Even in the best of times it can be harrowing to start a new MMORPG. With the new year on the horizon, it’s often common to look back over the last year and celebrate the games that have been able to keep our attention. In 2023, however, there is nothing but a proverbial open road of new adventures to be had. I’ve decided to branch out and try some new MMORPGs in 2023. Will you join me in a new adventure?
Goodbye 2022. Hello 2023. Whether you’ve had an ample dose of prosperity over the past year, or dealt with tragedy or melancholy, we can always hope that the year ahead will be filled with more of the good moments than the bad. That same hope we have for our personal lives to prosper I foresee being an ever-present hope in our gaming lives as well. I know that for many of us gaming veterans, it’s hard to find those experiences that can really pull us in like the games of yore once did. For those that are new to the genre, it’s difficult to really dive too deeply into any single game, as MMORPG and MMORPG-Lite games have grown exponentially, and the distinctions between the two are getting slimmer by the year, as live-service games have fully taken hold.
Yet, in the past year, I’ve experienced some unique gameplay, I was hyped over releases, and I mused about a lot of topics related to the RPG’s and MMORPGs that we love. I am never against shying away from going back to the well of MMORPG’s that I’m comfortable with. Games like Phantasy Star Online 2, Guild Wars 2, and Elder Scrolls Online. It’s also true that there are games that I’m explicitly looking forward to, such as Blue Protocol, The Day Before and Ember Sword, all of which should have something playable in the new year. These experiences aren’t a surefire thing, but that isn’t going to stop me from trying some new MMORPGs this year, and here are three that I have on deck.
Temtem
I do love a good monster battler, and for the longest time, my coverage of Temtem made me feel like it was just a Pokémon clone, but far worse. However, after hitting version 1.0 and seeing such a positive review from one of my friends here at MMORPG.com, I couldn’t push away the idea that this game may actually hold my attention for a while. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that it was voted as Best Indie MMO of the Year by our staff.
The 2022 @MMORPGcom Awards winner for Indie MMO of the year - @PlayTemtem https://t.co/Gtq4KV8BZ2 pic.twitter.com/rOX2FEZumf
— MMORPG.com (@MMORPGcom) December 22, 2022
It looks like Temtem will also have a lot in store for 2023, so while I don’t know whether I’m going to hop in right away, or await the next update, I know that monster battles await me next year!
VR Chat
Last year I spent a good amount of time in Zenith and ended up having a blast. The world itself seems like it’s only getting better and the combat, while still a little strange for some attacks, is quite refreshing. The social interactions are really what grabbed me, and in the next year I want to get a full motion tracking suit if possible to make the experience even better.
It recently was brought to my attention from other gamers that VR Chat may be the massive online social interactive gaming space that will fill the gap between my time in Zenith and awaiting the release of Ilysia. I’ll definitely jump into VR Chat in 2023 to find out if the worlds and experiences can really scratch the MMORPG social dynamic for me.
Blue Protocol
Call it a cop out if you want, but Blue Protocol has been one of my most anticipated games for a long time now. I’ve seen a lot of gameplay, and I do like the anime aesthetic, but I’m still not sure how in depth we’re looking at in terms of end game and class customization. Will this be the MMORPG I’ve been looking for, or will this be a fun diversion that may not consistently hold my attention like Tower of Fantasy?
Either way, Blue Protocol seems to be at the top of the list for our staff as the most anticipated MMORPG. I can’t wait to get my hands on it next year.
As always around this time, I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Are you going to branch out and try new games in 2023, or are you happy with your tried and true MMO, and wouldn’t dream of leaving? Or perhaps, you’ll be doing a little of both? Hop into our comments, and let us know your thoughts.
