Demented wrote:And as far as content goes, MP is set up so content can be added by the community, so content possibilities are limitless.
If you have a look to a game like rFactor (which is already rather old), calling TM2 possibilities limitless is a bit overestimated. With the mods, a game like rFactor enables players to create their own gameplays, i mean the equivalent thing it TM could open the opportunity to create our own environments. Also, they can create tracks from scratch, without being
limited by blocks, that exist or not.
Both are definitely beyond what TM² allows, sorry. The blocks creation in TM² is still at its very beginning, we have seen "objects" but we didn't see true blocks that we can connect to roads until now, if i'm up to date. And there are definitely no way to create one's custom gameplay with TM2.
Of course the rFactor system is not perfect. Especially because its greater opportunities are harder to exploit (need more skills/softwares). And i think Nadeo didn't want to open the possibilities to the infinite because they fear it could quickly go out of control, which makes sense. As well as the wise idea to keep them as accessible as possible.
Demented wrote:TM² is part of the "Maniaplanet" System. A system that includes TM, SM and QM. Element of that system have not even been introduced yet and the Maniaplanet System is in constant evolution to accommodate best all aspects of the games and modes.
Also the Maniaplanet system of games is a unique way of gaming so IMO it can't really be compared to anything else out there.
Of course the Maniaplanet system
can be compared to anything else. Maniaplanet is not a game itself, allright. But you wouldn't use Maniaplanet for Maniaplanet, it takes its relevance from the games it hosts. Therefore, you can still compare if Maniaplanet brings something interesting or if you would prefer to play separated games like in the oldie way. Like you could wonder whether you prefer to buy a game through Steam or purchase it apart. Maniaplanet can at least be compared to Steam and to nothing.
Besides, i agree with you on the idea that we can't judge Maniaplanet already, since its full power will be appearant only when all the features are implemented, and several games released. We could maybe look at it a little more clearly once Stadium² and Valley are out.
I want also to talk about another idea that might be a bit off-topic (maybe we should open a new thread...). The addition of some social-network features to Maniaplanet might help to create links between players in the community. On another hand, the links it creates will be of a different nature than those which are created on servers or forums. For instance, you can't really type a long and comprehensive message in the "Maniahome" area. It might introduce a new way of communication that is more superficial than the forums. Of course we'll keep the forums, but who knows if one form will dominate the other or not over the long run? Also, the trend i noticed is we recieve more and more messages while we are playing (for instance, if a buddy connects a server, and so on): it can be useful but in my experience it just disturb my focus most of the time. I fear too much connexion/network might have a counterproductive effect. It reminds me an article i red in a french newspaper, that highlighted some teenagers of nowadays can receive a hundred of text-messages through their cell phone during one hour of lesson at school. I hope not all of them are in such a situation: it's just crazy, how could they focus on the lesson then? Understand that's not a reproach to Maniaplanet: in my understanding Maniaplanet follow a global trend of the whole society. But a talk about this subject could be interesting... Other example, some executive workers have a professional cell-phone and might be called even when they're not at work (nights, week-ends, holidays). Shall they switch it off sometimes, when they feel they really need privacy, or not?