Leveling System theory, Leveling only unlocks abilities Options

[IIomenII]

Hello!

Was having a discussion with a friend of mine over how MMORPGS are pretty much copy pastes of each other and usually get called "WoW Clones." This eventually lead to "well what would you do to change it then?" So thought I'd share my idea with RRR just incase anyone could be inspired by it...

Remember this is with an MMORPG in mind...but could be altered to fit a console game.


*Every player has set base states at level 1....they differ depending on if you are a MAGE WARRIOR ROUGE CLERIC

*When you level you do not gain any stats what so ever....just unlock abilities at set levels that are unique to your chosen job class

*Weapons unlock Weapon Skills you can only use while that weapon is equipped

*Gear gives Defense and effects and abilities....Gear would have level requirements in order to use
-Heavy Armor makes you heavy but much higher def
-Light Armor doesn't weigh you down...with moderate def
-Cloth Armor gives no def...not weigh down...But major magic resistance

-Abilities can be used with equipped gear
-Special boots that let you jump high
-Special Mask that makes you immune to Fear effects
-Special Cloak that makes you drop "hate" when used (cant do any action while in use) and regain "hate" once removed
- ETC

*Lots of "Open World" multi player content that promotes group playing.
-Easy grouping options

There are many pros and cons with this design

Pros

*Can customize character with abilities pretty easily

*Most content in the game would be what is considered "end game content" in current MMORPGS

*New players and Veteran players could easily group together for a common goal (Money, EXPERIENCE POINTS, Special game currency,
Gear/weapon rewards.)

*No "grind" to cap level in order to actually play the main focus of the game. (Always hated that...most MMOs it feels like you have to be max level THEEEEEEN you can play the game.)

*Playing the content and enjoying the victory is the focus of the game....not stats

Cons

*Playing the content and enjoying the victory is the focus of the game....not stats (I posted this as PRO and CON because some people only play MMORPGs to get that "Im godly and I'm better than you" kinda feel....which this design doesn't promote nearly as much

*Developers have to make sure there is enough content to keep players playing for years.....without that Grind to max level that can take a month or two that time has to be filled with content that can be played by players of all levels.

EXAMPLES OF GAMES WHERE STATS DONT MATTER

Team Fortress 2.....players work together to defeat the other team using their chosen class
Super Mario Series
Any First person shooter....just mattered what weapon you have
Left for dead




So thats the skeleton of the idea i had....Feel free to add to it...or bash it horribly.