Quote Originally Posted by Shougun View Post
On boats, and I can't speak for all of them, but I remember 2 - 5 minute boat, zepplin, and tram rides in WoW. First tram ride from Ironlag to Stormwind was really fun. Certainly the longer ones have a more lasting impact on the idea of distance but personally I don't think there would be anything wrong with a mix of one off longer rides and then shorter more tolerable rides then further mixed in with an evolution of transportation.

It's kind of funny, and slightly vindicating, to have some odd years later see things like GW2 top mount system in MMOs or players talking about travel. . . Funny circle (while GW2's system is awesome and I've tried it, just want to say I did make my suggestion of movement gameplay prior to GW2's so it's not like an obsession with GW2 specifically). I've honestly never really wanted people to consistently travel for long periods of time, but and perhaps not as well described as I could have back then, constantly been talking about the importance of gameplay systems as simple in appearance as travel...

I still think teleports are important, but if travel could become it's own GAMEIFIED progression.. I think that'd be pretty good, and can coexist in a casual environment (though that does mean limited number of times to be expected to do anything that takes a while, original FFXI transportation mechanics and limited teleports even at end game wouldn't work).
I do think having a longer travel option would be nice (not just chocobo porters), but yes, the option for instant travel is needed. Gamers just aren't the same as back in 2000. People aren't going to put up with a game that forces them to wait 5 - 10 minutes for something to show up and then another 15 - 20 minutes to travel. When people log in they want to play immediately. The very off chance they find a new friend while waiting those 30 minutes just isn't worth it for most players now.

Also, it's funny you mention GW2, if you watch how people use mounts, almost everyone simply uses the mounts that allow them to bypass content, whether it's the griffon or skyscale. Devs can make all the systems they want, but if players aren't using the systems, that says something.