So I originally played at launch, and quit within days due to the horrible launch. I also played when it first went FTP and got to like 60 something. So I am thinking of coming back, but for the time being dont want to pay. Is the game still worth playing with just classic? What is the endgame like, and how long does it take to reach the endgame? Also is there a link anywhere to like a leveling guide?

here are a couple links

www.gamefaqs.com/computer/doswin/file/913777/46197

www.ao-universe.com/main.php    -- lots of good info from this site

www.aofroobs.com/  -- I have been there . . has lots of good resources for the free player

Here are my basic answers to your questions:

since you have not played the game since launch . . it will not be the same game as you knew it (kinda)

Still the same story line, same classes (2 were added with Shadowlands expansion)  .

It is still worth playing , even if it is just the free version. 

A heads up here:  the graphic engine has not been updated to todays newer graphics, but FunCom is working on a new one, when the release date of new engine will be, is not really known, rumor is end of year or beginning of new year

If playing  free version , your max level will be 200,  I spend most of my time in Shadow lands, and every time I get a toon to 120+ but less then 150, I tend to play another  class . . heh so I can not comment too much if any about end game.

There are many links that could be posted, but those should help.  You could post on main forum for a few post as  a free player then your frozen outta the forums . . not sure if it is a time thing or amount of post a free player can use.  So the AOFroobs  web site is best for free players for gathering info.

As you are aware (or not) there are 3 servers to chose from to play.  RK1 (Atlantean) , RK2 (Rimor)  , RK3 (German). .  From what I have experince RK2 seems to have more players the the others. I also find the over all attitude more mature on RK2.  It does have it's share of  immaturity .

Outside of  the AOFroobs site, if you have questions, sometimes it is best to include your a free player, or you'll be given advice that you can not use

I think I posted more then what you asked for . I would say download the client (not the small one the full one) and play.

it's free and so worth trying if you have time (and patience) for it, but it's a bit dated for todays standard. I think it will be challenging for AO to stick around in this very competitive market segment.

Despite the graphics which strongly resemble Quake I, Anarchy Online has some redeemable qualities, such as the wide spread class system, the ability to choose your side after the character creation (Meaning you can actually think about what side you're going to join based on in game experience) And of course the character customization, the social tab quality is amazing and means you can pretty much adjust every little aspect of how your character looks - despite what was created in the character creation menu.

All I can say that is really holding this game back is the dire need for a graphics update, and perhaps a closer look at the combat system from the developers. ;) But it sounds like the new update for this game will change a lot, I hear for the better.

Like stated before the graphics are holding the game back badly, in todays generation of games if someone was to log on to the ao they would most prolly delete the game right after making the character, and the new graphic engine hasnt been mentioned about lately

I have played this game since 2001 on and off, my highest char is a lvl 163 engineer, i still enjoy this game even if i don't play it constantly (lack of time), sure the graphics are not the best but it is sad if people judge a game from that alone, anarchy is likely one of the more complex games out there and unless you always must be on top when it comes to gear and such it is very solo friendly and you can make progress even if low on time thanks ot the missions.

I myself can't stand playing it without expansions though, not having access to composite buffs alone drives me nuts :)

Don't bother til the graphics upgrade.

The game looks like S**t on a stick atm.

The graphics engine upgrade is a dream.... Keep dreaming people with funcom stock near bottom and gaute fired and personal being taken from ao to fix aoc... Never going to happen and if it did NO TEXTURES UPGRADE. Nintendo 64 style graphics.

I played the game for over 2 years so i'm not bashing for bashing i'm just being realistic.  The game engine update will never occurs.   Main reason FC is in very bad financial situation, they put all their eggs in the AOC basket and it failed hard.

Second reason is obvious, lack of players.   It's certainly not the froobs that would keep the game running in the long time.

Third reason, everyone know, hell they even admit it publicly several times, AO code is a HUGE MESS.   A typical AO patch fix one thing and break 10, that's how bad it is, now imagine the task of upgrading the whole engine, it will takes them years of patching to have anything stable.

Unfortunatly i dont give FC many years.   Too bad cause AO was a blast to play back in 2002-2004, it's the best, deepest, complex and rich MMO ever made. 

Wondering where my MMORPG.COM name came from ?  My first AO character :

http://auno.org/ao/char.php?dimension=1&name=Aguitha

To the original poster:  Game looks fine as it is and is fun to play if you can get over the early learning curve.

Game is a blast to play.  Very innovative...

Oh.. wait.. you've already played it..

Hmm.. I really can't answer any of your questions.. and people complaining about graphics.. aren't old school.

Sorry folks but games DO NOT EQUAL GRAPHICS.  They equal GAME PLAY. 

Best game I played so far... and been playingf or the past 4-5 years.

Graphics is not that important as it is the immersion in the game and if you really like it.

Even better that they are working on updating the graphic engine which will make it look even better.

Actually, played on full options, AO does not look all that bad like some people would like to make others believe. Plus, I really like the gloomy atmosphere and rusty and run down impression in most of the places. And the decadent look in Shadowlands.

And it will all look even better soon :)

Originally posted by Javafan

Best game I played so far... and been playingf or the past 4-5 years.

Graphics is not that important as it is the immersion in the game and if you really like it.

Even better that they are working on updating the graphic engine which will make it look even better.

Actually, played on full options, AO does not look all that bad like some people would like to make others believe. Plus, I really like the gloomy atmosphere and rusty and run down impression in most of the places. And the decadent look in Shadowlands.

And it will all look even better soon :)

I agree 100% :)