EQII or VG

Venzen · October 2007

Thanks for reading.

I recently bought a new system, and I'm looking for a new game to play. I played EQ1 for 7 years, but haven't played in over a year. Considering I enjoyed EQ1 in the beginning, and really only got tired of it once it was always raiding, raiding, raiding, way should I choose EQII over Vanguard?

Thanks in advance for any advice

Kenze · October 2007

eq2 is much more polished and put together. EQ2 is much better in quests and general gameplay. EQ2 also has a new expansion coming out the first of NOV. calkles Rise of Kunark which will introduce a race and reintroduce Kunark. The Rise of Kunark Pack also includes the original game plus all expansions/ adventure packs to date.

Leemeg · October 2007

I plan to try out VG on a later date, but currently I think EQ2 is something you should look at. In a few weeks the new expansion will release (and if you buy the new expansion, you get the base game and all expansions).

Stromgard · October 2007

I have experience with both games. Played EQ2 right after its launch and lasted around 5 weeks before quitting. Beta tested and played Vanguard lasting about 4 months after launch. The reasons I quit Vanguard were almost identical to why I left EQ2 (bugs, lag, lack of content, etc.). When I left Vanguard, I decided to give EQ2 another chance since SOE had bought Vanguard and heard that EQ2 had dramatically improved. I wanted to see for myself about EQ2 to see if there was hope down the road for Vanguard. Well, this was back in early June and I am still playing EQ2. Game is nothing like it was the first time I played it.

My advice: Play EQ2 and wait for SOE to fix Vanguard. Perhaps in 12-18 months that game will be on the right track as EQ2 is now. As for your comment about hating having to raid in the original EQ, EQ2 is very solo friendly and groups are pretty easy to find. I do not do raiding, so I cannot comment on the raid content.

*Edited for spelling*

corechamber · October 2007

I WOuld go with Vanguard if I was you. It has made a big turn around. This will give you a head start, the numbers are growing and Im starting to see more players in the newbie areas. Plus you just got a new system, you will love the graphics.

Nadia · October 2007

reasons for Vanguard

- newer game (altho has some bugs)

- new fantasy world

reasons for EQ2

- its been through many changes in the last 3 years, most of them for the better

- fantasy world derived from EQ1

you really need to try both games for yourself

everyone has their likes/dislikes

EQ2 has a trial game offer

Vanguard has none (but SOE is working on it)

Ekibiogami · October 2007

Im With Stromguard.

EQ2 for now Vanguard later.. or get a station pass and play all of them :P

Vanguard Has the Core Idea that will allow it to become about the best MMo in its class IF SOE does take care of it and not try to kill it.

Im playing EQ2, Vanguard, Planetside, and Tryed SWG (couldent stand, was post NGE)

I think my 35 {or is it 40?} is well spent if you still have a lot of friends in Eq1 then you can still hop on in and Visit them. and when POTBS comes out the pas will rock :P

bahamut1 · October 2007

You mean why?

I don't think anyone could answer this for you except for you. Just weigh the pros and cons, and whatever you like better, go with that. You could even get a station pass and play both, that's what I did.

Gameplay:

EQ2 would be easier than VG, level faster, easier combat, and things are a bit closer together.

EQ2 spells up to 50 are automatic, you get them as you level. After 50, you have to find or buy them. VG uses trainers that you pay for the skills/spells as you level.

EQ2 quests are more dynamic with real speech for a lot of npc's. VG quests are a lot like WoW's where you have to carry a lot of crap in your bags (I HATE that). Both have the standard fair of story quests and tasks that make you get something for someone.

World and Graphics:

EQ2 graphics are more precise. They have a better detail, as all the details are accounted for. Everything is precise right down to the fingernails. Real textures and very detailed character models. My biggest complaint on EQ2 models is the claymation hair. I hate it, and hope they fix it in the model revamp after RoK. My biggest like is when it rains, things actually get wet, and no other MMO in existence does water effects like EQ2.

Vanguard graphics are more grand. Big scope, more of a mood type graphics. Still use texturing but missing a few of the nitty gritty details. Absolutely amazing world graphics where everything sways and moves in the breeze and every place has a different feel and look.

EQ2 uses zones that you load when you go into a different area. This is going to change a lot with RoK but the zone lines are quite noticable, with a loading screen, but they are few and very short, around 5 seconds. VG is a vast open area where you can see for miles and miles. If you see it, you can go there. There are chunks you load, but it is supposed to be seamless, you barely notice the loading.

Combat:

EQ2 combat is very skill/spell dependent. You have a whole bunch of skills and spells to choose from for all occasions, and you figure out what would work best. They are moving more towards a reactionary combat in RoK, but I cannot talk about that much atm. It's easy to use, as you CAN button mash if you want and kill decent foes, but it's hard to master because only the studious and really good players, that maximize their skill can kill the toughest mobs.

VG combat is reactionary. You have skills you use all the time, and skills that can only be used if something special happens. Also, you can have two targets, one is an offensive target (the guy you're fighting) and one is a defensive target (the one you are protecting). Personally, I think the VG combat model is about 1 or 2 steps from being perfection. I really hope SoE expands on what is already there and makes it great.

Crafting:

VG crafting is VERY extensive. It is set up to be able to make any grade of anything in the world. You can make a crappy house or a pristine and perfect donut. With this comes tediousness as well. The crafting process is long and has a lot of steps. Craft lovers and people that like to build just about anything in the world though, will love it.

EQ2 crafting is not as extensive, but you can make a lot of things you'll need for yourself, or your home. You can't make the house itself, but you can make the furniture and all the decorations. Most of the stuff, especially rares, are useful and people want. The process is very easy and just requires some raws that you harvest and a little "whack-the-mole" mini game. Literally 5 sec from harvest to finished product.

Travel:

EQ2 provides boats, ports, bells (ports), and personal transportation, like horses and wargs (big dogs) and carpets and rinos to get to your destination. The carpets and disks float, but nothing really flies, but there is a good selection of levels of horses, speeds and costs. Even a carpet to quest for that's pretty decent. You can get from any point A to any point B within 10 minutes (usually the longest waiting for ports into kos at the spires).

VG you make your own transportation. You can build a boat, build a wagon, get any kind of mount from a cheap horse (cheaper than EQ2 even) to a flying mount that can fly over ANY place in the game. They were going to just put in the ports from major continents to another and let the player decide which transportation they needed from there, but I hear that's changed somewhat.

To conclude:

EQ2 is an older, more polished game. It is a bit more casual, but has a few hardcore features like the raids and long quest series. EQ2 may run a bit better, has more people, and has a lot more content. There are more choices for races/classes, but VG is a close second. EQ2 has the benefit of 3 years of development and gets better and better each expansion.

VG is newer, not as developed. Still having a few issues with lag and clipping, but is getting better all the time as well. Still have not seen an expansion yet, but realize it has changed hands and they're making great strides in what they already have. VG is expansive, and huge, and I'm sure it'll be a great contender after a few updates and maybe an expansion or two. It's just going to take some time. They do have an incredible tapestry to work from, and I really hope they develop that.

Czzarre · October 2007

I agree, EQ2 would be a good start over VG. If EQ2 doesnt work out, then go see if VG is for you

Torrential

jusomdude · October 2007

I'd play EQ2, something about Vanguard is lacking. Just my opinion though. Not sure if Vanguard has a trial out yet.

zanfire · October 2007

Originally posted by bahamut1

You mean why?
I don't think anyone could answer this for you except for you. Just weigh the pros and cons, and whatever you like better, go with that. You could even get a station pass and play both, that's what I did.
Gameplay:
EQ2 would be easier than VG, level faster, easier combat, and things are a bit closer together.
EQ2 spells up to 50 are automatic, you get them as you level. After 50, you have to find or buy them. VG uses trainers that you pay for the skills/spells as you level.
EQ2 quests are more dynamic with real speech for a lot of npc's. VG quests are a lot like WoW's where you have to carry a lot of crap in your bags (I HATE that). Both have the standard fair of story quests and tasks that make you get something for someone.
World and Graphics:
EQ2 graphics are more precise. They have a better detail, as all the details are accounted for. Everything is precise right down to the fingernails. Real textures and very detailed character models. My biggest complaint on EQ2 models is the claymation hair. I hate it, and hope they fix it in the model revamp after RoK. My biggest like is when it rains, things actually get wet, and no other MMO in existence does water effects like EQ2.
Vanguard graphics are more grand. Big scope, more of a mood type graphics. Still use texturing but missing a few of the nitty gritty details. Absolutely amazing world graphics where everything sways and moves in the breeze and every place has a different feel and look.
EQ2 uses zones that you load when you go into a different area. This is going to change a lot with RoK but the zone lines are quite noticable, with a loading screen, but they are few and very short, around 5 seconds. VG is a vast open area where you can see for miles and miles. If you see it, you can go there. There are chunks you load, but it is supposed to be seamless, you barely notice the loading.
Combat:
EQ2 combat is very skill/spell dependent. You have a whole bunch of skills and spells to choose from for all occasions, and you figure out what would work best. They are moving more towards a reactionary combat in RoK, but I cannot talk about that much atm. It's easy to use, as you CAN button mash if you want and kill decent foes, but it's hard to master because only the studious and really good players, that maximize their skill can kill the toughest mobs.
VG combat is reactionary. You have skills you use all the time, and skills that can only be used if something special happens. Also, you can have two targets, one is an offensive target (the guy you're fighting) and one is a defensive target (the one you are protecting). Personally, I think the VG combat model is about 1 or 2 steps from being perfection. I really hope SoE expands on what is already there and makes it great.
Crafting:
VG crafting is VERY extensive. It is set up to be able to make any grade of anything in the world. You can make a crappy house or a pristine and perfect donut. With this comes tediousness as well. The crafting process is long and has a lot of steps. Craft lovers and people that like to build just about anything in the world though, will love it.
EQ2 crafting is not as extensive, but you can make a lot of things you'll need for yourself, or your home. You can't make the house itself, but you can make the furniture and all the decorations. Most of the stuff, especially rares, are useful and people want. The process is very easy and just requires some raws that you harvest and a little "whack-the-mole" mini game. Literally 5 sec from harvest to finished product.
Travel:
EQ2 provides boats, ports, bells (ports), and personal transportation, like horses and wargs (big dogs) and carpets and rinos to get to your destination. The carpets and disks float, but nothing really flies, but there is a good selection of levels of horses, speeds and costs. Even a carpet to quest for that's pretty decent. You can get from any point A to any point B within 10 minutes (usually the longest waiting for ports into kos at the spires).
VG you make your own transportation. You can build a boat, build a wagon, get any kind of mount from a cheap horse (cheaper than EQ2 even) to a flying mount that can fly over ANY place in the game. They were going to just put in the ports from major continents to another and let the player decide which transportation they needed from there, but I hear that's changed somewhat.
To conclude:
EQ2 is an older, more polished game. It is a bit more casual, but has a few hardcore features like the raids and long quest series. EQ2 may run a bit better, has more people, and has a lot more content. There are more choices for races/classes, but VG is a close second. EQ2 has the benefit of 3 years of development and gets better and better each expansion.
VG is newer, not as developed. Still having a few issues with lag and clipping, but is getting better all the time as well. Still have not seen an expansion yet, but realize it has changed hands and they're making great strides in what they already have. VG is expansive, and huge, and I'm sure it'll be a great contender after a few updates and maybe an expansion or two. It's just going to take some time. They do have an incredible tapestry to work from, and I really hope they develop that.

^^^ above gets a good amount of truethful no biast detail out there and i hafta agree w/ it all, some things you should note is also 1)VG is much more group orientated where it becomes more nessicary or some classes to lvl in groups, were as EQ2 is very solo friendly. 2) u need a very good system to run VG, make sure u fit minimal the "recommended" specs for that game. EQ2 requires alot less to be played at higher settings. 3) the age of each agme should be kept in mind, some ppl dont wanna jump in late to a game and feel like they arent up to par w/ some others who have been there for yrs. 4)VG still isnt a finished product, they do still have the occasional bug, wich can be better or worse , its quite random i hear. id hafta say, give it some time until the trial comes out or try for a key b4 u buy this one, make sure u can run it ok and that u dont seem to have an unfortunate buggyer experience. lastly, look into the longjevity of the game, we all know EQ2 will probly be around for a very long time now, just look at EQ1 its still goin and it was made in 1999. VG has potential to be amazing an dlast many years, but they have basicly cut the crew down alot had a very rough start and now SOE basicly hasta handel the game wich in some cases can be bad. id say test them yourself or go w/ whatever intregues u the most.

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