I was chatting with folks in the New Player Assistance channel the other day, and a new player was commenting on why he started to play Istaria recently.
One thing he said really made me stop and think a sec. He said one of his friends that has played off and on over the years, called Horizons a "retirement game". I asked what he meant, and he explained that it was a very good game to play when you were retiring from or just tired of the current games out there like wow.
And that struck a cord with me. I left at one point, due mostly to having too much personal involvement with the game. So, I took a break, but did pop back in a few times here or there.
I went on to other games. I tried most of them, even the free to play ones.
Without exception, I would always reach a point where dealing with obnoxious children, frustration over some artificially imposed slowdown in leveling or advancement, or the over all cost of playing a game would become too much to take and roob me of any fun I used to have.
They just stopped being what I was looking for. *shrug*
A couple of years go by, and I see that the devs have indeed been working hard to implement new content. I pop in on a demo account and low and behold... I remember what it is I was looking for.![]()
I realized I was missing the ability to play how I chose. If I wanted to accomplish somethings, like say... get some epic weapon, there was nothing stopping me in Horizons at all. The only restrictions I have are the natural ones that come with anything we do.
If I want to be UBER, I can. It may take time, but nothing stops me.
If I want to master all crafts I can. Again, only time and effort.
If I want to make a name for myself, I can. And I can even directly affect the entire world by my actions, and leave evidence that I was here.
The cost, even in today's economy is minimal. And I don't have to worry about gold farmers, or item malls, or cash shops selling things I HAVE to have just to advance. I can make everything for myself.
So that phrase "Retirement Game" took on a new meaning, namely Istaria is a game you come home to. It is the relaxing vacation you get as a reward for working through all those other games.
Here, you only find mature players. No barrens style chat, no silly drama, no player caused conflicts. To me it is bliss.![]()
Some may think this all sounds very boring. That this is an old mans game, and perhaps it is. But I still enjoy helping others learn of the fun they can have here and that is a huge part of what I have always enjoyed about MMORPG's.
And with a bit of random mob destruction for us to defend and rebuild from, this game would be perfect!
That's just my point of view... Why do you play?