Some people love story, whereas I'm all about skipping dialog and cutscenes. I still like lore and backstory but huge narrative on rails stuff isn't for me. I enjoy the character progression, unlocking new abilities. They can't all be gamechangers but nothing is worse than a tree of +2% to woodcutting, 4% damage reduction. I like the anticipation of finally being able to get the teleport spell or craft top tier weapons.
Viewing post in What makes an RPG addicting? (No bad answers)
I've done this, so I can't judge. I get into that "Yes yes, that's great, lemme playyy" kind of mood. So what if the story is one of those you just get in there and find out? No hand holding about the fate of the world and it's woes and the wars and all that, just you and your ideas. The rest comes along as you talk to NPCs or do quests. I guess that's more lore based story telling, but I still appreciate it when it's done right.
Abilities and skills has come up a LOT, and I agree... Giving me 5% woodcutting after I cut 1mil trees feels terrible. Now, the ability to summon a tree lord would be just fine, or even to fire off a wooden stake as an ability learned from so much woodcutting, that could go places. Though, the worst is when a game doesn't show what's ahead and then drops low end bonuses for massive accomplishments. At least tell me that I'm wasting my time...
Oh! Crafting!! Yes!! What about crafting different pieces of a weapon and having to discover ores to make combinations of weapons and tools for different things!? A pickaxed with a head that smelts ore, the handle has a chance of doubling drops and the binder is made from a material that lowers stamina needed per swing, but all of those things are from discovery or rare shop finds!? I'm excited just thinking about that...