@BurningUp99 i definitely think one's reactions should be qualified by one's expectations, but not all MMO players like the game. Polygon's resident MMO expert found the game lacking, reviewing purely from a MMO perspective.
@ringringabel @WolfGrey I agree with both of you. ESO needs to be looked at from multiple angles; some definitely look better than others. Kevin should write how he felt, just like other reviewers who all have differing opinions on the game.
@rolla020980 I'd be satisfied just with the ability to replace my one follower in Skyrim with a friend and (optional) Legendary difficulty from the beginning.
I read reviews from IGN and Polygon right before this. The IGN review reminded me of another game I loved in times past. PC's Battlezone was a strategy/vehicle-shooter fusion. Compared to icons of both genres, the game was horrible, yet I loved it because its mixed heritage, and many reviewers did too. I could see myself loving ESO if I had the same kind of passion for both MMO and TES that no doubt many do.
I can't agree with the score because I don't know the scoring guide and 6 feels harsh. However, I wholeheartedly agree with the review. ESO is a difficult game to review and score "objectively." I've read over a dozen reviews ranging from 9 to 6, and I agree with most points raised.
When I first heard of the house with many thieves, I thought it strange that such a situation would even exist. I think it'd be great if a quest giver enticed many thieves to try their luck at a worthy prize guarded by brutal NPCs and cunning traps made all the more dangerous by other thieves who can both work with or against you. But why would the quest giver give the impression that you, the specific player, is the one chosen to help him? If you really are the chosen one, and thieving quests are not uncommon in TES, why would the house be a public instance?
ESO is a MMORPG that tries to innovate beyond other MMORPG by honorings its single player roots. It tries to enrich the TES experience by diminishing the TES experience. The result is a round peg in a square hole remarkable both in that it was even attempted and that it actually somewhat fits.
@stilloffside The Secret World, I think, would score less than 6 if judged fairly and purely as a MMO. However, the tack on nature of its multiplayer is so apparent that it actually works in its favor. The great strength of Tornquist's story-telling casts the whole game essentially as single player with benefits. Another plus for the game is its investigative puzzle quests, sometimes requiring access to real world information. Again, it's not really a MMO strenght, but it increases the enjoyment of the game. Should ESO score less? Depends on whom you ask, I suppose.
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