EQ vs, EQ2

[wilystik]

I just started with EQ a few days ago after 3+ yrs of StarWarsGalaxies. I was wondering what the opinions are of those who have played both EQ and EQ2. Is EQ2 better since it is newer? How much (if any) differance is there in combat play/graphics/content, etc. I really appreciate the time and effort involved in answering new player questions, so thanks in advance!! By the way, is there any way at all to remap the keyboard in either game, i find it very cumbersome to do directional arrows with left hand and mouse with right, my keyboard is pushed way out to the side, at the moment to do this, got to be a better way.Thanks again for your replies.

[SisterTheresa]

<p>Just want to prepare you for many different opinion you will get from this question, but these are mine.</p><p>1.  Graphics are a HUGE difference.  The time line between the two games is 500 years and in an alternate reality.  So places aren't exactly around anymore and ... some even have moved.  Go figure.</p><p>2.  EQ (IMO) is not newbie friendly as it used to be when it came out in 1999.  I have found it to be a major raiding game, period.  DOn't belong in a raiding guild?  Tough luck seems to be the vote.  Even those retro servers to bring back the old days have been 'ruined' by raiding guilds.</p><p>3.  EQ has lots of camping ... camping ... and more camping.  You will find EQ2 more solo friendly with mobs a bit easier to get.  Of course there are some quests where you need a group or raid and have some patience.</p><p>4.  Newbie areas are looong dead.  With the creation of the tutorial area (and if this hasn't changed since I played it) you can stay there as long as you want, in essence bypassing all the awesome newbie areas and their quests.</p><p>I would suggest (if you have not done so already) is to just stick with the 30 day trial in EQ that, hopefully, came with the purchase of the game.  I'm sure you can get a good feel for the game in those days if you get a chance to play alot.</p><p>Good luck!</p>

[Ansek]

For key mapping, I've always had movement bound to WASD keys - handy cos the first five or so hotbuttons are just a finger stretch away, which makes them that much quicker to press. As someone who habitually plays healers, thats a plus point. With autoattack bound to Q and consider to E, I have everything I need in a small area, comfortable to use. Strafing is done with a right-mouse button / A or D combo. To be honest I thought that was a default setting - don't remember changing it when I started playing EQ2. Well, maybe reassigning autoattack and consider perhaps. Anyway, its a layout I've used in half a dozen MMOs over the years and I find it works very well. For someone who's right handed at least, it feels quite natural with your arms a decent amount apart. And as, sooner or later, you'll find yourself playing for much longer than anticipated, comfort is important. Edit: As far as EQ vs EQ2 goes... I pretty much agree with what SisterTheresa says. 

[wilystik]

thnx for the keymap reply, its posssible what i was describing is default for EQ, not EQ2. also i found a list that shows the keys i need to know, so now i can get to options and change what i like. the layout you decribe is pretty much what i have always used, with the exception of using mouse to move in SWG. again thnx for the info.

[Josgar]

<p>in EQ2 if you left click and right click at the same time and hold them both down you can move with your mouse.</p>

[ke'la]

<cite>Josgar wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>in EQ2 if you left click and right click at the same time and hold them both down you can move with your mouse.</p></blockquote> You can if you want accually do everything but chat using your mouse, its not as effecent or accurate as Keyboard  + Mouse but it is do able. As far as the Differantces well there are too many really to name. EQ1 is the Hardcore persons game(thoughs willing to put 6+hrs per day in) while EQ2 is a casual players game with Hardcord capablity.

[Loge]

I haven't played EQ in a year but I raided it for over 4.  This may have changed somewhat since I played last but the gap between the casual player and the hardcore player is <i>unimaginable.</i>  Even if you belong to a raid guild if you aren't raiding the current expansion you are obsolete in comparison. It's been my favorite mmo but I honestly can't advise starting it fresh now unless you have a line on a raid guild.  There are guilds that start up fresh and progress through the expansions naturally but you wont ever catch up.