Can you ever go back?

Nostalgia is a cruel mistress, some have said.

Every now and then you look back to games you played in the past, recalling the memories of all the great times you had. You think of perhaps going back, to see if you can recreate that magic.

Don't.

Take my example. I was on Youtube the other day, when I came upon a goodbye to EverQuest video. Of course immediately nostalgia came pouring out in droves, and I went back in my mind to a time when I was a young Dark Elf Rogue, in a little city called Neriak. The experiences I had, the incredibly close friends I made, and me just a budding gamer learning about the world (..of warcraft, not).

Of course I immediately went to the EQ website, and downloaded the free trial. Eventually I got in, and hearing that music while the game loaded was like I was high. I created a Dark Elf Rogue, putting in my stats, customizing my face, and selecting my name. Then I entered the game, and I almost immediately regretted it.

The game looked old, I mean really old. There was a rat with the name "A rat" in big clunky glowing letters, and I just was amazed at how spoiled I've become with the current MMO's. The same thing happened when I tried to play my Kobold Shadowblade in DAOC again. I used to love that guy, killing casters and other rogues by the bucketload. When I logged in, I realized that movement was incredibly slow and choppy, and couldn't circle strafe at all.

I had a few nice little seconds playing EQ again. I looked in my bags and smiled to see my rations, water, and bandages right there like they always were in-game. I realized sadly though, that there was no going back to the good ol times. Even if I was to continue playing, I would not be recreating the magic. It would be a different experience all together, this time with no fresh into the world wonderment.

So please, take my advice. Cherish the wonderful memories of when you lost your MMO virginity, but don't go back. You may enjoy the game for a minute, a day, or even a week, but you will likely never recapture the magic of your first time. It's alright though, there are plenty of new games to experience now and in the future.