I just started playing this game, and as I always have trouble settling with one class, I figured I would ask for advice. I know I'm irritatingly nitpicky, but here are the things I look for:
(I'll be on Nagafen, moderate interest in PvP)
- First of all, the class should not be underpowered, of course - but also not overpowered. I do not enjoy playing the class that wins because of how it was designed. From what I have already learned, this rules out the Shadowknight.
- Secondly, I do not enjoy all-out support classes. I will not play a healbot. The class has to be somewhat self-sufficient and must be capable of soloing reasonably well. I am not against a healer-type class, but if it's anything like the clerics of EQ1, I'm not interested.
- Melee preferred. No class that relies primarily on a pet and sits back to watch it do the job. I could play a caster if it's fun and has a lot of options available, but it would have to be a caster class with decent survivability.
- Must not be shunned in groups. I will be hindered enough being an EU player on a US server. If it takes hours of LFG before some group takes pity and brings me along, the class is not for me.
- Should be moderately gear-dependent. I don't want to play a class that needs the best of the best to do anything at all, and I don't want to play a class where gear upgrades aren't noticeable.
- Class should be diverse. I don't know if this game has any classes that only need three abilities to do well, but if there are, I'm not interested in those.
For reference, the classes that I enjoyed the most in EQ1 (played up to PoP/GoD-ish) were ranger and shaman. I'm more than open to other class options here, but they should offer sort of the same kind of gameplay.
Thanks in advance.