There are a few conventions of the MMO genre. Things like a quest system, combat, and a chat interaction between players.
The Endless Forest has none of that. There is no quest system, in fact there are no goals in the game at all. Which is not to say there are things to do in the game, there are, but that there are no requirements. You are free to move about the entire game world to do as you would like. There is no fighting at all. The game is completely non-violent, you can't even hurt yourself in the world. And there is no chat interaction whatsoever. Not even names. The only language in the game is the body language of the deer avatars.
Oh, yeah, I forgot. Everyone is a stag-like deer creature. No, I am not kidding, you're a stag-like deer creature with a human face.
The way anyone can communicate in the game is through a complex series of body language and gestures. The name you choose for your Deer is rendered as a pictogram that floats between your antlers.
And while there is "magic" within the game it cannot be used for personal gain. You can only effect others. So, if you want something you have to find another deer that can do it, and communicate your desire to the other deer through body language alone.
That's either the most revolutionary or stupidest idea in MMO history. And I kinda think it's revolutionary.
Here is a game that rejects the premises of its genre- structured environment, combat, and written communication. There are things to do, but you are forced to do none. There are other players but there is no competition only cooperation. And there is only the language of the body. In fact the only thing that this game shares with its genre is the persistant world and mulitple players. A total rejection of the conventions of the MMO. And being successful at it without charging anyone a dime. That's right, it's free to play.
The Endless Forest began life as a screen-saver for your PC. When your screen shut down, instead of a mindless graphic, the deer appeared in the forest. It quickly grew beyond that. Now it is a MMO in its own right with several zones and areas of interaction. The developers of the game, Tale of Tales, frequently appear in game to interact with the other players as the Dieties of the realm or put on a show. The great focus of the game design has been artistic. A great deal of attention has been paid to building the Endless Forest so that every view is a scenic view.
If you want to play a game where there is no linear game play, no structure, or even combat this game is for you. And, if that isn't your kind of thing I suggest downloading and playing anyway. Just to see what the future might hold.
The Endless Forest has none of that. There is no quest system, in fact there are no goals in the game at all. Which is not to say there are things to do in the game, there are, but that there are no requirements. You are free to move about the entire game world to do as you would like. There is no fighting at all. The game is completely non-violent, you can't even hurt yourself in the world. And there is no chat interaction whatsoever. Not even names. The only language in the game is the body language of the deer avatars.
Oh, yeah, I forgot. Everyone is a stag-like deer creature. No, I am not kidding, you're a stag-like deer creature with a human face.
The way anyone can communicate in the game is through a complex series of body language and gestures. The name you choose for your Deer is rendered as a pictogram that floats between your antlers.
And while there is "magic" within the game it cannot be used for personal gain. You can only effect others. So, if you want something you have to find another deer that can do it, and communicate your desire to the other deer through body language alone.
That's either the most revolutionary or stupidest idea in MMO history. And I kinda think it's revolutionary.
Here is a game that rejects the premises of its genre- structured environment, combat, and written communication. There are things to do, but you are forced to do none. There are other players but there is no competition only cooperation. And there is only the language of the body. In fact the only thing that this game shares with its genre is the persistant world and mulitple players. A total rejection of the conventions of the MMO. And being successful at it without charging anyone a dime. That's right, it's free to play.
The Endless Forest began life as a screen-saver for your PC. When your screen shut down, instead of a mindless graphic, the deer appeared in the forest. It quickly grew beyond that. Now it is a MMO in its own right with several zones and areas of interaction. The developers of the game, Tale of Tales, frequently appear in game to interact with the other players as the Dieties of the realm or put on a show. The great focus of the game design has been artistic. A great deal of attention has been paid to building the Endless Forest so that every view is a scenic view.
If you want to play a game where there is no linear game play, no structure, or even combat this game is for you. And, if that isn't your kind of thing I suggest downloading and playing anyway. Just to see what the future might hold.
