He's saying that playing on the Starter Isle is not the same as playing EQ2.
If rather they let you leave the Isle, and say continue on to level 10, and do the class quest, then cut you off, I imagine he wouldn't have the gripe he has in that regard. And frankly, I think that would make for a better trial, anyway, as people would be more attached to their character, and wanting to see what their nifty new class is like, rather than leveling to 6 or 7, and finding out that's it for the trial.
I thought that it was just me imagining things. But my roommate and I were just commenting a couple of days ago that it seems like a lot more people are playing. Good.
Again, i would try the real game if SOE would allow me to. But no, i have to actually buy the game and at least 2 expansionpacks to enjoy it apparantly. This isnt a rule its an exception, every other top mmo contender allows people to try the game where SOE doesnt. I find that a bit suspicious.
[url=http://www.trialoftheisle.com/] But, as I see now, you said you played Trial of the Isle, so I don't know where you're getting off by saying that SOE isn't giving a free chance to try out EQ2. [/b][/quote]
Not the sharpest knife in the kitchen are we? Read coldmeats post and stop embarrassing yourself.
_____________________ I am the flipside of the coin on which the troll and the fanboy are but one side.
Originally posted by Coldmeat He's saying that playing on the Starter Isle is not the same as playing EQ2. If rather they let you leave the Isle, and say continue on to level 10, and do the class quest, then cut you off, I imagine he wouldn't have the gripe he has in that regard. And frankly, I think that would make for a better trial, anyway, as people would be more attached to their character, and wanting to see what their nifty new class is like, rather than leveling to 6 or 7, and finding out that's it for the trial.
I agree, they should make it a 7 day trial and just let you go wherever you want. The best part of the game is after you leave the isle so I think it would get more subscriptions too.
Originally posted by Coldmeat He's saying that playing on the Starter Isle is not the same as playing EQ2. If rather they let you leave the Isle, and say continue on to level 10, and do the class quest, then cut you off, I imagine he wouldn't have the gripe he has in that regard. And frankly, I think that would make for a better trial, anyway, as people would be more attached to their character, and wanting to see what their nifty new class is like, rather than leveling to 6 or 7, and finding out that's it for the trial.
My mistake then, I misread his comment. I would agree though that it would be best if they let us go as far as 10 or 12 to get a glimpse of the real world of EQ2, and a small sample of what the class tree system is all about.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
As for you pirrg, I misread your comment, that's my mistake. But I'd rather spend a moment of being thought of as not the sharpest cheddar than being labeled as an asshat internet troll, which is all I see when I look at you and your posts. You don't like EQ2? Then by all means go play something else and spare us your presence.
Also, learn how to properly use quotes before continuing to further embarrass yourself.
Originally posted by WillJones420 Originally posted by Coldmeat He's saying that playing on the Starter Isle is not the same as playing EQ2. If rather they let you leave the Isle, and say continue on to level 10, and do the class quest, then cut you off, I imagine he wouldn't have the gripe he has in that regard. And frankly, I think that would make for a better trial, anyway, as people would be more attached to their character, and wanting to see what their nifty new class is like, rather than leveling to 6 or 7, and finding out that's it for the trial. My mistake then, I misread his comment. I would agree though that it would be best if they let us go as far as 10 or 12 to get a glimpse of the real world of EQ2, and a small sample of what the class tree system is all about. As for you pirrg, I misread your comment, that's my mistake. But I'd rather spend a moment of being thought of as not the sharpest cheddar than being labeled as an asshat internet troll, which is all I see when I look at you and your posts. You don't like EQ2? Then by all means go play something else and spare us your presence. Also, learn how to properly use quotes before continuing to further embarrass yourself. Noob.
Worst.. comeback... ever. Yes indeed, it was your mistake not properly reading a thread before hitting the "post message" button, and i forgive you for it. *pats WillJones420 on the head*
Anyway, why do you think that is anarchyart? Why are they so afraid to show the real game to newbies? Is it because the first 20 or so levels are completely barren of worthwhile content? At least, thats what ive read on the forums.
_____________________ I am the flipside of the coin on which the troll and the fanboy are but one side.
Either that or i have a bit more sense then putting money into SOE's pockets. The trial of isles was fun, until the boat reached the island that is. After that it went downhill fast. And whats worse is that SOE wont let me trial the real game. Besides, i hate your fanatic devotion and rabid flaming of anyone with an opinion more then the game itself. I don't flame people with an opinion that's different than mine, only if they are just rabidly flaming the game for no reason. You haven't even tried the real game and yet you say you hate it. How much sense could you possibly have?
Again, i would try the real game if SOE would allow me to. But no, i have to actually buy the game and at least 2 expansionpacks to enjoy it apparently. This isn't a rule its an exception, every other top mmo contender allows people to try the game where SOE doesn't. I find that a bit suspicious.
Of course there is a reason. Your suspicions are warranted. Trust your instincts and concern based on your trial of isle experience. EQ2 isn't worth playing.
Based on the content of your posts and writing style, I can tell you are an intelligent person Pirrg, certainly wiser than most of the rabid EQ2/SOE fanbois. Don't waste your time discussing or debating anything on this forum, as the EQ2/SOE fanbois are the most intolerant and reject any notion that EQ2 has serious flaws. They even have their own personal mod fanboi who deletes and locks threads that criticize EQ2.
Forums are for both positive and negative advice and opinions, because players who are unfamiliar with a certain game are interested in the pros and cons, but irrationally, anyone who dislikes EQ2 is quickly dismissed or called a troll.
"We feel gold selling and websites that promote it damage games like Vanguard and will do everything possible to combat it." Brad McQuaid Chairman & CEO, Sigil Games Online, Inc. Executive Producer, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes www.vanguardsoh
Originally posted by Coldmeat He's saying that playing on the Starter Isle is not the same as playing EQ2. If rather they let you leave the Isle, and say continue on to level 10, and do the class quest, then cut you off, I imagine he wouldn't have the gripe he has in that regard. And frankly, I think that would make for a better trial, anyway, as people would be more attached to their character, and wanting to see what their nifty new class is like, rather than leveling to 6 or 7, and finding out that's it for the trial.
My mistake then, I misread his comment. I would agree though that it would be best if they let us go as far as 10 or 12 to get a glimpse of the real world of EQ2, and a small sample of what the class tree system is all about. As for you pirrg, I misread your comment, that's my mistake. But I'd rather spend a moment of being thought of as not the sharpest cheddar than being labeled as an asshat internet troll, which is all I see when I look at you and your posts. You don't like EQ2? Then by all means go play something else and spare us your presence. Also, learn how to properly use quotes before continuing to further embarrass yourself. Noob.
Worst.. comeback... ever. Yes indeed, it was your mistake not properly reading a thread before hitting the "post message" button, and i forgive you for it. *pats WillJones420 on the head*
Anyway, why do you think that is anarchyart? Why are they so afraid to show the real game to newbies? Is it because the first 20 or so levels are completely barren of worthwhile content? At least, thats what ive read on the forums.
Hey, at least I have what it takes to admit that I did pull an error. What about you? Are you man enough to admit that you're an asshole and a useless Internet troll?
And please don't touch me. That's about as nasty as being touched by Michael Moore after a trip to the John.
Either that or i have a bit more sense then putting money into SOE's pockets. The trial of isles was fun, until the boat reached the island that is. After that it went downhill fast. And whats worse is that SOE wont let me trial the real game. Besides, i hate your fanatic devotion and rabid flaming of anyone with an opinion more then the game itself. I don't flame people with an opinion that's different than mine, only if they are just rabidly flaming the game for no reason. You haven't even tried the real game and yet you say you hate it. How much sense could you possibly have?
Again, i would try the real game if SOE would allow me to. But no, i have to actually buy the game and at least 2 expansionpacks to enjoy it apparently. This isn't a rule its an exception, every other top mmo contender allows people to try the game where SOE doesn't. I find that a bit suspicious.
Of course there is a reason. Your suspicions are warranted. Trust your instincts and concern based on your trial of isle experience. EQ2 isn't worth playing.
Based on the content of your posts and writing style, I can tell you are an intelligent person Pirrg, certainly wiser than most of the rabid EQ2/SOE fanbois. Don't waste your time discussing or debating anything on this forum, as the EQ2/SOE fanbois are the most intolerant and reject any notion that EQ2 has serious flaws. They even have their own personal mod fanboi who deletes and locks threads that criticize EQ2.
Forums are for both positive and negative advice and opinions, because players who are unfamiliar with a certain game are interested in the pros and cons, but irrationally, anyone who dislikes EQ2 is quickly dismissed or called a troll.
Don't you guys think it's a bit funny that you're basically high fiving each other in the section of a game over you're hate for it while neither of you have even tried it? You're both sheep.
And for the record, En1gma isn't a fanboi, he just happens to be objective enough not to listen to flamers like yourselves and actually give the game a try. And he likes it, that should tell you something.
Anyway, why do you think that is anarchyart? Why are they so afraid to show the real game to newbies? Is it because the first 20 or so levels are completely barren of worthwhile content? At least, thats what ive read on the forums.
Because it keeps the riff raff out of the part of the game where the paying customers are. And FYI, the first 20 levels are packed with content, quests, lore and most importantly Danger! Which you'll never know because you don't intend and never intended, I contend, to play it. You just wanted a free ride.
Again, i would try the real game if SOE would allow me to. But no, i have to actually buy the game and at least 2 expansionpacks to enjoy it apparantly. This isnt a rule its an exception, every other top mmo contender allows people to try the game where SOE doesnt. I find that a bit suspicious.
Ever hear of World of Warcraft? I would consider it the king of "top mmo contenders", and it does not have a trial whatsoever.
EQ2 has a trial, yes it is the "real game", it's the same game that everyone who purchased the game has, it just isn't all of it. Why can't they let you off the island? Because it would require a 4GB download! The retail box has a 10-cd install, and having to download that would turn away a lot of people.
SOE will most certainly allow you to try the game. It is available in stores across North America and parts of Europe. You can play without the expansions all the way to level 50.
Originally posted by VideoJockey EQ2 has a trial, yes it is the "real game", it's the same game that everyone who purchased the game has, it just isn't all of it. Why can't they let you off the island? Because it would require a 4GB download! The retail box has a 10-cd install, and having to download that would turn away a lot of people.
Thank you for that reply. I forgot all about it because I have the DVD version which takes about 5 minutes to install. If people had to download the entire game it would take around 4 hours on DSL, and on dial up it could take up to 6 days!
And FYI, the first 20 levels are packed with content, quests, lore and most importantly Danger! Which you'll never know because you don't intend and never intended, I contend, to play it. You just wanted a free ride.
It's not as big of a deal as it was at launch because you level out of it faster, but this is really true. I have my gripes, but this isn't one of them.
EQ2 has an incredible amount of content for lower level players compared to other games. Even before level 10 there are a number of zones you can go to, and a decent dungeon zone with interesting quests that take you into the early teens. Just on the Qeynos side of the world you get:
Oakmyst Forest The Forest Ruins The Caves The Down Below
All of which have a fair number of quests and different monster types, and the quest rewards are actually usable (something that's not as prevalent later on). All 4 of those zones are good and fun to play in. Freeport has different zones, too, so if you make an evil character there's just as much different content to try.
After 10, you can still do some things in Oakmyst and the Down Below, Vermin's Snye and Blackburrow open up for dungeon areas, Antonica has something like 130+ quests to do, and some instanced group zones like the Shattered Vale and Firemyst (SV has a solo instance zone you can do ~18th or so that's fun). Stormhold starts to open up when near 20 as well.
The weakest part of the game is the low-mid 20's. By far. But no one can honestly argue that EQ2 doesn't have anything to do when you leave the isle... there's enough content that you'll never see it all with one character because you'll level out of it before you're done.
Complaints where due but give props where due, too, and SOE really deserves it for the first part of the game.
I feel the need to weigh in here and try and enlighten the EQ2 fanbois a bit. In regard the the NY times artice pertaining to the 500k subscribers I emailed the NY times and asked them where they got that figure from and never heard back so I will take that as a concession that they probably got that estimate from SOE themselves.
I also want to commend SOE for making the game harder and admitting that they have completely lost the casual gamer base. And yes I can give props to SOE when they are right in regard to the customer base they are looking for but in the long run they have blown it. AGAIN.
to sum up
1. EQ2 is a failure
2. EQ2 fanbois are a cult
3. SOE only cares about the benjamins
P.S. nice job by SOE to encourage excessive gambling to their playerbase
I didn't read through the whole thread, but to respond to the original poster. Those numbers are easily adjusted. I know in Shadowbane, they would change the number of users it took to show a medium pop or such so the numbers looked better. I left EQ2 with the CU. But i can say pop was down before i did, maybe people came back to get 60 but we'll see how many stay to wait for the next cap.
Originally posted by Ruhx I didn't read through the whole thread, but to respond to the original poster. Those numbers are easily adjusted. I know in Shadowbane, they would change the number of users it took to show a medium pop or such so the numbers looked better. I left EQ2 with the CU. But i can say pop was down before i did, maybe people came back to get 60 but we'll see how many stay to wait for the next cap.
That's pure B.S. Show me proof that they adjusted the requirements for Heavy servers. I won't hold my breath.
Originally posted by swiftflow I feel the need to weigh in here and try and enlighten the EQ2 fanbois a bit. In regard the the NY times artice pertaining to the 500k subscribers I emailed the NY times and asked them where they got that figure from and never heard back so I will take that as a concession that they probably got that estimate from SOE themselves. I also want to commend SOE for making the game harder and admitting that they have completely lost the casual gamer base. And yes I can give props to SOE when they are right in regard to the customer base they are looking for but in the long run they have blown it. AGAIN. to sum up 1. EQ2 is a failure 2. EQ2 fanbois are a cult 3. SOE only cares about the benjamins P.S. nice job by SOE to encourage excessive gambling to their playerbase
sigh... you actually emailed the NY times so that you cold post here and be a troll?
Have played: UO, WOW, COH/V, EQ2 Currently playing: Age of Conan (EU)
Originally posted by Jorev Of course there is a reason. Your suspicions are warranted. Trust your instincts and concern based on your trial of isle experience. EQ2 isn't worth playing. Based on the content of your posts and writing style, I can tell you are an intelligent person Pirrg, certainly wiser than most of the rabid EQ2/SOE fanbois. Don't waste your time discussing or debating anything on this forum, as the EQ2/SOE fanbois are the most intolerant and reject any notion that EQ2 has serious flaws. They even have their own personal mod fanboi who deletes and locks threads that criticize EQ2. Forums are for both positive and negative advice and opinions, because players who are unfamiliar with a certain game are interested in the pros and cons, but irrationally, anyone who dislikes EQ2 is quickly dismissed or called a troll.
I deleted both sides of the fence. Ask any fan of eq2 as I had theirs deleted as well. We just dont email the trolls and say "HEY GUYS LOOK HERE I JUST DELETED A FAN's EQ POST!!" If you break the rules of conduct here you will get your post deleted. Troll posts get theirs deleted faster because of the flaming often involved (the nature of the beast)
Grow up Jorev
People who have to create conspiracy and hate threads to further a cause lacks in intellectual comprehension of diversity.
Originally posted by anarchyart That's pure B.S. Show me proof that they adjusted the requirements for Heavy servers. I won't hold my breath.
While I don't think they fudged the numbers, they did fix it so that it showed correctly when it wasn't before.
People on the official forums were complaining about population and how none were ever listed as even heavy anymore, and then *poof*... after patch day, all of a sudden it looks completely different. The load indicators weren't working and were fixed in a patch.
It literally happened overnight. I won't discount the possibility that a few more people are playing, but in my experience I've seen a lot leave and still barren newbie grounds (and I was on Antonia Bayle, the most populous server). Nothing seemed different at all, yet we went from low/med to Heavy/full in the space of 24 hours over a patch day.
In the past few weeks on Befallen, I'm actually seeing other people killing in the zones I used to be in all alone. It's quite nice to see people playing again...and grouping is getting more common for me as well.
Joined 2004 - I can't believe I've been a MMORPG.com member for 20 years! Get off my lawn!
Anyone know what yesterdays patch was? It was over 10mb I think and while I have no clue what it did, my graphics last night seemed to look even better than ever lol or maybe that's just because I was in such a stellar mood.
EDIT and thanks disturbed, got a link to that discussion? Also my name's Ericssion on AB, what's yours? Shoot me a tell when you can, my toon is level 15 now and having a blast in BlackBurrow. Even late at night there are a crapload of people between the level of 10 and 20 on AB gotta love it. Especially cuz I can only play later on at night.
Here's what the patch last night did, and it rocks.
*** Quests ***
- Experience for completing quests at all levels has been increased substantially (in many cases it has been doubled or more). Higher-level quests received an additional increase in order to bring their reward more in line with the effort required to complete them.
Ok that was my favorite part, here's the rest....
*** Desert of Flames ***
- Rak'jallar the Rujark Champion will now drop appropriate loot when defeated. - The Maj'Dul palace events now always drop loot. - Amaranth and Steelslave War Totems will now properly update the Tablets of the Blademaster quest where they are needed.
*** The Gigglegibber Goblin Gamblin' Game ***
- The Gigglegibber goblins are now a bit more forthcoming about the fact that they sell tickets for 10 silver each, not 1 silver.
*** Spells and Combat Arts ***
- The stifle or stun component of spells and combat arts will no longer affect epic encounters. Secondary effects (such as damage) will still land on epic targets, but the stun/stifle effect will not.
Conjurer changes: - Conjurer's Mark spells now also proc a Magic resistance debuff to enhance their existing spell damage types.
Fury changes: - All Fury specialty regen and group specialty regen heals last for 12 seconds instead of 14. The amount healed per tick has been increased.
Druid changes: - Bloom now has a 1-second cast time and an increased initial heal amount. - Effloresce now has a 1.5-second cast time and increased initial heal amount. - Sylvan Wind now has a 1.5-second cast time and increased initial heal amount. - All Druid specialty regen and group specialty regen heals last for 12 seconds instead of 14. The amount healed per tick has been increased.
Warden changes: - All Warden specialty regen and group specialty regen heals last for 12 seconds instead of 14. The amount healed per tick has been increased. - Nature's Healing now has a 1-second cast time and an increased initial heal amount. - Nature's Embrace now has a 1.5-second cast time and increased initial heal amount. - Healing Breeze now has a 1.5-second cast time and increased initial heal amount.
*** Tradeskills ***
- Crafted level 50+ food and drinks should now have variable durations based upon the stage of the product as well as how many combines go into the recipes. They should be comparable to the duration times of crafted food/drink at other levels. - Crafted food should no longer stack multiple types of beneficial effects.
Originally posted by anarchyart EDIT and thanks disturbed, got a link to that discussion? Also my name's Ericssion on AB, what's yours? Shoot me a tell when you can, my toon is level 15 now and having a blast in BlackBurrow. Even late at night there are a crapload of people between the level of 10 and 20 on AB gotta love it. Especially cuz I can only play later on at night.
I went back to look, but with the speed that the threads move on that board I wasn't able to find one that covered it specficially.
Aren't entirely uncommon, though. More so before the expansion than after, but still a common complaint on most servers other than ours.
I'm AWOL from EQ2 for the time being, actually, but my main character on AB was Vaedra (L50 Wizard). Your name sounds familiar, so I'm pretty sure I've run into you before... I have a legion of alts running around anywhere from 10-30th level or so, but just don't feel like the solo game or the duo game my wife and I played is productive anymore after the mob revamp. If I get the urge to log on again before my subscription is up I'll see if I can find you around.
It is good to see people really happy with the game, though, because it really is a great and highly underrated one... it just seems to be more tailored to people more social than I am now (or less anti-social, to be more accurate I think).
Originally posted by anarchyart Originally posted by pirrg Anyway, why do you think that is anarchyart? Why are they so afraid to show the real game to newbies? Is it because the first 20 or so levels are completely barren of worthwhile content? At least, thats what ive read on the forums.Because it keeps the riff raff out of the part of the game where the paying customers are. And FYI, the first 20 levels are packed with content, quests, lore and most importantly Danger! Which you'll never know because you don't intend and never intended, I contend, to play it. You just wanted a free ride.
I expected alot more from you on this point anarchy. The fact that they are afraid to show you the first 10-15 or so levels tells me alot. And whats 2 gig compared to 4? Thats like an hour extra waiting time. Silly excuses..
_____________________ I am the flipside of the coin on which the troll and the fanboy are but one side.
I think someone asked what's 2 gigs compared to 4, can't believe someone asked that myself, but it's twice as much. 4 gigs is just too big for anyone on dial-up and when people see 3 hours to 6 days remaining it would tend to make a few people shy away from trying it. I think the isle is a grand way to get your feet wet in EQ2.
Comments
He's saying that playing on the Starter Isle is not the same as playing EQ2.
If rather they let you leave the Isle, and say continue on to level 10, and do the class quest, then cut you off, I imagine he wouldn't have the gripe he has in that regard. And frankly, I think that would make for a better trial, anyway, as people would be more attached to their character, and wanting to see what their nifty new class is like, rather than leveling to 6 or 7, and finding out that's it for the trial.
I thought that it was just me imagining things. But my roommate and I were just commenting a couple of days ago that it seems like a lot more people are playing. Good.
[quote]Originally posted by WillJones420
[b]
Originally posted by pirrg
Again, i would try the real game if SOE would allow me to. But no, i have to actually buy the game and at least 2 expansionpacks to enjoy it apparantly. This isnt a rule its an exception, every other top mmo contender allows people to try the game where SOE doesnt. I find that a bit suspicious.
[url=http://www.trialoftheisle.com/]
But, as I see now, you said you played Trial of the Isle, so I don't know where you're getting off by saying that SOE isn't giving a free chance to try out EQ2.
Not the sharpest knife in the kitchen are we? Read coldmeats post and stop embarrassing yourself.
_____________________
I am the flipside of the coin on which the troll and the fanboy are but one side.
My mistake then, I misread his comment. I would agree though that it would be best if they let us go as far as 10 or 12 to get a glimpse of the real world of EQ2, and a small sample of what the class tree system is all about.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
As for you pirrg, I misread your comment, that's my mistake. But I'd rather spend a moment of being thought of as not the sharpest cheddar than being labeled as an asshat internet troll, which is all I see when I look at you and your posts. You don't like EQ2? Then by all means go play something else and spare us your presence.
Also, learn how to properly use quotes before continuing to further embarrass yourself.
Noob.
Worst.. comeback... ever. Yes indeed, it was your mistake not properly reading a thread before hitting the "post message" button, and i forgive you for it. *pats WillJones420 on the head*
Anyway, why do you think that is anarchyart? Why are they so afraid to show the real game to newbies? Is it because the first 20 or so levels are completely barren of worthwhile content? At least, thats what ive read on the forums.
_____________________
I am the flipside of the coin on which the troll and the fanboy are but one side.
Again, i would try the real game if SOE would allow me to. But no, i have to actually buy the game and at least 2 expansionpacks to enjoy it apparently. This isn't a rule its an exception, every other top mmo contender allows people to try the game where SOE doesn't. I find that a bit suspicious.
Of course there is a reason. Your suspicions are warranted. Trust your instincts and concern based on your trial of isle experience. EQ2 isn't worth playing.
Based on the content of your posts and writing style, I can tell you are an intelligent person Pirrg, certainly wiser than most of the rabid EQ2/SOE fanbois. Don't waste your time discussing or debating anything on this forum, as the EQ2/SOE fanbois are the most intolerant and reject any notion that EQ2 has serious flaws. They even have their own personal mod fanboi who deletes and locks threads that criticize EQ2.
Forums are for both positive and negative advice and opinions, because players who are unfamiliar with a certain game are interested in the pros and cons, but irrationally, anyone who dislikes EQ2 is quickly dismissed or called a troll.
"We feel gold selling and websites that promote it damage games like Vanguard and will do everything possible to combat it."
Brad McQuaid
Chairman & CEO, Sigil Games Online, Inc.
Executive Producer, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
www.vanguardsoh
Worst.. comeback... ever. Yes indeed, it was your mistake not properly reading a thread before hitting the "post message" button, and i forgive you for it. *pats WillJones420 on the head*
Anyway, why do you think that is anarchyart? Why are they so afraid to show the real game to newbies? Is it because the first 20 or so levels are completely barren of worthwhile content? At least, thats what ive read on the forums.
Hey, at least I have what it takes to admit that I did pull an error. What about you? Are you man enough to admit that you're an asshole and a useless Internet troll?
And please don't touch me. That's about as nasty as being touched by Michael Moore after a trip to the John.
Sick freak.
Again, i would try the real game if SOE would allow me to. But no, i have to actually buy the game and at least 2 expansionpacks to enjoy it apparently. This isn't a rule its an exception, every other top mmo contender allows people to try the game where SOE doesn't. I find that a bit suspicious.
Of course there is a reason. Your suspicions are warranted. Trust your instincts and concern based on your trial of isle experience. EQ2 isn't worth playing.
Based on the content of your posts and writing style, I can tell you are an intelligent person Pirrg, certainly wiser than most of the rabid EQ2/SOE fanbois. Don't waste your time discussing or debating anything on this forum, as the EQ2/SOE fanbois are the most intolerant and reject any notion that EQ2 has serious flaws. They even have their own personal mod fanboi who deletes and locks threads that criticize EQ2.
Forums are for both positive and negative advice and opinions, because players who are unfamiliar with a certain game are interested in the pros and cons, but irrationally, anyone who dislikes EQ2 is quickly dismissed or called a troll.
Don't you guys think it's a bit funny that you're basically high fiving each other in the section of a game over you're hate for it while neither of you have even tried it?
You're both sheep.
And for the record, En1gma isn't a fanboi, he just happens to be objective enough not to listen to flamers like yourselves and actually give the game a try. And he likes it, that should tell you something.
Ever hear of World of Warcraft? I would consider it the king of "top mmo contenders", and it does not have a trial whatsoever.
EQ2 has a trial, yes it is the "real game", it's the same game that everyone who purchased the game has, it just isn't all of it. Why can't they let you off the island? Because it would require a 4GB download! The retail box has a 10-cd install, and having to download that would turn away a lot of people.
SOE will most certainly allow you to try the game. It is available in stores across North America and parts of Europe. You can play without the expansions all the way to level 50.
It's not as big of a deal as it was at launch because you level out of it faster, but this is really true. I have my gripes, but this isn't one of them.
EQ2 has an incredible amount of content for lower level players compared to other games. Even before level 10 there are a number of zones you can go to, and a decent dungeon zone with interesting quests that take you into the early teens. Just on the Qeynos side of the world you get:
Oakmyst Forest
The Forest Ruins
The Caves
The Down Below
All of which have a fair number of quests and different monster types, and the quest rewards are actually usable (something that's not as prevalent later on). All 4 of those zones are good and fun to play in. Freeport has different zones, too, so if you make an evil character there's just as much different content to try.
After 10, you can still do some things in Oakmyst and the Down Below, Vermin's Snye and Blackburrow open up for dungeon areas, Antonica has something like 130+ quests to do, and some instanced group zones like the Shattered Vale and Firemyst (SV has a solo instance zone you can do ~18th or so that's fun). Stormhold starts to open up when near 20 as well.
The weakest part of the game is the low-mid 20's. By far. But no one can honestly argue that EQ2 doesn't have anything to do when you leave the isle... there's enough content that you'll never see it all with one character because you'll level out of it before you're done.
Complaints where due but give props where due, too, and SOE really deserves it for the first part of the game.
I feel the need to weigh in here and try and enlighten the EQ2 fanbois a bit. In regard the the NY times artice pertaining to the 500k subscribers I emailed the NY times and asked them where they got that figure from and never heard back so I will take that as a concession that they probably got that estimate from SOE themselves.
I also want to commend SOE for making the game harder and admitting that they have completely lost the casual gamer base. And yes I can give props to SOE when they are right in regard to the customer base they are looking for but in the long run they have blown it. AGAIN.
to sum up
1. EQ2 is a failure
2. EQ2 fanbois are a cult
3. SOE only cares about the benjamins
P.S. nice job by SOE to encourage excessive gambling to their playerbase
sigh... you actually emailed the NY times so that you cold post here and be a troll?
Have played:
UO, WOW, COH/V, EQ2
Currently playing:
Age of Conan (EU)
I deleted both sides of the fence. Ask any fan of eq2 as I had theirs deleted as well. We just dont email the trolls and say "HEY GUYS LOOK HERE I JUST DELETED A FAN's EQ POST!!" If you break the rules of conduct here you will get your post deleted. Troll posts get theirs deleted faster because of the flaming often involved (the nature of the beast)
Grow up Jorev
People who have to create conspiracy and hate threads to further a cause lacks in intellectual comprehension of diversity.
While I don't think they fudged the numbers, they did fix it so that it showed correctly when it wasn't before.
People on the official forums were complaining about population and how none were ever listed as even heavy anymore, and then *poof*... after patch day, all of a sudden it looks completely different. The load indicators weren't working and were fixed in a patch.
It literally happened overnight. I won't discount the possibility that a few more people are playing, but in my experience I've seen a lot leave and still barren newbie grounds (and I was on Antonia Bayle, the most populous server). Nothing seemed different at all, yet we went from low/med to Heavy/full in the space of 24 hours over a patch day.
Joined 2004 - I can't believe I've been a MMORPG.com member for 20 years! Get off my lawn!
Anyone know what yesterdays patch was? It was over 10mb I think and while I have no clue what it did, my graphics last night seemed to look even better than ever lol or maybe that's just because I was in such a stellar mood.
EDIT and thanks disturbed, got a link to that discussion? Also my name's Ericssion on AB, what's yours? Shoot me a tell when you can, my toon is level 15 now and having a blast in BlackBurrow. Even late at night there are a crapload of people between the level of 10 and 20 on AB gotta love it. Especially cuz I can only play later on at night.
Here's what the patch last night did, and it rocks.
*** Quests ***
- The Maj'Dul palace events now always drop loot.
- Amaranth and Steelslave War Totems will now properly update the Tablets of the Blademaster quest where they are needed.
*** The Gigglegibber Goblin Gamblin' Game ***
- Conjurer's Mark spells now also proc a Magic resistance debuff to enhance their existing spell damage types.
- All Fury specialty regen and group specialty regen heals last for 12 seconds instead of 14. The amount healed per tick has been increased.
- Bloom now has a 1-second cast time and an increased initial heal amount.
- Effloresce now has a 1.5-second cast time and increased initial heal amount.
- Sylvan Wind now has a 1.5-second cast time and increased initial heal amount.
- All Druid specialty regen and group specialty regen heals last for 12 seconds instead of 14. The amount healed per tick has been increased.
- All Warden specialty regen and group specialty regen heals last for 12 seconds instead of 14. The amount healed per tick has been increased.
- Nature's Healing now has a 1-second cast time and an increased initial heal amount.
- Nature's Embrace now has a 1.5-second cast time and increased initial heal amount.
- Healing Breeze now has a 1.5-second cast time and increased initial heal amount.
*** Tradeskills ***
- Crafted food should no longer stack multiple types of beneficial effects.
I went back to look, but with the speed that the threads move on that board I wasn't able to find one that covered it specficially.
Threads like this one:
http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=zonepop&message.id=25108
Aren't entirely uncommon, though. More so before the expansion than after, but still a common complaint on most servers other than ours.
I'm AWOL from EQ2 for the time being, actually, but my main character on AB was Vaedra (L50 Wizard). Your name sounds familiar, so I'm pretty sure I've run into you before... I have a legion of alts running around anywhere from 10-30th level or so, but just don't feel like the solo game or the duo game my wife and I played is productive anymore after the mob revamp. If I get the urge to log on again before my subscription is up I'll see if I can find you around.
It is good to see people really happy with the game, though, because it really is a great and highly underrated one... it just seems to be more tailored to people more social than I am now (or less anti-social, to be more accurate I think).
I expected alot more from you on this point anarchy. The fact that they are afraid to show you the first 10-15 or so levels tells me alot. And whats 2 gig compared to 4? Thats like an hour extra waiting time. Silly excuses..
_____________________
I am the flipside of the coin on which the troll and the fanboy are but one side.