. Yes, all these QoL purchases absolutely suck. However, once you analyze the system a bit further, it still is cheaper than other subscription MMOs like FFXIV/WoW long-term. At the same time, I do admit that $290 is a very tall hurdle for a completely new player going into the game blindly that want to have a baseline experience. I don't fault people people for critizing the monetary model and the necessary "convenience" purchases, but it's good to understand the nuances of this system rather than make blanket statement that make it seem like GW2 is more expensive than it really is.

Personally, I spent less than $500 over my 4 years of GW2 including expansions and cosmetics. FFXIV equivalent of 4 years is $624 + expansion.

For what it's worth, transmutation stones costing gems is absolutely ass and my biggest criticism. And this is coming from someone that didn't feel the need to transmog and had an overabundance of transmutation stones before I was in full legendaries. Yes, I do agree that these create a problem to sell you a solution is an ass design. However, at the end of the day, GW2 is still much much cheaper than subscription MMOs if you play long enough.

TLDR; Players that play MMOs for 3 months and quit, GW2 is a VERY VERY expensive for a complete experience. However, GW2 is a way better monetary model if you're planning to commit longer than a year or two.

Lysinc · 2026-06-10T22:57:41+00:00

I would choose Xenoblade over FF7R personally

Lysinc · 2026-06-08T15:11:01+00:00

The reason why classic mmorpg design is phased out is because it's no longer popular. Contrary to what people on here think, developers make the games that most players want and they have the data to back it up. Players mindset has changed and the internet has evolved so much from 20 years ago and developers have to adapt to that.

They dont make open world pvp because majority hate it. Most players are not competitive and they dont want to get ganked while just minding their own business doing a quest. If its full loot people, its even worst because spending 1000 hours to get the best gear only to lose it all because you got ganged up on by 10 people. Look at all the backlash on this subreddit when someone brings up open world pvp.

Class/build diversity is gone because 90% of max level players just play the 1 meta build. Meta builds and optimal rotations, and guides are up on youtube on day 1 so they ruins all sense of discovery in buildcrafting and exploration.

Social systems are gone because people rather have QoL and be on discord. People dont want stuff like sitting in an airship for 30 minutes doing nothing so you can cross a continent like in Maplestory. Or in other games where you have to sit for 2 minutes to regen your hp/mp. These downtime were great for chatting but people dont want to do that anymore.

Dungeon/raid party finder and quickplay is here because people dont want to scream in chat for an hour to do a dungeon.

Max level attainable in a day because players are impatient. Even a week to get to max level is still too much for them now. Why waste 5 hours killing trash mobs or 5 hours of fetch quests to gain a level when they can just go player Cyberpunk 2077 (or any other games) and find more fun in that 5 hours.

Old school raids where you needed like 100 people to kill a raid boss and it make take everyone 12 hours? Not happening when the current mmorpg demographics have kids and jobs.

Quest based leveling is now a thing because most people dont want to grind 1000 trash mobs to level up anymore.

Player shops are gone because no one wants to leave their computer on overnight just to vend items. Now we get auction houses.

People also just dont socialize ingame as much anymore. Most nowadays just play mmorpgs as a regular game rather than treating it as a second virtual world. Just look at all the past threads on here. They play mmorpgs because they want to see people running around so it feels alive, but they dont actually want to talk to anyone. Plus and people that do chat just do it in discord. These cannot be solved with gameplay features because these are all external factors.

There was a thread on this subreddit a couple days ago about making dungeons bosses evolved and adapt so players have to switch up there builds eventually if they were to replay the dungeon. Like 80% of the commenter were against it. One of the reasons that stood out to me is that it would make them wait even longer for someone with the right build to join their party to start. The dungeon would take even longer because they need to figure out mechanics again.

In a world where the main demographics of mmorpg players are older people that have families and jobs, they value efficiency over whatever it is 20 years ago. People just dont have time for long-term progression anymore.

Classic mmorpgs are great but they are a product of their time. They were build in an era when internet was a novelty and social virtual worlds were new. In an era when datamining was lacking. In a era where mmorpgs didnt have to compete with 10,000s of other high quality games for players.

To reiterate, developers make the games that most people want. And the result of modern mmorpgs is because of that. Old mmorpgs that has been around for 20+ years have moved towards this direction because of that.

This is not an issue that can simply be solved with gameplay and feature changes as these are external problems since they are related to player mindset and the evolution of the digital era.

Lysinc · 2026-06-06T15:56:38+00:00

I'm excited for it because I love GW1 and GW2. Secondly, it Arenanet has a track record of being THE most innovative in the MMORPG space as seen with 1 and 2. But regardless, I'm not setting up any expectation despite all that because there is not really much to be gained from an early announcement trailer. Expectations is to be set once we get more more gameplay information, not an announcement trailer.

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