yes, eq2x is pretty much universally hated. it's f***ing terrible design compared to LoTRO or DDO.
QFT.
SOE, as per the usual routine, dropped the ball yet again. They really should bow out of the online gaming marketplace, the only thing they manage to get right is how to screw things up. Its beyond obscene.
I respect soe because without EQ there would be no market for the current games.
I don't believe that one bit.
If SOE hadn't come out with EQ, another company surely would have released a similar product. SOE/EQ is in no way singlehandedly responsible for the fact that this genre of gaming has skyrocketed in popularity over the years, nor are they are responsible for the fact that there is a current market for these games, imho.
However, regardless of what I do or do not believe, I do find it odd that you would respect a company that has made nothing but poor decisions for the better part of the last decade - based on nothing more than the fact that they released one of the first true mmorpg's and it attracted fans of the rpg genre.
Respect is earned in my books, just because I may have respected a company at one point during there existence does not disqualify them from losing my respect when they make one piss poor decision after another. All at the expense of the customers, no less.
yes, eq2x is pretty much universally hated. it's f***ing terrible design compared to LoTRO or DDO.
QFT.
SOE, as per the usual routine, dropped the ball yet again. They really should bow out of the online gaming marketplace, the only thing they manage to get right is how to screw things up. Its beyond obscene.
I respect soe because without EQ there would be no market for the current games.
I don't believe that one bit.
If SOE hadn't come out with EQ, another company surely would have released a similar product. SOE/EQ is in no way singlehandedly responsible for the fact that this genre of gaming has skyrocketed in popularity over the years, nor are they are responsible for the fact that there is a current market for these games, imho.
However, regardless of what I do or do not believe, I do find it odd that you would respect a company that has made nothing but poor decisions for the better part of the last decade - based on nothing more than the fact that they released one of the first true mmorpg's and it attracted fans of the rpg genre.
Respect is earned in my books, just because I may have respected a company at one point during there existence does not disqualify them from losing my respect when they make one piss poor decision after another. All at the expense of the customers, no less.
I personally only respect one aspect of the company. As a whole I personally believe they are garbage.
L0C0man i'm in venezuela too and how dollars are going, i simply do not see the point in buying a subscription in a game like so many others, so i would say LotRO, you could maybe go for City of Heroes (not fantasy, super-hero centric, that one you have to pay but i liked the trial so i dont know)... but You should research and try trials or whatever, as other peoples opinions wont be as good as your own opinions in terms of decisions
Go away and play EQ, no wait, go and play LotRO....Bliddy hell!! Play both.......And leave the posting on forums to those who can formulate a proper arguement.
yes, eq2x is pretty much universally hated. it's f***ing terrible design compared to LoTRO or DDO.
however, the fact is that you do get an absolute TON of content with EQ2, just due to the nature of the game. Not having the gear or spells doesn't preclude you from doing it. adept spells and crap gear is actually the same gear that the majority of the EQ2 population did all that content in when it was introduced. doing it with master spells and fabled gear makes it trivial anyway.
no, you can't do ALL of eq2 free and you can't do the endgame, but what you can do - purely from a content perspective - is a lot more than LoTRO. but content - i mean quests, dungeons, etc. - isn't everything. loot and character customization are a big part of the game too.
I do agree with you that LoTRO has a better system, but eq2 gives you a lot to do. I'm a 6 year (and current) EQ2 subscriber. I'll never play eq2x. But i'm dowloading LoTRO F2P as we speak
Nice response! Good points about content. I have read that there is a lot you can do in EQ2. The thing is, I never enjoyed the games artwork at all. I always thought the color palette was bland like it had a grey filter over it. And the male humans' eyes are too close togetehr and look cross eyed. Stuff like that really bugs me.
I was a little too agressive so I will tone it down.
Yeah, artwork is a matter of taste. Personally I like EQ2 models, (especially) animations and effects more than most games on the market. EQ2 art design is terrible though. On the other hand, LoTRO animations are terribad and models look like they were cut out of wood by a dull knife, but the art design overall on LoTRO is fantastic, so the game looks beautiful even if the quality of the elements isn't great. My opinion anyway.
What I meant by content specifically is that even free, you can probably like 5000 quests in EQ2, in many zones. In LoTRO you have to pay for every 100 or so. But hey, at least in LoTRO some of those quests actually matter
"Id rather work on something with great potential than on fulfilling a promise of mediocrity."
- Raph Koster
Tried: AO,EQ,EQ2,DAoC,SWG,AA,SB,HZ,CoX,PS,GA,TR,IV,GnH,EVE, PP,DnL,WAR,MxO,SWG,FE,VG,AoC,DDO,LoTRO,Rift,TOR,Aion,Tera,TSW,GW2,DCUO,CO,STO Favourites: AO,SWG,EVE,TR,LoTRO,TSW,EQ2, Firefall Currently Playing: ESO
In Everquest 2 a Free Player can do all the content the game has and not pay 1 cent so how is Lotro better when you have to pay?
That statement is wrong and you are spreading misconceoptions because of the EXPANSIONS of both games which are required to buy if you want to gain more levels. So lets throw recent expansions out of the mix.
I can use the same argument:
LOTRO and its not even a debate.
In LOTRO a Free Player can do all the content the game has and not pay 1 cent so how is EQ2 better when you have to pay?
Because Lotro requires you to grind for the extra quest packs, points, etc. EQ2X lets you just run anywhere and do any quest in the game for free up to level 80. In fact, there are raiding guilds right now that are just doing lvl 80 raids and staying there, keeping the f2p spirit at it's highest.
Here are a few misconceptions that can be explained easily:
[1] - "OMG YOU CAN BUY GEAR IN THE CS, THAT'S AWFUL"
This is true, you can buy some gear in the CS. Most of it is appearance-only and offers no stat buffs. The gear that DOES offer stat buffs is usually replaced by something you get in-world two or three levels later. It is just slightly above average (read: common / grey) gear level. It is not comparable to some "pay to win" games, and anyone who thinks that it's possible to do this in EQ2 doesn't know the game.
[2] - "YOU ARE RESTRICTED TO LOWER SPELL TIERS. THIS SUCKS"
Yes, you can only go up to a certain level of each spell, but the fact is that the spells still evolve with your character as you level, and you learn new spells along the way. I completed level 80 raids a few months ago on the Live servers and only had one or two spells above "adept". It -really- doesn't matter that much.
[3] - "THEY FORCE YOU TO BUY THINGS. YOU HAVE TO PAY TO USE THE AH"
This is a point of contention right now within the EQ2X community. Broker tokens were a quick fix for the community saying "we want to use the AH", and they're sort of serving the purpose. Otherwise, you'll find a much more EQ1-like environment where people gather in cities to sell things. Players are trying to organize bazaars last I saw. This defeats the broker problem and also builds a better community.
[4] - "YOU CAN'T TALK IN WORLD CHAT. LOTRO LETS YOU DO THAT FOR FREE"
I actually had a better time playing EQ2X before I upgraded to Silver membership and got world chat channels. The chat there is only slightly better than WoW. Just join a guild by asking someone running around in a town, and you'll find better people than the world chat.
[5] - "YOU ARE RESTRICTED TO GEAR THAT IS INFERIOR"
This is ALSO a point of contention within the community, and whereas it is annoying at times, it's not nearly as bad as everyone says it is. SOE is looking at lifting the restrictions.
[6] - "THEY SAY THAT 'MOST' OF THE WORLD IS ACCESSIBLE! YOU HAVE TO BUY OTHER STUFF TO KEEP GOING"
Yeah, the 'other' stuff is the latest expansion pack. When I checked Lotro, they still made you buy the Mirkwood and Moria expansion packs on top of the quest packs. From the amount of time I've sunk into EQ2X, I've paid exactly 17.50$ because I wanted to be a Ratonga (race packs are 7.50$) and I wanted silver membership. Two months of gaming and I've spent just barely over one month's membership, and the only thing I'd want to buy anymore would be an armor appearance pack because they look cool.
FINAL VERDICT
Lotro is a fun game, but in terms of value for your money, EQ2X blows it clean out of the water with it's huge amount of free content, streaming download system, and world access.
Sorry Turbine Fanbois. LotRo is a great game and it shouldn't be missed, but when you're trying to go as far as you can for free, Everquest 2 Extended wins in every aspect.
[1]
Your point pretty much validates that it is true that you can buy stat item gear in the cash shop before it becomes available in the game world. You did not dismiss a misconception here.
[2]
Again, I don't think you dismiss a misconception here. High end content is balanced around the expectation that players will have upgraded spells and gear. Again, I don't think you dispell a misconception here unless you are trying to say high end content can be done by groups of players with only adept spells and fabled gear.
[3]
You admit that this point is true, so it is not a misconception.
[4]
Again, you validate that the issue is indeed true and then go on to say that paying only makes it worse?!?!
[5]
Yet again you confirm that what people are saying is true and there is no misconception about it.
[6]
You sort of have a point here, but there is a lot missing from the game if you really want to experience it or reap the benefits of conquest. Sure you can get dragged along on a raid with your adept level spells and fabled gear, but how can you possibly advance if you cannot equip the rewards from the victory?
All in all you really don't dispell any misconceptions, but rather validate much of what has been said.
In Everquest 2 a Free Player can do all the content the game has and not pay 1 cent so how is Lotro better when you have to pay?
EQ2X has restrictions that can only be lifted by paying fees. Character races, classes, auction hall, chat, gear levels, spell upgrade levels, etc.
Everything in the lotro cash store can be earned for free by completing content in the game.
EQ2X is designed around the idea that players can access much of the content in the game with a list of restrictions and limitations. The only way to really get around those limits is to subscribe.
Lotro is designed to let players determine how they want to go about getting the game. Pay a subscriptions, buy just the portions of the game they want or earn those features by playing the game.
Actually you end up proving a lot of the misconceptions you you mention...
- "OMG YOU CAN BUY GEAR IN THE CS, THAT'S AWFUL"
This is true, you can buy some gear in the CS. Most of it is appearance-only and offers no stat buffs. The gear that DOES offer stat buffs is usually replaced by something you get in-world two or three levels later. It is just slightly above average (read: common / grey) gear level. It is not comparable to some "pay to win" games, and anyone who thinks that it's possible to do this in EQ2 doesn't know the game.
Here you say it's true. So it is not really a misconception, regardless of how useful it is? RIght?
- "YOU ARE RESTRICTED TO LOWER SPELL TIERS. THIS SUCKS"
Yes, you can only go up to a certain level of each spell, but the fact is that the spells still evolve with your character as you level, and you learn new spells along the way. I completed level 80 raids a few months ago on the Live servers and only had one or two spells above "adept". It -really- doesn't matter that much.
Here you agree again saying yes it's true. You try to downplay it by saying not having maxed spells is not a bad thing. Like this is really going to be okay with elite raiding guilds right?
- "THEY FORCE YOU TO BUY THINGS. YOU HAVE TO PAY TO USE THE AH"
This is a point of contention right now within the EQ2X community. Broker tokens were a quick fix for the community saying "we want to use the AH", and they're sort of serving the purpose. Otherwise, you'll find a much more EQ1-like environment where people gather in cities to sell things. Players are trying to organize bazaars last I saw. This defeats the broker problem and also builds a better community.
Here you agree again! Saying the community is upset about this.
- "YOU CAN'T TALK IN WORLD CHAT. LOTRO LETS YOU DO THAT FOR FREE"
I actually had a better time playing EQ2X before I upgraded to Silver membership and got world chat channels. The chat there is only slightly better than WoW. Just join a guild by asking someone running around in a town, and you'll find better people than the world chat.
Here you just mention that you had more fun without a global chat. But still, the above is NOT A MISCONCEPTION! lol
- "YOU ARE RESTRICTED TO GEAR THAT IS INFERIOR"
This is ALSO a point of contention within the community, and whereas it is annoying at times, it's not nearly as bad as everyone says it is. SOE is looking at lifting the restrictions.
Here you agree again! Saying the community is upset about this. See where I am going with this?
- "THEY SAY THAT 'MOST' OF THE WORLD IS ACCESSIBLE! YOU HAVE TO BUY OTHER STUFF TO KEEP GOING"
Yeah, the 'other' stuff is the latest expansion pack. When I checked Lotro, they still made you buy the Mirkwood and Moria expansion packs on top of the quest packs. From the amount of time I've sunk into EQ2X, I've paid exactly 17.50$ because I wanted to be a Ratonga (race packs are 7.50$) and I wanted silver membership. Two months of gaming and I've spent just barely over one month's membership, and the only thing I'd want to buy anymore would be an armor appearance pack because they look cool.
For the $17.50 you mentioned you could get just as much out of LOTRO if not more. Remember, EQ2 is 3 years older than LOTRO. There is more odler content. Of course they can't charge for that content now.
FINAL VERDICT
Lotro is a fun game, but in terms of value for your money, EQ2X blows it clean out of the water with it's huge amount of free content, streaming download system, and world access.
Sorry Turbine Fanbois. LotRo is a great game and it shouldn't be missed, but when you're trying to go as far as you can for free, Everquest 2 Extended wins in every aspect.
I have been reading internet message boards for along time now, and I have never seen someone layout a post about misconeptions and then prove them correct.
LOTRO is hands down the best free 2 play experience there is. Did you bother reading any of my thoughts a few posts back? Did you bother checking out my link and looking at public opinion? Did you bother checking X-Fire with EQ2 at #114 and LOTRO at #10?
In Everquest 2 a Free Player can do all the content the game has and not pay 1 cent so how is Lotro better when you have to pay?
EQ2X has restrictions that can only be lifted by paying fees. Character races, classes, auction hall, chat, gear levels, spell upgrade levels, etc.
Everything in the lotro cash store can be earned for free by completing content in the game.
EQ2X is designed around the idea that players can access much of the content in the game with a list of restrictions and limitations. The only way to really get around those limits is to subscribe.
Lotro is designed to let players determine how they want to go about getting the game. Pay a subscriptions, buy just the portions of the game they want or earn those features by playing the game.
One offers a real choice and the other doesn't.
Everquest 2 has restrictions on features that can be played with or without. You can still do all the content that the game has without paying. Lotro has restrictions on content where you cant do what other people are doing without paying. You dont need the best gear in Everquest 2 just to play it. If you want to chat then just join a guild and chat all you want. There are even guilds that consist of only bronzer players like The Bronze Age.
Sure they dont have all the classes but they do give you a good selection to choose from. Bronze players can now use Auction so thats not a problem anymore. Saying that you can earn anything in Lotro is true but then again if it was really true then everybody would be doing it and not paying for the content. I am sure to earn everyting in game you would probaly have to do some insane grinding or everybody would be doing it. Just because something is possible does not mean that you can do it. Why are there countless post on the Lotro forum talking about how much you have to pay at certain parts of the game if you can just get everything for free?
Everquest 2 Extended is designed to let a player play the game as long as he wants free of charge hoping that he will one day upgrade. Lotro is designed as a game to nickel and dime you from start to finish and if I was a paying customer that loved the game for what it was I would be totally upset by what it has become. You are right, one does offer a choice and one does not.
I am a huge fan of LotRO, but have played EQ2 for a few months pre-F2P. Both games have great points.
I love the sheer number of different avatars and customization of EQ2, and also love the number of classes that are offered. The world of EQ2 is HUGE. The community is alright, not the best, but not the worst. The graphics were nothing to brag about...some were amazing, some look like they were made in the earlt 90's....very inconsistent. The crafting was a joy. If there is one thing I could point out that I really liked...it was the crafting. I just wish it was easier to post things on the AH. The whole process was a bit confusing at first.
My time in LotRO has been wonderful. The community is great. The graphics are phenominal. (I do have some gripes about the avatars, but have them about EQ2 as well) The crafting is pretty good. The story line quests are AMAZING. The quest writing, if you choose to read them, is the best out of any MMO I have played. The progression of the avatars is really nice (although I did like EQ2 and that you didn't have to visit a trainer, rather convenient)
Overall, try them both. They are both "free". See which one inspires you more to play. At the end of the day, we will all spit out opinions, but it's up to you to decide which game is for you.
In Everquest 2 a Free Player can do all the content the game has and not pay 1 cent so how is Lotro better when you have to pay?
That statement is wrong and you are spreading misconceoptions because of the EXPANSIONS of both games which are required to buy if you want to gain more levels. So lets throw recent expansions out of the mix.
I can use the same argument:
LOTRO and its not even a debate.
In LOTRO a Free Player can do all the content the game has and not pay 1 cent so how is EQ2 better when you have to pay?
I have no idea what you talking about so until you make a contructive post you are not worth talking to. Expansions in mmos have always been optional content. Dont use my argument, make your own.
Everquest 2 has restrictions on features that can be played with or without. You can still do all the content that the game has without paying. Lotro has restrictions on content where you cant do what other people are doing without paying. You dont need the best gear in Everquest 2 just to play it. If you want to chat then just join a guild and chat all you want. There are even guilds that consist of only bronzer players like The Bronze Age.
Sure they dont have all the classes but they do give you a good selection to choose from. Bronze players can now use Auction so thats not a problem anymore. Saying that you can earn anything in Lotro is true but then again if it was really true then everybody would be doing it and not paying for the content. I am sure to earn everyting in game you would probaly have to do some insane grinding or everybody would be doing it. Just because something is possible does not mean that you can do it. Why are there countless post on the Lotro forum talking about how much you have to pay at certain parts of the game if you can just get everything for free?
Everquest 2 Extended is designed to let a player play the game as long as he wants free of charge hoping that he will one day upgrade. Lotro is designed as a game to nickel and dime you from start to finish and if I was a paying customer that loved the game for what it was I would be totally upset by what it has become. You are right, one does offer a choice and one does not.
EQ2X has limited access to the games content. Sure you can go to all the areas of the game, but beyond that there are severe limitations.
Without spending cash you will never have access to all the classes, races, mail, broker system, spell upgrades, item upgrades, chat channels, etc. It is easy to gloss over that and say things like "you can still do the entire game", but lets be honest about a players chance of really doing the entire game with those restrictions. Just for example, can a player really enjoy the crafting content when they can't use the items they create, because they are not a subscriber?
Good luck equiping the Sword of Power you get in EQ2X without being a paid member. Find the same sword in lotro and no restriction equiping it.
Lotro at least offers a path to get the restrictions removed for free. Like it or not, that is the truth. Some of it comes just from typical gameplay, because turbine wants players to become accustomed to visiting the cash shop. It is easy to earn enough points to get some adventure packs or whatever. There is still plenty left for players to purchase for conveinence or whatever. Then there is still the option to subscribe to the game and unlock everything (plus some cash points I think).
Note that EQ2X subscription model doesn't unlock everything.
They both have their restrictions, but eq2x is far far more limited in terms of what can be done for free and LOTRO has more choices of payment options.
In Everquest 2 a Free Player can do all the content the game has and not pay 1 cent so how is Lotro better when you have to pay?
That statement is wrong and you are spreading misconceoptions because of the EXPANSIONS of both games which are required to buy if you want to gain more levels. So lets throw recent expansions out of the mix.
I can use the same argument:
LOTRO and its not even a debate.
In LOTRO a Free Player can do all the content the game has and not pay 1 cent so how is EQ2 better when you have to pay?
I have no idea what you talking about so until you make a contructive post you are not worth talking to. Expansions in mmos have always been optional content. Dont use my argument, make your own.
If you cannot follow the logic of my posts and deem them "unconstructive" then that is an issue on your end regarding reading comprehension. I am not trying to insult you, however, what I said should make sense. I will sum it up for you:
You mentioned that in EQ2 a Free Player can do all the content the game has to offer and not pay one cent and then you mention in LOTRO you have to pay.
This itself is 100% false. In LOTRO you can do it all for free, sans the recent expansion(s), like EQ2.
So basically I was pointing out that you were wrong about having to pay in Lotro. I was not using your argument. I was, in fact, pointing out a blatant misconception on your end.
EQ2X has limited access to the games content. Sure you can go to all the areas of the game, but beyond that there are severe limitations.
Without spending cash you will never have access to all the classes, races, mail, broker system, spell upgrades, item upgrades, chat channels, etc. It is easy to gloss over that and say things like "you can still do the entire game", but lets be honest about a players chance of really doing the entire game with those restrictions. Just for example, can a player really enjoy the crafting content when they can't use the items they create, because they are not a subscriber?
Good luck equiping the Sword of Power you get in EQ2X without being a paid member. Find the same sword in lotro and no restriction equiping it.
Lotro at least offers a path to get the restrictions removed for free. Like it or not, that is the truth. Some of it comes just from typical gameplay, because turbine wants players to become accustomed to visiting the cash shop. It is easy to earn enough points to get some adventure packs or whatever. There is still plenty left for players to purchase for conveinence or whatever. Then there is still the option to subscribe to the game and unlock everything (plus some cash points I think).
Note that EQ2X subscription model doesn't unlock everything.
They both have their restrictions, but eq2x is far far more limited in terms of what can be done for free and has more choices of payment options.
That is a pure home run of a post. I wish some of the EQ2 fans would really actually take the time to READ and ABSORB what you are saying there. I highlighted the juicy stuff..
And what you say is not just opinion, it is all pure fact.
OP: You'll get better time value out of EQ2 - you don't have to repeat content 10 times to unlock the next set of content and there's always 5 choices as to where you can level up that all have proper quest chains. I recommend that.
Turbines free to play model is hurrendous.
Its like a punch in the face. If you disagree then you either:
a) Place no value on your free time and don't mind getting 7 characters to max lvl in order to unlock all the content for one.
b) Just like disagreeing with people.
EQ2s is tight fisted too BUT EQ2 does not block out content before the latest expansion. Most F2P people will play for free up to the last expansion which had some good content and features like end-game gear token grinding. Also EQ2 has a lot of mid-level content and tradeskilling to be done. LOTRO mid-game you just bang out your quests and do the mob kill grinds that apply to your class. EQ2 mid-game you can grind AA points which is basically an excuse to enjoy as much different content as possible and with EQ2 there's absolutely crap loads of content which you do not need to buy, also there are tonnes of interesting epic quests to do with some great rewards like magic carpet and status to use to buy a nice house - and EQ2 housing smacks LOTRO housing out of the water. LOTRO tradeskilling is basically grind out mats til your eyes bleed or you have spent all your money, enter the number to make and then go make dinner. EQ2 is more of a mini game and you can acquire rested tradeskill xp while youre doing normal questing.
Also quite frankly (and I know Im asking for some trolling here but...) I hate the damn kids on LOTRO. I have never played a game with such an unbearable mixture of rude ass kids and uppedy adults, if its not someone patronising you and just generally being an ass that annoys you then some little kid grabbing a tissue every time the whole party doesn't do what he wants will piss you off. I feel like somebodies dad when I have to try and persuade a whole party to follow logic and stay calm in a difficult dungeon on LOTRO. I've had a much more pleasant time on EQ2, you meet some enemies but compared to LOTRO its a much better community.
And before you call me an EQ2 player, I have LOTRO lifetime.
-- Note: PlayNC will refuse to allow you access to your account if you forget your password and can't provide a scanned image of the product key for the first product you purchased..... LOL
EQ2X has limited access to the games content. Sure you can go to all the areas of the game, but beyond that there are severe limitations.
Without spending cash you will never have access to all the classes, races, mail, broker system, spell upgrades, item upgrades, chat channels, etc. It is easy to gloss over that and say things like "you can still do the entire game", but lets be honest about a players chance of really doing the entire game with those restrictions. Just for example, can a player really enjoy the crafting content when they can't use the items they create, because they are not a subscriber?
Good luck equiping the Sword of Power you get in EQ2X without being a paid member. Find the same sword in lotro and no restriction equiping it.
Lotro at least offers a path to get the restrictions removed for free. Like it or not, that is the truth. Some of it comes just from typical gameplay, because turbine wants players to become accustomed to visiting the cash shop. It is easy to earn enough points to get some adventure packs or whatever. There is still plenty left for players to purchase for conveinence or whatever. Then there is still the option to subscribe to the game and unlock everything (plus some cash points I think).
Note that EQ2X subscription model doesn't unlock everything.
They both have their restrictions, but eq2x is far far more limited in terms of what can be done for free and LOTRO has more choices of payment options.
Do you actually have proof that you can unlock everything you need just to re-rolling? Caus I thought you would need every zome on the server to get your stat deeds for each class? Also you skimmed over a variety of f2p restrictions with LOTRO:
*Can't spend destiny points.
*Can't get any form of rested XP
*Can't PVP
*Can't get support.
*Have to use item mall points to pay for a variety things you don't have to pay for in EQ2:
Traits (similar to AA skills), Epic Crafting Recipes, Skirmishes, Shared Bank
Even on full p2p sub you have to pay for shared bank.
It says the chat channels are still 'limited' and the AH/IG Mail is still limited unless you sub, what does that mean I wonder?
The list goes on and on. I'm gonna need to see proof that you can actually achieve a full character on LOTRO without paying, given the amoount you have to pay for it seems ridiculous.
-- Note: PlayNC will refuse to allow you access to your account if you forget your password and can't provide a scanned image of the product key for the first product you purchased..... LOL
That is a pretty grim position to be in OP. All I can say is I have been playing EQ2X for the last few days off and on and quite enjoyed it as a casual sort of thing so that gets my vote.
Lotro is nonthing more than a huge money sink that is built around a customer paying to play the game. I did not even know the game also has a restriction to features as well as a restrriction to content till today. Total fail
Do you actually have proof that you can unlock everything you need just to re-rolling? Caus I thought you would need every zome on the server to get your stat deeds for each class? Also you skimmed over a variety of f2p restrictions with LOTRO:
What sort of proof do you require? I am far from an expert on lotro free to play system, but players do earn points just from playing. There are several guides on how to get free points on the web. A quick google search will turn up more information than I can offer you. The point is that the option to do such a thing exists, where it doesn't in the EQ2 model.
Sure it may not be the easiest thing to do, but it is possible. Again, turbine wants players to get some free points so they get involved in using the store. It is a smart approach. They don't need players to buy EVERYTHING in the strore to make money, just some things.
*Can't spend destiny points.
(There are part of the monster play system)
*Can't get any form of rested XP
(Not exactly a required feature to play is it? Not sure where EQ2X stands on this, but it really isn't content is it?)
*Can't PVP
(I stand corrected as I don't think monster play can be purchased with turbine points, but I think you can pvp with your regular characters. Maybe monster play can be purchased now, but I don't know)
*Can't get support.
(Not exactly true. Both EQ2X and Lotro only offer free players self support through their knowledge bases. However in lotro you become a premium member for 30 days after spending points in the turbine store, which does give you full access to customer support. Again, turbine points can be earned free, so players can get free support.)
*Have to use item mall points to pay for a variety things you don't have to pay for in EQ2:
(The same could be said about EQ2X. Moot point unless you want to be specific)
Traits (similar to AA skills), Epic Crafting Recipes, Skirmishes, Shared Bank
Traits can be gotten for free
Some skirmishes are included, others can be bought with free turbine points
Shared bank is part of the expansion pack (which is also a feature that is not included free in EQ2X)
Even on full p2p sub you have to pay for shared bank.
Shared bank only comes with the expansion. However, EQ2X doesn't even offer all the races for the full paid subscription.
It says the chat channels are still 'limited' and the AH/IG Mail is still limited unless you sub, what does that mean I wonder?
What type of in-game mail, chat, and auction restrictions do Free players have?
Free players can send in-game mail less frequently than Premium players and VIPs. Free players can use in-game chat but cannot send more that one tell every 5 seconds. Free players can bid and buyout auctions in the Auction House but cannot post items. These restrictions can be removed at any time in the LOTRO Store buy purchasing the corresponding items.
What do you get from EQ2X? no sending mail, no using the broker to sell OR buy and not only can you not send message in the chat channelss, you can't even see them.
The list goes on and on. I'm gonna need to see proof that you can actually achieve a full character on LOTRO without paying, given the amoount you have to pay for it seems ridiculous.
Comments
I don't believe that one bit.
If SOE hadn't come out with EQ, another company surely would have released a similar product. SOE/EQ is in no way singlehandedly responsible for the fact that this genre of gaming has skyrocketed in popularity over the years, nor are they are responsible for the fact that there is a current market for these games, imho.
However, regardless of what I do or do not believe, I do find it odd that you would respect a company that has made nothing but poor decisions for the better part of the last decade - based on nothing more than the fact that they released one of the first true mmorpg's and it attracted fans of the rpg genre.
Respect is earned in my books, just because I may have respected a company at one point during there existence does not disqualify them from losing my respect when they make one piss poor decision after another. All at the expense of the customers, no less.
I personally only respect one aspect of the company. As a whole I personally believe they are garbage.
L0C0man i'm in venezuela too and how dollars are going, i simply do not see the point in buying a subscription in a game like so many others, so i would say LotRO, you could maybe go for City of Heroes (not fantasy, super-hero centric, that one you have to pay but i liked the trial so i dont know)... but You should research and try trials or whatever, as other peoples opinions wont be as good as your own opinions in terms of decisions
DuckRoll
LOL OP.
Go away and play EQ, no wait, go and play LotRO....Bliddy hell!! Play both.......And leave the posting on forums to those who can formulate a proper arguement.
Yeah, artwork is a matter of taste. Personally I like EQ2 models, (especially) animations and effects more than most games on the market. EQ2 art design is terrible though. On the other hand, LoTRO animations are terribad and models look like they were cut out of wood by a dull knife, but the art design overall on LoTRO is fantastic, so the game looks beautiful even if the quality of the elements isn't great. My opinion anyway.
What I meant by content specifically is that even free, you can probably like 5000 quests in EQ2, in many zones. In LoTRO you have to pay for every 100 or so. But hey, at least in LoTRO some of those quests actually matter
"Id rather work on something with great potential than on fulfilling a promise of mediocrity."
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Everquest 2 and its not even a debate.
In Everquest 2 a Free Player can do all the content the game has and not pay 1 cent so how is Lotro better when you have to pay?
That statement is wrong and you are spreading misconceoptions because of the EXPANSIONS of both games which are required to buy if you want to gain more levels. So lets throw recent expansions out of the mix.
I can use the same argument:
LOTRO and its not even a debate.
In LOTRO a Free Player can do all the content the game has and not pay 1 cent so how is EQ2 better when you have to pay?
Because Lotro requires you to grind for the extra quest packs, points, etc. EQ2X lets you just run anywhere and do any quest in the game for free up to level 80. In fact, there are raiding guilds right now that are just doing lvl 80 raids and staying there, keeping the f2p spirit at it's highest.
[1]
Your point pretty much validates that it is true that you can buy stat item gear in the cash shop before it becomes available in the game world. You did not dismiss a misconception here.
[2]
Again, I don't think you dismiss a misconception here. High end content is balanced around the expectation that players will have upgraded spells and gear. Again, I don't think you dispell a misconception here unless you are trying to say high end content can be done by groups of players with only adept spells and fabled gear.
[3]
You admit that this point is true, so it is not a misconception.
[4]
Again, you validate that the issue is indeed true and then go on to say that paying only makes it worse?!?!
[5]
Yet again you confirm that what people are saying is true and there is no misconception about it.
[6]
You sort of have a point here, but there is a lot missing from the game if you really want to experience it or reap the benefits of conquest. Sure you can get dragged along on a raid with your adept level spells and fabled gear, but how can you possibly advance if you cannot equip the rewards from the victory?
All in all you really don't dispell any misconceptions, but rather validate much of what has been said.
EQ2X has restrictions that can only be lifted by paying fees. Character races, classes, auction hall, chat, gear levels, spell upgrade levels, etc.
Everything in the lotro cash store can be earned for free by completing content in the game.
EQ2X is designed around the idea that players can access much of the content in the game with a list of restrictions and limitations. The only way to really get around those limits is to subscribe.
Lotro is designed to let players determine how they want to go about getting the game. Pay a subscriptions, buy just the portions of the game they want or earn those features by playing the game.
One offers a real choice and the other doesn't.
Rakipower,
Actually you end up proving a lot of the misconceptions you you mention...
- "OMG YOU CAN BUY GEAR IN THE CS, THAT'S AWFUL"
This is true, you can buy some gear in the CS. Most of it is appearance-only and offers no stat buffs. The gear that DOES offer stat buffs is usually replaced by something you get in-world two or three levels later. It is just slightly above average (read: common / grey) gear level. It is not comparable to some "pay to win" games, and anyone who thinks that it's possible to do this in EQ2 doesn't know the game.
Here you say it's true. So it is not really a misconception, regardless of how useful it is? RIght?
- "YOU ARE RESTRICTED TO LOWER SPELL TIERS. THIS SUCKS"
Yes, you can only go up to a certain level of each spell, but the fact is that the spells still evolve with your character as you level, and you learn new spells along the way. I completed level 80 raids a few months ago on the Live servers and only had one or two spells above "adept". It -really- doesn't matter that much.
Here you agree again saying yes it's true. You try to downplay it by saying not having maxed spells is not a bad thing. Like this is really going to be okay with elite raiding guilds right?
- "THEY FORCE YOU TO BUY THINGS. YOU HAVE TO PAY TO USE THE AH"
This is a point of contention right now within the EQ2X community. Broker tokens were a quick fix for the community saying "we want to use the AH", and they're sort of serving the purpose. Otherwise, you'll find a much more EQ1-like environment where people gather in cities to sell things. Players are trying to organize bazaars last I saw. This defeats the broker problem and also builds a better community.
Here you agree again! Saying the community is upset about this.
- "YOU CAN'T TALK IN WORLD CHAT. LOTRO LETS YOU DO THAT FOR FREE"
I actually had a better time playing EQ2X before I upgraded to Silver membership and got world chat channels. The chat there is only slightly better than WoW. Just join a guild by asking someone running around in a town, and you'll find better people than the world chat.
Here you just mention that you had more fun without a global chat. But still, the above is NOT A MISCONCEPTION! lol
- "YOU ARE RESTRICTED TO GEAR THAT IS INFERIOR"
This is ALSO a point of contention within the community, and whereas it is annoying at times, it's not nearly as bad as everyone says it is. SOE is looking at lifting the restrictions.
Here you agree again! Saying the community is upset about this. See where I am going with this?
- "THEY SAY THAT 'MOST' OF THE WORLD IS ACCESSIBLE! YOU HAVE TO BUY OTHER STUFF TO KEEP GOING"
Yeah, the 'other' stuff is the latest expansion pack. When I checked Lotro, they still made you buy the Mirkwood and Moria expansion packs on top of the quest packs. From the amount of time I've sunk into EQ2X, I've paid exactly 17.50$ because I wanted to be a Ratonga (race packs are 7.50$) and I wanted silver membership. Two months of gaming and I've spent just barely over one month's membership, and the only thing I'd want to buy anymore would be an armor appearance pack because they look cool.
For the $17.50 you mentioned you could get just as much out of LOTRO if not more. Remember, EQ2 is 3 years older than LOTRO. There is more odler content. Of course they can't charge for that content now.
FINAL VERDICT
Lotro is a fun game, but in terms of value for your money, EQ2X blows it clean out of the water with it's huge amount of free content, streaming download system, and world access.
Sorry Turbine Fanbois. LotRo is a great game and it shouldn't be missed, but when you're trying to go as far as you can for free, Everquest 2 Extended wins in every aspect.
I have been reading internet message boards for along time now, and I have never seen someone layout a post about misconeptions and then prove them correct.
LOTRO is hands down the best free 2 play experience there is. Did you bother reading any of my thoughts a few posts back? Did you bother checking out my link and looking at public opinion? Did you bother checking X-Fire with EQ2 at #114 and LOTRO at #10?
Everquest 2 has restrictions on features that can be played with or without. You can still do all the content that the game has without paying. Lotro has restrictions on content where you cant do what other people are doing without paying. You dont need the best gear in Everquest 2 just to play it. If you want to chat then just join a guild and chat all you want. There are even guilds that consist of only bronzer players like The Bronze Age.
Sure they dont have all the classes but they do give you a good selection to choose from. Bronze players can now use Auction so thats not a problem anymore. Saying that you can earn anything in Lotro is true but then again if it was really true then everybody would be doing it and not paying for the content. I am sure to earn everyting in game you would probaly have to do some insane grinding or everybody would be doing it. Just because something is possible does not mean that you can do it. Why are there countless post on the Lotro forum talking about how much you have to pay at certain parts of the game if you can just get everything for free?
Everquest 2 Extended is designed to let a player play the game as long as he wants free of charge hoping that he will one day upgrade. Lotro is designed as a game to nickel and dime you from start to finish and if I was a paying customer that loved the game for what it was I would be totally upset by what it has become. You are right, one does offer a choice and one does not.
I am a huge fan of LotRO, but have played EQ2 for a few months pre-F2P. Both games have great points.
I love the sheer number of different avatars and customization of EQ2, and also love the number of classes that are offered. The world of EQ2 is HUGE. The community is alright, not the best, but not the worst. The graphics were nothing to brag about...some were amazing, some look like they were made in the earlt 90's....very inconsistent. The crafting was a joy. If there is one thing I could point out that I really liked...it was the crafting. I just wish it was easier to post things on the AH. The whole process was a bit confusing at first.
My time in LotRO has been wonderful. The community is great. The graphics are phenominal. (I do have some gripes about the avatars, but have them about EQ2 as well) The crafting is pretty good. The story line quests are AMAZING. The quest writing, if you choose to read them, is the best out of any MMO I have played. The progression of the avatars is really nice (although I did like EQ2 and that you didn't have to visit a trainer, rather convenient)
Overall, try them both. They are both "free". See which one inspires you more to play. At the end of the day, we will all spit out opinions, but it's up to you to decide which game is for you.
To quote a friend of mine, when it came time for our Age of Conan guild to leave for either LOTRO or EQ2....
"If I ever play a game by Sony/Verant again, I will tear my own eyes out and eat them"...
Our entire guild went to LOTRO!
Nuff said.
I have no idea what you talking about so until you make a contructive post you are not worth talking to. Expansions in mmos have always been optional content. Dont use my argument, make your own.
EQ2X has limited access to the games content. Sure you can go to all the areas of the game, but beyond that there are severe limitations.
Without spending cash you will never have access to all the classes, races, mail, broker system, spell upgrades, item upgrades, chat channels, etc. It is easy to gloss over that and say things like "you can still do the entire game", but lets be honest about a players chance of really doing the entire game with those restrictions. Just for example, can a player really enjoy the crafting content when they can't use the items they create, because they are not a subscriber?
Good luck equiping the Sword of Power you get in EQ2X without being a paid member. Find the same sword in lotro and no restriction equiping it.
Lotro at least offers a path to get the restrictions removed for free. Like it or not, that is the truth. Some of it comes just from typical gameplay, because turbine wants players to become accustomed to visiting the cash shop. It is easy to earn enough points to get some adventure packs or whatever. There is still plenty left for players to purchase for conveinence or whatever. Then there is still the option to subscribe to the game and unlock everything (plus some cash points I think).
Note that EQ2X subscription model doesn't unlock everything.
They both have their restrictions, but eq2x is far far more limited in terms of what can be done for free and LOTRO has more choices of payment options.
If you cannot follow the logic of my posts and deem them "unconstructive" then that is an issue on your end regarding reading comprehension. I am not trying to insult you, however, what I said should make sense. I will sum it up for you:
You mentioned that in EQ2 a Free Player can do all the content the game has to offer and not pay one cent and then you mention in LOTRO you have to pay.
This itself is 100% false. In LOTRO you can do it all for free, sans the recent expansion(s), like EQ2.
So basically I was pointing out that you were wrong about having to pay in Lotro. I was not using your argument. I was, in fact, pointing out a blatant misconception on your end.
Thanks!
That is a pure home run of a post. I wish some of the EQ2 fans would really actually take the time to READ and ABSORB what you are saying there. I highlighted the juicy stuff..
And what you say is not just opinion, it is all pure fact.
OP: You'll get better time value out of EQ2 - you don't have to repeat content 10 times to unlock the next set of content and there's always 5 choices as to where you can level up that all have proper quest chains. I recommend that.
Turbines free to play model is hurrendous.
Its like a punch in the face. If you disagree then you either:
a) Place no value on your free time and don't mind getting 7 characters to max lvl in order to unlock all the content for one.
b) Just like disagreeing with people.
EQ2s is tight fisted too BUT EQ2 does not block out content before the latest expansion. Most F2P people will play for free up to the last expansion which had some good content and features like end-game gear token grinding. Also EQ2 has a lot of mid-level content and tradeskilling to be done. LOTRO mid-game you just bang out your quests and do the mob kill grinds that apply to your class. EQ2 mid-game you can grind AA points which is basically an excuse to enjoy as much different content as possible and with EQ2 there's absolutely crap loads of content which you do not need to buy, also there are tonnes of interesting epic quests to do with some great rewards like magic carpet and status to use to buy a nice house - and EQ2 housing smacks LOTRO housing out of the water. LOTRO tradeskilling is basically grind out mats til your eyes bleed or you have spent all your money, enter the number to make and then go make dinner. EQ2 is more of a mini game and you can acquire rested tradeskill xp while youre doing normal questing.
Also quite frankly (and I know Im asking for some trolling here but...) I hate the damn kids on LOTRO. I have never played a game with such an unbearable mixture of rude ass kids and uppedy adults, if its not someone patronising you and just generally being an ass that annoys you then some little kid grabbing a tissue every time the whole party doesn't do what he wants will piss you off. I feel like somebodies dad when I have to try and persuade a whole party to follow logic and stay calm in a difficult dungeon on LOTRO. I've had a much more pleasant time on EQ2, you meet some enemies but compared to LOTRO its a much better community.
And before you call me an EQ2 player, I have LOTRO lifetime.
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Note: PlayNC will refuse to allow you access to your account if you forget your password and can't provide a scanned image of the product key for the first product you purchased..... LOL
Do you actually have proof that you can unlock everything you need just to re-rolling? Caus I thought you would need every zome on the server to get your stat deeds for each class? Also you skimmed over a variety of f2p restrictions with LOTRO:
*Can't spend destiny points.
*Can't get any form of rested XP
*Can't PVP
*Can't get support.
*Have to use item mall points to pay for a variety things you don't have to pay for in EQ2:
Traits (similar to AA skills), Epic Crafting Recipes, Skirmishes, Shared Bank
Even on full p2p sub you have to pay for shared bank.
It says the chat channels are still 'limited' and the AH/IG Mail is still limited unless you sub, what does that mean I wonder?
The list goes on and on. I'm gonna need to see proof that you can actually achieve a full character on LOTRO without paying, given the amoount you have to pay for it seems ridiculous.
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Note: PlayNC will refuse to allow you access to your account if you forget your password and can't provide a scanned image of the product key for the first product you purchased..... LOL
That is a pretty grim position to be in OP. All I can say is I have been playing EQ2X for the last few days off and on and quite enjoyed it as a casual sort of thing so that gets my vote.
Lotro is nonthing more than a huge money sink that is built around a customer paying to play the game. I did not even know the game also has a restriction to features as well as a restrriction to content till today. Total fail
If you are interested in WOW game,Than you can try http://www.worldofgame.net/4.shtml .Safe search off .You'll get moe results that way?
double post