If you're ok with sacrificing good pvp, I'd reccommend looking into DDO, it's evolved massively since I'd last played and have really been enjoying it this time around (I'd originally quit a month or so after release as we had nothing to do but repeat the same 2 instances over and over).
It's one of the few games available that doesn't feel like I'm just playing a reskinned WoW again, the experience is pretty unique in the MMO world and I'm really loving being able to creatively approach situations.
The world feels immense now compared to when I last played (I'd always felt I was trapped in a tiny city with mini areas tacked on), now however, with the addition of (I think 25) new outdoor adventure areas complete with objectives, rare spawns and exploration bonuses the claustrophobic feeling is gone - these themed areas generally have 4-6 dungeons or so in the zone as well. On top of that there's plenty of factional rewards and crafting to work on, as well as other systems I haven't even looked into yet (I'm a bit of a newbie again, having only been back playing for 2 weeks).
So, while for me it may not survive the arrival of GW2, at the moment it's such a nice change of pace from the generic linear quest hub grind of other games. I almost find myself wishing GW2 was a bit further away as I know I won't be able to resist trying it. While DDO is Free to play, I can't really say how much you can get out of it for free as I'd subbed shortly after experiencing the game beyond newbie isle.
I rarely reccommend games, if at all, but DDO has improved so much since I'd played that I think it's worth mentioning. I'm pretty sure anyone able to play it long enough to get past the newbie island and intro quests will find a solid game and a refreshing change of pace from the repetative clone rubbish that currently flood the market. The community on Ghallanda has so far been great - however, you can hire a mercenary if you prefer solo play, but I haven't had trouble finding groups that have across the board been a lot of fun to play with - and I'm an old grump that's very particular about who I play with.
I'm far from frothing at the mouth in love with it, and I'm sure it has plenty of flaws, but after being so frustrated with the shallow predictability of most other games available, I was pleased to rediscover this game.
In games like Rift, WoW or Swtor I often find myself thinking 'what the hell am I doing? This isn't an adventure...I'm just going through the clearly defined motions', DDO in contrast has felt like a ton of mini adventures.
Looking for a great fun game with nice graphics? Perhaps one that is not too hard nor too easy? Great innovative PvP and party/guild oriented quests? And how about a large healthy community with occasional community events? A F2P system that does not force a player to spend money / isnt pay to win?
Well look no further, my friend!
Such a game dont freakin' exist! :cD
QFT, every game out there completely FU*KS up at least one of these things.
To find an intelligent person in a PUG is not that rare, but to find a PUG made up of "all" intelligent people is one of the rarest phenomenons in the known universe.
I cant wait till Darkfall Unholy Wars is released!!!! It's going to be awesome!! Everybody should play this game! Advanced AI against real action aiming combat equals the best most dynamic mmo! !!!
I was playing SWTOR.. but, I just can't seem to dig into it.
I think its the "fantasy" part of me that loves the swords and sorcery of MMO's.
I have been out of the loop for a while. I only bought swtor on a whim from some friends who promised we'd play together (we didn't).
I'm looking for something to take me out of reality for a few hours here and there. Not looking to get super sucked into a game, but do want to "build" a character in an alternate reality.
I think not playing one has sort of stressed me because for me it was like "TV" or my relaxing thing I did to wind down every night.
I enjoy PVP, but rich lore and epic adventures is what I seek.
GW2 is everything you could ask for IMO. Plus theres no sub!
Sandbox means open world, non-linear gaming PERIOD!
Subscription Gaming, especially MMO gaming is a Cash grab bigger then the most P2W cash shop!
Bring Back Exploration and lengthy progression times. RPG's have always been about the Journey not the destination!!!
Know where you are coming from , I played SWTOR for quite a while too and really enjoyed it.... but then the inevitable happened, a friend suggested that as a pencil and paper COC player I should take a look at The Secret World. First couple of visits were a bit slow fighting in zombieville but once we left the first area - woohoo! I was converted - absolutely great game - best ever MMO ive played in! I have to say that all the missions are incredibly engaging and interesting and you actually feel like you are helping the world - yay!
Comments
The best games for me are the ones I am having fun playing.
Did I do that right or should I just bash WoW and SWTOR?
That Guild Wars 2 login screen knocked up my wife. Must be the second coming!
If you're ok with sacrificing good pvp, I'd reccommend looking into DDO, it's evolved massively since I'd last played and have really been enjoying it this time around (I'd originally quit a month or so after release as we had nothing to do but repeat the same 2 instances over and over).
It's one of the few games available that doesn't feel like I'm just playing a reskinned WoW again, the experience is pretty unique in the MMO world and I'm really loving being able to creatively approach situations.
The world feels immense now compared to when I last played (I'd always felt I was trapped in a tiny city with mini areas tacked on), now however, with the addition of (I think 25) new outdoor adventure areas complete with objectives, rare spawns and exploration bonuses the claustrophobic feeling is gone - these themed areas generally have 4-6 dungeons or so in the zone as well. On top of that there's plenty of factional rewards and crafting to work on, as well as other systems I haven't even looked into yet (I'm a bit of a newbie again, having only been back playing for 2 weeks).
So, while for me it may not survive the arrival of GW2, at the moment it's such a nice change of pace from the generic linear quest hub grind of other games. I almost find myself wishing GW2 was a bit further away as I know I won't be able to resist trying it. While DDO is Free to play, I can't really say how much you can get out of it for free as I'd subbed shortly after experiencing the game beyond newbie isle.
I rarely reccommend games, if at all, but DDO has improved so much since I'd played that I think it's worth mentioning. I'm pretty sure anyone able to play it long enough to get past the newbie island and intro quests will find a solid game and a refreshing change of pace from the repetative clone rubbish that currently flood the market. The community on Ghallanda has so far been great - however, you can hire a mercenary if you prefer solo play, but I haven't had trouble finding groups that have across the board been a lot of fun to play with - and I'm an old grump that's very particular about who I play with.
I'm far from frothing at the mouth in love with it, and I'm sure it has plenty of flaws, but after being so frustrated with the shallow predictability of most other games available, I was pleased to rediscover this game.
In games like Rift, WoW or Swtor I often find myself thinking 'what the hell am I doing? This isn't an adventure...I'm just going through the clearly defined motions', DDO in contrast has felt like a ton of mini adventures.
QFT, every game out there completely FU*KS up at least one of these things.
To find an intelligent person in a PUG is not that rare, but to find a PUG made up of "all" intelligent people is one of the rarest phenomenons in the known universe.
http://www.torn.com/323944
GW2 is everything you could ask for IMO. Plus theres no sub!
Sandbox means open world, non-linear gaming PERIOD!
Subscription Gaming, especially MMO gaming is a Cash grab bigger then the most P2W cash shop!
Bring Back Exploration and lengthy progression times. RPG's have always been about the Journey not the destination!!!
No matter how cynical you become, its never enough to keep up - Lily Tomlin
Hey there,
Know where you are coming from , I played SWTOR for quite a while too and really enjoyed it.... but then the inevitable happened, a friend suggested that as a pencil and paper COC player I should take a look at The Secret World. First couple of visits were a bit slow fighting in zombieville but once we left the first area - woohoo! I was converted - absolutely great game - best ever MMO ive played in! I have to say that all the missions are incredibly engaging and interesting and you actually feel like you are helping the world - yay!
Of course if you give it a try - play DRAGON!
Non mmos - dishonoured, farcry 3 and still minecraft and skyrim
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