Introduction

Video games, like any form of art, often leave room for improvement. In this article, we will explore two notable games that, despite their initial promise, fell short of player hopes: Steelrising and World of Warcraft. We will break down the factors that could have elevated these games to new heights, including story, gameplay, and player engagement. By examining these deficiencies, we aim to gain insights into what developers can do to create more compelling and enriching gaming experiences.

Steelrising: The French Revolution Meets Robots

Steelrising is a game set during the French Revolution with a unique twist: functional and dangerous robots. This innovative premise started with promise, but several key aspects of the game failed to meet expectations. Let's delve into the reasons why this game could have been much better, particularly in terms of its storytelling and combat mechanics.

Storytelling

The game begins with a great deal of intrigue, providing the right mix of information and mystery. However, the narrative soon loses momentum. Introducing too many secondary characters can dilute the main storyline, as seen in Steelrising. The story feels disjointed and poorly structured, with non-linear plot elements that are not well-handled. This lack of cohesion makes the game less engaging and ultimately diminishes its potential impact.

Combat Mechanics

The combat in Steelrising is another significant area for improvement. The slow and deliberate pacing of combat, coupled with stilted movements, hinders player enjoyment. Additionally, the game falls short in handling player interactions, such as attack glancing and awkward spawn points. Level design also plays a crucial role in player experience, and the failure to include appropriate in-game locations like housing areas diminishes the overall immersive experience.

The level design is described as "subpar." Despite having large detailed rooms, the game fails to provide a sense of occupation and purpose, making it feel overcrowded and cluttered. The movement tech, if present, is poorly implemented, requiring players to waste time unlocking essential techniques.

World of Warcraft: Roleplaying and Customization

On the other hand, World of Warcraft was once a beloved game, known for its success in the early days of the massively multiplayer online (MMO) genre. However, as the years went by, certain aspects of the game started to lag, specifically in the areas of roleplaying and character customization. Let's examine why World of Warcraft could have been much better in these respects.

Roleplaying and Customization

World of Warcraft initially garnered a lot of praise for its roleplaying (RP) side content and quality-of-life features, which set it apart from its contemporaries. However, the game has always been known for focusing heavily on player versus environment (PvE) and end-game content, often at the expense of RP-friendly aspects.

One of the most critical areas for improvement was character customization. While some improvements were made, many players felt that other MMOs offered more extensive and detailed customization options. This dissatisfaction led to some players quitting the game, as they perceived a lack of depth and engagement in character creation and roleplaying aspects.

Lost Opportunities

The dev team had plans to include player housing, as evidenced by a portal next to the Stockades dungeon that would have led to an area for housing. However, interest in this feature waned, leading to missed opportunities for enhancing player engagement. Focusing on dungeon and raid content alone, without adequately supporting the player base who value customization and roleplaying, has caused a decline in interest and enthusiasm.

Conclusion

While both Steelrising and World of Warcraft had their moments of brilliance, they both fell short in areas that could have significantly improved the gaming experience. By focusing more on coherent storylines, smooth combat mechanics, and enriching roleplaying and customization options, developers can create more engaging and enjoyable games. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, recognizing these shortcomings can help guide developers towards crafting more compelling and immersive worlds for players.