Your next MMO

[shadowfox]

And minus the open world feel where anything can happen. But to each their own.

I think each approach has its plusses and minuses.

As you said - the non-instanced approach allows for surprises, and the odd friendly person to heal or buff you on their way past to where ever - and getting help by screaming has its benefits.

On the other hand, being gang-raped by a group of 5 opposing faction players who all happen to be 10 levels above you when all you are trying to do is complete a mission/quest does lose its shine after it happens a few times.

And, as has been pointed out in the past - there is no competition for resources - especially when you tackle that last mob before your final objective and some other sod dashes in while you're busy and makes off with it.

Instanced gaming is being used less these days though - GW2 for example - if I remember the PR correctly, will be an open world as well.

[tehNihilist]

I think each approach has its plusses and minuses.

As you said - the non-instanced approach allows for surprises, and the odd friendly person to heal or buff you on their way past to where ever - and getting help by screaming has its benefits.

On the other hand, being gang-raped by a group of 5 opposing faction players who all happen to be 10 levels above you when all you are trying to do is complete a mission/quest does lose its shine after it happens a few times.

And, as has been pointed out in the past - there is no competition for resources - especially when you tackle that last mob before your final objective and some other sod dashes in while you're busy and makes off with it.

Instanced gaming is being used less these days though - GW2 for example - if I remember the PR correctly, will be an open world as well.

I 100% agree with this ^

It is a personal preference. Often I get pissed off with either side of the coin on different aspects. But overall I find the dynamic feel of an open world more conducive to my nature and love of such randomness.

[Tank]

yeah GW 2 will be open world, i'll have to get with it as it were once it arrives.

[Lydon]

Guild Wars 2 will be the best of both worlds

An open world for "questing" - Events as they call it - and instanced gameplay for mission. That way you don't have important mobs stolen but you still have the option of large-scale multiplayer gaming.