This game has no class...

Ever wonder why games have classes? Real life doesn't, we are not born and have our destiny set at that instant. We make it up as we go along, changing and adapting to what life throws at us, and for the most part it seems to work ok. With that in mind, today I tackle the topic of classes in games. Are they a requirement or are some games better without them? I look at my two current favorite MMOs and compare their approach to classes, which are very different. Which is more appealing, a game with many specialized classes or a game with many jack-of-all-trades?

The two MMO’s I am referring to are World of Warcraft and Saga of Ryzom. As all of the readers here know, WoW is generally considered to have specialized classes. While not absolute due to the many hybrid classes or classes that can do more than one thing, it is still a class driven game. For example, no matter how hard you try, a warrior just can’t heal successfully, and a Priest can’t tank (although I have seen a few poor misguided souls try). This is pretty much the standard for MMO’s. There are a few specialized classes and a few hybrid classes, but all have very well defined roles and limitations.

Get clicking to read more. Tell us about your experiences in the forums at WoW Ten Ton Hammer!