how would you describe ss13 to someone who's never played or heard of it before?

[Jobe81]

I would say it is more MOBA than MMO. Your character can be persistent but there are no long term goals for the character other than achievement unlocks. I personally burned out on the grind of MMO's. You grind for the top level, then you grind the gear. An expansion releases and you start over again. With SS13 you are as good as you will be at the start of the round. It comes to game knowledge, creativity, and a desire to do something. Hell even on non RP servers it is still fun to play out your role/character. Be the hero doctor that saves everyone, the clown that makes Sec want to pull their hair out, or the janitor scrubbing brains off the floor. SS13 offers a short roles with instant immersion into the action.