EQ2 vs. WOW...what's it all about?

codeboysf · March 2005

I'm an EQ2 player and LOVE, love, luv it. But so many WOW gamers totally dismiss it or are vehemently opposed to EQ2. I've read WOW's website and there was even a guy on National Public Radio (All Things Considered show) waxing sentimental and enthusiastic about WOW, but WOW doesn't sound terribly different from EQ2.

Most of the EQ2 vs. WOW postings are of the "WE RoXORRz, YOU SuX0rrz" variety, but I'd like to ask is it a real difference, like Red State vs. Blue State or a frivolous difference like Ninja's vs. Pirates.

What I like about EQ2 (previous I's been playing EQ1 for 5 years):
Content
graphics
class balance
content
ui->community enhancements
wide choice of activities
non-pvp
and content.

Blacknut Oakbottom, esq.
Halfling Mystic, 28th level
Family motto: "Try as you might, you can't spank an Oakbottom"

magik_fx · March 2005

I don't even play WoW anymore, but i'll post why people play it.

Content
graphics
class balance
content
ui->community enhancements
wide choice of activities
pvp
and content.

That's it, a complete list of why people play WoW. Apples and oranges, orangutangs and monkeys, chocolate and vanilla. On paper they don't really look any different.

Orcc · March 2005

Originally posted by magik_fx
I don't even play WoW anymore, but i'll post why people play it.Content
graphics
class balance
content
ui->community enhancements
wide choice of activities
pvp
and content.That's it, a complete list of why people play WoW. Apples and oranges, orangutangs and monkeys, chocolate and vanilla. On paper they don't really look any different.

You forgot hype and fanbois.

codeboysf · March 2005

Thanks,

I thought I was missing something that was in plain sight.

Regards,
B. Oakbottom, esq.

nonjonron · March 2005

Heya. I also played EQ1 for 5 years. Began on MM server and finished on Sullon Zek. I've also played EQ2 and switched to WOW. Maybe I can help.

I don't think the items you list in your original post will help you differentiate between the two games. Your EQ1 experience may be the means through which you reach an understanding on this issue.

Remember when you played EQ1 and there was this feeling of immersion? Do you also remember how the game had a "natural" feel to it? Also, do you remember how the interface felt comfortable (compared to others that you had known)? Did you feel that you were looking out of your character's eyes? Remember how the game had a "flow" to it, where one thing lead to another, and you just wanted to keep playing to find out the next thing?

Remember how "cool" Felwithe seemed? That funky, melancholic music playing in the background. Remember the crushbone orcs and the two guards standing out front, one on each side of the big fire braziers? Remember the music there, the tents?

Well, WOW is like that! EQ2 is not. WOW feels like another world, with a carefully crafted story, plot and background. The music is cool. The characters and races are captivating. The content of WOW is not rendered in the same detail or with the same engineering brilliance as EQ2. I think the content itself holds together much better however.

I think WOW is more like EQ1 than EQ2. I'm not sure what EQ2 is like. EQ2 is not a bad game, as so many people have said. I just think WOW is a really good game. The 2005 version of EQ1? No, not quite. Not as detailed, but more streamlined. WOW is not as revolutionary as EQ1 was. Instead, Blizzard has built a game that delivers the tried and true basics very well. WOW is very focused on efficient and enjoyable delivery of the game itself, and less focused on intricate complexities. I find WOW to be alot of fun.

Hope this helped.

Yawns · March 2005

oops

codeboysf · March 2005

EQ2 for me feels more immersive than EQ1 to me. The fact that all the NPCs are doing their own thing and the different character of the zones, the little villages that are your home as opposed to the main city. EQ2 gives me a very strong feeling of physical place not only that but I have a strong feeling of place in the society. An Antonican NPC tells me "thank you for your help" after I've done some quests while a Zek NPC telling me "hey pal, get out there and kill some orcs", because I haven't done any yet. Also there is humor, I love the Ratonga that sells the scrying stones on the Thundering Steppes docks, I know he tried to sell me a stereo at Good Guys before.

Sincerely,
B. Oakbottom, esq.