Lets just start by saying that I love the idea of PvP interaction. Killing mobs over and over doesnt do much for me. Doing lame quests like "please go get me 5 boar livers" just doesnt appeal to me in any sense of the word. I think I will start by defining what I think a PvP MMORPG should entail...
1. PvP from start to finish.
Why in the majority of so called PvP games, does the PvP only start end game. I believe from level 1 to end game, PvP should be a viable options. If an mmo is going to have PvP in it, then design the system from the ground up to support it. DO NOT throw PvP in at the end and go there, its broke, but there...
2. Advancing your character through PvP.
I want a wide range to the advancement system in a game. I enjoy the challenge of defeating a live opponent in combat. The problem is, with most games you either dont gain xp or equipment or either. Whats the point of forcing players to spend hours grinding for game currency and killing mobs just to spend minutes PvPing. Im talking about all forms of PvP also. Simply adding battlegrounds to a game doesnt make it a PvP game. The idea of an mmo is to be a big sandbox to play in. So dont little PvP to tiny areas in the big sandbox. DO NOT force players to spend massive amounts of time doing what they dont want to do, just to do what they want to do.
3. Dynamic Environment.
PvP can and should be supported by PvE. What I mean is in every battle there should be the potential for mobs to assist. In a war type scenario there should be mobs attacking and defending key locations. The game should feel as if a war is raging. I would even go so far as to say "hell, i just killed a player and didnt even realize it". If a noob player has mob support he is going to feel better about engaging others in PvP. If the noob player has a defensive structure to retreat to or defend from, he is going to feel better about PvP. If its always you alone getting whacked by a group of "insert curse word here", your probably going to quit. DO NOT restrict PvP to linear situations.
4. Stealth.
Personally i believe the most valuable tool a player can have is stealth. As a stealther, you control when and where the fight takes place. A stealth class is the most critical class to balance. An overpowered stealth class will ruin any chance of a stable PvP environment. Personally, i enjoy playing stealth classes. I love the idea of scouting and ambushing. I just do not like the idea of easy mode PvP where the stealth class can engage at will and escape at will. DO NOT allow any class to engage or escape at will.
Hopefully a game will come along that will break the mold, cause im really bored :)
