The past, the future and the inbetween...

**Yasamuu** · 07/13/2008 11:55:45

Is The Matrix Online community one that is very much stuck in the past?

Just an observation, more than anything else but hopefully it will spark a discussion.

In my lurking of the boards I notice a number of people mentioning players they'd like to see return, factions of old, combat systems of old and most of all when referencing the story things that aren't 'Matrixy' or words to that effect.

Briefly touching on this section as it's not the main point of my post; of course, we all have friends who have left the game and former factions who have disbanded and we have our likes from the old combat system and the constant reminiscing isn't all bad but I do find that it's a little detrimental. The games community may appear to be stuck in the past, somewhat. There is some optimism but we tend to look back on the healthier days of the game and think 'Ahh those were the days! the game isn't a patch on what it was back then!' and I can't help but think that those kind of posts turn people off the game. Perpetual optimism and looking at the future through rose tinted specs aren't the answer either. Also, although many do welcome new players, there are plenty who would prefer to mock the new and their questions, prefering to kill them or just taunt them in some form. Just try making a character running to Mara C and typing a few words incorrectly in your question and see the reaction you will often get.

I think, in regards to appearing to be stuck in the past, the story is the thing that tends to suffer the most. People seem far too set in their ways about how events back in the day were amazing and how it made things 'Matrixy'. Now, I'm not going to sit here and tell people their opinion is wrong. It stands to reason that a game with a Live Events team instead of just a solo developer may prosper due to the different ideas that all of them can contribute but even just the manpower to have more happening and multiple stories going at once and inter-twining. I'm still a little lost as to why it's always raised in threads and topics both on general discussion and in the Live Events board or in image retrievals, years after that team is dead and buried. Still, Rarebit is the one man who now controls the destiny of the Matrix storyline so, in effect, what he is doing now is 'Matrixy' because it is the Matrix story and it's in his hands and it's his to decide. Is it not down to us to accept that the direction of the story is where it is because the man who is in control of the matrix storyline decides it is? Of course, constructive critiscim is not what I'm really talking about here as stories will always come under the microscope, it's the pointless 'This isn't Matrixy', 'Less Laser pew-pew' and 'If the wachowski's cared we wouldn't be going down this path' attitude thats the real problem. I feel we should embrace the fact that the story is evolving in new paths as The Matrix itself at the end of the third film is in a state it has never been in on a path it's never been on before. Things were always likely to change.

Oh, and on the subject of 'Laser pew-pew' I've always felt that was a cinematic style issue (a style which, by the time cinematics had finished was actually pretty good) rather than a storyline flaw, only it was associated with the storyline just because of the disdain shown to the cinematics at that point. Infact, people herald the meatwad and implode animations and adore their Perpetual code eyes in game. These are the effects we would have seen if the cinematics had remained in an ingame format.

Anyway, discuss, debate and hate... well.. don't hate we'll have a thread lock on our hands if you do SMILEY<img src=

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**AqueousRei**

Well since you mentioned it already, not a day of playing MxO goes by that I don't miss the old system whenever I am switching my load out. There were so many hybrid combinations to make a players pvp style so much more unique. I digress from the main idea here though.

I took a break from vector for about 6 months sometime after the new combat system was released because of the many initial bugs and the above already stated. By the time I returned most of the really annoying bugs were fixed for the most part and because I had taken so much time away from the game it had a refurbished feel to it. I got a little more involved with participating in the live events and role play side of the game. But after that ran it's course I was awakened to the reality that the Vector population was very low. The only solution that made sense to me was one last server merge, or at the very least GFB, Vector characters could copy over to a non-hostile server (the more likely of the options I'm assuming). Now of course I originally chose vector because I like the threat level a hostile environment provides. It's just how I think the matrix should be. However, given the choice of a larger population or hostile environment I would pick maximizing the players. Yeah, I played with the idea of leveling a character on a different server and I know plenty of people have done that, but as a paying customer since 05' I didn't think I should have to start from scratch for something like that. Having had a lvl 50 for so long I can't even enjoy the game until about level 40. I figured at that point one of 2 things were going to happen:

A- Not right away, but in time a merger or transfer option would be available.
OR
B- None of it mattered because they were going to shut the whole thing down soon anyway.

So then I took about a year off, played Madden and other consoles mostly, and recently returned. Vector is a ghost town now, though people will probably say it has been like that for some time, because it has. There was a long time after the new combat system where I could roam around solo and pick a one on one fight all morning. A lot more hunting then fighting going on these days. Even so, I'm not complaining about that. There is something very peaceful about vector that is also a side effect of these circumstances. I now enjoy the environment of the game itself in away I didn't in the past. Everywhere seems so much bigger, more spacious, finding luggables are cool too.

As far as the cinematics goes, that's what originally sold me on the game. The idea that the story continued. But it wasn't long before I realized that the environment created here made it more fun to make your own story and run with that. I'll miss them, but it isn't a deal breaker for me either.

The problem for me still though, is that if the story line isn't going to be the games strong suit anymore, then there needs to be more game content for the individual to distract the player from asking themselves: "Is this the end game for me?" or "What else is there for me to do?". I eventually will get to a point where I feel like I've done all the new things I care about and must move on if I'm not distracted by the story or the community itself. In short, it is hard to turn a blind eye to the way things used to be when the potential for the game is still so great.

My advice for anyone with the memory lane blues would be to take a short break a come back.

**Bayamos**

Hmm, I think the storyline is evolving and stronger than ever. The 991 and Keep Your Eyes Open story arcs, while not Rarebit's doing, has been much more enjoyable than any Monolith event I ever took part in, and the characters are often on every day (when not on hiatus), just as the 'Lith dudes used to be.

The Truce's end and subsequent war has been a major storyline twist, as has the (potential rumor) that the Matrix is a body farm for the Oligarchy, and that the Machines were deceiving everyone all along. These kind of mindf*** twists bring a new dimension into RP on a personal level in terms of "Wow. Never thought I'd see that... what would my character do? Who's side is he on now?" experiences.

I do agree with you that the community is not very welcoming to new players. We can make fun of people for their exuberant, in our minds, misguided enthusiasm as they come to Mara or Data Node One proclaiming their joy for Neo or that they are a super leet Agent. We were those players once, caught in the trap of the Matrix, as we watched the Revolutions DVD and thought "*CENSORED*, that's cool." I dug through some old files recently and found RP plans I had for my Enumerator character 3 years ago -- he was going to "omg burst forth in a storm of flies and then liek get contacted by Gray on a super secret super speshul comms channel and then he'd like save the Matrix yo..." Not quite, but pretty close. Most of us were that guy at least briefly when we first got here. Time just has a way of white-washing the past; after 3 years of playing this game, many of us cannot remember a time when we were not as experienced with MXO.

I think the whole "laser pew-pew" is part of a more general trend of negativity which is spurred on by the gradual downsizing of this game. It's easy to point fingers when devs are leaving for other games or getting laid off, when cinematics are cut and the Sentinel a sometimes annual treat. I usually mentally filter "lazer pew pew suxxored" in the same category as "SOE killed this game, WTB really expensive LET" "CR2 sucks, yo, effing SOE.. *logs back into SWG*" and so on.

I'm ranting, but anyways, my point was that it's not hard to be optimistic for the future of this game, if you're able to enjoy the game now as it is and be content. There's a famous quote that goes along the lines of "The biggest lie you can tell yourself is 'When I get what I want, I will be happy.' " Wishing for these unrealistic changes will not make them so. But by reflecting upon what is still possible in this game, often times I find that the possibilities are much larger than we make them out to be.

**Zerotolerance**

I'm going to agree with Bayamos on all points.

Although I was once that guy who cursed SOE, I don't even bother with the leaving/returning threads. I still sub to this game because of the LET and how unique it makes MXO when compared to any other MMO. I can name a lot of people on Vector who have taken part in the stories and immersed themselves in it. The same thing goes for Recursion and Syntax, I'm sure, though the low population on Vector oftentimes gives me that sense of nostalgia - like I am watching the first Matrix. The number of Redpills is small; it makes sense, therefore it works out that the storyline has gone in the direction it has. Without the truce, Vector is a true place of hostility. Doesn't mean that there aren't civilized interactions if you know where to look!

Although more this and more that would be great, there's no use in griping about what you want as opposed to accepting how much has been and is still being added. If you look at it from the perspective of consumerism, the Matrix is actually pretty old and played out to the general population - in part by the spoofs and parodies. It probably wouldn't be worth it to invest in a huge advertising campaign. I've enjoyed its run and will continue to do so. The storyline has been building up significantly in recent months and whatever happens, so be it. SOE hasn't said they are dropping it, so let's continue to enjoy it.

B*tch when it's gone instead of throwing a fuss about it being here. Nobody forces us to give money or play a game.

**Yasamuu**

Bayamos wrote:

Hmm, I think the storyline is evolving and stronger than ever. The 991 and Keep Your Eyes Open story arcs, while not Rarebit's doing, has been much more enjoyable than any Monolith event I ever took part in, and the characters are often on every day (when not on hiatus), just as the 'Lith dudes used to be.

The Truce's end and subsequent war has been a major storyline twist, as has the (potential rumor) that the Matrix is a body farm for the Oligarchy, and that the Machines were deceiving everyone all along. These kind of mindf*** twists bring a new dimension into RP on a personal level in terms of "Wow. Never thought I'd see that... what would my character do? Who's side is he on now?" experiences.

Yes, I forget to mention the Joker and the Keep Your Eyes Open Story arc.

These are two examples of some of the many productive things LESIG has churned out in the past couple of years, not to mention the likes of Hovercraft battles and the many unique events that have come at some stage. LESIG itself is a fine replacement for the LET, in my eyes. The way people go on about the old LET it's as if they expected something to be happening at every minute of every day jacked in and if that were the case now, I'd lose interest due to the lack of being able to keep track of things as I'm sure many others would agree.

I definitely like where the story has been heading recently and frankly, I'm tired of hearing in other threads that something in the story isn't 'Matrixy' because the fact is that Rarebit decides what is 'Matrixy'. We can either like it or lump it.

**MatrixRefugee**

I came to this game in November 2005, back before the transition from Monolith to SOE and the server merges, but just before CR2 came out, so I'll admit, I have no idea what the old LET was like, but I do have my days when I miss CR1. When CR2 came out, I'd barely gotten the hang of CR1, and I aaaalmost quit because of the change, but I'm glad I didn't. And there's plenty of vanished players I would love to see one more time again, but I try not to dwell on it, and try, instead, to make some new friends among the people around me. It's like that verse in the song "Soak up the Sun": "It's not getting what you want/ It's wanting what you've got".

**Zerotolerance**

MatrixRefugee wrote:

I came to this game in November 2005, back before the transition from Monolith to SOE and the server merges, but just before CR2 came out, so I'll admit, I have no idea what the old LET was like, but I do have my days when I miss CR1. When CR2 came out, I'd barely gotten the hang of CR1, and I aaaalmost quit because of the change, but I'm glad I didn't. And there's plenty of vanished players I would love to see one more time again, but I try not to dwell on it, and try, instead, to make some new friends among the people around me. It's like that verse in the song "Soak up the Sun": "It's not getting what you want/ It's wanting what you've got".

Though the correction might not be necessary, you arrived after the server merge if you came around in November. It had already happened when I started back in August of 05. Why the game says I started in December is beyond me.

**Hanzyl and Gretyl**

Zerotolerance wrote:

MatrixRefugee wrote:
I came to this game in November 2005, back before the transition from Monolith to SOE and the server merges, but just before CR2 came out, so I'll admit, I have no idea what the old LET was like, but I do have my days when I miss CR1. When CR2 came out, I'd barely gotten the hang of CR1, and I aaaalmost quit because of the change, but I'm glad I didn't. And there's plenty of vanished players I would love to see one more time again, but I try not to dwell on it, and try, instead, to make some new friends among the people around me. It's like that verse in the song "Soak up the Sun": "It's not getting what you want/ It's wanting what you've got".
Though the correction might not be necessary, you arrived after the server merge if you came around in November. It had already happened when I started back in August of 05. Why the game says I started in December is beyond me.

That date may be when you moved your forum account over. Remember they axed the old forums and you had to login to the new ones, the date shown I believe is when you did that.

When I came back a year and a bit ago from a 4 month Hiatus I realized that the larger factions were pretty much dead and we would have to make a more concerted effort as an org to work together. I think the Meros of Vector have done well in this respect. Why do I mention this? Well although I love the past i'm more focused on the future and to me this is how I saw us moving forward. I realized the same wasn't true for the other orgs during what I dubbed operation moneybags. Some may know about it and well most probably don't but I learned of the lack of cooperation between the zion factions at that time. Granted it's been some time since then so perhaps thats different now.

Another comment too on numbers, although we have less numbers on the server, I have found that lately it seems RP is growing. We have good skirmishes and you can tell who has stepped up. I am still enjoying my time but personally find I have less of it now that I work the schedule I do. Because I don't have alot of time I find that when I login if it's quiet, I often logout to do those things I need to do. I also find i'm not as on top of things as I used to be. A by product of having no job then having on i'm sure.

I toyed with the idea of a meeting of all orgs in the past to come together and talk about where we want to take the server. I have no idea if anyone would come but I think it would be good for us.

**ShiXinFeng**

The story of MxO started to fall apart the day they took out the variable of the player. The true lure of this story, and indeed this entire franchise, was that it was about choice. And in here, the choices we made would ultimately affect the outcome of the story. That concept brought in people because it was an incredible idea and people really wanted to be a part of it.

Now, we have this great story, relatively speaking. I'm serious, the writing for today's story is really well done, with lots of twists and hidden stuff and puzzles. I, myself, don't particularly care for the idea that some colony of humans might be running the machines. But that's just me, and I don't see the rest of the picture yet. But as far as how the story is written, I've got no complaints.

The problem is, this story is on rails. There are series of stops along the way, but there is only one destination. And it has nothing to do with us. Our interaction with the LE characters don't affect the way the story unfolds. Our RP and our choices are ignored. We aren't even asked to make a choice.

Oh, I understand why. The story can't be written on the spur of the moment, in the heat of the battle. Things have to be done in advance, plans have to be made, etc. etc. I get that. So the story is on rails, hurtling toward the end of the line, and nothing we do as players is going to have much, if any, effect on it.

Now I hate offering criticism without offering solutions. So here is my recommendation to the powers that be:

a) Stories have a beginning and an ending. Even our little arcs begin and end. There is an origination point and a destination point. Everything in between is liquid. If missions were written each week, instead of batched at the beginning of each chapter, they might reflect a choice made be a player, or a group of players. Case in point: the handing off of Lock from EPN to Zion based on the outcome of the hovercraft battle. I totally got the feeling that if the Machinists had won that battle instead, Jason Lock would have been captured and imprisoned by the Machines. That was a brilliant turn of events and it really made every one of us who participated feel as though we made a huge impact on the story. Bring that feeling back, and you will bring this game back to life.

b) Manpower. A well that has been dry for this game for a long time. Or has it? If there is one thing about this community I have learned, it's that it is chock full o' talent. Writers, artists, movie directors, all here just kind of waiting for their next inspiration. All of whom would jump at the chance to do something for this game in a more official capacity. Tap into that talent! Make them a part of LESIG and get them to help write. Or to come up with cinematics, or pictures, or. . .whatever! I have no doubt they would be thrilled to do it.

I know, tl;dr. So, the short and sweet of the past and future is. . .choice. Find a way to put choice back into the story, and you will have a game that will run perpetually, regardless of the direction of the story.