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VG or EQ2
Little-Nemo
Member Posts: 110
After playing World of Warcraft for about 2 years and having multiple level 70's I am looking for something new. The two games I am looking at are Vanguard and EQ 2, was wondering the pros and cons of both.
Comments
EQ2 would be my best suggestion. It has a large amount of content and gameplay that has been tweaked over th epast few years to where its very playable and almost ina state of close perfection.
I have not plyed Vanguard, but many who have been posting here state that its needs quite a bit more polishing before it cane be considered a good playable game. There are a far amount of differences between each game, but I'd suggest you do some research on your own. There's to much to list in one single post to state all the pro's and con's of each game.
My suggestion, play EQ2.
Ive played both games, so let me give you my opinion. As a matter of fact, I am a current Vanguard player (and loving it) and considering using the Station Pass so I can also play EQ2 (and other SOE games).
EQ2 and Vanguard are similar games and I feel that no matter which one you play you will have a good time. There are tons of quests in both games, ranging in difficulty from 1 person at level 1 to a whole group at max level. Both offer mounts at a reasonable level as well as housing for a price. Crafted items in both games are very nice, so they are a profitable business. Both games have a mail system as well as an auction house system ingame that seem pretty stable.
Vanguard -- its newer, therefore has less expansions and content, however it offers a better crafting system (in my opinion) and a diplomacy system that is unique to Vanguard. There are three continents to explore that are all HUGE, and you need the available mounts to get there (both land and flying - quest coming soon for a permanent flying mount). The history is rich and detailed, with each race having a totally different feel and back history. SOE has been working very hard in getting stability much better, and doing a good job at it. In addition to mounts and housing, you can build or purchase your own boat to help entire groups get to remote areas or just travel downriver quickly.
EQ2 - Been around a while so the major kinks have been ironed out and there are several expansion packs, including one that is coming out in the not too distant future. There are raid content areas in addition to the normal questing areas, if you like to do endgame raiding.
Both EQ2 and Vanguard ran into some major problems in the months after release, the only downside is that Vanguard is still patching those holes - but there ARE people working on them. I dont think you can go wrong with either choice, it comes down to what you are looking for in an mmorpg.
I would be more than happy to answer any specific questions you might have about either game, if you have any.
I left Wow about a year before BC was released and went to EQ2. Although I did enjoy WoW, leaving for EQ2 was the best decision I ever made (MMO wise anyway). I played the BC expansion when it was released for about a month, but found the EQ2 content much more enjoyable. To this day I will say that EQ2 is the best MMO I have ever played, and it`s getting better.
I played Vanguard right from launch. Vanguard just seemed so broken when I played it (although I hear that the patches have cleared up a lot of the problems). I played for only 2 months before I unistalled the game. Vanguard does seem to have a lot of potential, but the fun factor just wasn`t there for me.
If I was to point you to the game that I think is best, I would say to choose EQ2. Tons of content, 24 classes, and (the main thing) fun gameplay. The community is pretty good also (except for the Antonia Bayle server, they are like WoW kids from my experiences). My comments are not anti Vanguard, it`s just that EQ2 is the best thing going right now IMO.
What is the crafting system like in EQ 2?
Which Final Fantasy Character Are You?
Final Fantasy 7
I played both games for a bit, though I did not play for months and months. As far as game play, they are both basically the same. I think I liked the actual game play of Vanguard a bit better. As far as crafting, both have a pretty in depth system, waaaay more difficult than WoW crafting. I guess as far as crafting goes it depends on how much you like to work at it. For both games, if I remember correctly, you really have to pay attention to it. I personally didn't care for either system that much, but I know several people who enjoy crafting that liked both games.
I think Vanguard crafting is a bit more interesting of the two though. I would call it a toss up between either one. If you really want to do it..get a station pass and try both out. In the end it will probably come down to which one you find a solid guild in first.
D.
I hope that this makes a bit of sense to you. I know that once you see the system in action that you would understand what I am saying, but it can be difficult to explain a whole new and very different system.
Instead of like WOW where you gather your materials, find your crafting staiton, then you click on the recipe and poof here is your whatever, EQ2 and Vandugard are quite different.
EQ2 and Vanguard - you gather your materials, select your work station, pick your available recipes. Your recipies are similar to WoW, in that you must purchase them or get them as drops as you increase in levels, however you earn crafting XP each time you make an item with XP awarded based on its relative difficulty. Materials harvest off of some mobs, but mostly found in the wild from ground spawn with your skill/gear varying the amount of material that you are able to harvest.
EQ 2 only - During the crafting process you try to achieve pristine level by using special crafting skills. Every few seconds is another opportunity to use those skills. For instance if you are a jeweler and working on a special gem-laden ring, your skills will be something along cutting and buffing. The crafting system reminds me a little bit about combat, because negative effects must be responded to within a certain time frame to give you a chance to counter those effects (like heating up your boiling water for tea too much). As you progress through your item, its progress bar goes through 4 stages from rough work to pristine product. Additional XP is rewarded for the first time you create a pristine level of any given recipe, but regular XP is rewarded each time that you create any given item.
Vanguard only - You harvest materials and then refine them for use in final products - this is where you can enchant the refined material to add some benefit to the final product. The better you refine them, the more bonus you get on your item (in an attempt to get 100%). As you craft items are rated A (76-100%), B (51%-75%), C(26%-50%), or D(0-25%) with A being the best. XP is rewarded based on difficulty of the item as well as how good the quality of the item is (99% would be more XP for the same item than 55%). As you craft, you go through several stages on the same craft where you spend Action points to finish or improve the item. Different actions cost varying amounts of action points and as you increase in skill, more action choices are available. You may also purchase crafting clothing and/or tools that will give bonus to your skills to make crafting better/easier. XP is a little different here, as you can only get XP one time from creating any item you normally have a recipe for - requiring you to perform work orders which will grant bonus XP and items (tools, vendor junk, and recipes are most common).
They both are similar, and definately both more in-depth than WoW (or most every other MMORPGs crafting system).
After doing some reading I'm gonna try Vanguard, I think the biggest reason for me trying is all the bad things I keep hearing about it. I just the kinda person that the more negative things I hear about a game or a movie I want to play it or see it.
Which Final Fantasy Character Are You?
Final Fantasy 7
I got both EQ2 and Vanguard two weeks ago and have put just a little time into each so far (I have a level 6 character in each game). I haven't touched crafting yet, but forums, in-game chat, and podcasts are nearly unanimous that VG's crafting is very grindy and more complicated than it needs to be. Many expect it to be completely overhauled within the next year.
I figured I'd like EQ2 better since it's been out longer, more content, etc. but I'm having difficulty being interested in EQ2. Vanguard, on the other hand, seems like a pretty cool world to play in. It's lacking... well... a lot actually. Performance is getting better all the time, I got VG two days before this most recent patch and I gained approximately 10fps on average and no CTDs. Once they get this beast optimized, they need to add content and finish the animations. I wouldn't mind if some terrain textures were replaced either, but that can come down near the bottom of the list of what needs to be done. Overall though, I'm preferring my time in VG over EQ2, though if you can swing the Station Pass monthly fee, why not get both?
I still plan on keeping World of Warcraft, I've played the game for over 2 years and there some things I like about it, but it's lacking what EQ2 and Vanguard seem to have more class's and a umm different crafting system. If I was not going to play WoW then yeah I'd play EQ2 and Vanguard, but I don't have the time to play 3 on line games
Which Final Fantasy Character Are You?
Final Fantasy 7
I played EQ2 from launch until June 06 and have just re-subbed- I've also played VG since beta. If you've zero tolerance level for bugs and perfomance issues go with EQ2.
Now you've chosen VG though either wait till the server merge or hold back judgment until it happens and there are more lowbies around. Being able to go into a dungeon area in a decent group can make all the difference. The population is very low right now so bear that in mind.
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I resubbed last night and play on Woefeather and find the population to be nice
I want to give Vanguard a good shot, thats about 2-3 months of game play for me, if by then I have issues, then I will look into EQ2 but I really want to give this game a fair shot. I will probably start before the servers merge but thats ok.
Which Final Fantasy Character Are You?
Final Fantasy 7
Like i said i resubbed last night and iam having a blllast. The undead and dead mobs look really good felt like i was playing a EQ version of resident evil and one point :P. And the population isnt bad at all come on woe feather
Save yourself the heart ache and the pain don't play VG, just pick up a copy of EQ2 its by far the better game, I've played WoW, EQ2 and VG, Vanguard is WAY to buggy to be called a game its still should be in Beta, WoW was just to much same old same old, but EQ2 has held my attention and drawn me back to it over and over no matter what other game I try.
This is MHO so take it anyway you want to.
I am going to hold EQ2 as backup. Its the negative attention that is driving me to want to play the game. There seems to be high level people playing and some people evening enjoying it even with the bugs and it what they see I want to see.
Which Final Fantasy Character Are You?
Final Fantasy 7
It's really not like most of the bashers make out. People who left the game 3 months ago really can't give an informed opinion on that it's like now, only on what it was like at the time.
Tell us what you get on though
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I played wow for over 2 years got BC got 3 70's made my BE mage my main and Hated every min of BC's end game and quit wow. Tried EQ2 got a 48 Ranger. HATED EVER MIN of EQ2 and tried VG i had Maxed graphics on EQ2 and WOW but could barely play VG.
As much as it pains me to say, I would have to go with EQ2. I have been with Vanguard since beta 3 and have to say , although the game is getting better with each patch. EQ2 is still by far a better game, when it comes to classes, content, and overall fun EQ2 is the game you want.
If you like bugs, pretty graphics, million of xp debt non scaled xp then you will love Vanguard. Honestly, I would say though,wait til Vanguard is hitting relaunch to see if they put the classes , content and scale the quest/xp ingame before buying or playing it (currently the game is a waist of time).
Saying I told you so
Well, after 3 days of playing and crashing to the desktop and some other minor issues I must stopped.
Which Final Fantasy Character Are You?
Final Fantasy 7
For your money, my friend, go EQ2 it still holds up and was released at about the same time as WoW was. Much better economic development in EQ2 via the crafting abilities. More questing content than just about any other MMO out there.
Cheers and good luck with your decision...
All I want is the truth
Just gimme some truth
John Lennon
HUH?
LOL
I entered into Vanguard during beta 3 and I still have an active subscription, but I will be cancelling it before the next billing cycle. The reason for cancellation is directly tied into EQ2 because I bought the EoF expansion about six weeks ago. When SOE acquired Vanguard back in May I believe it was, I was curious to see what the possibilities were for Vanguard. I had read numerous posts on how EQ2 was turned around and I wanted to see for myself because I did play EQ2 right after launch; I lasted 5 weeks before I pulled the plug on it.
There were several reasons why I pulled the plug on my first try with EQ2. The newbie zone areas were okay, but once you stepped outside of those areas holy cow what a change. In Antonica, I felt like I was being herded into narrow canyons regarding movement because it seemed there were heroic mobs everywhere. I bet there were times I had trains behind me numbering in the dozens fleeing for my life. When I got past that to Thundering Steppes, it seemed even worse. I remember entering that zone for the first time and asked which of two races I "preferred" that were predominately in the zone. I chose the centaur race, so that race would not agro on me automatically. Unfortunately, I accidently agroed one of those creatures with an AoE spell while killing a beetle. After I killed it, I was agro to all the race. Between the giants which I did not choose as the preferred race, the ^^^ griffins flying everywhere that were agro to me and the centaurs which were everywhere, I said to myself this is total crap. Throw in CTD's, lag, difficulty finding groups, etc., I had enough.
Fast forward to now and there is a dramatic difference in EQ2. First off, groups are noticeably easier to find. However, the most important thing to note about this area is the game is way more solo friendly than it was back at launch, so if you cannot get into a group you are not standing around picking your nose. I remember reading posts on the EQ2 forums before deciding to give it another try where the posters were saying turn off the combat experience gains because you will outrun your quests. I was thinking to myself, yeah, uh uh, sure. Guess what, they were right because by lv 15 I had mine turned off. During this second go-a-round, I have experienced few episodes of lag and had 1 CTD, which is likely due to my soundcound. I have a Soundblaster Audigy that is 4 years old that is notorious for having bad drivers.
Vanguard has many of the same issues that EQ2 did when it first launched, although most of those issues are more severe with Vanguard. Besides the technical issues that many complain about in which I have had some myself, there are many holes that need to be filled. In the meantime, I am enjoying my second stint with EQ 2 to the point I am cancelling my Vanguard account. In the meantime, I will keep playing EQ2 and hope that SOE can perform a similar turnaround with Vanguard so that I have a game to hit when I get tired of EQ2.
VG is not going to be reasonably finished till year end.
Gameplay is almost exactly the same thing both cases, if you want polish and a complete game then go EQ2. If you like punishing your computer go VG. The difference is not big at all. (I am just playing eq2 for the first time here)