Other Simutronics - DR vs GS4?

auryx

Hi All,

Okay, this isn't strictly a HJ question, but I figured this is the best place to ask.

I've been considering signing up for either DragonRealms or GemStone IV while waiting for HJ, but one thing I cannot find anywhere is a discussion of the differences between them! I've tried the Simutronics and Play.net pages, their forums, FAQs, Google,etc, etc.

Can anyone here give me a brief idea of what the differences are between these two games? Sorry if they're so different that it's a stupid question...

auryx

HJ-Saaren

I've played both fairly extensively, though I'm certainly no expert on GemStone.  Know this - they are both exceptional, but here is what I see as the core differences.

GemStone leans more towards the numerical representations of what is happening in game, you see damage values, there are a lot of 'skill points', etc.  Also, GemStone is 'gained experience' based for the most part.   You gain x number of points, you gain a level and other points to assign to skills. 

There are a lot of skills to choose from the and the land area you can travel is immense.  I cannot quite recall this but I do not think GemStone's combat is 'true ranged' which I will explain in a moment.

DragonRealms is a completely different take.  I personally prefer it because in DragonRealms if you pick up a sword and swing it if you want to gain experience in using a sword.  If you want to excel in magic, cast spells.  DragonRealms experience system is very sophisticated, but it makes complete sense. DO what you wish to gain experience in.

Both games have Guilds, though in DragonRealms I think your relationship to the various Guild leaders is far more involved.  They will tell you, 'Work on your survival skills', or 'You need more scholarship if you wish to advance in this guild...'.  Each bit of advice is tied to a core requirements system that essentially maps skills to guilds.  A barbarian might need 10 lessons in their primary weapon of choice, 5 in thier secondary, and they might also need a mix of specific skills and 'groups' of skills to advance.

Note:  I'm not a barb, so don't take those numbers to the bank. 

In DragonRealms, I first experienced true 'Ranged' combat. It is very similar to graphical games in that you do not enter a 'room' and whatever is in there can automatically just hit you with a sword.  There are combat ranges, missle range, pole range, and melee range.   A creature armed with magic or a bow type weapon might be able to attack immediately - but everything else, creature or player, must advance on a target and close that distance gap to melee range.

In short - DR and GS are two *very* different games.  I would classify them both as extremely enjoyable, very complex and advise a new player of Simutronics games to try them both and pay very very close attention to the different play styles - one will fit just about every player.

A side note is this:  If you are thinking about playing a Simutronics game, think Role Play.  The players tend to take that very seriously in both games.  Also, think twice about mistreating another player - justice in both games is *very* realistically centered towards an eye for an eye.  No, you cannot attack new players, but once you get a bit older - you are expected to conduct yourself within the society how you see fit, but understand that there are penalties for being evil should you choose to do so.

Either way - your going to have fun and your going to get some insight as to why Simutronics has, and will continue to have the finest online role playing universes you've ever encountered.  And your going to witness first hand why HJ is going to change the face of graphical MMORPG's forever.

Enjoy, and hope to see you in Elanthia, in all her wonderful flavors!

 

P.S.  DragonRealms Moon Mages Rock!!

HJ-Zee

Dont hold me to this but It used to be that GS usually has more players online than DR did. Is that still the case?

I really cant answer this question all that well. I've played GS but I cant say that I've ever played DR. So I honestly dont know.

I'm sure you wouldn't regret whichever one you choose.

auryx

Thanks guys, that's great. I might end up giving both a try, think I'll start with Gemstone 4 though, looks more my kind of thing - I've been reading the website and it seems to be quite similar to/inspired by one of my favourite tabletop RPG systems (good old Rolemaster...)

RP isn't too much of a problem for me, as I've always enjoyed that aspect of MMORPGs (alas, it's a rare commodity in most graphical games these days). Though I imagine it'll take me a while to get to grips with the setting and backstory, seems pretty detailed.

Thanks again,

auryx