Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Quick Links
Play eq2 or Lotro
spanishspell
Member Posts: 30
in Everquest II
Hi, I´m a wow player and i like to play it, but sometimes i would like to enjoy other games and i´m thinking about everquest 2 and lord of the rings online.
I´ve read the servers in eq2 are low-mid populated but with a mature community, and lotro is a "clon of wow" but easy to play.
I´m a casual gamer (2 hours /day), and i would like that recommend me one of these games to play.
thank you in advance
Comments
Having played all three to some extent I would say EQII.
LOTRO is similar to WoW and you really would not get a much different experience out of it. I played EQII when it first came out so it was a less then positive experience but many people say it has gotten significantly better.
-Atziluth-
- Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
EQ2 has probably a lot more going for it right now. Big world, plenty to do, more classes, more races.
Lotro is also a fine game though IMO, im spending more time there than in EQ2 at the moment, but thats only because its new, ive played EQ2 since release and believe it to be the most polished game of them all.
If you want a new community, go with LotRO
If you want lots of content and established community, go with EQ2.
They're both different games, honestly.
From a content standpoint, I'd suggest EQ2 simply because it came out the same time WoW did and has way more content than WoW. LOTRO is brand new, and therefore has more limited content. If you're a "play all day every day" player, then you'll quickly bore of LOTRO at this early time in its life.
EQ2 is more like WoW in that not only can you quest, but you can just go out and grind mobs if you feel like it. LOTRO's xp comes mostly from quests, grinding mobs barely gives any xp at all and isn't worth the hefty repair bill it will entail afterwards.
Those aside, ask yourself what you want in a game. You're playing WoW right now, so you're used to all kinds of crazy player races, classes, magic spells flying everywhere, bizarre mounts, etc. You'll get even more of that in EQ2, while LOTRO is forced to keep things toned down to fit with Tolkien's world so it's much more "down to earth." LOTRO also desperately needs more variety in the generic quest/zone mobs. Again, it's toned down, so you're mostly fighting bandits, bears, boars and wolves. Just like in WoW you fight murlocs, spiders, etc. in almost every zone. LOTRO does have some of the coolest undead fights I've ever seen though, I'll give Turbine major props for adding very cinematic and dramatic effects to their game at times.
While it sounds like I'm propping EQ2, I'm actually spending the majority of my time in LOTRO. I was most recently a hardcore WoW raider, and took several months away from MMOs after leaving WoW at the launch of TBC when I finished my beta duties. I have no interest in doing the hardcore thing, so LOTRO is perfect for me. Very story and quest oriented, and I get a sense of accomplishment after just a short time in-game. At my pace, content will be added to LOTRO just fine for me to see. EQ2, while it has tons of really cool classes and races, is just having a difficult time keeping me interested. I'm hoping it's just that the noob areas I'm in are just poorly done and that things will improve once I level up and leave into the rest of the world. Otherwise, from the mob animations and the look of the world to how ranged combat aggroes the mob before my character even pulls the bowstring, I'm finding that even WoW's cartoony look was more immersive and interesting.
Choose EQ2.
I beta'd LOTRO and its almost a complete rip off of WoW but with a different wrapper. I played WoW and I'll never waste my money on it again. EQ2 is the best game currently out there. There's a heck of alot of content, a mature community, constant updates, if you're having a problem SOE is generally quick to fix whatever the problem is (my character got stuck in a wall once, and a table another time, a GM was there within 10 min both times), and we even were all recently given a free expansion pack through download.
Don't just go grinding everything though. This game is called Everquest for a reason. Because of the quests. If you grind, you're defeating the point and missing out on the fun. Not to mention, you gain xp alot faster if you do the quests, and you get to see the back story, and take part in some little things you probably didn't know were there. Like becoming a worshipper of your god of choice who bestows "blessings" upon you.
I played EQII from beta till last November, and LoTRO from Alpha 2 till present. I only played WoW a month at release, I just did not care for the graphics style at all. When it comes down to it , all level based MMO's are the same. EQII, WoW , and LOTRO's biggest differences are the world/lore, and the graphics style. Even the steepness of the grind slope is about the same from what I have seen. All three are clones of EQ1's basic which is based on a diku style text mud in graphic form.
My 2 cents worth. LoTRO is a lot more innovative, EQII has more content at the moment. LoTRO has the better graphics engine, EQII has smoother character animations. LoTRO has more innovations ( music system, trait system and session play) and better PvP ( MPvP and duals) , EQII has better a better crafting system. Both have good communities but LoTRO's population seems higher. You really cannot go wrong either way. Both have good content updates however I think in the long run LoTRO is going to pull ahead. SOE's CS sucked in my opinion, Turbines is better although far from perfect. All of these are subjective opinions of course.
I miss DAoC
"Granted thinking for yourself could be considered a timesink of shorter or longer duration depending on how smart..or how dumb you are."
I miss DAoC
I would choose EQ2, it is a much better game than LOTRO, at least to me and mostly due to:
1. More variety, more to do, more options and more character customization.
2. Loads and loads of quests.
3. Superb new content added all the time, for example Neriak added recently with a great starter zone, seems like EQ2 has a really good dev. team.
4. I fail to see how the trait system in LOTRO in innovative, also it is about the only real character customization you get in that game. I would say it is only a very poor copy of the talent system in WoW or the AA system in EQ2 which lets you individualize your character.
5. Crafting system is much better in EQ2. More advanced but still easy to understand.
6. It is a blast to play and there are so many races and classes to choose from.
There are a couple of reasons to choose Lotro as well:
1. You are a quite casual player, Lotro is a good game for a casual player.
2. Very nice graphics.
3. The lore, it is Tolkien after all.
4. The story missions, they are really exciting, now this is innovation and something other MMOs should learn from.
However, I played Lotro in beta and thought I would play it a long time so I got the lifetime membership, only to go back to EQ2 three weeks after Lotro launched. Somehow it was just boring boring boring. It is really hard to put the finger on why, because it seems to have all that should be there, but the gameplay still is truly boring after a while (very subjective of course, but I don't seem to be the only one saying this).
The music system in Lotro is good, but a very fluff fluff thing, actually it was in AC2 as well (another Turbine MMMO which they have now shut down).
But, if I were you I would do like this, get the trial (Play the fae) of EQ2 and if you like it stick to it. If not buy Lotro.
I miss DAoC
Yes, Turbine has a content schedule up to the year 2014 so far...
As for graphics, I'll take LOTRO any day over EQ2 for the world. I'm fine with the character animations too, but I only have one EQ2 character. I do rather enjoy his combat animations too, but good gods I can't friggin stand the mob animations whatsoever. I'm still in whatever the noob zone around Qeynos is, and you can't even imagine how I'm hoping things improve once I leave there. How those animations (and mob graphics for that matter) made it past beta is beyond me.
One thing I'm also hoping is that EQ2's world is seamless (as in, no loading screens between zones). I've heard it both ways, so guess I'll find out for myself soon.
2. Noone has ever said there is no zoning in EQ1 or 2, so I have no idea where you get your info. One of the "gripes" that comes up often on this forum is the zoning from place to place. HOWEVER, zoning is 10 seconds or less, and much worth it for the best graphics in any game to date. Most zoneless games zone into instances anyways, and have teleportation, so you zone in every game out atm anyways. It's just a crutch to put down a game they may not like.
To the OP:
LotRO is a fine game, and pretty fun. It is pretty easy, as it pretty much tells you exactly what to do all the time, so you really never have to figure anything out. And the combat is rediculously easy as you can handle 3 mobs your level without worry. Also, the graphics are pretty but very fake and flat, no texturing at all and everything moves unnaturally. (especially the characters and mobs) I hate the equipment (like armor), it just looks absolutely terrible.
However, with all that said, it is fun, great story line and history, and one of the better games out there. It is totally tailored for casual players, as hardcore would blow through all the content in about a month.
I prefer EQ2 because it gives choices for hardcore players as well, and the depth of the whole world just hasn't been matched by any other game yet as a whole. (Although Vanguard has a chance at contesting this someday)
"Granted thinking for yourself could be considered a timesink of shorter or longer duration depending on how smart..or how dumb you are."
To the OP: the games are pretty much equal when every thing is added up and what it ends up being is a matter of personal preference. Each game has it's pluses and minuses. You really cannot go wrong either way you go.
I miss DAoC
Far be the truth of that. Lotr as I have mentioned many times only has one..ONE thing going for it.....The Story. Besides that, it's simple a lame WoW rip off. All you do is grind quests running back and forth from npc to npc. Crafting..sucks. Innovation? where? The only other thing remotely good is the the player vs player-monster. You want to talk about avatars looking bland and the same, LotR has that mastered! Nothing like forming a group and 4 of you look EXCATLY alike. If the game did'nt have the Lotr title/story, it would never have gotten as popular as it has. Personally I'd rather play WoW and it's Disney rip off graphics.
IF you want to play a REAL mmorpg, Play EQ2 or better yet play Oblivion.
Aswell try doing a search, this topic has been done many times.
Don't fool him into playing Oblivion, it is not a proper RPG, as an RPG Morrowind was way better and Daggerfall better yet (though very dated now of course).
As has been said, try the EQ2 trial or do as Jack said and get a buddy key for Lotro!
If you'd bothered to read what I wrote in parentheses, I stated exactly what I meant by seamless, and I did so just because I knew you'd be reading it and couldn't resist pouncing on someone for using a term you didn't like, I've seen you do it many times before. I was hoping a quick explanation would suffice, but I guess you can't resist pouncing no matter what. I'm not calling anything "zoneless" either because each new area has a name and it's called a "zone" in-game. You don't like the phrase I (and most others) used. I don't like the phrase you use. We can agree to disagree. The difference is I won't come jumping out of the wordwork screaming at every poster who writes anything with the phrase "zoneless" in it.
So, to clarify, what I'm hoping is that I don't have a Guild Wars style experience where every time I encounter a new zone, I have to enter a swirly portal and watch a load screen. I don't mind that in GW since it's a fully instanced action RPG but I do mind that in a modern MMORPG.
Played LOTRO since closed beta until about a month after release. I really don't have much to say about that game except I wish I could have my money back.
Far be the truth of that. Lotr as I have mentioned many times only has one..ONE thing going for it.....The Story. Besides that, it's simple a lame WoW rip off. All you do is grind quests running back and forth from npc to npc.And in EQII you grind quests and run back and forth between NPC's Crafting..sucks. I wouldn't say it sucks it is not as refined as EQII's but it is better than WoWs Innovation? where? Player generated music system, PvMp, Session play. Name me any othe MMORPG with any of the three. The only other thing remotely good is the the player vs player-monster. You want to talk about avatars looking bland and the same, LotR has that mastered! Nothing like forming a group and 4 of you look EXCATLY alike.A false statement If the game did'nt have the Lotr title/story, it would never have gotten as popular as it has. Personally I'd rather play WoW and it's Disney rip off graphics.
IF you want to play a REAL mmorpg, Play EQ2 or better yet play Oblivion. ROFL whatever, EQII, WoW and LoTRO are all graphical diku muds, I know the truth hurts but that is the bottom line. All three are polished and relativly fun but they are no more different than a Chevrolet is different from a Pontiac or a Buick. A bit different body styles but that is about it.
Aswell try doing a search, this topic has been done many times.
That's ok litttle friend if you want to think your game is vastly superior, and it helps you sleep at night then more power to you.
I miss DAoC
Far be the truth of that. Lotr as I have mentioned many times only has one..ONE thing going for it.....The Story. Besides that, it's simple a lame WoW rip off. All you do is grind quests running back and forth from npc to npc.And in EQII you grind quests and run back and forth between NPC'sOK let's be lazy and use colour when replying to posts too! You never have played EQ2 have you? Yes there are quests but you don't grind them.You get to decide who you wish to talk to and when! LotR Every NpC has5 -10 things for you to do if not more! Aswell your pretty much directed to talk to many npcs during quests which lead you to doing a chain of quests. Crafting..sucks. I wouldn't say it sucks it is not as refined as EQII's but it is better than WoWs Innovation? where? Player generated music system, PvMp, Session play. Name me any othe MMORPG with any of the three. I'm fairly sure there are other games out there that have this. The only other thing remotely good is the the player vs player-monster. You want to talk about avatars looking bland and the same, LotR has that mastered! Nothing like forming a group and 4 of you look EXCATLY alike.A false statement False statement? LOL Have you even played Lotr past lvl 10??? If the game did'nt have the Lotr title/story, it would never have gotten as popular as it has. Personally I'd rather play WoW and it's Disney rip off graphics.
IF you want to play a REAL mmorpg, Play EQ2 or better yet play Oblivion. ROFL whatever, EQII, WoW and LoTRO are all graphical diku muds, I know the truth hurts but that is the bottom line. All three are polished and relativly fun but they are no more different than a Chevrolet is different from a Pontiac or a Buick. A bit different body styles but that is about it. Yep the truth hurts, you still don't know what your talking about.
Aswell try doing a search, this topic has been done many times.
That's ok litttle friend if you want to think your game is vastly superior, and it helps you sleep at night then more power to you. Little friend eh? Did I say EQ2 is vastly superior? No I did not. I stated that it is better then Lotr and mentioned the reasons. I can see why people on here enjoy your superiority complex, it makes for a great laugh.
I have played both games and prefer EQ2. I'm not sure why. To be honest I t hink LORTO has a better community in the sense that there was always someone who was willing to do a quest I was working on. However, they may be because I bought the game when it first came out and the first wave of peeps were all around the same level working on the same quests. I like EQ2 a more because the avatars are larger, the environments are more diverse, the spell graphics are MUCH better, there are more classes and races to play, plenty of solo quests and mostly because Sony is very responsive to the players needs (HAHAHAHA I make joke!!)
All kidding aside, it's a good game that Sony decided not to destroy and worth playing.
LOTRO and EQ2 are very different. LOTRO is very much as WoW. If you liked WoW you will probably like LOTRO.
EQ2 is more oriented to hardcore players. It has way better contents, quests, crafting, etc than LOTRO. I personally preffer EQ2, but I didnt like WoW too much.
Define hard core please. What specificly makes EQII more hard core than LoTRO.
You want to talk crafting ok , what item can a crafter in EQII make that is superior to any drop or quest item and I include the raid drops here. Here is an example of what a crafter in LoTRO can make if he is hard core enough to grand master his trade skill and lucky enough to get the one shot recipes, tools, and materials. The special drops are from rare mobs, the recipes are single use recipes.
Mirrored Ancient Armour minimum level to wear is level 47
Chest: 367 Armour, 28 might, 28 vitality, 84 power - Requires Achathling's Mandible
Boots: 147 Armour, 28 vitality, 28 agility, 84 power - Requires Snowback's Claw
Gloves: 184 Armour, 28 might, 28 agility, 84 morale - Requires Snowback's Claw
Helm: 110 Armour, 28 vitality, 28 will, 84 morale - Requires Hoartusk's Horn
Leggings: 306 Armour, 28 agility, 28 will, 84 power - Requires Skybreaker's Scale
Shoulders: 110 Armour, 28 might, 28 fate, 84 power - Requires Sagrurz's Tooth
materials listed below:
If you have obtainered the highest level crafting tools you have a critical success chance is of 35%, the other 65% of the time the items will still be good, just not quite as good.
This stuff is better than raid items if you are hard core enough to craft it or buy it ( about 20 to 30 gold for a complete set on the auction house if you can find it and gold is a hell of a lot harder to come by in LoTRO than in EQII. My level 45 has a whopping 6 gold right now and his only major expense was a horse for 4.5 gold.
Sorry but the LoTRO is only for casual gamers is just another myth perpetuated by people who have not played it. Just the hours iinvolved to max level are roughly the same or about 400 played hours to max level in adventuring. Crafting, MPvP, socializing, and fine tuning traits will add to that time. It can be played casually for sure, or can be as hard core as you want it to be. Just depends on how much time you want to invest, just like WoW or EQII.
I miss DAoC
For a guy saying both games are equal you sure are being a rabid LOTRO fan.
-Atziluth-
- Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
For a guy saying both games are equal you sure are being a rabid LOTRO fan.
Just hate to see misinformation spread as fact is all. Seems to be a lot of BS being spread about LoTRO as fact.
I have played both games for hundreds of hours now, and there will always a special place in my memories for my time spent in EQII. I might even reactivate my account to EQII sometime. My guild still has a few active members there and I have not played since last November. WoW was just not my cup of tea at all, so if I ever run out of content in LoTRO I will head back to Antonica unless AoC or WAR grab my attention that is.
I think EQII has a lot of very good points and in some ways is better than LoTRO. For example EQII's armor is nicer looking, the crafting system technique overall is better and I think EQII animations are better, hobbits run like they have a bad case of diaper rash for example . LoTRO also has things which are better than EQII's such as much prettier world graphics and a fantastic storyline. Both are polished and well made games. All in all it is a wash for me, each game has it's pluses and minuses.
So sorry if it bugs you that I like each game, but the old My Ford is better than your Chevy and my Dad can beat up your Dad bullshit always seemed really childish to me.
By the way since I also hope that Ages of Conan and Warhammer turn out to be kick ass games too, does that make me a rabid EQII - LoTRO - AoC - WAR fanboy
I miss DAoC