These negatives are comments on the game itself. I will endure much from a game if the possibility for good times with friends is still present.
There are elements of EQ2 that already do not appeal to me... I very much liked the sound of the swashbuckler initially, but having to be behind someone to attack with heftiness... and the general clunkiness of movement and targeting, etc... although in fairness, I don't think any MMO has combat down like CoX, for sheer smoothness and quick playability.
Having said that, even my all-time favourite game(s), the Baldur's Gate series, were improved by playing with a friend as well as all the amazing NPC's. Shared experience is a greater experience, and I'd rather play a wizard and struggle slightly with the Thorn than devote myself entirely to a single player experience like Tabula Rasa... although it does sound intriguing.
As far as LotRO is concerned, as the one who hit 50 fastest and has been there the longest... I can honestly say that until recent "books," the joy of the game was the journey to 50, not the endgame content. Even now, the devs always add some mid-level content along with new Raids, etc... and added a 12-man Raid to try and appeal to those that dread the 24-man chaos.
Any game that exists by subscription must continually satisfy the demands of those that have "maxed out" their character... simple economics.
The long and the short of it is that we need something to fill the space. CoX will be getting a new expansion soon, huzzah... but EQ2 is an established world, vast and (for most of us) unexplored. That's always fun, in and of itself.
You really think most of us will be rushing for the endgame? Especially when this is essentially a stop-gap between now and AoC in March?
There should be plenty of content between level n00b and level 80... and I plan to enjoy as much of it as possible, in the company of friends. It's a shame that you're too disillusioned with EQ2 to join us, and I hope you enjoy Tabula Rasa... and I DO appreciate the frustrations expressed by people who feel we are leaping around too much.
But for pity's sake, quit raining on my parade.
I didn't incessantly re-iterate the problems I had with CoX when it was raised, but gave it another shot... and I'm glad I did. Even if I hadn't given it a try, however, there was a time when I loved it, and there's no reason that people new to the game won't find that first love, however shortlived... and I think they did.
If EQ2 becomes old that fast, I won't play past the free game time... but I WILL play it as long as I enjoy it, no matter how grim a picture people try to paint of it. 'Nuff said, I think.
[Edit: Lira posted as I was writing this... and aye, we'll be seeing you guys around, y'all are missed.
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