I think some people take the term FTP too literally. The OP said he stopped at lvl 25 as he felt he could no longer progress without spending money. He also metioned he was "enjoying" his time. Well i could enjoy my time with a hooker and expect i have to pay. Bottom line is, if you make it to lvl 25 and are enjoying the product then maybe you should give a little back to the company that is providing this entertainment. It's a recurring plan. My main is lvl 44 now and i've spent $15 or $20 dollars, and that was to get a silver account. I signed up for SoE's clone wars game and that gave my account $3.50 of SC (which can be used in EQ2). I HAVE SEVERAL FABLED ITEMS EQUPIPPED AND SEVERAL EXPERT LVL SPELLS.
Silver doesn't allow you to equip fabled gear, so any fabled pieces you have are appearance pieces from the Marketplace, which are statless pieces entirely designed for looks and have no actual impact on your characters performance.
Expert tier spells are indeed available to Silver, so not sure what you're driving at here as that was never under debate. The point is that Expert tier spells are garbage compared to what you could actually have and at later levels your performance compared to the same class who has Masters (and most players will have Masters) will be absolutely atrocious.
Of course you fail to mention that those two bag slots will be able to carry 80+ slots worth of gear. And no, it would not be that difficult to get large bags as a free member. Inventory is more restricted in Lotro than EQ2X provided you actually put a little effort into it (and I do mean a little, less effort than grinding deeds)
I didn't fail to mention anything.
New players cannot afford 40 or 44 slot bags, that is a fact, so it is completely irrelevant to the context of the discussion taking place. I don't why you claim it would not be difficult for them to aquire those bags, when it most certainly would be. They would be forced to beg for them or wait until much later in the game.
Bronze has no buy or sell access on the Broker, so that's out.
Can't access any chat channels other than /say, /tell, /guild or /group. So asking in public channels is out.
Limited to 5g per level, Mottled Leather Backpacks (the cheapest 40 slot packs) are 21g a piece on Freeport, I just logged in and checked. So a character would need to be roughly level 10 before they could even carry enough gold on the character to be able to purchase two of the bags, if they had a way to buy them, which they do not.
Not to mention that if you do manage to get, as an example two 40 slotters, those 80 slots are not many when you look at the big picture. Crafting mats alone can easily fill 14-40 slots per tier, and with no real bank space to store those items, you will fill up fast and be forced into the same situation I described previously, the problem is further compounded once you start crafting items en masse. When one factors in quest items that also take up bag space, and anything else you wish to carry on your person, that 80 slots seems pretty lackluster compared to the 264 slots that a Gold player will have (as well as a fully useable bank).
Don't make the assumption that I do not play the game, because I do. I have multiple characters @ cap in one of the most well known guilds on Freeport. I am speaking from direct experience with the game.
I really just wish they did not have the FTP on a diffrent server. If i could actully talk to my old friends in game, i might be a bit more inclined to sub again.
While eq2 may have more content i belive turbine did a much better job w/ lotro. Where as i felt part of the greater community in lotro and end up subing the game for a few months while waiting for another title.
Wow some really big misinformation there. Thats what you get when a publisist does a review.
"The character creation process is relatively sane also, the usual clap-trap of races and classes is here except for a few that are restricted – one of which, if memory serves, is a butterfly fairy type combo."
Of course you fail to mention that those two bag slots will be able to carry 80+ slots worth of gear. And no, it would not be that difficult to get large bags as a free member. Inventory is more restricted in Lotro than EQ2X provided you actually put a little effort into it (and I do mean a little, less effort than grinding deeds)
I didn't fail to mention anything.
New players cannot afford 40 or 44 slot bags, that is a fact, so it is completely irrelevant to the context of the discussion taking place. I don't why you claim it would not be difficult for them to aquire those bags, when it most certainly would be. They would be forced to beg for them or wait until much later in the game.
Bronze has no buy or sell access on the Broker, so that's out.
Can't access any chat channels other than /say, /tell, /guild or /group. So asking in public channels is out.
Limited to 5g per level, Mottled Leather Backpacks (the cheapest 40 slot packs) are 21g a piece on Freeport, I just logged in and checked. So a character would need to be roughly level 10 before they could even carry enough gold on the character to be able to purchase two of the bags, if they had a way to buy them, which they do not.
Not to mention that if you do manage to get, as an example two 40 slotters, those 80 slots are not many when you look at the big picture. Crafting mats alone can easily fill 14-40 slots per tier, and with no real bank space to store those items, you will fill up fast and be forced into the same situation I described previously, the problem is further compounded once you start crafting items en masse. When one factors in quest items that also take up bag space, and anything else you wish to carry on your person, that 80 slots seems pretty lackluster compared to the 264 slots that a Gold player will have (as well as a fully useable bank).
Don't make the assumption that I do not play the game, because I do. I have multiple characters @ cap in one of the most well known guilds on Freeport. I am speaking from direct experience with the game.
You say they cant access the channels, but that is not true. they cant talk in them There is a HUGE difference and when you say they cant access them that is the exact type of misinformation being sent out. /tell works fine though, right? So how much effort does it take to respond to someone in auction selling bags, or send a /tell to someone standing near a broker. Yes, if you are afraid to talk to others it will be difficult.
Yes, you will have to pick and choose what you keep. It will make it similar to WoW where you cant packrat everything. But its FAR from game breaking.
Its stupid statements though like 'if they had a way to buy them, which they do not' that acan be so misleading to people. They do. Plus there are plenty of Bronze/Silver guilds they can join to make things even easier.
You say they cant access the channels, but that is not true. they cant talk in them There is a HUGE difference and when you say they cant access them that is the exact type of misinformation being sent out. /tell works fine though, right? So how much effort does it take to respond to someone in auction selling bags, or send a /tell to someone standing near a broker. Yes, if you are afraid to talk to others it will be difficult.
I love how you pick the smallest things to form an argument about, yet ignore the glaring issues I've presented in previous posts.
Yes, they can send a tell! I never claimed they couldn't, and I'll gladly admit my wording was poor regarding players being able to "access" the channels. I should have said that they can read, but have no write access.
Regardless, I stand by my original statement (besides the "access" bit).
Yes, you will have to pick and choose what you keep. It will make it similar to WoW where you cant packrat everything. But its FAR from game breaking.
It's slightly more than just picking and choosing, stop trying to paint flaws in a positive light, when it is obvious that they are just that. Flaws.
You make this uproar about misinformation, and then go on to claim you cannot packrat in WoW, when you most certainly can. Any credibility you had is now lost after that statement.
Its stupid statements though like 'if they had a way to buy them, which they do not' that acan be so misleading to people. They do. Plus there are plenty of Bronze/Silver guilds they can join to make things even easier.
So now we've moved onto verbal attacks, nice. My statements were not stupid in any way, and despite what I thought of yours I kept my personal opinion to myself out of respect for your right to have one.
I'm through arguing with you.
I see the problems presented by SOEs poorly designed payment model every day ingame regardless of how positive and great you want to make things appear to those who have yet to experience it.
I play the game daily and have been a fan of the franchise since its inception, but unlike you I'm not going to sugar coat the problems it has just because of that fact. I would be doing potential players a diservice by doing so, they deserve to know what they are getting into ahead of time.
Every single day I have to deal with new players who have to deal with frustrations that they shouldn't, all because of the flaws that the F2P matrix creates.
I've presented more than enough irrefutable evidence to support my claims, you responded by picking out small things like my wording, and purposefully ignored the points I made.
You say they cant access the channels, but that is not true. they cant talk in them There is a HUGE difference and when you say they cant access them that is the exact type of misinformation being sent out. /tell works fine though, right? So how much effort does it take to respond to someone in auction selling bags, or send a /tell to someone standing near a broker. Yes, if you are afraid to talk to others it will be difficult.
I love how you pick the smallest things to form an argument about, yet ignore the glaring issues I've presented in previous posts.
I responded directly to a post and addressed everything in that post
Yes, they can send a tell! I never claimed they couldn't, and I'll gladly admit my wording was poor regarding players being able to "access" the channels. I should have said that they can read, but have no write access.
Regardless, I stand by my original statement (besides the "access" bit).
Yes, you will have to pick and choose what you keep. It will make it similar to WoW where you cant packrat everything. But its FAR from game breaking.
It's slightly more than just picking and choosing, stop trying to paint flaws in a positive light, when it is obvious that they are just that. Flaws.
You make this uproar about misinformation, and then go on to claim you cannot packrat in WoW, when you most certainly can. Any credibility you had is now lost after that statement.
Guildies in wow are always complaining about having to sort their bank and get rid of stuff. Wanting to keep profession materials accross all levels cripples your bank space, then add in your tabards and holiday quest rewards/outfits, extra recipes for alts, etc it fills up very fast. yes you can packrat to an extent but you do have to make some decisions on what you keep and dont. Silver membership with I believe 5 total bank slots (3 character specific, 2 shared) offers greater storage than WoW
Its stupid statements though like 'if they had a way to buy them, which they do not' that acan be so misleading to people. They do. Plus there are plenty of Bronze/Silver guilds they can join to make things even easier.
So now we've moved onto verbal attacks, nice. My statements were not stupid in any way, and despite what I thought of yours I kept my personal opinion to myself out of respect for your right to have one.
Ok, it is an incorrect statement. You told me they can't do something that they can. I could have been less inciteful I suppose.
I'm through arguing with you.
I see the problems presented by SOEs poorly designed payment model every day ingame regardless of how positive and great you want to make things appear to those who have yet to experience it.
I play the game daily and have been a fan of the franchise since its inception, but unlike you I'm not going to sugar coat the problems it has just because of that fact. I would be doing potential players a diservice by doing so, they deserve to know what they are getting into ahead of time.
You are doing the opposite of sugar coating it though. You are really only pointing out the negative, and often being misleading with what you are doing.
Every single day I have to deal with new players who have to deal with frustrations that they shouldn't, all because of the flaws that the F2P matrix creates.
I've presented more than enough irrefutable evidence to support my claims, you responded by picking out small things like my wording, and purposefully ignored the points I made.
That speaks volumes in and of itself.
I wasnt addressing your previous posts, but I did go back and read them now. And I did address much of what you say in my original post. here is the plain and simple truth:
IF YOU PLAY MMOs FOR THE ENDGAME, AND ONLY THE ENDGAME EQ2X IS NOT FOR YOU (for that matter neither is Lotro because there isnt much there at all)
IF YOU FOCUS ON WHAT OTHERS HAVE AVAILABLE TO THEM MORE THAN WHAT YOU HAVE AVAILABLE TO YOU EQ2X IS NOT FOR YOU
YOU SHOULD BE WILLING TO PAY THE $10 FOR SILVER
EQ2X HAS THE MOST CONTENT AVAILABLE TO (AND BY AVAILABLE I MEAN ABLE TO BE EXPERIENCED) NON SUBSCRIPTION PLAYERS THAN ANYTHING ELSE ON THE MARKET. YOU CAN EVEN RAID BUT IT WILL BE FOR THE THRILL OF THE HUNT NOT FOR GEAR. THE LIMITATIONS ON A SILVER ACCOUNT ARE NOT AS SEVERE AS MANY MAKE THEM OUT TO BE BUT THINGS YOU TAKE FOR GRANTED IN SUBSCRIPTION GAMES MAY NOT BE THERE. THIS IS THE PRICE YOU PAY FOR NOT HAVING TO PLAY MONTHLY
i played eq2 for 5 years as a top end raider, and i love the idea of the EQ2X, i have played it and i love it.
You can absolutley play this game to max level without paying a cent, and you can still enjoy it.
The restrictions SOE have in no way shape or form prevent you from playing to max level 80.
the 2 bag spaces you mention can be filled with 2 x 40 slot bags, and they are easility buyable, as well as putting 40 slot bags in your bank, inventory space is not a concern.
You can even raid in mastercrafted gear, if you know how to play your character.
I paid $10 bucks for silver, as a 1 time fee, so now i can chat, and get extra stuff, none of which i want anyway.
who cares if they give you 1 character slot or 10, you only need 1 character slot anyway, so just HTFU pick a human zerker and play ffs.
SOE has had a terrible time keeping this game running (EQ extended). In the last 2 weeks there have been frequent crashes and "brief updates" every day (yes every day). Very discouraging, I have played regular EQ since early 2001 and am very surprised that SOE has not learned to keep a server up and running. Devs say they are working hard to fix the problem but it looks like they aren't a very experienced crew. We don't get much info or acknowledgment about the issue, but that has always been a SONY shortcoming. Game is down again today and probably will be down a few more times before the day is finished.
Okay...since some of you seem to be against spending ANY money in either LoTRO or EQ2X....lets look at what is "free" with zero money spent and no silly explanations to sway opinions.
Races...4 each. Tie
Classes. LoTRO 7, EQ2X 8. EQ2X wins
Size of World / Land Mass. EQ2X wins
Amount of Quests. EQ2X wins.
Number of free included expansions. EQ2X has more
Max Free level. EQ2X 80, LoTRO 65. EQ2X wins
Free World Chat. LoTRO wins.
Did I miss anything? Not that I can think of.
Far far more people are enjoying the lotro model than the eq2x model?
Maybe looking at what is restricted in comparison?
Okay...since some of you seem to be against spending ANY money in either LoTRO or EQ2X....lets look at what is "free" with zero money spent and no silly explanations to sway opinions.
Races...4 each. Tie
Classes. LoTRO 7, EQ2X 8. EQ2X wins
Size of World / Land Mass. EQ2X wins
Amount of Quests. EQ2X wins.
Number of free included expansions. EQ2X has more
Max Free level. EQ2X 80, LoTRO 65. EQ2X wins
Free World Chat. LoTRO wins.
Did I miss anything? Not that I can think of.
Far far more people are enjoying the lotro model than the eq2x model?
Maybe looking at what is restricted in comparison?
I don't know.
If you go silver than basically the only thing restricted is legendary gear and spells. Which when you think about it is not that bad because no one else has it.
If you go silver than basically the only thing restricted is legendary gear and spells. Which when you think about it is not that bad because no one else has it.
On top of not being able to use the better rewards in the game from a players adventures there are still the restrictions to 75% of the races and classes, gold, bank access, character slots, etc.
Silver level account isn't a huge amount of money and it does remove some very annoying roadblocks, but there are still plenty of restrictions.
It is interesting that you describe the silver level of the game as "not that bad". That isn't exactly a ringing endorsement for a game. That isn't meant to be personal, because it is odd how many times I've heard people use those words to describe the game.
If you go silver than basically the only thing restricted is legendary gear and spells. Which when you think about it is not that bad because no one else has it.
On top of not being able to use the better rewards in the game from a players adventures there are still the restrictions to 75% of the races and classes, gold, bank access, character slots, etc.
Silver level account isn't a huge amount of money and it does remove some very annoying roadblocks, but there are still plenty of restrictions.
It is interesting that you describe the silver level of the game as "not that bad". That isn't exactly a ringing endorsement for a game. That isn't meant to be personal, because it is odd how many times I've heard people use those words to describe the game.
I am talking about the restrictions after you get silver. After you get silver you can unlock gear and spell restrictions for less than $30 USD and thats even if you unlock all spells and gear slots.
I did some rough math about how much it cost to enjoy the game with all content and game out at about 60 odd dollors. People are not going to buy all races, classes, bags, bank slots, and bank access because silver unlocks the greater majority of those features. Its even better if you are fine with any of the classes and race and do not spend anything on those saving you 15 bucks.
As far as I am concerend, you can load up $50 to EQIIX and get just as much enjoyment out of it (if not more) as LOTRO at the same price.
I am talking about the restrictions after you get silver. After you get silver you can unlock gear and spell restrictions for less than $30 USD and thats even if you unlock all spells and gear slots.
I did some rough math about how much it cost to enjoy the game with all content and game out at about 60 odd dollors. People are not going to buy all races, classes, bags, bank slots, and bank access because silver unlocks the greater majority of those features. Its even better if you are fine with any of the classes and race and do not spend anything on those saving you 15 bucks.
As far as I am concerend, you can load up $50 to EQIIX and get just as much enjoyment out of it (if not more) as LOTRO at the same price.
The whole point of this thread was about how much you can get without needing to spend any money.
The real difference is that in eq2 there is no way to get around the many restrictions other than paying money and eventually subscribing. That is the goal of the model, to push players to a subscription.
Lotro offers real options. A player can subscriber or pay for the bits they are interested in or even things for free just by playing the game. The $50 required in eq2 isn't required in lotro. It is an option.
Thanks for all the comments show two sides to the story. It's fair to say that everyone has their own preference on what F2P (Pay 2 Win) Model. I am giving EQ2 F2P a second chance. Personally, I like paying for what I need. If you sign up with free realms you get 250 in station cash. I have only spent 5 bucks to unlock the monk class. I am in the proccess og join a bronze/silver only guild. I will let you know how it goes and how fair in the game a bronze/silver account.
Comments
Silver doesn't allow you to equip fabled gear, so any fabled pieces you have are appearance pieces from the Marketplace, which are statless pieces entirely designed for looks and have no actual impact on your characters performance.
Expert tier spells are indeed available to Silver, so not sure what you're driving at here as that was never under debate. The point is that Expert tier spells are garbage compared to what you could actually have and at later levels your performance compared to the same class who has Masters (and most players will have Masters) will be absolutely atrocious.
Silver is 10 dollars to purchase, not 15 or 20.
I didn't fail to mention anything.
New players cannot afford 40 or 44 slot bags, that is a fact, so it is completely irrelevant to the context of the discussion taking place. I don't why you claim it would not be difficult for them to aquire those bags, when it most certainly would be. They would be forced to beg for them or wait until much later in the game.
Bronze has no buy or sell access on the Broker, so that's out.
Can't access any chat channels other than /say, /tell, /guild or /group. So asking in public channels is out.
Limited to 5g per level, Mottled Leather Backpacks (the cheapest 40 slot packs) are 21g a piece on Freeport, I just logged in and checked. So a character would need to be roughly level 10 before they could even carry enough gold on the character to be able to purchase two of the bags, if they had a way to buy them, which they do not.
Not to mention that if you do manage to get, as an example two 40 slotters, those 80 slots are not many when you look at the big picture. Crafting mats alone can easily fill 14-40 slots per tier, and with no real bank space to store those items, you will fill up fast and be forced into the same situation I described previously, the problem is further compounded once you start crafting items en masse. When one factors in quest items that also take up bag space, and anything else you wish to carry on your person, that 80 slots seems pretty lackluster compared to the 264 slots that a Gold player will have (as well as a fully useable bank).
Don't make the assumption that I do not play the game, because I do. I have multiple characters @ cap in one of the most well known guilds on Freeport. I am speaking from direct experience with the game.
Hello
I really just wish they did not have the FTP on a diffrent server. If i could actully talk to my old friends in game, i might be a bit more inclined to sub again.
While eq2 may have more content i belive turbine did a much better job w/ lotro. Where as i felt part of the greater community in lotro and end up subing the game for a few months while waiting for another title.
Welcome Home
rev.
Wow some really big misinformation there. Thats what you get when a publisist does a review.
"The character creation process is relatively sane also, the usual clap-trap of races and classes is here except for a few that are restricted – one of which, if memory serves, is a butterfly fairy type combo."
ahahahahhahahahahha It's actually most not a few.
You say they cant access the channels, but that is not true. they cant talk in them There is a HUGE difference and when you say they cant access them that is the exact type of misinformation being sent out. /tell works fine though, right? So how much effort does it take to respond to someone in auction selling bags, or send a /tell to someone standing near a broker. Yes, if you are afraid to talk to others it will be difficult.
Yes, you will have to pick and choose what you keep. It will make it similar to WoW where you cant packrat everything. But its FAR from game breaking.
Its stupid statements though like 'if they had a way to buy them, which they do not' that acan be so misleading to people. They do. Plus there are plenty of Bronze/Silver guilds they can join to make things even easier.
I'm through arguing with you.
I see the problems presented by SOEs poorly designed payment model every day ingame regardless of how positive and great you want to make things appear to those who have yet to experience it.
I play the game daily and have been a fan of the franchise since its inception, but unlike you I'm not going to sugar coat the problems it has just because of that fact. I would be doing potential players a diservice by doing so, they deserve to know what they are getting into ahead of time.
Every single day I have to deal with new players who have to deal with frustrations that they shouldn't, all because of the flaws that the F2P matrix creates.
I've presented more than enough irrefutable evidence to support my claims, you responded by picking out small things like my wording, and purposefully ignored the points I made.
That speaks volumes in and of itself.
I've read this whole thread..
i played eq2 for 5 years as a top end raider, and i love the idea of the EQ2X, i have played it and i love it.
You can absolutley play this game to max level without paying a cent, and you can still enjoy it.
The restrictions SOE have in no way shape or form prevent you from playing to max level 80.
the 2 bag spaces you mention can be filled with 2 x 40 slot bags, and they are easility buyable, as well as putting 40 slot bags in your bank, inventory space is not a concern.
You can even raid in mastercrafted gear, if you know how to play your character.
I paid $10 bucks for silver, as a 1 time fee, so now i can chat, and get extra stuff, none of which i want anyway.
who cares if they give you 1 character slot or 10, you only need 1 character slot anyway, so just HTFU pick a human zerker and play ffs.
my web design: www.advancedws.com.au
SOE has had a terrible time keeping this game running (EQ extended). In the last 2 weeks there have been frequent crashes and "brief updates" every day (yes every day). Very discouraging, I have played regular EQ since early 2001 and am very surprised that SOE has not learned to keep a server up and running. Devs say they are working hard to fix the problem but it looks like they aren't a very experienced crew. We don't get much info or acknowledgment about the issue, but that has always been a SONY shortcoming. Game is down again today and probably will be down a few more times before the day is finished.
Far far more people are enjoying the lotro model than the eq2x model?
Maybe looking at what is restricted in comparison?
I don't know.
If you go silver than basically the only thing restricted is legendary gear and spells. Which when you think about it is not that bad because no one else has it.
I don't care about innovation I care about fun.
On top of not being able to use the better rewards in the game from a players adventures there are still the restrictions to 75% of the races and classes, gold, bank access, character slots, etc.
Silver level account isn't a huge amount of money and it does remove some very annoying roadblocks, but there are still plenty of restrictions.
It is interesting that you describe the silver level of the game as "not that bad". That isn't exactly a ringing endorsement for a game. That isn't meant to be personal, because it is odd how many times I've heard people use those words to describe the game.
I am talking about the restrictions after you get silver. After you get silver you can unlock gear and spell restrictions for less than $30 USD and thats even if you unlock all spells and gear slots.
I did some rough math about how much it cost to enjoy the game with all content and game out at about 60 odd dollors. People are not going to buy all races, classes, bags, bank slots, and bank access because silver unlocks the greater majority of those features. Its even better if you are fine with any of the classes and race and do not spend anything on those saving you 15 bucks.
As far as I am concerend, you can load up $50 to EQIIX and get just as much enjoyment out of it (if not more) as LOTRO at the same price.
I don't care about innovation I care about fun.
The whole point of this thread was about how much you can get without needing to spend any money.
The real difference is that in eq2 there is no way to get around the many restrictions other than paying money and eventually subscribing. That is the goal of the model, to push players to a subscription.
Lotro offers real options. A player can subscriber or pay for the bits they are interested in or even things for free just by playing the game. The $50 required in eq2 isn't required in lotro. It is an option.
Thanks for all the comments show two sides to the story. It's fair to say that everyone has their own preference on what F2P (Pay 2 Win) Model. I am giving EQ2 F2P a second chance. Personally, I like paying for what I need. If you sign up with free realms you get 250 in station cash. I have only spent 5 bucks to unlock the monk class. I am in the proccess og join a bronze/silver only guild. I will let you know how it goes and how fair in the game a bronze/silver account.
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I stopped playing SoE games when SoE stopped giving a shit about EQ
Damn you SoE, damn you to an even deeper hell then you already are!