19b Feedback from an EQ2 amateur

[nefariou]

<div></div>   I suppose i'd describe myself as an EQ2 'amateur'. I originally bought the game shortly after it's launch, and played up a Troll fighter-type to about 14. I don't remember the class I was at the time, only that I was aiming to be a Bruiser. I can remember being a little frustrated, though, because of the amount of time it was taking me just to obtain the role I actually wanted to play. In short, i'd also describe myself as a casual player. It's not so much that I have very limited free time, though I do work a full time job, and I have several hobbies which I like to spread my time between; at most, I played for around two hours a night. I enjoyed myself, but advancement seemed very slow going (at least to me.. I hope none of the ereets jump on me for this claiming I wasn't playing enough <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />). I eventually convinced a friend (read: annoyed him until he broke down and bought the game) to join in with me so i'd have a familiar face to quest with. We had a pretty good time for a few weeks, but he cancelled before his free month was up, also being annoyed with essentially having to play a 'clone' character until 20. I stuck it out for a bit longer but eventually left myself, deciding that I would give the game some time to correct some bugs and add some content. I just reinstated my EQ2 subscription recently, and after getting wind of the changes being introduced in the new patches, I immediately jumped over to the test centers to check it out for myself.   My belief is that MMO's should be like wine, they should get better with age. Fixes and content aside (which, might I add, i'm impressed with what has been added previous to 19b; SOE doing something right?! Hell should be freezing over any day now), i'm thoroughly impressed with the changes being introduced here in 19b. Firstly, when I start a character, I really get the feeling of being my class, and it does much to make me feel attached and invested in my character. Secondly, I love to solo. Don't get me wrong, grouping is fun and all, but being a loner by a nature, I love having the option of seeking adventure on my own. Honestly, the amount of changes and modifications (for the better, nonetheless) that have been implemented since I last played so long ago is staggering to me; it's like a whole new game, practically.   I've browsed through various posts here in the Testing forum from veterans whom are concerned with the direction EQ2 is going with these new patches. It seems to me (and i'm admittedly somewhat of a 'noob'), that the vocal minority, mostly well established players with high level characters, are the ones who're worried about the game either being too easy, but I honestly don't see how it's gotten any easier- if anything it's simply more accessible. I've gotten to chat with several other players on the test center, and this seems to be the concensus i've gotten. Once the changes go live, I feel  EQ2 is at a point where I can introduce some of my friends to the game, whom would also be described as casual players, without worrying that they will bail out, and that's great for me.Sorry for the long winded post <span>:smileyhappy:</span>. I just thought it might be constructive to post up some feedback from the eyes of an amateur player who hasn't even played since launch. I hope it serves to put some of these changes into perspective.<div></div><p>Message Edited by nefariousD on <span class="date_text">01-22-2006</span><span class="time_text">07:54 AM</span></p>

[Nimington]

<div></div><p>In general I've found there is a knee jerk reaction among some who have a need to be the best, when they see any threat to that status they attack.  These changes are a great way to help NEW people into the game, and thus the opinion of new people in regards to these changes are as important if not MORE so than the veterans.  It makes me sad  that people feel the need to bash on someone for being a newbie, when really the game must be fun for as many people as possible.  For many, that does not mean becoming Uber as soon as possible and always having the greatest gear.  Sure those are nice things to be/have but it is not the be all and end all of the game for everyone.</p><p>So before I ramble too much, welcome back to EQ2 and I hope these changes make it feel more of a game than a chore-to-20.</p><p> </p>

[Elya]

<div></div><p>What you are saying is great to hear! I am one of the well established players, with 3 lvl 60 crafters, 1 almost 60 and 1 45 =P Heck, I even have a 51 adventurer! However, I agree with these changes and support them 100% now that I have tried them out personally.</p><p>Crafting should be fun, not a second job. I am glad that they are taking steps to make it more fun for other players. Though I will not personally benefit other than with ease of making grey combines (which I consider a HUGE benefit) I do not begrudge others having easier accessibility to my passion-crafting.</p><p>The changes to classes are something I like as well! I will now be able to get a feel for what my alts could become, instead of having to guess about it for 20 levels. Its nice to not have to invest alot of time and effort into something you have no intention of continuing.</p>

[melaine_dvarvensplitter]

<div></div><p>Welcome Back...</p><p>I agree that these changes bring a breath of much need fresh air into the game. I also enjoy the fact Sony now can introduce some of the classes from EQ that many enjoyed. With the archtypes being removed who knows what the future will bring.I do have 10 toons on Live ranging from 57-3 and I have many that are waiting to be finalized to there classes now that this new change is coming.I also look forward to the new crafting techniques perhaps my Armorsmithing will once again become fun.</p><p>M.</p>

[Shamantukk]

<div></div><p>Just rolled up a toon on Test, myself, to see what all the hubbub was about.</p><p>So far, all I can say is, I LIKE IT. Simple, helpful, and (perish forbid) FUN! Of course, my main is an elderly Templar on a Live server, so my standards for fun may be a bit generous.:smileyhappy:</p>

[Ranc]

If anything I would say that they have made the game more challenging on the newbie isle. Each classes combat arts do less damage than their archtype, but each combat art is more tailored to the class. For instance, I rolled up a new bruiser and I found that I couldn't solo everything with ease like I could with a new character on Live, but I enjoyed it more.I would tell the high levels to stop worrying, they haven't made the game any easier at all. If anything they have made it a bit harder (I doubt anyone could solo the final newbie isle quest atm).<div></div>

[Rhianni]

<div>Most of the veterns that freak out about change are usually that ones that feel that difficult = fun.  If thats their idea of fun thats cool I can respect that, but its not everyones. </div><div> </div><div>As Crinisen said this is a way to attract new players.  All the people that wanted to play 20 levels before finding out what their character class is like, or that want to make 13 sub components (chain mail armoring) before getting a useable piece; have played the game. Those that would be joining now need more reasons to start.  I can understand that they want a hard and difficult game and that if its made easy at low levels it would carry over and be made easy at high level.  But SOE is a company and they want $.  Nowhere did they say they are a charity and are out for the good of the gamer above all else. They will do whatever will get them the most money.  All gaming companies do that.</div>

[Coastwatcher]

<div></div><div></div>It's sad to see, but some current EQ2 players now see EQ2 to be some sort of exclusive club or clique and freak out when changes are made to open the game up to attract new people ( " Oh no, SOE ! Not in my game you don't ! " etc.). Thankfully, they're not in the majority and there are a lot of reasonable folks out there willing to help.<p>Message Edited by Coastwatcher on <span class="date_text">01-23-2006</span><span class="time_text">12:10 PM</span></p>

[Eileithia]

<div></div><div>First off.. Welcome back!</div><div> </div><div>As to the new changes.. I've rolled up about 6 different classes and I have to say that my general feeling is the changes are outstanding!.. I have 8 characters in live right now.. and I've played just about every class in this game at one point or another.. The fact that I don't have to get up to level 30 to test out a toon is really the best thing that's ever happened.. The new Isles are great.. very refreshing, and I've found that I really enjoy that part of the game much more now.. instead of in the past where I've literally skiped the isle as soon as possible and started working in the newbie zones to get some XP.. Now i find that I'm spending a LOT of time on the island.. and once hitting the starting city, following all the quest paths I can find and really getting the feeling for the character right off the bat..</div><div> </div><div>I have to agree that this should attract more players to the game, or bring back some of the players that got frustrated before they hit level 20 as they couldn't really test out the character they wanted to play.. I think this is a great move by the Devs..</div><div> </div><div>As to the "Dumbing down" comments.. after going through all the new content.. I wouldn't say it's not dummed down at all.. I find it's a lot more immersive than it was before.. some classes are much easier to level because of their DPS (Rangers / Conjurors etc) but the feeling of being submursed in the game right from level 1 is great..</div><p>Message Edited by Duntzzzz on <span class="date_text">01-23-2006</span><span class="time_text">09:58 AM</span></p>

[Sritt]

<div></div>ANd I can say ALL of the racial quests are fun and interesting lore, with only a couple mechanical issues on them (one race gives two necklaces as rewards and I suspec the first was meant to be earrings by the graphic, and the Freeport half-elf quest line had one quest I had to get a level above to finish the fight for it). I found the trolls have two racial quest givers and am hoping that the other races will get a second one added in as well as this provided more lore on the race and a way for those who bail from the island at level 1 to get some experience to be able to fight in the adventure yards.

[Grunt]

<div>Even thoug I do dread some of the changes it is good to read some posetive feedback! The changes regarding profession seems interesting. Not that I found the old system bad. For my first character (Priest) I found it found it good to not have to chose right away. But more than this I think it is the pacjage as a whole that is interesting. The new island etc sounds a lot of fun. I will definately make a new character when this have ben rolled out.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>/Akely</div>

[LenaDarksi]

<div></div><p>yes, that is true, alot of high level players do seem to see EQ2 as their own clique, its even prevelant in game where people and even guilds in general prefer to help high level players over lower level players, its pretty sad.  Especially since they fail to realize an influx of more people only help a mmo, and helping lower levels up into the high levels only benefit vets because there will be more people get on high level raids, but thinking ahead isnt a vets strong suit.</p><p> </p><p>High level players, new people and lower level people arent the anti christ, dont fear us. Im a level 30 paladin,btw.</p>