all games are not created equal

I gotta be careful with this comparison because these two games are kinda similar, yet totally different.

Ok, first, imagine that WoW, instead of being an MMORPG, was a single player game like Fable 2.  Also imagine that every non-NPC in WoW wasn't there anymore, so no multiplayer aspect.  Assuming that, I can try and compare these two games.

Both of these games involving questing and gaining XP in order to enchance your character.  However, F2 doesn't have any levels at all, it just has the ability to spend your XP on stuff like physical abilities and spells.  Now with WoW, you gain levels as you gain XP, in addition to being able to aquire new talents, such as spells or enchancements to your character.  WoW gives you a feeling of progressing towards something with every kill and something to look forward to.  There weren't many times in F2 where I was looking forward to being able to do something once I gathered enough XP for it.

One thing F2 does better than WoW is the feeling that your actions affect how the characters in the game see you.  If you're mean to people, they will run away from you.  In WoW, you kind of have this with factions.  You do a lot of stuff for a faction and get rewards when you build up their trust.  In F2, you can make people love you and sometimes, you'll even receive gifts from them.

The biggest negative against F2 though is the lack of skill in battling.  You can easily mash an attack button to kill off the majority of the enemies in the game and not even worry.  But then if you really do find yourself in a situation where you are kinda overpowered, there isn't really much you can do.  You can cast your spells, swing your weapon around and take your potions, but if that isn't enough, you're done for.  With WoW, there are many ways to be skillful in the ordering and selection of the actions you perform.  Sure, there are cases where you can just attack away and have it be easy, but most of the time, you'll probably be doing stuff that is a little more challenging.

In the end, WoW wins by a lot because of the skill it takes to play the game well.  The difference between a skilled and unskilled player in WoW is huge, but in F2, that difference isn't nearly as clear.  Also, WoW has a sense of accomplishment that F2 is lacking on.