Re: The PerfectMUD? Just an opinion

From: Michael Steinmann (claywar@moltar.cetlink.net)
Date: 10/31/96


> Here's my list of BAD things in a MUD:
> 
> 1. Poor writing
> 2. An admin who can't spell
> 3. Stock areas
> 4. Little or no storyline
> 5. Only slightly modified areas (like "Olympus" for "Valhalla")
> 6. More admins than players (doh!)
> 7. Being overrun by about 30 shouted messages on logon
> 8. Having to go through a 15-minute questionnaire procedure
> 9. Having to be validated by e-mail by a person
> 10. Players with names like "Eidolon who is (bright red) REALLY PISSED at
> (bright white) Trejak now because he's (bright green) SUCH a
> (yellow) JERK!!!!!!!!!!"
> 
I have one problem with the above list, and that is number 4 on the 
list.  The MUD really should not have a storyline, unless it is a 
history, the mud should BE a story, not preplanned quests and things 
to do, the actions of the people should be the plot forming element.  
I see this with too many areas these days.  People build a specific 
idea into the area, such as kill the big bad dragon in a cave thats at 
the center of the mountain.  What if the character doesn't want to 
kill the dragon?  What if they want to just go through the mountain to 
get to the other side?  I think the world files should just be that, a 
world.  The word "Storyline" to me means linear plot, and thats no 
fun, if you let the characters form their own events by their actions, 
it also makes it entertaining for the admin to watch (it gets quite 
boring knowing what will happen before it happens).

Hope my ideas mean something, if not, oh well, everyone's entitled to 
their own opinions.  Happy Mudding

claywar  
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