A feeling

[Xillix Queen of Fools]

Just taking the temperature.

[Yanlora]

All of it is Important.. the most enjoyable I think is Roleplaying within a nice world. That would contain a consistent and elaborate description of the world. Reaching from  things as graphics to the Storyline and the behavior of players.
Latter one is hard to be enforced though. But a rich and clearly visible background-story will encourage it.
 that was my 5cent. over.

oh, did I mention it already is quite rich.. and getting even better?

[Rayken]

Just so I'm clear, what is the difference between story telling and role playing?  My ideal choice would be "settings changing GM events that are well Role-played by both GM characters and player characters."  What's the best vote for me?

[Xillix Queen of Fools]

I meant the storyline settings is writing for the game.

[Prolix]

Where does kvetching on the forums fit in?

Speaking about kvetching: how does crafting differ from game mechanics? .... more specific, I suppose.

Oh well, I managed to vote though I probably would have voted for other if it had been available.

Good luck with the poll, I suspect that Role Play will win hands down but that what comes in second or third might be useful information.

[Nikodemus]

For me, most important from the list are
Game Mechanics (leveling, training, etc)
Areas to explore
Role Playing
Storyline
Npc Dialog
Graphics
Gm Events
Crafting

I choose Game Mechanics because from them all they became undeveloped, the dreaded PP system, the 1-10 second(s) fights and so on. Some of these were suggested to be changed almost since the time CB came out and formed into well thought ideas a bit later.

[Mathy Stockington]

Prolix, 'kvetching'. My mother would be so proud of  you if she was still with us. (me too)

(sorry off topic Xillix.)

[Rayken]

I meant the storyline settings is writing for the game.

Then I went with story, because without settings there is nothing to RP.

[MrGadget]

I took this as a poll about the game itself, excluding the priceless bonds formed between players and characters that I'm sure for many far outweigh all else, and are much influenced by the RP experience they've had over months or years.

I voted mechanics because at least from my perspective these spawn and support much of the rest.  As a player, with perhaps limited creative IC dialog skills, I need to use the props and functional elements to support my RP and interactions with others.  From sharing a bit of food and drink to trading in crafted things to being a valuable part of a party set on a task or adventure to just going off by myself to explore the lands and towns and enjoy the various NPC's (mobs and others alike), game mechanics for me are the support system that brings everything together.  To even talk abut the weather it helps to actually have weather!  Make everything work, and dress it up afterward I would say.  Diversity and variety of things we can do and interact with, along with sensible balance among them, just seems to be at the core of the experience.  Along with these, Story provides for me the backdrop and details that drive the RP and the purpose behind the things we have and activities we do.  This for me is sufficiently important as to not be represented as second place, but rather runs near even with mechanics in support of all else.

Second choice would have to be graphics.  The more diverse and immersive scenery, models, items, and effects the better.  It doesn't need to be over-the top stuff either...the small details make so much difference.  Things like how the rogues have that shoulder-roll idle action.  Spells don't have to have big flashy effects, often simple is better, less is more.

MrG

[StitchedChin]

Tough one, but I went with Game Mechanics because I think like MrGadget, a good base and control of the character allows for better Roleplaying and overall game play.  If you take the time and set up the shortcuts, it makes everything a bit easier and quicker, so you feel more real time in game, ie. being able to greet people while walking, equip, unequip, cast spells, etc...  Hopefully, training and leveling will become more natural as well.  If you have a solid base, expandable, customizeable, then you just tack on the eye candy and story behind it.  Strong roleplaying comes when you have happy users, enjoying the game and its depth of customization.

[Socius Rockus]

What is the most important thing about planeshift to you?

Role playing ^^
  Because I thought the poll was about what's the most important thing about planeshift, and not "what's needed for planeshift to better the Roleplay-environment" 

[Shadow1490]

Heh... guess I'd have to say roleplay. Followed by the storyline that's the backdrop for said roleplay. Most of the other stuff kinda falls into place with those two anyway...

[Tuxide]

I voted game mechanics, because to me it decides whether PlaneShift as a game sucks or not.  Without them you might as well call it a Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Glorified Chatroom.  Also it best demonstrates how reusable PlaneShift-the-engine is.

[Illysia]

I think the storyline is more important. There are many rpg out there and many have actual roleplaying, but if the storyline isn't good or you just don't like it what difference does it make if there is roleplaying. But RPing is my second most important thing.  Everything else should help with the ability to RP.

[CrazyYlian]

No fair, I can only vote for one!

To me, mechanics, storytelling and areas to explore are all tied together; they're what makes PS a game unlike any other.  Roleplaying is good, GM events & crafting add dimensions, but the uniqueness of PS is the ability to just follow your path for your character without having to be led or forced into a specific line of gameplay.  I have never played another game with the kind of freedom I find in PS.

I voted for game mechanics, but I don't think they mean as much without the storyline, and the storyline wouldn't be as fun without the areas to explore to remind you that there is much more than just what is described in settings. Roleplay doesn't really start to become integral until you've explored enough to 'feel' your place in the story.  Additionally, I'm one who won't RP something I cannot support through mechanics, so a certain amount of leveling is required before RP acquires any depth.

Crafting, although it definitely involves you more, at the same time is so time consuming that it takes away from the freedom.  GM events are great, but in a break from the norm kind of way.

Ah spit... its all good. Ask me again when it's finished.