Everquest II

I played the game for the better part of a year a few years back.. and the came back and tried it again a year ago for the new content and races and AA stuff, and found it fun but eventually gave it up for WoW, then later decided to quit WoW until WOTLK and tried out LOTRO, and now recently grew tired of that.

So, i'm in MMO Limbo right now looking for a new game, and if I can't decide on one, may very well go back to playing single-player RPG's like Baldur's Gate and Fallout until something new comes out. That brings us to the question, is EQ2 honestly worth coming back to now? This latest 'expansion' doesnt look like an expansion to me, but more like a paid content patch.. no new races or classes or professions, probably no new content for people under 70 too from the looks of it. perhaps they're planning on unleashing a real expansion in the next 6 months cause they don't want to do it now with stiff competition from new WoW, LOTRO, WAR and others coming out before christmas?

Anyway,.I know a lot of people posting here are either going to be a fan of the game in question or hate it, but if anyone can give me an unbiased opinion i'd appreciate it. Would I realistically be able to re-start with EQ2 now and not feel overwhelming temptation to quit again 1-2 months later for something new? Or better yet, how many of you playing EQ2 are planning to drop it by the end of the year for a new game or expansion?

Edit: I'm actually debating between EQ2 and trying out Vanguard now.. anyone played both and have an opinion?

If you're talking about Shadows, it will have 20 new zones and 60 new aa's with a new tree to spend them in. So while it isn't raising the level cap, aa's will allow you to better tune your character and/or make your character more unique. Give them new powers, new stats, or whatever you choose, like raising a level cap, but without actually raising it. So old content is still viable with new powers to try out.

The new dungeons will be mostly group and raid oriented and instead of a bunch of new loots to wait to drop, you'll get currency to spend at merchants for whatever you want. If you played EQ1, it will be sorta like the LDoN (Lost Dungeons of Norrath) expansion. Loot will still drop, but the most desired items will have to be purchased with whatever type of currency drops in the new zones.

So, yeah, it deserves an expansion with 20 new zones, 60 new aa points for new powers and abilities, and new goals to strive for. That's a lot, nearly 2 zones per month.

Coming back is up to you. Sounds like you play through a game and get tired of it. I'm sure you'll come back, enjoy it for a year or so, get bored again and move on. Some people are like that, and that's ok. There is lot to do, and every playstyle is covered, so it just depends on if you feel it'll be worth it to play again for a while.

If you want a more complete and polished game over the two, i would hands down choose EQ2.

VG is just.... a trainwreck IMO.  Dont be fooled by the "VG has changed" threads you see here on MMORPG.com.  i fell for those too, but then quickly quit my account after realizing the mistake.  It is still as it was when it was released. No significant improvements IMO.

       I'm sorry that I can't call myself an unbiased person as I do play EQ2 and have since beta but if I may I'd like to point out a few things for you to think about. You mentioned that there didn't look like there was any new content for players under 70 but were you aware that the level cap is actually 80? And yes, in the last several updates there has been quite a lot of new content for players under 80 and there are now also new quest lines that level does not matter as the quest adjusts itself to your level. The upcoming expansion is one thing but there have also been many "Live Updates" where quite a bit of new content has been added, new zones, new mobs, new quests, new loot, you name it.

       I doubt very much me or anyone else can offer you any reasons for going back or not simply because I don't know you and don't know any of your likes and dislikes. The only one who can really decide if it's worth it or not will be you by trying it. I really think that is the only way to know for yourself whether you would enjoy it or not. Anyway I hope I've been of some benefit whatever you decide. Good luck and good hunting!!!

No.

sry... but no...
leave this game to die so that the devs will  have to make something new

I'd say yes. I myself hate the "endgame" (I mean the item farming), but there's so much content you can do after 4 expansion packs.

If you are starting a new character or reviving one that isn't near the level cap, I would suggest Vanguard.  You will get a lot more of that new feeling there and the world is rather nice to travel around in, much better than EQ2.   The downside is the game will most likely never see expansions or content anywhere close enough to keep pace with players. 

If you are reviving a higher level character in EQ2 then that might be an option.  Personally I think the lack of consistancy in expansion design hurts the game more than it helps, but the next expansion is something I might enjoy [minus more AA].  It doesn't sound like the expansion is your goal though, so maybe VG is the better option.

Originally posted by meltphaces

I played the game for the better part of a year a few years back.. and the came back and tried it again a year ago for the new content and races and AA stuff, and found it fun but eventually gave it up for WoW, then later decided to quit WoW until WOTLK and tried out LOTRO, and now recently grew tired of that.

So, i'm in MMO Limbo right now looking for a new game, and if I can't decide on one, may very well go back to playing single-player RPG's like Baldur's Gate and Fallout until something new comes out. That brings us to the question, is EQ2 honestly worth coming back to now? This latest 'expansion' doesnt look like an expansion to me, but more like a paid content patch.. no new races or classes or professions, probably no new content for people under 70 too from the looks of it. perhaps they're planning on unleashing a real expansion in the next 6 months cause they don't want to do it now with stiff competition from new WoW, LOTRO, WAR and others coming out before christmas?

Anyway,.I know a lot of people posting here are either going to be a fan of the game in question or hate it, but if anyone can give me an unbiased opinion i'd appreciate it. Would I realistically be able to re-start with EQ2 now and not feel overwhelming temptation to quit again 1-2 months later for something new? Or better yet, how many of you playing EQ2 are planning to drop it by the end of the year for a new game or expansion?

 

Edit: I'm actually debating between EQ2 and trying out Vanguard now.. anyone played both and have an opinion?

EQ2 is alive and well and most certianly worth playing. Is it worth your returning to? That is a totally different question since you yourself have tried it more then once already. It has evolved into a fantastic game dispite what a few say here. I have learned that many who respond to game questions do not even play the game. With that said do not listen to the detractors. The history of my posts here at mmorpg.com will be evidence to my rounded unbiased view of games even those I hate or love. So no fanboi crap please.

I defend EQ2 because it is the best show in town at the moment for an adventure quest based mmo. There is plenty of new content for players just beginning. There are plenty of players to group with in game. There are plenty of solo content if that is your thing. Also your old characters will be waiting for you ready to go. So you can pickup where you left off and explore the huge amount of new content.

You ask who is planning to drop game by end of year for something new. Well not me. I will be playing EQ2 until they turn out the lights. That does not mean I will not play or try other mmos. Or even like one better. I am play WAR at the moment. It is a very fun interesting game but will not even come close to getting me to leave EQ2. WoTLH will not draw me away either. I am a vet of WoW almost 4 years of play. I loved WoW however it never got me to close my EQ2 account. My WoW account has been cancelled and I have no desire to try WoTLH. I will be playing other game possible WAR but I will also be play