Originally posted by Takeyoshi I don't know where they are hiding, but in the "old" days, you could find people almost everywhere.
People are everywhere, that's why they seem few and far between. Before player cities people were concentrated on the 3 main planets. Not having player cities kept people around the static cities. It's no secret that before player cities was also before 80%+ resist armor and mega-buffs, two things that got large numbers of people off the starter planets and into the adventure planets. Then space. Then Kashyyyk. Various things have lead to fewer big clumps of people. Of course Coronet and the Dantooine Mining Outpost are hubs of activity
Until you cancel your subscription, you are only helping to continue the cycle of mediocrity.
Originally posted by TookyG Of course Coronet and the Dantooine Mining Outpost are hubs of activity
When I say everywhere Coronet and Dantooine Mining Outpost are included. Those places aren't nearly as eventful as they have been. It was an entirely different feeling I had, back when they were very crowded. Of course there are still a lot of people on the server, and most of the players are probably in cities all around the galaxy.
Things are just not the same anymore, and any new player won't notice anything, and that probably part of my problem. I only think back to how things were, and compare them, which is unfair for the game maybe.
I remember my friend used to say things like "Wow, I can heal myself simply by setting up a camp and waiting 30 mins" - well hell, who wants to sit in front of the computer for 30 mins and watch their char heal? That's gay!!!!!!
Perhaps your friend should've picked up a medical prof or found someone who could heal. That's what I did.
Race selection...weak...customization..generic...crafting system...very weak...skill system weak... generic customization.....do you mean character creation? or custom crafted items? or what? weak crafting? where did you get that? I don't know about post CU, but I know that pre-CU was the best I've ever seen. What was so weak about the skill system? Mad cause it doesn't allow you to be able to do everything at the same time? MMOs play differently from single player games. In a single player rpg, it's perfectly acceptable to be uber because you're expected to reach an end eventually. graphics..decent...gameplay...weak. I agree on graphics though, when I finally cranked my vid settings, it didn't look half bad. gameplay.....yeah, it had it's moments when the grind got boring. That's when I called afew friends and found something fun to do. Matter of opinion so if you didn't like playing it, then you just didn't like playing it. 'fraid I can't help you with that.
Originally posted by Takeyoshi Originally posted by TookyG Of course Coronet and the Dantooine Mining Outpost are hubs of activity
When I say everywhere Coronet and Dantooine Mining Outpost are included. Those places aren't nearly as eventful as they have been. It was an entirely different feeling I had, back when they were very crowded. Of course there are still a lot of people on the server, and most of the players are probably in cities all around the galaxy. Things are just not the same anymore, and any new player won't notice anything, and that probably part of my problem. I only think back to how things were, and compare them, which is unfair for the game maybe.
That was true right after CU. Not any longer. People are, literally, everywhere. I was in a HUGE PVP & PVE Reb vs. Imp battle on Tatooine / Bestine last night that I just happened to stumble into while doing a really fun mission (new content). I stuck around for a while and blasted a few stormtroopers (I wasn't SpecOps, just combattant) and even seriously considered running to the BH terms to pull a mission on one of the imp jedi's who was foolishly waviing his saber around in town. But I wanted to finish my mission so I left him be... this time... his name is in my datapad for later though
The same is true in almost every spaceport town I visit (and most player cities lately as well). Population in the game is way up. Higher than at any point I remember seing it. Probably due to the rapid sales of the expansion.
Game felt empty for the past 4 months or so but it's definitely not anymore... noobs are all over the place, my guild has now quadrupled in size since the CU and 50% of those who have joined are new players. We barely managed to found our city 3 weeks ago, we didn't get the 10th citizen till like an hour before we would have lost the city!!! (whew) now, 3 weeks later, we have a shuttleport, cantina, etc. Full fledged city which is still growing. And the imp town across the river for us is booming as well (they started about 3-4 days after us). Had some really fun PVP battles with them as well.
Anyhow, If you left because you miss the bustle it's back... in spades.
Have a great one. Sorry to see you left the game just when it looks like it's getting really really great again.
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online. Sig image Pending Still in: A couple Betas
I logged out for the last time in Theed, and there was actually a huge battle between Jedi (Dark/Light). Although it wasn't really the only reason I had to leave, but it's nice to hear that there are more players.
For me the game just feels "old", but the real problem is finding something to replace it.... I tried GW which was fun, but hard to keep playing. Tried WoW beta, and it was more or less Diablo online feel (for me). Just got Eve Trial and CoH Trial... where Eve was interesting, but of course different. CoH is more "simple".... hard to find anything to replace SWG.
Hehe. I suspect you'll be back. Sounds like me about 6 months ago when I tried WOW and EQ2 and couldn't stand either of them. Came back to SWG within 2 months
I play EQ2 on occasion now... but it's RARE (SOE all access pass is sweet that way, I picked it up when they finally added SWG to it. I can play any of the SOE games I own which is nice because now and then I join my old EQ1 guild on raids if they holler at me on ICQ needing my rogue or bard, and I don't ever have to worry about buying expansions for EQ2 if I decide to hop on it for a change of pace because the expansions are free to All Access Members). And I still love hopping on PlanetSide from time to time.
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online. Sig image Pending Still in: A couple Betas
Don't know if i'll be back... made same mistake again. When I rejoined I woke up on Dantooine in shorts... I had given away all my precious comps/T21's and all my millions. I had to run back to nearest shuttleport lol!
When I quit a month ago I gave ALL my millions away, my anti-decay kit and all my items lol! Even pearls/crystals/materials and so on.... which I worked my butt off to get after I rejoined lol!
Originally posted by Takeyoshi Don't know if i'll be back... made same mistake again. When I rejoined I woke up on Dantooine in shorts... I had given away all my precious comps/T21's and all my millions. I had to run back to nearest shuttleport lol! When I quit a month ago I gave ALL my millions away, my anti-decay kit and all my items lol! Even pearls/crystals/materials and so on.... which I worked my butt off to get after I rejoined lol! Don't hope I decide to come back
HEHE I have a simple rule: Whenever I leave a game I NEVER give anything away. Especially if it's one I generally like.
Learned that painful lesson with EQ the FIRST time I left that game (I think I "quit" EQ about 3 times... LOL)
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online. Sig image Pending Still in: A couple Betas
Originally posted by Elnator HEHE I have a simple rule: Whenever I leave a game I NEVER give anything away. Especially if it's one I generally like.Learned that painful lesson with EQ the FIRST time I left that game (I think I "quit" EQ about 3 times... LOL)
I would rather let that stuff rot on my own account then give it away and burn my bridges of ever coming back myself.
- Scaris
"What happened to you, Star Wars Galaxies? You used to look like Leia. Not quite gold bikini Leia (more like bad-British-accent-and-cinnamon-bun-hair Leia), but still Leia nonetheless. Now you look like Chewbacca." - Computer Gaming World
This is my 3rd time being actively subscribed to SWG. I played day 1 but became bored due to lack of direction. Second time around was a blast, again. Second time around also ended in loss of direction and bordom. This time the game is a blast once again and I suspect in the next 3-4 months I will also become bored again and stop.
All in all SWG is worth trying out. It is very exciting and fun but just seems to run out of steam ater awhile. You can have plenty of fun and get more than your moneys worth before you grow tired of it though.
I would rather let that stuff rot on my own account then give it away and burn my bridges of ever coming back myself.
Each time I have given away my equipment to my friends. I rather see them using it and benefiting from it, than letting it rot on my account, especially when there is a chance it will never be reopened.
Originally posted by Takeyoshi Originally posted by Fadeus I would rather let that stuff rot on my own account then give it away and burn my bridges of ever coming back myself.Each time I have given away my equipment to my friends. I rather see them using it and benefiting from it, than letting it rot on my account, especially when there is a chance it will never be reopened.
I gave away my UO stuff, but not til the account was innactive already for 6 months. Thats about the only time I can say that however.
- Scaris
"What happened to you, Star Wars Galaxies? You used to look like Leia. Not quite gold bikini Leia (more like bad-British-accent-and-cinnamon-bun-hair Leia), but still Leia nonetheless. Now you look like Chewbacca." - Computer Gaming World
Originally posted by Takeyoshi I logged out for the last time in Theed, and there was actually a huge battle between Jedi (Dark/Light). Although it wasn't really the only reason I had to leave, but it's nice to hear that there are more players. For me the game just feels "old", but the real problem is finding something to replace it.... I tried GW which was fun, but hard to keep playing. Tried WoW beta, and it was more or less Diablo online feel (for me). Just got Eve Trial and CoH Trial... where Eve was interesting, but of course different. CoH is more "simple".... hard to find anything to replace SWG.
I ended up giving AO a shot, using their free accounts. I'm actually having a fairly good time. Very detailed character development, far more than SWG ever had. Havent gotten into its crafting too much as of yet, but seems to be fairly indepth, not quite what the Pre-CU was but still better, IMO, than Post-CU. Most of the people seem fairly friendly, and ALOT less bugs than what I experienced with SWG.
I'd say give it a shot, even if its only with the free accounts, which run through 2005, not some wimpy 30 day crap.
I think I'll actually end up buying the Lost Eden exp pack for it too. Having way more fun than I did with SWG, and the graphics are at least on par with SWG to boot.
Originally posted by Blkcat Originally posted by Takeyoshi I logged out for the last time in Theed, and there was actually a huge battle between Jedi (Dark/Light). Although it wasn't really the only reason I had to leave, but it's nice to hear that there are more players. For me the game just feels "old", but the real problem is finding something to replace it.... I tried GW which was fun, but hard to keep playing. Tried WoW beta, and it was more or less Diablo online feel (for me). Just got Eve Trial and CoH Trial... where Eve was interesting, but of course different. CoH is more "simple".... hard to find anything to replace SWG.
I ended up giving AO a shot, using their free accounts. I'm actually having a fairly good time. Very detailed character development, far more than SWG ever had. Havent gotten into its crafting too much as of yet, but seems to be fairly indepth, not quite what the Pre-CU was but still better, IMO, than Post-CU. Most of the people seem fairly friendly, and ALOT less bugs than what I experienced with SWG.
I'd say give it a shot, even if its only with the free accounts, which run through 2005, not some wimpy 30 day crap.
I think I'll actually end up buying the Lost Eden exp pack for it too. Having way more fun than I did with SWG, and the graphics are at least on par with SWG to boot.
Anyway, good luck.
*chuckles* The graphics are on par with SWG to boot? Now THATS funny!
- Scaris
"What happened to you, Star Wars Galaxies? You used to look like Leia. Not quite gold bikini Leia (more like bad-British-accent-and-cinnamon-bun-hair Leia), but still Leia nonetheless. Now you look like Chewbacca." - Computer Gaming World
Hmmm AO's graphics aren't bad but I'd hardly compare them to SWG's. SWG's graphics blow even AO's latest expansion away (Shadowlands). Trust me, I played AO for a year. It's a fun game and has many of the qualities SWG has. But SWG is by far the better of the two.
AO is also level based and linear. If you like being locked into 1 profession your entire life that's fine. I prefer the versatility and customizability that SWG gives me. AO is a typical MMO using a Sci-Fi interface. It is strictly level based while SWG is skill based with a level system painted over top of it.
And weren't you the one griping about grinding? Let me know how much you like AO when you hit Level 100 and still aren't useful in PVP because it's mostly level 200 players.
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online. Sig image Pending Still in: A couple Betas
And please don't forget, you can severaly gimp yourself if you don't train right from the beginning. And there is no undoing it.
I played AO as well. I survived release month. Have my explorer's backpack to prove it. Its a fun game but has its issues like any other. However the textures in that game are not very impressive. They are better now then they were at launch, but still, nothing spectacular.
- Scaris
"What happened to you, Star Wars Galaxies? You used to look like Leia. Not quite gold bikini Leia (more like bad-British-accent-and-cinnamon-bun-hair Leia), but still Leia nonetheless. Now you look like Chewbacca." - Computer Gaming World
Yeah I'd forgotten about that nasty little aspect of it. When I was playing my toon there I had to restart him about 5 times before I got him right. Finally I got sick of doing that just to correct a minor glitch with the toon and quit AO.
It's a fun game but you will quickly become annoyed with the level-locked skill system if you aren't careful. It's VERY unforgiving and you can drastically gimp yourself. Personally I always tried to level up as far as possible before I committed any of my skill points. But it still was very very easy to wind up gimped.
The game is level based but tries to take a stab at being skill based. Similar to 'skills' in old EQ in a lot of ways where you get X points per level and can invest those points how you want. Big difference is that in EQ you could max your skills through use and use the skill points to enhance areas you dont use. In AO if you don't train a skill with the points you don't get the skill, period.
It's a very linear and very rigid system.
The game has it's great points but the level system leaves a LOT to be desired... and, considering there's 200+ levels it's a big concern.
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online. Sig image Pending Still in: A couple Betas
Originally posted by Fadeus And please don't forget, you can severaly gimp yourself if you don't train right from the beginning. And there is no undoing it.I played AO as well. I survived release month. Have my explorer's backpack to prove it. Its a fun game but has its issues like any other. However the textures in that game are not very impressive. They are better now then they were at launch, but still, nothing spectacular.
actually, your wrong. There are ways to respec. Thats what the RS points mean.
Textures are on par with SWG, IMO. Galaxies might be a little more bright, but I think thats more about the game atmosphere than a lack of graphic quality.
As for grinding, hasnt really been an issue for me, and I'm already lvl 52 after a week. PvP isnt my style. IMO its just a way to prove who IS the bigger dick, period. I dont need bragging rights. Plenty of content to keep me busy, seeing as how I've only really gone to 10% of the AO content.
The variaty of weapons and armor are just astounding, compaired to SWG, and best of all, I dont have to deal with SoE.
Yes the Respec points are nice but you WILL run out eventually. Reading hint sites helps a lot in speccing though, so as long as you're doing research you should be ok. Have they increased it from the 3 you used to get? (3 respecs)
Nothing really wrong with AO... I just couldn't get into it the way I can SWG. If it's your thing I'm happy you're happy Like I said, I played it for a year and it's a decent game. Just too linear for me. And crafting isn't as good as SWG since you have to buy all your components from NPC's. Not much of a player driven economy at that point.
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online. Sig image Pending Still in: A couple Betas
I'm guessing Blkcat hasn't passed level 50 in AO yet. I played from beta till this March and had a good enough time. But the graphics aren't even close to being on par with those of SWG, the game is extremely limiting and the crafting system... well let's just say I've played both the trader and the engineer (the only two professions in the game that make even passable crafters) to 200+ and the crafting system is an unrewarding pain in the ass that makes post-CU SWG's crafting look great by comparison.
My final months in AO were spent dancing (AO's dance emotes suck in comparison to SWG's) at GSP parties and wishing I could find a game where being good at creating original looks and dancing was actually something that would get you xp instead of some mindless grind from 1-220 with ninja-looting morons who'd afk-leech xp from your team.
As for AO's graphics... There is just no equality between AO and SWG for graphics and animation. SWG is clearly superior in character modelling, background renderring and animation. AO's concepts were fresh three years ago, and for the time were unparalleled, but they are flat and unacceptible now. I must say I find SWG's brightness annoying, but at least when my character moves, she moves like a person, and doesn't look flat.
Lets be honest here; MOST crafting systems make SWG post-CU look incredible. I can only IMAGINE what it was like before since I got here later. Even in its current form, I can't think of a game that comes anywhere close.
Actually the crafting system didn't change due to the CU. The impact CU had on crafters was that some resources used for various items were changed, which ticked some old crafters off because many of their stockpiles of good supplies were now useless and they had to go out and get more.
Fundamentally nothing really changed with Crafter. My friend's crafter does just fine now that we got her new resources. Now we're just working on getting her enough rebel faction to make faction armor so our guild doesn't have to buy it from other people's vendors.
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online. Sig image Pending Still in: A couple Betas
Comments
People are everywhere, that's why they seem few and far between. Before player cities people were concentrated on the 3 main planets. Not having player cities kept people around the static cities. It's no secret that before player cities was also before 80%+ resist armor and mega-buffs, two things that got large numbers of people off the starter planets and into the adventure planets. Then space. Then Kashyyyk. Various things have lead to fewer big clumps of people. Of course Coronet and the Dantooine Mining Outpost are hubs of activity
Until you cancel your subscription, you are only helping to continue the cycle of mediocrity.
When I say everywhere Coronet and Dantooine Mining Outpost are included. Those places aren't nearly as eventful as they have been. It was an entirely different feeling I had, back when they were very crowded. Of course there are still a lot of people on the server, and most of the players are probably in cities all around the galaxy.
Things are just not the same anymore, and any new player won't notice anything, and that probably part of my problem. I only think back to how things were, and compare them, which is unfair for the game maybe.
When I say everywhere Coronet and Dantooine Mining Outpost are included. Those places aren't nearly as eventful as they have been. It was an entirely different feeling I had, back when they were very crowded. Of course there are still a lot of people on the server, and most of the players are probably in cities all around the galaxy.
Things are just not the same anymore, and any new player won't notice anything, and that probably part of my problem. I only think back to how things were, and compare them, which is unfair for the game maybe.
That was true right after CU. Not any longer.
People are, literally, everywhere. I was in a HUGE PVP & PVE Reb vs. Imp battle on Tatooine / Bestine last night that I just happened to stumble into while doing a really fun mission (new content). I stuck around for a while and blasted a few stormtroopers (I wasn't SpecOps, just combattant) and even seriously considered running to the BH terms to pull a mission on one of the imp jedi's who was foolishly waviing his saber around in town. But I wanted to finish my mission so I left him be... this time... his name is in my datapad for later though
The same is true in almost every spaceport town I visit (and most player cities lately as well). Population in the game is way up. Higher than at any point I remember seing it. Probably due to the rapid sales of the expansion.
Game felt empty for the past 4 months or so but it's definitely not anymore... noobs are all over the place, my guild has now quadrupled in size since the CU and 50% of those who have joined are new players. We barely managed to found our city 3 weeks ago, we didn't get the 10th citizen till like an hour before we would have lost the city!!!
(whew) now, 3 weeks later, we have a shuttleport, cantina, etc. Full fledged city which is still growing. And the imp town across the river for us is booming as well (they started about 3-4 days after us). Had some really fun PVP battles with them as well.
Anyhow, If you left because you miss the bustle it's back... in spades.
Have a great one. Sorry to see you left the game just when it looks like it's getting really really great again.
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online.
Sig image Pending
Still in: A couple Betas
I logged out for the last time in Theed, and there was actually a huge battle between Jedi (Dark/Light). Although it wasn't really the only reason I had to leave, but it's nice to hear that there are more players.
For me the game just feels "old", but the real problem is finding something to replace it.... I tried GW which was fun, but hard to keep playing. Tried WoW beta, and it was more or less Diablo online feel (for me). Just got Eve Trial and CoH Trial... where Eve was interesting, but of course different. CoH is more "simple".... hard to find anything to replace SWG.
Hehe. I suspect you'll be back. Sounds like me about 6 months ago when I tried WOW and EQ2 and couldn't stand either of them. Came back to SWG within 2 months
I play EQ2 on occasion now... but it's RARE (SOE all access pass is sweet that way, I picked it up when they finally added SWG to it. I can play any of the SOE games I own which is nice because now and then I join my old EQ1 guild on raids if they holler at me on ICQ needing my rogue or bard, and I don't ever have to worry about buying expansions for EQ2 if I decide to hop on it for a change of pace because the expansions are free to All Access Members). And I still love hopping on PlanetSide from time to time.
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online.
Sig image Pending
Still in: A couple Betas
Err where'd this come from? OOPS Sorry for the double post
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online.
Sig image Pending
Still in: A couple Betas
Don't know if i'll be back... made same mistake again. When I rejoined I woke up on Dantooine in shorts... I had given away all my precious comps/T21's and all my millions. I had to run back to nearest shuttleport lol!
When I quit a month ago I gave ALL my millions away, my anti-decay kit and all my items lol! Even pearls/crystals/materials and so on.... which I worked my butt off to get after I rejoined lol!
Don't hope I decide to come back
HEHE
I have a simple rule:
Whenever I leave a game I NEVER give anything away. Especially if it's one I generally like.
Learned that painful lesson with EQ the FIRST time I left that game
(I think I "quit" EQ about 3 times... LOL)
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online.
Sig image Pending
Still in: A couple Betas
I would rather let that stuff rot on my own account then give it away and burn my bridges of ever coming back myself.
- Scaris
"What happened to you, Star Wars Galaxies? You used to look like Leia. Not quite gold bikini Leia (more like bad-British-accent-and-cinnamon-bun-hair Leia), but still Leia nonetheless. Now you look like Chewbacca." - Computer Gaming World
This is my 3rd time being actively subscribed to SWG. I played day 1 but became bored due to lack of direction. Second time around was a blast, again. Second time around also ended in loss of direction and bordom. This time the game is a blast once again and I suspect in the next 3-4 months I will also become bored again and stop.
All in all SWG is worth trying out. It is very exciting and fun but just seems to run out of steam ater awhile. You can have plenty of fun and get more than your moneys worth before you grow tired of it though.
I gave away my UO stuff, but not til the account was innactive already for 6 months. Thats about the only time I can say that however.
- Scaris
"What happened to you, Star Wars Galaxies? You used to look like Leia. Not quite gold bikini Leia (more like bad-British-accent-and-cinnamon-bun-hair Leia), but still Leia nonetheless. Now you look like Chewbacca." - Computer Gaming World
I ended up giving AO a shot, using their free accounts. I'm actually having a fairly good time. Very detailed character development, far more than SWG ever had. Havent gotten into its crafting too much as of yet, but seems to be fairly indepth, not quite what the Pre-CU was but still better, IMO, than Post-CU. Most of the people seem fairly friendly, and ALOT less bugs than what I experienced with SWG.
I'd say give it a shot, even if its only with the free accounts, which run through 2005, not some wimpy 30 day crap.
I think I'll actually end up buying the Lost Eden exp pack for it too. Having way more fun than I did with SWG, and the graphics are at least on par with SWG to boot.
Anyway, good luck.
I ended up giving AO a shot, using their free accounts. I'm actually having a fairly good time. Very detailed character development, far more than SWG ever had. Havent gotten into its crafting too much as of yet, but seems to be fairly indepth, not quite what the Pre-CU was but still better, IMO, than Post-CU. Most of the people seem fairly friendly, and ALOT less bugs than what I experienced with SWG.
I'd say give it a shot, even if its only with the free accounts, which run through 2005, not some wimpy 30 day crap.
I think I'll actually end up buying the Lost Eden exp pack for it too. Having way more fun than I did with SWG, and the graphics are at least on par with SWG to boot.
Anyway, good luck.
*chuckles* The graphics are on par with SWG to boot? Now THATS funny!
- Scaris
"What happened to you, Star Wars Galaxies? You used to look like Leia. Not quite gold bikini Leia (more like bad-British-accent-and-cinnamon-bun-hair Leia), but still Leia nonetheless. Now you look like Chewbacca." - Computer Gaming World
Hmmm AO's graphics aren't bad but I'd hardly compare them to SWG's. SWG's graphics blow even AO's latest expansion away (Shadowlands). Trust me, I played AO for a year. It's a fun game and has many of the qualities SWG has. But SWG is by far the better of the two.
AO is also level based and linear. If you like being locked into 1 profession your entire life that's fine. I prefer the versatility and customizability that SWG gives me. AO is a typical MMO using a Sci-Fi interface. It is strictly level based while SWG is skill based with a level system painted over top of it.
And weren't you the one griping about grinding? Let me know how much you like AO when you hit Level 100 and still aren't useful in PVP because it's mostly level 200 players.
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online.
Sig image Pending
Still in: A couple Betas
And please don't forget, you can severaly gimp yourself if you don't train right from the beginning. And there is no undoing it.
I played AO as well. I survived release month. Have my explorer's backpack to prove it. Its a fun game but has its issues like any other. However the textures in that game are not very impressive. They are better now then they were at launch, but still, nothing spectacular.
- Scaris
"What happened to you, Star Wars Galaxies? You used to look like Leia. Not quite gold bikini Leia (more like bad-British-accent-and-cinnamon-bun-hair Leia), but still Leia nonetheless. Now you look like Chewbacca." - Computer Gaming World
Yeah I'd forgotten about that nasty little aspect of it. When I was playing my toon there I had to restart him about 5 times before I got him right. Finally I got sick of doing that just to correct a minor glitch with the toon and quit AO.
It's a fun game but you will quickly become annoyed with the level-locked skill system if you aren't careful. It's VERY unforgiving and you can drastically gimp yourself. Personally I always tried to level up as far as possible before I committed any of my skill points. But it still was very very easy to wind up gimped.
The game is level based but tries to take a stab at being skill based. Similar to 'skills' in old EQ in a lot of ways where you get X points per level and can invest those points how you want. Big difference is that in EQ you could max your skills through use and use the skill points to enhance areas you dont use. In AO if you don't train a skill with the points you don't get the skill, period.
It's a very linear and very rigid system.
The game has it's great points but the level system leaves a LOT to be desired... and, considering there's 200+ levels it's a big concern.
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online.
Sig image Pending
Still in: A couple Betas
actually, your wrong. There are ways to respec. Thats what the RS points mean.
Textures are on par with SWG, IMO. Galaxies might be a little more bright, but I think thats more about the game atmosphere than a lack of graphic quality.
As for grinding, hasnt really been an issue for me, and I'm already lvl 52 after a week. PvP isnt my style. IMO its just a way to prove who IS the bigger dick, period. I dont need bragging rights. Plenty of content to keep me busy, seeing as how I've only really gone to 10% of the AO content.
The variaty of weapons and armor are just astounding, compaired to SWG, and best of all, I dont have to deal with SoE.
Yes the Respec points are nice but you WILL run out eventually. Reading hint sites helps a lot in speccing though, so as long as you're doing research you should be ok. Have they increased it from the 3 you used to get? (3 respecs)
Nothing really wrong with AO... I just couldn't get into it the way I can SWG. If it's your thing I'm happy you're happy
Like I said, I played it for a year and it's a decent game. Just too linear for me. And crafting isn't as good as SWG since you have to buy all your components from NPC's. Not much of a player driven economy at that point.
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online.
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Still in: A couple Betas
I'm guessing Blkcat hasn't passed level 50 in AO yet. I played from beta till this March and had a good enough time. But the graphics aren't even close to being on par with those of SWG, the game is extremely limiting and the crafting system... well let's just say I've played both the trader and the engineer (the only two professions in the game that make even passable crafters) to 200+ and the crafting system is an unrewarding pain in the ass that makes post-CU SWG's crafting look great by comparison.
My final months in AO were spent dancing (AO's dance emotes suck in comparison to SWG's) at GSP parties and wishing I could find a game where being good at creating original looks and dancing was actually something that would get you xp instead of some mindless grind from 1-220 with ninja-looting morons who'd afk-leech xp from your team.
As for AO's graphics... There is just no equality between AO and SWG for graphics and animation. SWG is clearly superior in character modelling, background renderring and animation. AO's concepts were fresh three years ago, and for the time were unparalleled, but they are flat and unacceptible now. I must say I find SWG's brightness annoying, but at least when my character moves, she moves like a person, and doesn't look flat.
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Kote lo'shebs'ul narit
Lets be honest here; MOST crafting systems make SWG post-CU look incredible. I can only IMAGINE what it was like before since I got here later. Even in its current form, I can't think of a game that comes anywhere close.
Welcome to the game Kane
Glad you're liking it 
Actually the crafting system didn't change due to the CU. The impact CU had on crafters was that some resources used for various items were changed, which ticked some old crafters off because many of their stockpiles of good supplies were now useless and they had to go out and get more.
Fundamentally nothing really changed with Crafter. My friend's crafter does just fine now that we got her new resources. Now we're just working on getting her enough rebel faction to make faction armor so our guild doesn't have to buy it from other people's vendors.
Currently Playing: Dungeons and Dragons Online.
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Still in: A couple Betas