Editor's note: According to Mark, things are on the upswing for MMO lovers. To quote Timbuk3's post-apocalyptic song of Cold War paranoia, I'm looking at an MMO landscape whose "future's so bright, I gotta wear shades." -James 

We’ve come a long way: From the MUDs that populated ARPANet in the '80s to the 12 million-plus players that populate Blizzard’s servers, online role playing has changed. 

While a lot of these different MMOs have been popular, none have been as widely successful as World of Warcraft. And even though many attempt to create healthy competition for Blizzard's towering behemoth, most fall short and end up struggling to survive or closing their doors.

But in the next few years we have two games -- both made by competent and successful developers -- that are looking to dethrone the Lich King and may actually be able to. These two games, together with Blizzard’s gigantic upcoming expansion pack, could usher in an amazing few years for MMO-lovers and newcomers alike.

Star Wars: The Old Republic (BioWare)

Those crazy Canadians certainly do know how to make great games. Even though BioWare recently released Mass Effect 2 and Dragon Age: Origins, the developer has been hard at work for at least two years creating what appears to be a deep, story-driven MMO that’s set to release sometime next year. Judging by the class makeup, the absolutely stunning trailers, and the strong focus they’ve put on the story, this game looks like it will be a very solid contender if they actually make good on their promises.

Taking place 3,500 years before the events of the Star Wars films and 300 years after Knights of the Old Republic -- BioWare’s first foray in the Star Wars universe -- the game features the classic struggle between Jedi, Sith, and the Galactic Empire as a temporary peace between all three leads to betrayal, the rise of new heroes, and the rise of villains who wish to destroy them.

Final Fantasy 14 (Square-Enix)

Final Fantasy 11 was a huge disappointment for everyone -- even Square Enix. Since the game’s release, it has gone through tons of expansion packs and patches. In fact, Square has produced so much content that it could have easily been Final Fantasy 14 already with how different it’s become since launch.

Square’s second try at an MMO looks like they’ve learned a lot from past mistakes, and many of the things they’ve announced seem like welcome changes. Citing games like World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Warhammer as inspiration, Final Fantasy 14 eschews the strong focus on group play that bogged down Final Fantasy 11 and rebalances the solo experience. It’s also pursuing a unique take on the typical job and crafting systems (called the "Armory System”) as well as the primary leveling mechanic itself.

The game also features the same engine that Final Fantasy 13 uses, and from early screenshots of the alpha-phase of testing, it looks absolutely stunning for an online game.

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (Blizzard)

Looking to keep itself firmly rooted in the hearts and minds of MMO players, Blizzard is releasing what looks like to be a rebranding of the classic formula. Currently in its beta stage (which is invite-only), Cataclysm is going to redefine Azeroth in both a literal and a physical sense.

As Deathwing rises from his prison in the center of the earth, he will tear the world asunder and release new evils upon the world greater than Arthas and his Scourge hordes. Through the destruction comes new chances to forge alliances (in the form of two new races: the goblin and the worgen) as well as the ability to explore and ransack previously locked away areas of the three continents.

While this expansion only brings five new experience levels, Blizzard has also announced guild levels, a reworking of many of the classic areas of Azeroth, and a number of other cleanups and improvements.

With these three titles coming out in the next year (or so), it looks like we’re in for some amazing online gaming experiences. Are there any MMOs you’re looking forward to?

You can find this article -- and more like it -- by Mark T. Whitney over at geekCasual!