I suppose there aren't many of you that have played Demon Souls. Now, I know the story wasn't amazing but it just goes to show the potential for online gaming. That statement about an RPG not being an RPG when it goes online is just ludicrous. This "emotional bond" you have with your character doesn't have to go away. In fact it could be deepened because now you have more to interact with. What did RPGs start as? Oh yeah, a GROUP of people constantly changing situations and dynamics. I think the new Two Worlds game has shown how online RPGs can be a success as well (even though its probably not going to sell very well). I'm having tons of fun with that one. Vindictus is a pretty good new MMO too, its not quite like any other MMO I've played, though granted I haven't played very many.
I agree with you.
Demons Souls was good. I liked White Knight Chronicles aswell. Both used online really well (and on a console too).
I also think games like Guild Wars do well for online multiplayer RPGs. You can do the entire game (bar specific high end farming areas which require a minimum of two people) solo wuth henchmen and heroes or play with friends. Can't say I felt any detachment from my characters in the near five years I had played it.
