M.Indie by Joseph Lieberman

M.Indie Goes Communal (February 1, 2006)

This is my review of Minions of Mirth, though it isn�t a review so much as a statement. The community makes a game. Not physically, though Prairie Games gives you all the tools to actually do just that. The game is 100% mod-able down to the very core, but that isn�t what I am talking about. I am talking about the community making the game more than it would be on its own.

I mean, lets look at the facts. Minions of Mirth LOOKS like the original Everquest. The graphics would be considered good if this were 1996 rather than 2006. The sound effects are average at best, though the musical score it top-notch. The game plays well, but there is no facing in combat and, in general, it just gets a little clunky at times.

If I had taken this MMO and played it single player (which you CAN do) and never entered the global chat, I am certain that the scoring would be abysmal. However, Minions of Mirth manages to capture the essence of what makes a good online game, and this acts as a catalyst to turn the entire game into something more than the sum of its parts.

For instance, this is the only indie MMO where you can play OFFLINE as well as online. Unlike every game that does the same, in Minions of Mirth you can always be connected to the global chat room. The result is a feeling of community even when there are no other players!

The mod-ability means that players have incentive to go out and create things for the game. The player-created content that makes it into the primary server gives a strong sense that an individual player can help shape the world. This makes them act more responsibly in protecting what they have invested time in.

At the same time, an opinion from the players means something to the developers. This has created quite a bit of brainstorming amongst players and goodwill between them and the development staff.

The end result of all this is that the community draws people into the game. It�s one thing to log into Everquest and see thousands of people, none of whom are the least bit interested in talking to you. It is another thing altogether to log into the Prairie Server and see a dozen friendly faces who will literally fight over who gets to answer your questions on how to start.

The game is small, from the population standpoint. It is large and growing from the physical size standpoint. The graphics and presentation is poor, but the sense of community brings Minions of Mirth to a plateau- it is the best indie MMO I have ever played. Period.

So, to all those who want to create the next Everquest; maybe you should focus on finding ways to create a small and strong community first. In the end, you are much more likely to succeed with the help your fans. Community is king, and Minions of Mirth is currently reigning supreme.

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By: Joseph Lieberman
Posted: Tuesday January 31, 2006