Help Me Decide

Darkonis

     I've played through many MMORPGs in the past 6 years, and managed to keep myself entertained and immersed in the game. Lately, I've had alot of difficulty trying to find an MMORPG to play, and am trying to turn my head from the upcoming giants(EQ/WoW/GW). I see myself as a hardcore gamer, and have played the following to endgame; EQ, SWG, UO, CoH, AO, FFXI, RO, and PS. Now, im in desperate need of help on deciding which MMORPG is for me. The following information is what I feel the game needs to be my dream MMORPG, but anything close or between will do.

     -Server Population-

     I feel the need to constantly see some amount of people, and not be in a desolate world such as the beginning levels of DAoC. Whether this means a smaller game world, or a larger player base it does not make much of a difference to me.

     -Griefing/PvP/Endgame-

     I realize that in most scenarios, open PvP and population contradict eachother. However, PvP is what my ideal endgame is. Open PvP is what really attracts me into a game, and is my keyfactor when choosing an MMORPG. I feel that I can tolerate griefing to a very high extent, and have no problem with this.

     -Graphics/Sound-

     Graphics can only be a plus in my eyes, but not an overall deciding factor. I like both 2D and 3D graphics, however I can't play a game where the 2D graphics are very odd/distracting such as tibia. I am very attracted to 2D korean games, and have enjoyed myself in Graal Classic/SlayersEN/SP.

     -PvE/General Gameplay-

    Over time I've come to accept the rising trend in grinding and leveling treadmills. I have no problem with grinding my way to the top, however I would prefer being able to SOLO(very important), as I do not care for leveling in a group. Im guessing PvE generally doesn't mean SO much to me as PvP does, seeing i played Graal Classic for almost 3 years. >.< Rare loot, quests, and tradeskilling are very extreme bonuses however. Realisticaly, its not easy to find a game with good PvP and PvE.

     I could continue, but I'm trying to cut this short so that some people will hopefully read it. At the moment, I am open to most MMORPGs and would like to hear your opinions for me and a brief reason why. If you are someone in my spot, please PM me or reply to the topic with a general idea of what you want and I will try to return the favor. Thankyou very much for all of your help ahead of time.

Grandtheftsa

Try playing EVE, its got a free 14 day trial nothing to lose in my opinion. everyone is real helpfull there so itll be easy getting started but if ya need something send an in game mail to Saev Dilasoe =x

Granny

Sounds like Lineage 2 is the game for you...

Granny Starfire

Onela

Hm. Turning away from Everquest is something I can not do just yet.. it has only been a few years (yes, sarcasm was there.. since a few years is a lot).. I wish there was a way I could turn you back to Everquest. I, too, have played a large amount of different MMORPG's and I just can never find as much to do and a world as vast and intricate as Norrath.. I know that was not what you were looking for, but it makes me sad to think that intelligent people are leaving it.

____________
-65 Archon of the Nameless.

Fate is a wheel, it will reveal, all you've become, all that you feel. Destiny knows what has to be. You'll pay the price, nothing is free. What's still unwritten, you can erase.

DaShiz

I know you are probably looking for something that is currently out right now, but if you want to consider up and coming titles then Dark and Light may intrigue you.  PvP is it's main focus but more twoards being aimed at a guild level or group raid style i.e. DAoC syle of conquering castles and villages.  PvE seems to be fairly prevalent and doesn't seem to be too focused upon group content for PvE. 

Another game you may consider would be Vanguard: Saga of Heroes.  Seems to be really focused up the end game content and raid style content.  I don't remember how much if any PvP is available within the game.

One game that I would like to mention to you is Tabula Rasa, there really isnt too much info upon the game, but it looks too be very good ...but it probably won't be out until the 3rd or 4th quarter of next year.

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Fraek

Tabula Rasa confuses me.  The whole Dramatic compression thing at least.  I mean, basically time will go faster for the people travelling than for those not travelling, which I, as a Role-Player, am against unless going faster than 300 000 kilometres per second is involved.  Not to mention that you don't get the nice views.

Speaking of views, DnL does look good, with great means for exploration, and you will probably see a lot of people there, even with its' vast world.

Guild Wars is also looking good, but due to lack of details I'm not sure if it's what you're looking for.

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Arkain

I agree with Granny, Lineage 2 does have every thing you listed, and a LOT of PvP.

and seeing how you don't seem to be looking for things like utility spells/skill or thing of that nature, Lineage 2 might be just what you want.

Darkonis

     Thankyou for all of the replies, this has narrowed down my search and gave me some games to try out. I liked all of the opinions given, and have already started looking into them.

     While I must agree, Lineage 2 looks like a game made almost directly for me. I think I'm going to give EVE Online a try first via the free-trial. It looks interesting and is completely foreign to me, being a space setting. I am also attracted to their 1 central server, and tighter community. Although it seems like a game that grinding isn't very possible(time-based skill system).

    DnL is a game I am very much looking forward to, and have signed up for beta a month or so ago. I am looking for a game that I could play right now, however it surprises me how every reply fit my style of gaming so well.

     Alas, Everquest is a game I wish I could bring myself to love again as well. I was addicted to it for a very long time, and is the game that has transferred me from a roleplayer to a PvP'er. I have tried to get my friends to follow me back to EQ, but they won't play on the PvP servers(too scared of even the deity PvP). I think the PvM and raiding has run its course in my veins. Thankyou for the compliment though, and I wish I could of met more people like you in my EQ career.

   

 

    

Ambrosius

If you like space-based games, I'd also suggest JUMPGATE.  It's quite different from Eve.  The graphics are dated, but the flight engine and gameplay are excellent.

If you want to check out some of what's going on in Jumpgate, check out this fansite newsletter.