Mission Players: What do you look for in a mission?

[Willow Storm]

I’m a SWOG mission writer who recently found my way to SmallVerse. I can see that missions here are, in general, shorter and less complex, so before I delve too deeply into mission writing here, I want to ask what do you want from a mission? What do you love and what do you hate.
For example, I love a good story. I hate having to type long sentences or made-up words such as, Yurlffledatics
But I want to hear makes a mission good for you? Do you like reading a plot or do you prefer very simple tasks like, “pick up the gems”? Does the lighting affect your enjoyment? Do dark spaces bother you or add atmosphere? Do you like missions to come in a series so you can have a longer story but in short increments? Do you want to breeze through, or do you want a real challenge?
Any feedback you give will be greatly appreciated. After all, when I write a mission, it’s for you! Well, truthfully, it’s for me too. I love doing it!

Willow Storm & CoolCat

[Kissy My]

I find answering questions like this, sometimes get me in trouble...but here I go LOL

I like ALL kinds of missions... short, long, story, role play, action, adventure, silly and on and on.
I find and appreciate the majority.

Things I will avoid ...
missions where you have to type or read a lot and often.
be required to do things in order.
First play I will take time to read and do things EXACTLY as written, but if I play again, I won't be as focused on story and do not want to click things in order.
I will admit, I tend to avoid things that are a "challenge" .. I play missions for enjoyment and relaxation, not to be challenged.. BUT I do greatly respect and admire the work ppl put into them.

[Shane Fahey]

I personally prefer missions that require using a little bit of brainpower and that haven't got lengthy AI texts - I don't want to read a book, I'd rather have a story told through actions.
Similar to you, I also hate type tasks and pick up tasks if over used!

Missions with memorable interactions/immersive decorations stand out the most to me - For example I've played at least a dozen missions this week and the only ones I recall actually being fun were the Pac Man mission, due to the interactions with the lights which felt very immersive and the Bandito mission, for the interactions with the Pea Shooter

[Aribella Lafonte]

This thread might get me into a little bit of trouble since I definitely have my likes and dislikes. For me, my favorite type of missions to play are those that take advantage of the senses in their environment such as lighting and sound effects and put an extra effort into the decor to make the space and the mission within it become more real. I prefer a mission with a good story or notifications to continue the story without task boxes that have a lot of text. There aren’t a whole lot of missions on SV that have what I really go for in a mission but for a few, but I would hope that changes in the future. There are a couple role play missions I enjoy, but they are those that are very realistic and have put a lot into the decor. Basically, as far as missions go, if I go to enjoy it and not going for tokens/XP, I am harder to please. I need to have that extra visual or auditory stimulation in order for it to keep my attention. For a mission that I enjoy, time is not an issue. Simple, clear tasks are preferred.

For features in a mission that I dislike, there are several things since I feel a mission should be to enjoy and not to frustrate its mission player. Such things that frustrate me is long story text (think Smallworlds Echoes & Beyond) or missions that don’t properly explain what they want me to do, (#1 most hated thing) long typing tasks with punctuation included, proximity teleports (for challenge) hidden objects or a cluttered space forcing me to rotate (unless its specifically a hidden object mission), picking up 15+ objects in one task, in order programming (perfectionism vs programming necessity) and missions with very minimal text/storyline or effort. (I get bored).

[Dex Who]

I play all kind of missions, but my favorites are the ones with good stories or funny ones, with creative interactions and sets that make you feel part of the story.

On the other hand I don't like puzzles or missions where you have to find 10 items each task, or that are just about emotes.

[Noctus Silvet]

I support all missions regardless of whether it's a short or long one. I'm not someone who is going to go around calling something not creative because it's not very ethical or wise to, especially, in a place where the long run is to support both creativity and the longevity of the game. Sometimes, I intentionally scroll all the way to the end of the mission menu to find the ones least played or underated.
I will say missions that don't give everything away in the introduction/summary are more appealing. As others have mentioned, players enjoy being a little surprised in the end by humor or discovering something unexpected (not cliche) upon the mission completion. That's just human nature, though, we like the novelty.

[Willow Storm]

Thank you for all the great info! And I hope you all know that it's all valid and correct. We all have different like and dislike or we wouldn't have the fantastic variety in our world that we do. You've given me great feedback and I will try to use it all!.

[Cami Lux]

I love a silly mission with a fun storyline, short tasks or a mystery plot.

[Penguin Disco]

I definitely enjoy a variety of styles and lengths, but I generally enjoy a good story. I like when missions end with a comedic or shocking twist, or have a feel-good introspective message/theme. I find that my favourite missions are ones with cool interactions and lighting effects that immerse you into the story. I also like missions that make you think, so long as they aren't too vague or frustrating... a good puzzle is always fun. Of course, missions that push the envelope and try to attempt something new are always welcomed... PacMaze by Larry Sah and The Collector by Aribella Lafonte come to mind in that regard, because they've truly pioneered new forms of gameplay using the mission mechanics.

Honestly, the only kind of missions I tend to avoid are cleaning or restaurant server style missions. No shade to the creators who clearly put in a lot of work to make them, because they definitely have their place. They're just not my personal fave because I find them repetitive unless there's some sort of creative angle. I do enjoy simulation missions that are educational, though.

[Nyx Davinci]

Mission making like painting is a talent and not everyone is a expert. Some people including me just enjoy making them regardless and that should be celebrated. We all like different missions and that is why the missions are so diverse here on SV

I love to see well thought out missions and sometimes simple is fun too - I love story missions - puzzle missions - funny missions - surprise missions - hunt missions - even... pick up missions!!

For me as long as someone took the time to create it - then its worth a play. That said doesn't mean I will play it again if it didn't float my boat - Sorry


I love missions and who's to say what's good and not good - honestly not me!

But we all like what we like and my preference is Missions: Keep em coming