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Which one: WoW, L2 or CoH?
White^Rabbit
Member Posts: 1
Here's my dilemma: I have barely enough time to play one MMORPG, let alone two or three. Also, paying almost $30 for two games, or almost $50 for three isn't thrilling either, so I need to choose one MMORPG and hope it's good enough to last me a while.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
I narrowed down the choices to three games: World of Warcraft, Lineage II and City of Heroes, and I would like your input as to which one is better. Obviously, there is no definitive answer but I hope to initiate some discussion and consequently form a more educated and informed opinion. BTW, I am a total newbie to the world of MMORPG, but I have followed the development and the eventual success or failure of many of them.
To start up the discussion I will share with my own impressions of these three games. (be warned, it's gonna be long 
)
World of Warcraft
Has Blizzard ever done wrong? 
Ever since Warcraft (and maybe before) every title they released has been both critical and commercial success. I personally enjoyed every one of their games (since WC) and I think that everyone would agree that a title with the Blizzard logo on it is a AAA title.
PROS:
- It's a safe bet the game and especially the launch will be stable
- The combat system seems interesting and more involved than some other MMORPGs
- The crafting system looks to be more interesting than L2 (CoH doesn't have one)
- And you can play an undead sorcerer (what other game has that?!)
- Also the art in WoW is amazing - lush environments, unique looking characters, and the list goes on.
CONS: (not a lot but...)
- There doesn't seem to be a lot of emphasis on social interaction, there's some guild stuff but that's all, no sieges, epic battles, etc. I'm just afraid it'll turn into: Get quest, kill boss/get item, return to get reward, repeat.
- Standard Western fantasy setting - I'm a big fan of LOTR books and movies, and generally speaking I don't have a problem with Western style fantasy, but there's just oversaturation of it, and having something different would be refreshing.
Nonetheless, this game, at this point is on the top of my list.
Lineage II
There is gotta be a reason why this game, and it's predecessor, are so popular in Asia.
PROS:
- Refreshing approach to fantasy - I don't play many Asian inspired fantasy games (like FF) so for me this is a new look and a new approach, and it looks interesting.
- Graphics - while not the most important aspect, it can't be ignore since it's what I'm seeing while I'm playing the game. And while artistically WoW is great, L2's graphics seems to be technically superior and what I said in the previous point applies here as well - fresh spin on fantasy means interesting looking characters, creatures and environments.
- Despite hearing about limited customization options (visual) during character creation, from the screenshots it looks like everyone will be able to have a unique looking character.
- Siege battles, lineage system and other things, point out to the fact that there is going to be a lot of interesting social interaction.
- FREE world/story updates!
CONS:
Despite the screenshots, the limited character customization is not encouraging (2 heads and 5 hair styles per gender, what the hell?!)- Limited initial classes - there are only three classes to choose from. I know that as you level up you unlock other professions, but when will that happen, and how. I don't wanna get stuck playing your every-joe warrior type for the first 2 months.
- Despite the different visual style, the game seems to be just your ordinary medieval/fantasy MMORPG with nothing that immediately grabs attention.
City of Heroes
Up until recently I haven't heard much about it, and what I heard didn't excite me too much, but the big story on Gamespy.com showed me the light, so to speak.
PROS:
- Got the most original concept out there.
- I can play as a leather-clad one-woman-army in a short skirt? Sign me on!
- Character customization options are amazing, I saw some trully awesome looking superheroes in the screenshots.
- Get into action in the first 10 minutes.
- Just being able to gather a bunch of superhero friends and go kick some supervillain's a** should be worth the "price of admission"
CONS:
- I'm not sure that the action oriented gameplay can keep me interested for long.
- Level cap at 40 - the developers say they have some interesting stuff prepared after that but I have my doubts.
- No PvP combat - I gotta be able to test my superpowers on truly worthy opponents
- I don't think they have environment damage, i.e. smashing buildings, throwing cars, etc.
Well, these are my two cents, or maybe it's more like 200
Now it's you turn.
Comments
It all depend on your tastes.
But I can say, without the slightest hesitation that WoW will be a fun choice in the worst of case and you will still be happy to have play it.
I cant say so on the others 2 althought they *might* be great and very good.
- "Coercing? No no, I assure you, they are willing to bring my bags and pay public transportation just to help me, it is true!''
- "If I understand you well, you are telling me until next time. " - Ren
You fools dare get in my way? You'll be slaughtered like the rest!
http://www.avatarsoffear.com/
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Will any game ever equal the rampant pking fun of the good ole' dreadlord days of UO 98?
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Will any game ever equal the rampant pking fun of the good ole' dreadlord days of UO 98?
True blizzard has never particularly failed on a game, but considering the fact that in the past couple of years alot of the main people quit the company, it aint a good thing.
So far i'm dissapointed with the game, especially in a game thats emphasis is war, it practically has none of.
CoH, same deal, no PvP....Hrm....Oh yes, whats more interesting then seeing somone like superman beat up on normal, everyday thugs, with where all he has to do, is flick them into the sky with his pinky, oh yes, makes the best movies.
"The greatest trick the devil played on humanity in the 20th century was convincing them that he didn't exist." (Paraphrasing) C.S. Lewis
"If a mother can kill her own child, what is left before I kill you and you kill me?" -Mother Teresa when talking about abortion after accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979
sorry to disappoint u but >>.. Dont WASTE UR TIME ON ANY OF THOSE GAMES
-WOW: crapy graphics..... Yes alot quest.... but no seige or "gang fights" guild war...
-Lineage2: yes very impressive graphics and intense seige + guild war BUT to get to that level u need to play 2 years boring point click on monster!!! and i gurantee u will give up mid way...the most boringest game play[level up] ever exist in the human game history!!!!
-City of Hero: very good design, very good gameplay and graphic BUT WTHHHHHHH its only PvE[player vs enviroment] ..... i have never heard any game that doesn't have player vs player in my life......and they are not even planning to develop PvP for city of hero.. comon...... at least make arena for players to challenge eachother for duel of something dam it....
LINEAGE 2.
Forget about Graphics, Musics, Quest design, etc.
PvP is what creates my utmost bias.
That FAQ hasn't been updated in like 2 years. If you actually read the forums, you'll see that there will be a PvP arena and there is going to be an announcement reguarding player controlled villians sometime after the inital release.
Here is a little snip from the GameSpy's interview with Jack Emmert, one of the people making CoH.
"GameSpy: According to the limited data available for City of Heroes, there won't be any Player Vs Player action, save for controlled "arena" battles. What made you decide to forego player vs. player gameplay?
Jack Emmert: I don't think we've foregone it -- we've just delineated an place where it will occur. The "arena" won't be just a static battlefield; we're adding tons of different options in the arena so that people can face off in a variety of environments. The focus of City of Heroes, however, will be on creating a unique hero, developing him over time, and becoming one of Paragon's finest. In order to accomplish these things, players will go on missions, patrol the city, etc.; full out PvP didn't fit into the tone we were trying to set. That's why we decided to create the Arena."
As you can see, there will be a PvP arena and hopefully it will have different modes of play.
The rest of the article can be found on gamespy.com.
hmm, shld I choose L2 which is coming out in 2 months? or shld I wait another 2-12 months for WoW? I have no clue about CoH on its most likely release date.
btw, this is a sarcastic remark.
For MMRPG's, i'm intrigued by games like dark & light, realms of torment, risk your life (interesting concept, a little mix of FPS combat in a medieval setting and MMRPG, should make fighting actually fun!) and one other which I cannot remember. Although if your for carebear, kill monsters, get r33t l3wt, all you do all day long, then you shouldnt have trouble choosing, because the majority are that way.
"The greatest trick the devil played on humanity in the 20th century was convincing them that he didn't exist." (Paraphrasing) C.S. Lewis
"If a mother can kill her own child, what is left before I kill you and you kill me?" -Mother Teresa when talking about abortion after accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979
Well well well.
Out of these three I would have to say City of Heroes. Great and original concept, about the only bad thing I can find is the lack of player villains to make environment a bit more ominous. Then again, this looks set to be remedied in an expansion, so shouldn't be a big problem either. This game is probably most enjoyable if you, like me, used to be into comics like X-men or Spiderman at some point.
Lineage 2 looks pretty cool as well, would be my second choice.
World of Warcraft goes out the door in my opinion. Looks reasonably good, if a bit simplified. A large part of the crowd that plays it will be annoying 12-year olds with too little sense and too much spare time though. (No offense to the reasonable 12-year olds out there)
City of Heroes' lack of PvP won't faze me. I'm a survivor. As long as CoH promises expansive content, great gameplay, and comic book mayhem, I'm sold on the "superpowers and tights" scene. Besides the City of Villains is earmarked for an expansion. 'Nuff said!
I dont know quite as much on WOW, but I have followed CoH along way and I've played the L2 betas.
WoW: It's probably going to be the most stable and bug free game when it lauches or close enough b/c of Blizzards past track record, but you never know. I am pretty sure of this, theres going to be tons of children playing this game. The classes look pretty good but not as specific as L2(in later levels). IMO the graphics arent my favorite.
L2: This is quite bug-free if you ask me, not perfect, but it stabs SWG with a shovel. :P This is the game for the grown-up, b/c it offers long-time playablity and doesnt get good untill later in lvls. The lvl treadmill is pretty hard at times but you have to keep going, and set goals, it keeps me from compaining about leveling. This game has great graphics and animations, but not much customization, but I got over it real quick.
CoH: This is probably the game that gives you the most fun out of the box and the best RP'ing atmosphere, although I fear the Marvel clones wil be there too. This is the game I will be buying the second its out. Although not beeing able to get more power sets kinda makes me mad, I read more about inspirations and I felt better
You cant beat a game that lets you fly in tights.
CoH is not my cup of tea, though it sounds like a fun game. Who knows, maybe I'll give it a try.
Lineage 2 seems promising and I really hope it lives up to my expectations. I'm certainly going to try it if there will be european servers.
WoW sounds more like a safe bet. Blizzard is used to publishing solid products. I love the cartoonistic graphics & class abilities, plus the tradeskill system seems interesting. I really hope the instancing idea will relieve camping & killstealing.
So, basically I'd choose either of the two, but not before I try both.
Currently playing:
* City of Heroes: Deggial, Assault Rifle/Devices Blaster. Server: Defiant.
* City of Villains: Snakeroot, Plant/Thorns Dominator. Server: Defiant.
WoW - The game didn't interest me too much so I couldn't tell you much. Seems like it will be an alright game.
Lineage II - Didn't interest me too much either but I did like the graphics.
CoH - Been following it loyally for over a year. Will always be my recommendation for anybody. I think its going to have the best actual "roleplaying" out of the three. I can give two craps about pvp because I'm not into it anyway. So if you like to team up with people and make the best out of the game and not just play to beat the mess out of other gamers, pick CoH.
Only those that enjoy Life live it.
Only those that enjoy Life live it.
i gotta give my vote to Lineage 2...
im currently playing the Jap Beta, and i've previously played the Korean and Tai beta's... not to mention im planning on going into the NA beta straight into P2P...
and i gotta say this game kicks ass straight up... almost ANYBODY who has or is currently playing will tell u the same...
its true that the leveling can get tedious at times but that mostly only applies to solo'ers and non-pvp'ers... this game allows equall oppertunities for both solo and party play but as we all know, partying is the funner way to go... i never got board hunting down Timerun Bugbears with a group of friends...
and about ur question on class's... i'll try to explain it as best i can... you start off at level 1 by picking a race (Elf, Human, Dark Elf, Orc or Dwarf) and then picking either Fighter or Mage...
at level 20 (which takes an average gamer about 2-3 days) each class has a choice of 2 more class's to branch out into... so say im a Human Fighter, i would have a choice to either become a Human Knight, or Human Rouge (actually humans get 3 different level 20 clas's to choose from unlike most class's, they get a "Warrior" class which is more of an offensive tanker unlike Knight which is more defensive)...
so say i chose a Rouge, i would then level up to 40 and get another 2 class's to choose from which would be Hawkeye (archer type) or Treasure Hunter (a hardcore dagger using assasin type)...
so yes, every class has options for class change at level 20 and level 40, not to mention more are coming in the future for level 60+ ^^ you can find a list of current class's here http://www.l2orphus.com/skills.php
one thing i love about L2 is it has something that ALOT of todays MMORPG's are missing... a well balanced, and clean PvP system... it allows free PvP almost anywhere but has penalties to discourage griefers (and it works VERY well ^^)... also you can dual people anywhere if you dont want to go chaotic ... also with huge castle sieges/wars you can tell L2's main emphesis is on group PvP...
ntm with things like player owned Dragons (both flying and horse-ridden type) with talk of arial combat in the future, player owned housing after the chronical update (which comes when NA P2P hits), owning ur own castle/town, free and LARGE game updates (called Chronicles) that can do anything from adding new land mass's to new class's, large scale monster battles like the one in the Antharas video, and a crap load more, how can u deny it ^^
well actions speak louder then words and NA OB is hitting soon so i just suggest u try it for urself ^^ also if u want u can go to l2orphus.com and find out how to DL and set urself up an account for the jap beta if u cant wait (messege me in game server 3 BigPeeler ^^)
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The real question is what to play until Dark and Light comes out
. I also like Saga of Ryzom. It is supposed to have settlement expansion and clan vs. clan wars at higher levels although I just read somewhere that the developers plan to make clan wars consentual 
. I can understand putting limits on clan warfare in the type of game they have such as limiting clan wars to clans of equal rankings but if wars are consensual then clan wars will be rare.
So I have no idea what I will be playing. Probably whatever beta I get into first.
im gonna go with CoH. ive had it with fantasy/sci-fi mmorpgs, its all the same thing over and over. its about time someone had the guts to try and reinvent the wheel and throw a new spin on the old formula. as for pvp, im not a big fan of it and im sure there is going to be a pvp server eventually, but who wants to go out and try to level with people out to kill everyone in sight? if thats your cup of tea, have at it, but ill stick to teaming up with my fellow gamers, not trying to destroy them.
Let's not generalize this but that was my impression as well. While I don't mind playing game with little kids, I just can't imagine myself being in the middle of verbal juvenile dispute with little kids who goes about everywhere making mess out of the whole thing.
I don't mind playing with players aged 19 and up the ladder, but not with 13-17 years old.
CoH will likewise gather more mature crowd than WoW. At lease that was my impression when I visited the forum site. Large majority of forumites over there were definitely not Teenagers. Compare the kind of talk going on in CoH official forum to that of WoW. There is even unconfirmed report that some celebrities (Robin William, etc) are posting up there. But I don't know this has any sort of basis.
And also the art style of graphics can sometimes dictate the type of the crowd it's going to gather.
Anyways, it's noteworth someone actually felt the same way.
Heh
L2 - PvP intensive. I personally won't be playing L2 specifically for that reason. I hate PvP in an MMORPG. If that's your bag though, this is your game. Graphics look very sweet from what I've seen. No clue about actual gameplay. this is the one I have followed the least.
WoW - PvP lite let's call it. WoW's 100% "consentual" PvP is most like DAoC in that it's faction vs faction. The MAJOR flaw in their PvP design is that unless you're in a PvP area of the world, you can't fight the other faction but at the same time you can't group or guild with them either. It sets up a paradox that's just rediculously stupid game design. A huge chunk of WoW's community is coming from WarCraft (the RTS) and that means kids. Lots of kids. Many of whom have he social graces of a rabid, crack-addicted mongul barbarian. Want proof, spend even a small amount of time reading the official WoW forums. Something I do NOT look forward to having to deal with in-game. Graphics for WoW are really good if not state-of-the-art. The style may not appeal to all gamers but the same could be said of ANY game's art direction.
CoH - Zero PvP (or at least no more than duels). Comic book super heroes is a new theme for the MMORPG genre and that in itself can be fun. there is really no loot in CoH, just influence and enhancements (to powers) from what I understand. The graphics for CoH are very good and costume options are phenominal with more to come after release.
So, CoH gets my vote as the overall best choice from my point of view. YMMV.
WoW for sure, not saying that the others arn't bad either.
Why?
Just knowing that you won't be dissapointed or worrying about how pittful the game will be when it launches *caugh* (asheron's call 2) *caugh*. Lineage2 looks pretty fuqqin awsome too tho, but just as I explained, its better to know that u wont be disapointed and not worry about wasteing your money.
//Shadowstrike
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When I am King you will be first aginist the wall.
City of Heroes all the way!!!
WoW - just check out their forums to see the kind of l337 doodes and grief players youll be spending time with. Its really a sad testament to what the average gamer is.
Lineage II - JAFG. just another fantasy game. sure it has pretty graphics and seige going for it. Yippie! More bloody elves.
CoH - original concept, no loot whore system, no camping for spawns, innovative quest methods (investigation, clue trails), more and more weapons and powers constantly added.
As for no PvP...some people just reject right away any game without PvP. And that is immature. The AI in CoH actually reacts in new ways that MMOs havent had before. Heck even the civilian NPCs thank you and cheer for you while you fight.
Plus, as a guy who signed up for the forums a month after they started...the community is mature, yet playful, very helpful, and quite knowledgable about MMOs and games in general.
Im telling you this is the one. Step up to who you REALLY are. A HERO!!
(plus seeing you in a mini skirt (the op) wont be so bad
)
I can't but agree about the maturity level on Blizzard's official WoW forums. However, keep in mind that those forums are restricted to Battle.net members, as well as the fact that only a small portion of a game's community are active posters. So, I still have hopes that the problem will be significantly smaller in-game. But yeah, their forums are stormed by immature posters every day.
Currently playing:
* City of Heroes: Deggial, Assault Rifle/Devices Blaster. Server: Defiant.
* City of Villains: Snakeroot, Plant/Thorns Dominator. Server: Defiant.