Am I wasting my time?

[Shaolon]

3 weeks ago I left wow because I finally reached a saturation point with the content.  The same friend that introduced me to wow now has introduced me to eq2.  From reading the forums and deciding I wasn't going to raid (time constraints), I picked a SK to level.  I have had a lot of fun getting the toon to 30 and exploring new lands and learning a new game albeit much more slowly than I leveled characters in wow.  What I would like to know is the following:1.  Is EQ2 still one of the mainstreams MMORG games to play or is it losing its popularity and subsequently administrative support as games like AoC and Warhammer are released?2.  Since an SK is not really considered a raiding toon (as best as I can tell at this stage) will there be enough new content to keep my interest at lvl 80?3.  Are the developers of EQ2 at all responsive to the class complaints that continually arise in the forums?4.  Finally, if I was to level a second character for potential raiding - what are the best choices at this time to be included in raids (I really prefer damage dealing classes over healing but would consider a healing class that could also make it on her own)?Thank you in advance for your answers.Shaolon

[Darkc]

1) EQ2 just started a major marketing campaign... whether or not it works is to be seen.  The game itself is fun and polished, so once people discover it or come back they'll probably stick around a while.

 2) Seems some new group based lvl 80 content is in the works, so should give plenty to do.  SKs can still get in a guild and raid... most of the woes and complaints are from a "hardcore" raiding perspective.  People that raid 5+ times a week and clear the hardest raid content.  Most Casual guilds aren't going to not take you because you're an SK or any class for that matter. 

 3) More communication would be nice regarding their view our class status... but the lvl 80 AT, Bloodletter, is pretty good... there's some decent SK gear here and there scattered throughout RoK, there has some Tower shields added to Vaults. So we haven't been totally shut out.  Of the 6 tank classes, 3 of them have similar complaints and it mostly revolves around raiding.  

4) Once again, you can "raid" with any class and be accepted.  This game is about fun, so you shouldn't limit yourself to what some "min/max" hardcore raider feels is the best class.  This game is very balanced overall and every class bring something unique and fun to both groups and raids.  Personally I have an 80 Illusionist, Templar, and SK... while the Illusionist was my primary character, I'm having a blast with my SK and Templar. 

 Hope this helps.

   

[Tstorm]

Shaolon wrote:

1.  Is EQ2 still one of the mainstreams MMORG games to play or is it losing its popularity and subsequently administrative support as games like AoC and Warhammer are released?

I think EQ2 is very much mainstream, although with the number of posters on these forums you will always find someone that will disagree.  It really boils down to perspective, what is important to you in a game, and so on.There has been talk about the next expansion coming to EQ2, so I think it is safe to say that EQ2 will be around for a long time to come!

2.  Since an SK is not really considered a raiding toon (as best as I can tell at this stage) will there be enough new content to keep my interest at lvl 80?

Yes, there are folks on this forum upset about their SK's raiding -- that is clear!  I urge caution reading too much into it, however.Forums are a funny thing and the dynamics of how they function can be misleading.  I am not trying to imply that the posts you have been reading do not have concerns that need to be addressed, but as with many of the issues on the various forums here, a very vocal minority can have a way of dominating the conversation.Out of the thousands of players EQ2 has, only a fraction of the playerbase participates on the forums and the majority of those (that do participate on the forums) have a gripe about something.  Again, this does not mean there are not some legitimate issues to consider, but also consider that there may be a lot of completely satified players out there that you just aren't hearing from at all.

3.  Are the developers of EQ2 at all responsive to the class complaints that continually arise in the forums?

Personally, I think they are but that is a can of worms, particularly on a forum such as this! The thing is, if you look at the Dev Tracker, you will see the developers getting out there and participating.  The problem will always be though that players outnumber developers by a huge number and some questions will go unanswered as a result.I do think the developers could do a better job and perhaps working with the Community Manager provide a little structure on gathering input/questions into an easily digestible format for *better* participation on forums such as this one.

4.  Finally, if I was to level a second character for potential raiding - what are the best choices at this time to be included in raids (I really prefer damage dealing classes over healing but would consider a healing class that could also make it on her own)?

I personally am not a raider, but I liked Darkc's reply -- you should raid with any class you want and not limit yourself.

[Shaolon]

Thank you both very much for your quick responses.  I feel better about the situation at present and will continue my progress.Shaolon

[Endure]

Major Marketing? I am a big SOE fan but you are under an illusion if you think thats what this Legacy program is. It's aimed at- Players who no longer play. They quit for a reason. The Program is limited to these players. It does not reach out to new players nor does it include it's current subscribers. Sure it's a neat thing if you have not played EQ or EQ2 in awhile, everyone loves a freebie.

To the OP, if you enjoy it then you are not wasting your time! It's always great fun to explore a new game, try out alts. Keep at the SK if you like it " They are a nice class that seems to go along with what you are looking for. As for an alt, check out the class forums, you can get a good idea for what you might like there. I don't see EQ2 going off the deep end anytime soon, the origional EQ is still chugging along- almost 10 years for that now. It may not be as mainsteam as WoW, but if you have fun thats all that matters.

[Jurmoon]

A slightly different take...

 1. EQ2 is struggling a bit right now.   Mid-expansion period seems to decrease the player base, as does the summer weather, but it seems to be hanging in there.  The new marketing campaign and the next expansion will get more folks online.

2. There is quite a bit of content 70-80, and more is coming online in the next couple of updates. 

3. Developer response to class concerns is inconsistent at best.   Interaction with the community has never been SOE's strong point.  Although they did recently address some class issues, they have also chosen to ignore some class communities, including the SK.  This is probably the weakest area of the game.

4. Although I agree with the previous posters that you should play what you enjoy, I disagree that you'll find yourself raiding with whatever class you choose to play.  Any tank class is going to have trouble finding raid spots, and a shadowknight will have serious trouble finding a raid spot.   If you enjoy melee, I would suggest any of the scout classes.  Bards in particular are in high demand.

[Elebu]

Endure wrote:

Major Marketing? I am a big SOE fan but you are under an illusion if you think thats what this Legacy program is. It's aimed at- Players who no longer play. They quit for a reason. The Program is limited to these players. It does not reach out to new players nor does it include it's current subscribers. Sure it's a neat thing if you have not played EQ or EQ2 in awhile, everyone loves a freebie.

To the OP, if you enjoy it then you are not wasting your time! It's always great fun to explore a new game, try out alts. Keep at the SK if you like it " They are a nice class that seems to go along with what you are looking for. As for an alt, check out the class forums, you can get a good idea for what you might like there. I don't see EQ2 going off the deep end anytime soon, the origional EQ is still chugging along- almost 10 years for that now. It may not be as mainsteam as WoW, but if you have fun thats all that matters.

We, well I ,did quit for a reason years ago, the game sucked.

While I can understand the disenchantment of current and loyal players not getting any *immediate* benefit from the current promo, this freebie is the least SOE could do for me personally to get me to even take a whiff of this game again - capiche?

Now, in the bigger picture, folks like me are bringing not only ourselves but other former EQ/EQ2 players/friends back with us.  If server pops are really as big an issue here as they are over in SWG, then you guys are in serious trouble and desperately need an influx of players however that is to occur.

Between ALOT and I mean alot of returning players (given by what I've seen and been reading in-game chat yesterday), and their buddies coming to discover and rediscover EQ2, this game might be on a good path.  Contrary to SWG which is in a very sad state of affairs as far as player numbers.

Yesterday SWG just lost another sub as a matter of fact.

[Nole]

Shaolon wrote:

3 weeks ago I left wow because I finally reached a saturation point with the content.  The same friend that introduced me to wow now has introduced me to eq2.  From reading the forums and deciding I wasn't going to raid (time constraints), I picked a SK to level.  I have had a lot of fun getting the toon to 30 and exploring new lands and learning a new game albeit much more slowly than I leveled characters in wow.  What I would like to know is the following:1.  Is EQ2 still one of the mainstreams MMORG games to play or is it losing its popularity and subsequently administrative support as games like AoC and Warhammer are released?2.  Since an SK is not really considered a raiding toon (as best as I can tell at this stage) will there be enough new content to keep my interest at lvl 80?3.  Are the developers of EQ2 at all responsive to the class complaints that continually arise in the forums?4.  Finally, if I was to level a second character for potential raiding - what are the best choices at this time to be included in raids (I really prefer damage dealing classes over healing but would consider a healing class that could also make it on her own)?Thank you in advance for your answers.Shaolon

1. Well, if Sony's to be believed RoK sold more copies than any of their earlier expansions. That's generally a good sign. Also, EQ1 is still around and putting out expansions despite not really being all that new or exciting anymore. Take that as you will.

2. If you really, really don't care about raiding, there's enough content to keep you busy without ever hitting 80. I turned off combat exp on my char, and I'm just shy of 68 off of just quest turnins and discovery exp. (And there's stuff I've skipped.) Can't comment about 80, I've been in no hurry to get there myself.

3. Seems some more than others. As an SK, I've seen little response. As a weaponsmith... .

4. No idea

[Melodar]

Once you get 80 on any class you get bored fast. You have limited dungeons that you repeat over and over and over and over and over (you get the point) and only AA is left as a goal. If you don't have the JW hammer by 80 you can get it but you should have it by 78 just doing quests in progression and earlier is possible too.

[Drumstix]

Endure wrote:

Major Marketing? I am a big SOE fan but you are under an illusion if you think thats what this Legacy program is. It's aimed at- Players who no longer play. They quit for a reason. The Program is limited to these players. It does not reach out to new players nor does it include it's current subscribers. Sure it's a neat thing if you have not played EQ or EQ2 in awhile, everyone loves a freebie.

To the OP, if you enjoy it then you are not wasting your time! It's always great fun to explore a new game, try out alts. Keep at the SK if you like it " They are a nice class that seems to go along with what you are looking for. As for an alt, check out the class forums, you can get a good idea for what you might like there. I don't see EQ2 going off the deep end anytime soon, the origional EQ is still chugging along- almost 10 years for that now. It may not be as mainsteam as WoW, but if you have fun thats all that matters.

The Living Legacy program is just the first step. And I think it's a good plan. Take things one step at a time. Get players back into the game (June + July). Then in July comes the free game play for all for a month, with invites from current players. Then after that they have things planned for those who ARE playing. I think it's an awesome idea, and that they should stick with it.Anywho. I'm currently getting into the 70's on my SK, and I've always found plenty of content to explore both Solo and in Groups. I haven't raided much at all, and though I don't know if I ever will, wouldn't be surprised if I eventually get into it. I played WoW in the past for a bit, and find there's a lot more content to cover in EQ2 (especially in the last 2 expansions) and a lot more variety.-Drum

[Bellisima]

Yeah, Everquest2 is on its way to getting a bit more populated, but they still have along way to go before becoming where they should be. http://www.mmogchart.com/charts/