My mindset toward MMOs will always be negative; that may or may not change by the time I try this one out.

But for now, every MMO I have played has been terrible. I've played some of the big name games such as WoW, Tera, Guild Wars 1 and 2, Dark Age of Camelot, Warhammer, etc. You're doing the same monotonous thing over and over in each of those games I've listed: Leveling is long and drawn out; You're hitting the same hotkeys every other player is hitting; NPCs are lifeless. The same quests are strewn about the above games, albeit in different forms. I have no opinion on other MMO mechanics like crafting or PvP, as I have never really been interested in either of those.

One thing I can't stand above all those things I listed is that MMOs are complete #&*% at telling you a story. Arenanet had it right in the form of those cutscenes and branching paths, but your connection to the world and lore completely died out once you hit 80.

Yes, I've been spoiled by single-player games and I'm somewhat insulted by the fact that my all-time favorite series of epic, mythopoetic games is going to be sullied and tainted by being warped into yet another MMO. I have no doubt that one anyone reading this will say that MMO's can't have an epic, single player quality to them due to the amount of players and other mechanics. Why the hell not? Are MMO devs only capable of writing mind-numbingly terrible missions? I think as a developer, you should rise above the rabble and try to beat the competition in the face and release something fun and ingaging in terms of story and gameplay.

hopefully that's what is happening at zenimax Online.
Also if you understood my stream-of-consciousness style of rambling my prejudice against MMOs, thanks for taking the time to read it. And if anyone has any rebuttals, please rebuttal me with your words.

I don't have a rebuttal, it's your opinion and I can't tell you its wrong!
Welcome back to the forums

Your single player series wont be ruined. You dont have to play this MMO, Bethesda is going to make an Elder Scrolls 6. No worries man, hope you will atleast try this one and hopefully enjoy it.

MMO story telling is quite difficult. Story telling in games is already challenging, since your audience is also your protagonist . Hopefully, ESO will do better. However, this is also why some games have just tossed story altogether for the most part . EVE is an example. It essentially revolves around player driven content and does well with it. Of course, that is the only example I can think of that does this...

No ones forcing you to play it. I guess MMOS just arent your thing

I played WoW for a couple of months, got bored fairly quickly ,tried Free Realms,it was OK, but a bit too childish, tried DCUO, enjoyed it,it was subject matter I was into, but it made me realize MMO's aren't for me. I just couldn't get into the playing along with others aspect. and it seemed a bit more "grind-y" than I cared for. I just can't seem to get into the proper mind set required. Maybe I'll run into one someday that appeals to me, but it will have to be radically differen tin overall playstyle for me to stay interested

I agree with part of what you are saying... when the game hits it's current max level and ends up being a mindless time sink and daily gear grind I usually move on nowadays.

Personally, I have enjoyed every MMO I have ever played... other than that part.

Hope this one's unique. They say it will be...