Games without stat obsessions

[Andyt.]

I recently returned to the gaming world after years away and have been playing WoW. While there are many cool aspects to WoW I find the obsession with stats and gear detract from gameplay. Of course these are a part of any game, but in WoW that is the primary thing and secondary is questing, story or character (even on the RP servers).

I'm also not into the fact that it is virtually impossible to really do any PvP without having a high level alt or a guild to twink your character.

Any recommendations for games where the stats tend to be more in the background and the gameplay relies more on the player's abilities than on just having the right gear? Story and themes that really draw you into the gameplay?

Thanks!

 

[dukebound85]

I recently returned to the gaming world after years away and have been playing WoW. While there are many cool aspects to WoW I find the obsession with stats and gear detract from gameplay. Of course these are a part of any game, but in WoW that is the primary thing and secondary is questing, story or character (even on the RP servers).

I'm also not into the fact that it is virtually impossible to really do any PvP without having a high level alt or a guild to twink your character.

Any recommendations for games where the stats tend to be more in the background and the gameplay relies more on the player's abilities than on just having the right gear? Story and themes that really draw you into the gameplay?

Thanks!

sports games?

racing games?

games like halo?

all keep stats but its fun to play the game as you build them up

 

[Andyt.]

sports games?

racing games?

games like halo?

all keep stats but its fun to play the game as you build them up

I think what I am looking for is maybe something closer to the original Myst - a game where you are drawn into the story itself and lose track of the numbers behind the play.

 

[iPapa]

Give Lord of the Rings Online (LotRO) a try. Quite possibly one of the less stats focused MMORPGs out there today. The lore itself, quests, storyline and above all the gameplay are in the forefront here. Stats and the race towards getting the best gear is of less importance. In my own humble opinion LotRO might be one of the best MMORPGs developed - it is quite underrated.

It is not native on the OS X platform though. So if you have a Windows license, you'd better play it via Bootcamp. Or you can play it under OS X if you install the game via CrossOver Games (no Windows needed).

 

[yoavcs]

If you are looking for an MMO then lore- and story-wise Lord of the Rings Online is a strong contender as per the previous poster. Game isn't on the caliber of WoW in terms of polish and sheer fun but it is quite good and I played it off and on for more than a year.

City of Heroes is another good MMO with no focus on gear or stats and lets you create a superhero avatar to fight crime. Tons of customization options and the "battle" there is all about getting better looking cosmetic upgrades with no relation to stats. A Mac client is in beta test and due out soon.