What do I remember being so good about MMOs?

Identifiers that say something about me (Race chosen, name, class, abilities, weapons, armour, appearance)

A 'home' - somewhere to idle after questing. Somewhere where it's likely to bump into friends, or other people I 'know' / recognise.

Meet people who are different but with shared goals.
"Group of friends that I met in game. Similar situations, complementing skills, similar attitudes, etc. Usually introduced by someone helping someone else out."

World effects (e.g. Weather) - something that happens on a regional scale that is noticeable by everyone nearby

Ability to form adhoc groups. Ability to form guilds (loosely, patron / vassal). No 'public chat' - it's all based on location, group chats, or one to one chats (whispers, patron / vassal). Less spammy

Unique items, everyone looks different. Not like WoW where everyone has the same gear to max out stats.