Expectations vs. surprises

Part of being an MMORPG fan is a fascination with any and all interesting-looking upcoming titles. Even if we're satisfied and comfortable in our current game of choice, it doesn't stop us from checking out the latest models (the '10 Fantasy Coupe has new trim!). And with games coming down the pike, I have to ask you: would you rather have a much-anticipated MMO live up to expectations and hype, or would you rather be bowled over by a game that comes out of nowhere to rock hard?

On one hand, to have a game live up to expectations is almost a foolish wish in this genre; we are let down too often to really expect that everything will be as glorious and perfect as the press releases -- and our imaginations -- make it out to be. If an MMO managed to hit most or all of those expectations, and perhaps even exceed them, it would be a glorious day indeed.

On the other hand, it's fun being surprised. There are so many MMOs in development that it's fiendishly difficult to track them all, and odds are that a gem will slip past your radar sooner or later, hit release, and make you cry out, "Where have you BEEN all my life?"

So which is it: Would you rather have an upcoming MMO live up to expectations, or be completely surprised by a terrific hit that blind sides you?

From Massively

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