Looking for a new game...

Andemon

(Sorry, you've probably seen dozens if not hundreds of these topics....)

Erm... I'm looking for a new MMORPG. I've played MUDs a lot, but I only recently started seriously playing MMORPGs; tried several free trials and found out that I liked EQ2 most (it sure has improved lot since I first tried it...). Bought the game, and I've been addicted to it for a few weeks now. I have a feeling that there could be MMORPGs out there that I'd like even more, though.

So, could someone who is more familiar with MMORPGs recommend some to me? Here are my preferences:

1) No forced PvP. I've been repeatedly killed by highbies in MUDs for years; I've never found that to be any fun at all. Especially not the ones where highbies constantly kill everyone else, to ensure that there'll never be any more highbies...

2) Skill-based. I rather dislike it that in EQ2 that every member of same class has the same skills. Except for equipment, every monk is exactly the same. Every Necromancer is exactly the same. Boo-ooring. One skill-system that I liked so far was in Project Entropia. Too bad that that game is basically a high-cost lottery, and I certainly can't afford it... ...plenty of other faults too, but nevermind that. I did find the one in Saga of Ryzom rather interesting, but the rest of the game seemed rather lacking in content -- the quests for example seemed extremely generic.

3) Crafting. I find it very satisfying to use self-crafted equipment to accomplish some difficult task. ...so
not just 'crafting', I must be able to craft things that are actually useful. I've played some games where you can craft, but the crafted items are pretty much useless; and seems like EQ2 is heading down the same path.

4) RPG-preferred servers available, or something similar. Not that I roleplay much myself, but I've found that the population seems to be more mature on such servers. I got tired of listening to constant "lol omg rofl u suck u n00b" on regular servers.

5) Not about to die off anytime soon.

Can you think of any MMORPGs (released or in development, whatever) that matches most of those criteria? ...actually, what little I've read about Seed, it seems to be the best match so far. Tried to get into the beta, but no success so far. Are there any other close matches?

Thank you for taking your time to read this.

Agricola1

Well I'd reccomend EVE online. EVE fills every wish accept for number 1, although PVP in EVE can be easily avoided aslong as you remain in an NPC corp and don't venture into low sec space until you're ready to fight.

Dedeko

pvp can happen anywhere in eve online, its all about what your willing to lose as the attacker

Agricola1

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Originally posted by Dedeko

pvp can happen anywhere in eve online, its all about what your willing to lose as the attacker

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But if I'm in 0.5-1.0 and an npc corp and you attack me concord will come and waste you, so unless you're prepared to lose a battleship in the HOPE you can destroy my ship before you get destroyed it's not an option. In 1 year of play I've never had anyone try that on me and have only read of its occurance in the forums once when a merc was filling his contract (he was paid for the loss of the BS and its gear). So I think you'll agree with me when I say you'll be safe in an NPC corp and in high sec?

ValiumSummer

If you don't want to PvP in EvE you don't have to.  

If you stay in high security areas (.05-1.0) Your chances of getting "ganked" are about the same as your chances of getting murdered on your way to your local hardware store.   If you don't loot any corps containers and such you'll be fine.  

As for My recommendation for a new game...

 I recommend...um...EVE.

I have played:

Ultima Online

Anarchy Online

Asheron's call 2

Lineage 2

World of Warcraft

Horizons 

Everquest 2

and of course EvE.

EvE is hands down my favorite.    

 

If you decide to play EvE, don't let yourself get caught doing mindless things (mining).   Mining is great to get some loot early in the game, but if you make it your main focus you'll get bored real quick without ever realizing how fun the game can be.    Also, Make sure you give the game some time.   Make sure you read and use the rookie channel in game for tips and help.

 

  

 

Kibs

Hmm it sounds like you may like to try Ryzom.

Optional PvP, great community with good roleplaying and superb official events (happen lots too), good customer support, good graphics and gameplay, skill based system with over 11,000 skill levels attainable and a good crafting/harvesting system.

Theres a 7 day free trial avaliable at ryzom.com too