Originally posted by BaynLitemede From the replies you guys have given, it seems that many different people have had many different experiences with the game. Based on all your replies, my main question now is this: If I play on a normal server where PvP is consensual, use the ignore function liberally when necessary, primarily stick to playing with people I already know, and mainly focus on PvE and questing (while occasionally taking part in PvP as well), will I be capable of advancing in the game at all, and enjoying it?
I went from 1-60 with just one friend, a few other friends friends who I played with from time to time.
I had decent gear because most of the stuff in that range can be purchased, and if you play alone you will at least have LOTS of money.
Hit 60 and realised from here on I will need to group with the "CAPS KIDS", the greedy the unfriendly and the outright A-holes that litter this game like yellow leafes in autumn.
So I quit. hehe.
I did however have great fun on the way there.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Originally posted by Jerek_
I wonder if you honestly even believe what you type, or if you live in a made up world of facts. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You might want to consider playing on an RP server. They have the same rule set as the "normal" or PvE servers, except that they are stricter on what you can name your character. RP and In character stuff is not enforced by Blizzard. I would say that maybe only 10-15% of characters on the server actually roleplay. As long as you respect their roleplaying, nobody's going to make you do it yourself.
What you do end up with, however, is typically a more mature community. Leetspeak and netspeak are pretty rare outside of LOL or ROFL - apparently RPers laugh a lot. I play on Feathermoon, which is a pretty great community, and I'm guessing the other RP servers are very similar in that regard.
The biggest downside to RP servers - they're full. All of them are. Most nights you'll have a login queue now to get into the server. The reason for this is that there hasn't been a new RP server launched in several months now. I'm guessing that's because there are new RP/PVP servers coming up soon, but that's my speculation.
So, in summary, you have nothing to lose by trying the WoW trial. It does have some limitations - you can't speak in the chat channels on the trial version, and you're limited to level 20 I think, for instance. Even with these limitations, you will get a great flavor for the game.
One word of caution, however. The newbie areas on every server I've tried seem to be full of idiots and 7 year olds. Don't judge a game based on the newbie areas, as the community gets better as you get higher in level. Just be liberal with your use of friends list as well as ignore list - you'll want to remember the good people you've grouped with as well as the idiots!
Well, I've finally managed to try out two games, at least. I'm gonna start the WoW free trial soon, and I tried out Neocron 2 and EQ2. Being interested in sociology, I must say I find these games very fascinating from a societal standpoint.
The structure, interface, atmosphere, and gameplay of Neocron 2 was awesome and really appealed to me. The only problem was that there was almost no one around to ask for help, and those in the dedicated help channel of in-game chat just flamed me for asking questions that were too simple. The result was that every profession I chose resulted in frustration and became gimped because I wasted money through trial and error trying to figure out what ammo weapons could use, what items were and weren't researchable, etc. Then when I tried to complete the faction quests that would have paid me anything, I got killed because I was too low level. Then I tried the endlessly repeating early faction fedex quests. They just looped over and over again, and gave experience too slow to be worthwhile - and no money. So I cancelled that one.
EQ2 on the other hand was another story entirely. The people were nice, helpful, and generally good natured. A real sense of comradery was inherent in every group, and there was no pressure to remain part of a group beyond what you wanted to, since most people had things of their own to do anyway. The tutorial held my hand, the interface is unusually intuitive for a game (even most deep single player RPGs), the combat was simple and fun, and the experience felt rewarding. I kept learning new abilities and these abilities not only made me more powerful, it made me more helpful to similar level players who grouped with me.
If WoW and Lineage II don't work out, I will definitely get EQ2. I know many people dislike EQ in general, and based on the negative buzz surrounding the original, I was biased against it too. Nonetheless, from the moment I started the signup process, everything about it was right up my alley. I have yet to encounter a single rude or mean person. People even gave me weapons they couldn't use or didn't want (or need) to sell. The atmosphere is very lighthearted and I love the way continuous play yields continuous rewards. It isn't an exercise in frustration. If I get into a fight that's too difficult, I can run away. Other times, I just go back, collect the soul shard, and run for the hills where someone higher level usually wipes the floor with whatever was chasing me lol. It seems to not mind if I want to solo too.
So far, it has everything I need. WoW and Lineage II would have to be more enjoyable and have better communities than EQ2 in order for me to choose them over it.
I'd be somewhat hesitant to suggest L2 as your first mmo. There's nothing wrong with the community imo, but be aware that it is an open PvP system and the level grind is like no other.
As for WoW's community, I guess I've had some great luck with the 3 servers that I play on: Azgalor (PvP), Draenor (Normal), and Dalaran (Normal). Granted there's the occasional smacktard spouting off in general chat, but nothing more then what I've experienced in other games. Of late I've noticed that the community is improving.
The General Forum tends to get a little ugly, which isn't uncommon really. I suggest checking out some of the individual realm forums.
WoW is definately a great game to get introduced to the mmo scene. The mechanics are relatively easy to learn and the questing system makes leveling fun. I always suggest being a little extroverted and group with a number of different people. Also, joining a guild can open a number of oppurtunities with some of the larger raid instances, provide help and resources, and offer a better social experience.
You may also want to check out Saga of Ryzom. Very fun and noob friendly. Either way, enjoy your gaming experience!
Ico Oh, cruel fate, to be thusly boned. Ask not for whom the bone bones. It bones for thee.
Just try and sort out the difference in between [b]tips[/b] and [b]insults[/b]!
I mean if the group is telling you: "Don't attack a mob on your own, help assist the main tank"... don't go whinning and yelling: "STOP TRYING TO TELL ME HOW TO PLAY MY CHARACTER!". Cause your group is right, by helping the main tank kill the mob quicker, the less stress you're putting on the main healer who needs to converse mana.
YES, if a group members yells out: "YOU DUMB NOOB! ASSIST THE MAIN TANK DAMMIT!" then leave that group NOW and find another. Don't feel offended cause people like that become ignored very quickly.
Also join a guild! Guilds PROTECT YOU!!! If that guy that just wrote "YOU DUMB NOOB! ASSIST...etc", tell your guild, either the entire guild will ignore him to lower his chances to ever be grouped ever again. OR the guild leader will speak to the guild leader of that idiot and he'll probably get kicked out or warned!
If the idiot was guildless, do what I do... take a screenshot: press "PRNT SCRN" on your keyboard and post it on the Realm Forums on the official webpage to ruin his reputation forever.
Cause remember... we were ALL NOOBS when we first started! Even the l33test of l33ts was a noob.
Don't be intimidated by WOW if you are a new player. The game is designed for the new player in mind and things are easy and simple to follow. Try and join a medium population server and get in a guild where the people are friendly and social. It will make your play much more enjoyable and smooth.
Generally speaking I would reccomend WoW to anyone who just started playing MMO's. The game is quick, generally has a pretty low learning curve and a lot of people to help you though (if you find the right ones).
EQ2 is my all time favorite MMO, but there are some downsides to EQ2 when comparing to WoW.
System resources. EQ2 is a monster. Even the biggest and best machines out right now can't max the settings on EQ2, but even minimum playable requirements.
EQ2 can get a lot more "grindy". At the earlier levels you speed through them, but it will slow down. I'm not saying it's not fun, but it's no where near as quick as in WoW. There are plenty of quests for every level, and I always reccomend "grinding with a purpose". Don't just go out and hunt random creatures for XP, get quests to kill certain creatures and go kill them. Your levels will go much quicker that way.
Comments
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Jerek_
I wonder if you honestly even believe what you type, or if you live in a made up world of facts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You might want to consider playing on an RP server. They have the same rule set as the "normal" or PvE servers, except that they are stricter on what you can name your character. RP and In character stuff is not enforced by Blizzard. I would say that maybe only 10-15% of characters on the server actually roleplay. As long as you respect their roleplaying, nobody's going to make you do it yourself.
What you do end up with, however, is typically a more mature community. Leetspeak and netspeak are pretty rare outside of LOL or ROFL - apparently RPers laugh a lot. I play on Feathermoon, which is a pretty great community, and I'm guessing the other RP servers are very similar in that regard.
The biggest downside to RP servers - they're full. All of them are. Most nights you'll have a login queue now to get into the server. The reason for this is that there hasn't been a new RP server launched in several months now. I'm guessing that's because there are new RP/PVP servers coming up soon, but that's my speculation.
So, in summary, you have nothing to lose by trying the WoW trial. It does have some limitations - you can't speak in the chat channels on the trial version, and you're limited to level 20 I think, for instance. Even with these limitations, you will get a great flavor for the game.
One word of caution, however. The newbie areas on every server I've tried seem to be full of idiots and 7 year olds. Don't judge a game based on the newbie areas, as the community gets better as you get higher in level. Just be liberal with your use of friends list as well as ignore list - you'll want to remember the good people you've grouped with as well as the idiots!
Well, I've finally managed to try out two games, at least. I'm gonna start the WoW free trial soon, and I tried out Neocron 2 and EQ2. Being interested in sociology, I must say I find these games very fascinating from a societal standpoint.
The structure, interface, atmosphere, and gameplay of Neocron 2 was awesome and really appealed to me. The only problem was that there was almost no one around to ask for help, and those in the dedicated help channel of in-game chat just flamed me for asking questions that were too simple. The result was that every profession I chose resulted in frustration and became gimped because I wasted money through trial and error trying to figure out what ammo weapons could use, what items were and weren't researchable, etc. Then when I tried to complete the faction quests that would have paid me anything, I got killed because I was too low level. Then I tried the endlessly repeating early faction fedex quests. They just looped over and over again, and gave experience too slow to be worthwhile - and no money. So I cancelled that one.
EQ2 on the other hand was another story entirely. The people were nice, helpful, and generally good natured. A real sense of comradery was inherent in every group, and there was no pressure to remain part of a group beyond what you wanted to, since most people had things of their own to do anyway. The tutorial held my hand, the interface is unusually intuitive for a game (even most deep single player RPGs), the combat was simple and fun, and the experience felt rewarding. I kept learning new abilities and these abilities not only made me more powerful, it made me more helpful to similar level players who grouped with me.
If WoW and Lineage II don't work out, I will definitely get EQ2. I know many people dislike EQ in general, and based on the negative buzz surrounding the original, I was biased against it too. Nonetheless, from the moment I started the signup process, everything about it was right up my alley. I have yet to encounter a single rude or mean person. People even gave me weapons they couldn't use or didn't want (or need) to sell. The atmosphere is very lighthearted and I love the way continuous play yields continuous rewards. It isn't an exercise in frustration. If I get into a fight that's too difficult, I can run away. Other times, I just go back, collect the soul shard, and run for the hills where someone higher level usually wipes the floor with whatever was chasing me lol. It seems to not mind if I want to solo too.
So far, it has everything I need. WoW and Lineage II would have to be more enjoyable and have better communities than EQ2 in order for me to choose them over it.
Any thoughts?
I'd be somewhat hesitant to suggest L2 as your first mmo. There's nothing wrong with the community imo, but be aware that it is an open PvP system and the level grind is like no other.
As for WoW's community, I guess I've had some great luck with the 3 servers that I play on: Azgalor (PvP), Draenor (Normal), and Dalaran (Normal). Granted there's the occasional smacktard spouting off in general chat, but nothing more then what I've experienced in other games. Of late I've noticed that the community is improving.
The General Forum tends to get a little ugly, which isn't uncommon really. I suggest checking out some of the individual realm forums.
WoW is definately a great game to get introduced to the mmo scene. The mechanics are relatively easy to learn and the questing system makes leveling fun. I always suggest being a little extroverted and group with a number of different people. Also, joining a guild can open a number of oppurtunities with some of the larger raid instances, provide help and resources, and offer a better social experience.
You may also want to check out Saga of Ryzom. Very fun and noob friendly. Either way, enjoy your gaming experience!
Ico
Oh, cruel fate, to be thusly boned. Ask not for whom the bone bones. It bones for thee.
That'll happen in all MMORPGs.
Just try and sort out the difference in between [b]tips[/b] and [b]insults[/b]!
I mean if the group is telling you: "Don't attack a mob on your own, help assist the main tank"... don't go whinning and yelling: "STOP TRYING TO TELL ME HOW TO PLAY MY CHARACTER!". Cause your group is right, by helping the main tank kill the mob quicker, the less stress you're putting on the main healer who needs to converse mana.
YES, if a group members yells out: "YOU DUMB NOOB! ASSIST THE MAIN TANK DAMMIT!" then leave that group NOW and find another. Don't feel offended cause people like that become ignored very quickly.
Also join a guild! Guilds PROTECT YOU!!! If that guy that just wrote "YOU DUMB NOOB! ASSIST...etc", tell your guild, either the entire guild will ignore him to lower his chances to ever be grouped ever again. OR the guild leader will speak to the guild leader of that idiot and he'll probably get kicked out or warned!
If the idiot was guildless, do what I do... take a screenshot: press "PRNT SCRN" on your keyboard and post it on the Realm Forums on the official webpage to ruin his reputation forever.
Cause remember... we were ALL NOOBS when we first started! Even the l33test of l33ts was a noob.
___________ ___ __ _ _ _
Stealth - Ambush - Hemorrhage - Sinister Strike x2 - Cold Blood - Eviscerate - Vanish - Preparation - Cold Blood - Ambush - ... you're dead! :P
Generally speaking I would reccomend WoW to anyone who just started playing MMO's. The game is quick, generally has a pretty low learning curve and a lot of people to help you though (if you find the right ones).
EQ2 is my all time favorite MMO, but there are some downsides to EQ2 when comparing to WoW.
System resources. EQ2 is a monster. Even the biggest and best machines out right now can't max the settings on EQ2, but even minimum playable requirements.
EQ2 can get a lot more "grindy". At the earlier levels you speed through them, but it will slow down. I'm not saying it's not fun, but it's no where near as quick as in WoW. There are plenty of quests for every level, and I always reccomend "grinding with a purpose". Don't just go out and hunt random creatures for XP, get quests to kill certain creatures and go kill them. Your levels will go much quicker that way.
Jodokai you left out that EQ2 is a SOE title and they've yet to learn the meaning of regression testing.
Ico
Oh, cruel fate, to be thusly boned. Ask not for whom the bone bones. It bones for thee.