I've never bought nor subscribed to this game, but I just found an email from SOE granting me pretty much all of the expansions ( up to this new shadow one, or whatever it is ), veteran rewards and what I presume is a lifetime subscription, since I'm not paying for the game, but I can still log in and play.

What the hell is going on?

Also, does race make any huge difference to play style / ability?

As far as i'm aware, EQ2 is NOT free to play.

This could be a way to get you to re-sub, you may be able to play for a certain amount of time for free.

I believe race doesn't matter much at all, i read experienced players saying pick a race you like the look off.

Why would it ever be free to play? No other good game out there is. Don't be ridiculous.

Originally posted by Autarch

I've never bought nor subscribed to this game, but I just found an email from SOE granting me pretty much all of the expansions ( up to this new shadow one, or whatever it is ), veteran rewards and what I presume is a lifetime subscription, since I'm not paying for the game, but I can still log in and play.

What the hell is going on?

Also, does race make any huge difference to play style / ability?

Boy, you sure presume alot for someone who doesn't even know what a "come back" trial is.

Originally posted by Autarch

I've never bought nor subscribed to this game, but I just found an email from SOE granting me pretty much all of the expansions ( up to this new shadow one, or whatever it is ), veteran rewards and what I presume is a lifetime subscription, since I'm not paying for the game, but I can still log in and play.

What the hell is going on?

Also, does race make any huge difference to play style / ability?

No, it's not free to play. They've done quite a few promotions to get players new and old to return. Most older accounts were credited the expansions and content packs up to TSO, as well as the veteran rewards, and a limited amount of free playtime.

And no, race doesn't make a huge difference to playstyle, really. Each race has some unique racial abilities and traits, but none are really game breaking.

I noticed that they have given me free time on EQ2, Star wars galaxies and Vanguard. Seems like between 2-4 weeks or something like that. Good for me since I thought of coming back to either VG or EQ2 anyway (leaning towards EQ2 at the moment but might go with the station pass subscription to get them all).

They just recently sent out a round of free come-back-trials in relation with Game Update 52 that went out a couple weeks ago.

EQ2 is not a free-2-play game.  It has changed a lot over the years since it's release, and I highly suggest trying it out.  Numerous people have recently given EQ2 a try and are loving it.