EVE Online

Well, topic is pretty self explanitory but i'm hoping to hear some great responses.  I'll post mine ofcourse.

My favorite thing about Eve is that the game is what you make of it.  It's "here's a ship, here's 50 things you can do with it. Have fun" and where you go and how you go about it and even the speed you go about it, is all dictated by you. You decide which direction to go in.  You decide how fast you want to do it and with what you want to do it with.  So many games today are so cut and dried that it's a refreshing (and yes, sometimes daunting) change of pace in the MMO gaming world.

Also, you should post even if your reason is already given and explain why it's your fav in your own words.  Perhaps this can help people who are maybe looking at the game to get an idea of what all is involved and ideas about what can be done and what to expect.

single server persistent world.

which means anything you, the player, do in the game affects others in the game and allows the emergence of unforeseen complexity by the game designers.

Space

THE final frontier.

No pun intended, but seriously, why this medium is not more fully explored and developed is beyond my comprehension.  EvE to me is the perfect example of diversity and self achievement within an mmo environ, (even while participating within a Corp).  Its the catalyst for what space and frontier itself exemplifies or represents.  A universe of possibilities and self fulfilled destinations.  Its out there.. go get it.

done

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the graphics it's pretty.. actually that's all .

Much like the original poster, I dig the freedom. As he put it, "the game is what you make of it." Certainly, I found the task of beginning to be quite the chore, and am still not completely immersed, but unlike the rest of the market, it gives liberty to do what you want.

Instead of "endgame" which most of the current MMORPGs focus on, EVE is all about "forevergame;" always being able to log on and have some fun, whether you like to mine, trade, hunt bounty heads, go after pirates, be a pirate, run missions, whatever! There is no worry, really, that you'll eventually train every skill and "raid" every "dungeon" too many times. This universe is huge, and it's a tough one.

Granted, MMORPG communities tend to suck. I saw a post on here with a picture exaggerating the reason as to why so many people are jerks online (Something like Person + Internet  + Audience = Bastard). But on EVE, I have found mostly decent people, although I've heard some of the largest corporations are pirates (Go figure, eh?). What can you do, really? More people seem to want to be bad than good. But it's their choice! I'll tell you one thing, though: it takes more guts to be a good guy than a bad guy in such a world!

Anyway, my favorite part of EVE is the freedom it gives. True to sandbox genre, and I really think many of the features in EVE should be good for the blueprint of new MMORPGs. I still enjoy WoW, to an extent, but would much rather a good sandbox anyday. Any game that can basically stay exciting has got my vote.

Classless progression

Aw come on, only one? OK, here goes.... (but I'll cheat a little bit)

Due to the unique skill training system that happens at a constant rate (which levels the playing field) coupled with the ability to purchase ISK via a CCP approved mechanism it enables players like me with very busy real lives to remain competitive with those who can devote 8 hours or more a day to the game. 

No other MMORPG provides for this  this, in fact, they all heavily reward those with the most free time, which has made me feel like a 2nd class citizen in every one.

What's even better, I find I don't need to buy ISK (but I couid) because the game mechanics let me earn enough to fund my many endeavours even with my limited play time. (25-30 hours a week max)

I have corp mates though who play maybe 10-12 hours a week, and spend almost no time earning ISK in-game, when then need funds to PVP, they go out and sell a few time cards and they're good to go.  Its a terrific concept and I wish more games had it.

So in summary, the game mechanics permit players with all levels free time to be competitive and have a good time.

Hrm choices, choices .... what one thing to choose????

Well on consideration i'll have to choose ... choice

The sheer scale and scope of this sandbox is beyond any other game i have ever played and as the game gets older people find different ways to play.

It's now getting to the point that EvE is becoming less of a game and more of a virtual environment than 2nd Life(less).

I really want to say the graphics because the ships look really awesome...but I'd have to say the skill leveling system. I can get up in the morning, play eve for an hour or 2, choose a new skill to level in before I take a break, go to the gym and hours later come back to EVE with an improved character. That alone gives the game a big plus in my book. :)