| ESRB:Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited News - Unlimited Q&A
Posted by Jon Wood on Sep 01, 2009 | 50 comments in our forums
With the launch of Dungeons and Dragons Unlimited, the F2P version of Turbine's D&D Online, looming on the horizon, Garrett Fuller had a chance to ask a few questions of the game's Executive Producer Fernando Paiz.
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MMORPG.com:
Tell us about the choice to make DDO Free-to-Play? How did Turbine come to this decision?
Fernando Paiz:
Turbine has been exploring Free-to-Play and micro-transactions based business models for several years now. We have seen the growing popularity of these models, particularly in the Asian markets, and we've been on the lookout for the right opportunity to bring a compelling offering to the West. We didn't know if that would mean importing and operating a game from another developer, applying the model to a new game, or something else.
About 2 years ago we started to seriously look at the possibility of converting one of our existing franchises to Free-to-Play. As we prepared some analysis on what this would entail for each of our major franchises, we quickly came to see that DDO was a great fit. Although some big design changes were needed to make this work, we found that we were able to make a new model which fit cleanly with the existing core game play mechanics and the game world. Many people have remarked that this also feels like a great fit for the D&D IP. After all, when D&D got started this was the model: you bought the base rule book and then you would buy incremental content and miniatures and other ways to enhance your game play when you were ready.
Read the Unlimited Q&A
Very nice interview, but you missplaced the article into Dungeon fighters online instead :p
Patching up the game right now and cant wait to roll on the new server Cannith, see you in Eberron :)
I'm also ready for this.
The micro payment system does fit this game. The article's points were very valid.
I don't know the specifics, but many western gamers don't care for a payment system like this. Many Americans also don't like things like that in their real life either. An example of this would be prepaid minutes on cellphones. Our society somehow wants consistent payment methods even if they are economically bad for households in comparison.
I hope that this feature doesn't turn people off from the game. It's great and less expensive than the rest.
Fortunately, DDO isn't "just" micropayments, you have the option to choose a regular monthly subscription as well. Of course though that option pretty much gives you everything in the DDO store leaving it there for nothing more than ingredients and potions.
How is DDO for someone running with his g/f most of the time? Are most areas for groups? Are there other options if you want to run solo for awhile?
The part that always gets me is the statement of how a sub fee is a large barrier to players. I know it's true but it always baffles me. People buy $60 console and $50 computer games non stop, but when the concept of $15 a month comes in they freak out and don't want to do it. I can't think of a cheaper hobby to be honest, every other hobby is far more expensive then $15 a month so why are there so many people who get all wrapped up in that aspect of MMOs?
I guess I'll just never get it, I do prefer sub games and I think it was smart of DDO to offer a sub model along side of the store model. Will be interesting to see the number of players this pulls in.
Well, it is not just the sub, but also the box price.
In fact, i am never going to play DDO when it is a sub service. I dont have the time to go with more than 1 serious MMO (and that is WOW) .. and when i say serious, i mean playing regularly. I am no where close to the really hardcore.
This actually will allow me to play some DDO when i want a change in my gaming. If i like it enough, i may even buy some modules off their store, if it is not too expenisve.
Kid Say: Hey dam I brought this game with my Money, but now I cant play it cause I dont have a credit card to pay monthly!!! Dam Shittiy
Mom: What you say!!!!!??? /Spank
Ranks are LvLs?
Is the Game Instanced like Guild Wars?
Have PvP?
Does the game have any large scale PvE fighting for this MMO?
Any Large Scale PvP fighting?
Solo play is in the game right? Or do I need NPC help for soloing like Guild Wars?
Think this is more of a viabilty issue with selling the Turbine Engine suite, not with the proven item mall implementation, it would be one of the first professional mmo creation suites to be a complete product. Big Ups Turbine :D
Kid Say: Hey dam I brought this game with my Money, but now I cant play it cause I dont have a credit card to pay monthly!!! Dam Shittiy
Mom: What you say!!!!!??? /Spank
That's assuming you buy an MMO, as oppossed to wait a few months for the free trial at which point you get 4 months for the same price of buying a console game that you will finish in a week or two.
But I was pointing more towards the fact that there's people who will buy a new video game every month to two months, but then they won't play an MMO because of a monthly fee. I understand the people who have no money, but those same people can't afford any games at all anyways. My lack of understanding is the people who have money, spend money regularly on other games but then when the word "subscription" comes up they get all spooked and are afraid to do it.
That's assuming you buy an MMO, as oppossed to wait a few months for the free trial at which point you get 4 months for the same price of buying a console game that you will finish in a week or two.
But I was pointing more towards the fact that there's people who will buy a new video game every month to two months, but then they won't play an MMO because of a monthly fee. I understand the people who have no money, but those same people can't afford any games at all anyways. My lack of understanding is the people who have money, spend money regularly on other games but then when the word "subscription" comes up they get all spooked and are afraid to do it.
That wasnt my point. For many people, using a credit card online (If You have one, which a lot of kids wont) is a no no.
I was pointing out that most youth dont have a way to pay for online games without prepaid cards (X-box Live, WoW Cards, War Cards, ext)
Couple of months back, I gave my word to community member Sarr that I'd post giving Turbine some props if they released on time this time around (after the delay). Here I am, giving Turbine props for proving me wrong about delaying release once again :D Now go shake a leg and give this game a try.
For all the questions so far:
PvP: Yes there is PvP, but meaningless and optional. No XP whatsoever, no balance (i.e. never ever mess with a caster or cleric). And not very many people do it.
Instanced: yes. ALL content is instanced.
Grouping: highly encouraged, not absolutely necessary.
F2P or VIP: Simple. Try F2P, By level 4 or so you should know whether you like the game or not. If so, go VIP. F2P will only get you nickel an dimed to death.
Peace.
This to me is some of the best news to come out of mmo's for quite a while Turbine is a company that I'm very comfortable dealing with and after playing the game around it's launch I was dissapointed with it nothing in particular but it was just not my style, now with it going free to play I will definitely give it another try and am even more excited by the fact as they pointed out this is D&D and is a great way for a D&D product to be handled. Now if only we can convince them to work with Wizards to allow them to create modules for other D&D settings like Ravenloft,Dragonlance or of course Forgotten Realms we couldn't ask for much more.
The end is near! They screwed over their players, "fixed" the stuff that worked and left the broken stuff alone, and added a whole new set of quests based around grinding loot that no one will ever use; it's like the perfect storm of $hitty ideas! It almost makes waiting 2 years for the worst game company on Earth to kill this game worthwhile.
Who will be making the next D&D MMORPG? I heard rumors about a Neverwinter Nights MMO; while I'm not wild about the engine, that could be changed, and at least it would be in Faerun and (presumably) not developed by ham-handed amateurs with control and anger issues. Sony could do a goof job of it, if they went back to their EQ1 ideas and killed anyone who had ever been involved in EQ2 or SWG.
Wow, that's nice from you toord : ). I'm really happy to see you writing such things, so take care pal! Hope you'll be around to play with ; ).
Honestly, I'm surprised - in a positive manner. Kudos.
PS: Codejack is clearly a troll now. Most likely one of those banned for XP exploits this summer. Beware.
That's assuming you buy an MMO, as oppossed to wait a few months for the free trial at which point you get 4 months for the same price of buying a console game that you will finish in a week or two.
But I was pointing more towards the fact that there's people who will buy a new video game every month to two months, but then they won't play an MMO because of a monthly fee. I understand the people who have no money, but those same people can't afford any games at all anyways. My lack of understanding is the people who have money, spend money regularly on other games but then when the word "subscription" comes up they get all spooked and are afraid to do it.
That wasnt my point. For many people, using a credit card online (If You have one, which a lot of kids wont) is a no no.
I was pointing out that most youth dont have a way to pay for online games without prepaid cards (X-box Live, WoW Cards, War Cards, ext)
I dunno, I've always felt that I've HAD to play a subscription game to get my money's worth. Some games I've played for multiple months before, but most I've played for about a month and quit because I did not think I was getting my money's worth.
With this new model, D&D IS like, in many ways, the old-school Pen and Paper days, but not only that, I wouldn't feel like I HAD to play. I feel like going further in the game? I just buy a module. They will make plenty of money that way, and I will not feel RUSHED. Not everybody has money to burn on something they can't dedicate their time to like their were living in mommy's garage. :D
I dunno, I've always felt that I've HAD to play a subscription game to get my money's worth. Some games I've played for multiple months before, but most I've played for about a month and quit because I did not think I was getting my money's worth.
With this new model, D&D IS like, in many ways, the old-school Pen and Paper days, but not only that, I wouldn't feel like I HAD to play. I feel like going further in the game? I just buy a module. They will make plenty of money that way, and I will not feel RUSHED. Not everybody has money to burn on something they can't dedicate their time to like their were living in mommy's garage. :D
That's how I feel as well. And I was playing and paying my sub in DDO before this F2P. F2P is going to make it a lot better experience to me.
I remember how I felt whan I've just paid my sub in advance for months, just to realize I won't have much time to play because of some "unpredictible event" or business matters. I felt like a fool, to say the least. Such times make you so angry, that you don't like to even think about paying a sub later.
I think I'm not alone here. Many people have pretty unpredictible or mobile life styles, so they want to have control. Even if F2P won't make me pay less, there's no stress in this model, so that's a good deal.
For comparisons subs vs. single player games. Yes, if you're sure you'll have the time and will like to play whole months, subs are very attractive. But if you happend to play a game and grow tired of it, but still have 6th months of time paid in advance, that's not a good deal. I'd rather buy some new game instead, but heck, I've paid my sub already!
So DDO F2P satisfies both parties. Subbers and those who need better control. Genius idea.
Told ya mate, I keep my word.
Well there are still a lot of people unhappy at the direction that Turbine has chosen for this game. I wouldn't pass judgment on them. They're just venting their frustration ... just as I was :) Eventually the hate subsides.
Peace.
Forget DDO, put a bullet in its head. Do something with 4th ed. I mean it's already like an MMO anyway isnt it? That's what all the crybabies were saying. So make an MMO of it and use a different setting, dont screw it up either. Eberron could have been cool but they screwed it up massively with DDO.
Exactly! I haven't messed around with 4th edition much, but my friends like it. What about settings, though? I still say Faerun, but did you have another setting in mind? And who would you like to see develop it?
This was a really well written article. It's nice to see questions that DON'T ask 'So, do you think your subscription numbers can compete with WoW?' I'm telling you comparing everything to WoW instead of judging it on it's own merits gets old after awhile. It definitely looks like changing to a f2p AND subscription based format is something they thought long and hard about. Good luck!
ddo is going free to play because nobody is playing it anyways. its just the usual first step towards the death of any mmo. all mmos that go into the abyss always turn f2p first.
also im completely against any micro-transaction mmos. ill play my montly fee to play the game and part of the fun of playing an online game is the feeling of achievement you get from actually getting certain items yourself through quests, grinding, raiding, whatever.
mt shops defeat the purpose. not as bad with ddo since it will be free to play. but, other games (eq2,vanguard) to name a couple still have monthly fees alongside. i cant stand when companies pull this crap
Utter Drivel:
“Many people have remarked that this also feels like a great fit for the D&D IP. After all, when D&D got started this was the model: you bought the base rule book and then you would buy incremental content and miniatures and other ways to enhance your game play when you were ready.”
This is a MMO, not a table top game, you can’t compare it to buying books and miniatures, how ridiculous. Oh and roleplayers widely felt that the never ending new supplements, figures and editions were a con, does he mention that comparison?
Supposedly we hesitate at a monthly fee which is why the MMO industry needs to change to a RMT or a hybrid subscription/RMT revenue model. But it is acknowledged that RMT’s are not liked in the west. This is not about giving the customer what they want, it is about milking them for as much as possible.
AAA Premium does not equate with RMT’s. It shows the rot has set in no matter how they try to sell it.
I think DDOs buisness model is great and hope its the future of the industry (instead of what SOE and Cryptic are doing).
This is about flexibility, pay for what you play. How come MMOs have 0 flexibilty for paying when people have so differnt play styles? Why should someone playing 20 hours /month pay the same as someone playing 200 hours? This gives the customers options on what they want to play and when to get it. Its great for casual players and the hardcore players can stil get a monthly sub which includes points for the store..
Turbine is giving away 1/3 of their game without cost, then you pay if you want more. I cant understand why people dont think that is great for the players! Seems like Turbine is the only company moving in the right direction in this industry...
I want to like this game, I really do.
I did like the way it is basically structured, a sort of wagon wheel with a central hub (Eberron) and an array of dungeon adventures branching off like spokes.
I did like the dungeons themselves.
But...
I tried out the 10-day free trial a couple of weeks ago and was sadly unimpressed and disappointed by the awkward UI, combat, overly complex stat system and feats, etc. Granted, I didn't get that far into the game--just through the starter area and a few dungeons after that. But still, it was not a very positive first impression.
I will still probably give this game another go once DDO:U goes online, but I think this would be a better F2P game if they sold Guild Wars-style heroes in the online store as account-wide unlocks. The hirelings are SO much lamer than Heroes (or even the henches in Guild Wars) that I hardly can compare the two. This game desperately needs AI that has at least a moderate amount of "I" ("intelligence") and that are customizable skillwise and that level up with your character. I'd be willing to pay actual dollars at the Online Store for a feature like this. Do you hear that, Turbine?
One of the things that was really nice about Guild Wars was its AI and the fact that you could just PLAY and not spend inordinate amounts of time building/finding a balanced party of human players. Any game that's to be played casually needs something comparable to what Guild Wars offers, imo. DDO, from what I could tell, needs improvement in this area.
The 4th edition of D&D is a huge joke on the gaming population. About the only thing you would see with a MMO based on that structure is heaps of ridicule. Supposedly Cryptic has been secretly working on such a project. If such is the case I will be ready with the skeptical comments on such an effort.
Trying to fit a D&D ruleset into a MMO setting is like putting sugar in your gas tank. Attempting to put something into a environment it was never intended for is questionable at best. Forcing a square peg in a round hole just shows lack of brain activity.
Turbine's failure was taking on this project to begin with. I don't think anyone could have done much better with this game.
This is the way D&D is, and by extension, DDO. It's a very complex system. Very complex combat mechanics. I don't say this in any way as an elitist statement, just as a matter of factly. DDO has gone to great lengths to lower the learning curve so that people new to the D&D lore can get a good head start. However, unless you follow their predefined, cookie-cutter builds, as a new player you have so many options (and many pitfalls) that is *VERY* easy to gimp your toon permanently -- that is, until they introduce re-spec.
Godspeed.
If you didn't like the game before there is still no reason to like it now just because of the no monthly fee. Turbine still uses the same old crappy game engine and combat is still horrible.
I dunno, I've always felt that I've HAD to play a subscription game to get my money's worth. Some games I've played for multiple months before, but most I've played for about a month and quit because I did not think I was getting my money's worth.
With this new model, D&D IS like, in many ways, the old-school Pen and Paper days, but not only that, I wouldn't feel like I HAD to play. I feel like going further in the game? I just buy a module. They will make plenty of money that way, and I will not feel RUSHED. Not everybody has money to burn on something they can't dedicate their time to like their were living in mommy's garage. :D
Bleakmage that's the kind of thoughts that baffle me. Assuming you have cable or sat tv, do you feel like you're cheating yourself if you don't watch enough tv each month since you're paying for it? Or that you have to use each cell phone minute each month?
To me it doesn't matter how much I play if it's something I do for fun and as a hobby. If I go out drinking one friday night I guarantee I spend more then the monthly subscription fee for an MMO, and that's just a few hours of one night. So if I only got around to playing that MMO for a few hours over the whole month it seems to cover the cost pretty easy. $15 is cheap for just about anything in my mind so I've never in all my years of playing MMOs (since before UO on through current times) felt that I had to play a certain amount or I had to cancel. If I enjoy a game I keep it subbed and play here and there and have fun.
Of course throwing in the cliche of the parent's garage isn't necessary. Especially since the average MMO player is well past that age and isn't struggling to pay $15 a month.
As to tro44 the funny thing I picked out of your quote was to some people paying online with a credit card is a no no, well those people are going to be screwed in a few more years. More and more businesses are focusing at the online component and closing retail stores because it's cheaper and easier for everyone involved. So if a person really feels that they can't use a credit card online, well they are going to be in a world of hurt.
Also, with a monthly subscription, many people feel compelled to play more often to get their money's worth. If you are only playing the game 3-4 times a month, then it is not really worth $15 for most sane people. If you spend $60 on a brand new single player title, you have the rest of your life to play it as often or as seldom as you like and it only costed you the $60. Same with multiplayer shooter games. They are free to play once you buy the game.
Bleakmage that's the kind of thoughts that baffle me. Assuming you have cable or sat tv, do you feel like you're cheating yourself if you don't watch enough tv each month since you're paying for it? Or that you have to use each cell phone minute each month?
To me it doesn't matter how much I play if it's something I do for fun and as a hobby. If I go out drinking one friday night I guarantee I spend more then the monthly subscription fee for an MMO, and that's just a few hours of one night. So if I only got around to playing that MMO for a few hours over the whole month it seems to cover the cost pretty easy. $15 is cheap for just about anything in my mind so I've never in all my years of playing MMOs (since before UO on through current times) felt that I had to play a certain amount or I had to cancel. If I enjoy a game I keep it subbed and play here and there and have fun.
Of course throwing in the cliche of the parent's garage isn't necessary. Especially since the average MMO player is well past that age and isn't struggling to pay $15 a month.
As to tro44 the funny thing I picked out of your quote was to some people paying online with a credit card is a no no, well those people are going to be screwed in a few more years. More and more businesses are focusing at the online component and closing retail stores because it's cheaper and easier for everyone involved. So if a person really feels that they can't use a credit card online, well they are going to be in a world of hurt.
Good point, but these MMOs these days really aren't offering much more than the single player or F2P RPGs and FPS offer. Server maintainance and data storage is about the only difference. Nothing I would consider an actual service. You are basically paying for the privelage, something that many video gamers feel should be free.
Big words from a Guild Wars fan where the combat is absolutely passive and mindless.
Honestly,
I do not like F2P games because of the Fact that MMORPG's tend to be addictive, not unlike a virtual drug, and F2P, are not really free, as depending on the game there is items and elements of the game that you will have to buy in order to be able to be as successfull as other players. So it becomes like if the Company that owns the F2P game plays the Role of the Pusher for the Virtual Drug, if you pay you get a dose...if you do not you are invaded by symptoms of withdrawal as you see everyone around you enjoying themselves in the bliss... (Peer pressure kinda plays a more important role in the F2P formula also in my opinion)...
As for those that will say, F2P is about giving the choice to the player, I would argue that the choice is the same as when you go out for a Casino night with friends and family...when everyone else is playing you can't just sit around and look at them... really there is not choice under that circumstance.
That being said...
D&D having gone F2P, actually made me want to give it a try, and will probably end up playing it for a long time, I think the F2P approach just fits with this game...and any microtransactions involved would be the same as investing in a new rulebook or a new figurine or some type of materials for use as a map etc in the Tabletop.
You can play it with your friends once or twice a week gathering every week end and going on an adventure, it is not like the other MMORPG's, and that is why I think it fits with the F2P approach, (if you are wondering how I know some of its aspects it is because I have friends who did play it when it launched the first time, and they are equally happy that it is going F2P).
So, I am going to have my first long term F2P introduction with this one...and looking forward to it :)
Big words from a Guild Wars fan where the combat is absolutely passive and mindless.
Guild Wars is a quality f2p game. It has won a bazilion types of awards, sold over 6 mill copies and has argueably one of the best pvp systems. DDO on the other hand is suffering will all sorts of bad issues. So to save face, Turbine thinks by making it f2p is a better alternative rather than making the gameplay alot better for its players. Typical company who only thinks about squeezing the last dime from its players wish a cash shop rather than giving them a quality game to be proud of.
In regards to being F2P: I've looked on the site but couldn't find a definitive answer and I was hoping for some clarification.
For new players, will the free content be absolutely free or will we still be required to purchase the base game? If the base game must be "bought" then how much will it be?
Any insight is highly appreciated. Thank you.
The game download is completely free and you'll be able to play entirely for free until you hit level 4. At that point you either were fortunate enough to have looted a leveling sigil or buy one at the RMT store in order to advance levels. After that it gets really dicey with respect to free content -- this is a hotly debated subject in their forums. In essence, IMO, it boils down to: at level 4 you'll have to decide whether you like the game and go VIP or be nickel and dimed for content packages and leveling sigils.
Peace.
Guild Wars is a quality f2p game. It has won a bazilion types of awards, sold over 6 mill copies and has argueably one of the best pvp systems. DDO on the other hand is suffering will all sorts of bad issues. So to save face, Turbine thinks by making it f2p is a better alternative rather than making the gameplay alot better for its players. Typical company who only thinks about squeezing the last dime from its players wish a cash shop rather than giving them a quality game to be proud of.
That is humorous coming from a Guildwars fan. Sorry to break your bubble but Guildwars is not and never will be a MMO to most of us. Since the majority of us here don't pvp much, DDO is a far better game than Guildwars will ever be.
I am glad you have found a game to enjoy, but demeaning a genre you have a lack of understanding is beneath you.
Guild Wars is a quality f2p game. It has won a bazilion types of awards, sold over 6 mill copies and has argueably one of the best pvp systems. DDO on the other hand is suffering will all sorts of bad issues. So to save face, Turbine thinks by making it f2p is a better alternative rather than making the gameplay alot better for its players. Typical company who only thinks about squeezing the last dime from its players wish a cash shop rather than giving them a quality game to be proud of.
That is humorous coming from a Guildwars fan. Sorry to break your bubble but Guildwars is not and never will be a MMO to most of us. Since the majority of us here don't pvp much, DDO is a far better game than Guildwars will ever be.
I am glad you have found a game to enjoy, but demeaning a genre you have a lack of understanding is beneath you.
The funny part is that I actually played and finished GW Trilogy and Hard Mode in about 3 months or so. And it's not a bad game, it's just not up to par with most MMOs in terms of grouping, mail system, auction house (and no jump/falling lol). However, whatever redeeming qualities that game might have combat system sure as heck is NOT one of them. So, yes, bashing DDO (or any other MMO with active combat system) coming from a Guild Wars background is rather unfit.
Peace.
This whole 'f2p' stuff is a whole lot of false advertising.
It is NOT free(You need to purchase the game, set up an account, etc) which, makes it not free. There's nothing about this until you get to the point where u want to play, then u get a whole lot of info about how the game is free - 'click here' - set up account, insert activation key 'here' (clicks) - to get activation key, buy product 'click here' (clicks) back to the first page. Just keeps kicking back to previous pages u have viewed before, no actual way to 'play' unless u bought the game and HAVE played(IE have/had subscription) before.
Kinda sad, cuz even crooked asian mmo's let you actually PLAY the games they state are free, before u realize just how much u need to 'pay' :P
Eh no you dont have to purchase the game, it will be completly free on September 9th and you cant create a Free account untill then. Now its only the headstart for bold players and beta testers.
Dude, you realize that F2P is not open yet, right? September 9th, 2009.
ah my bad, no i did not. Sorry.(must have zzzz'ed over that part of the article.
:P Sorry :D
AWESONE. THIS DDO Vet is excited. We need more people to quest with. if this brings them in, bring it on
DDO is one MMO I never got the chance to try.
If its going to be free, I might as well check it out then :)
This sounds like it could be more than a shot in the foot .....more a potential headshot.
I just got an invite back to this game after leaving the terrible preorder Beta because it was so bad. This game is even worse than I remember. the Animation is terrible with all the characters lloking like they slide across the ground when they run, the controls are sluggish, the combat is terrible and the new starter quest is extremely lame. I swear this game got even worse than it was when it came out.
I've returned! Really the only thing that still makes me mad is the turning. It's hard to control your character when you tap the left arrow and you turn 45 degrees or more :(
Still one of the best mmos imo. I'll probably play this until GW2 comes out :)
When is this commeing to europe
Fortunately, DDO isn't "just" micropayments, you have the option to choose a regular monthly subscription as well. Of course though that option pretty much gives you everything in the DDO store leaving it there for nothing more than ingredients and potions.
If this is true and a monthly sub would get me most of the in game content I may give it a whirl after my first 6 months of CO is up.
I played AD&D as a kid and really enjoyed it. I tried Stormreach or whatever it was called and it wasnt really my thing but I have been reading some of the articles about this new version and it seems ok.
I really don't like the idea of micro transactions. I don't like the idea of paying for something that isn't concrete in a game. At least with the original PnP game when you bought a new tome or a module or a figurine or some dice you had a physical object that you could keep and reuse over and over.
I just think that in the end these micro transactions are another way for a game company to grab even more money than a monthly sub would. Otherwise why not just offer all of the content in a monthly sub?
But if this poster is correct andd there is a montly sub option I may just look into things.
UPDATE:
I tried this game out last night. The community is quite large and extremely friendly and helpful. The first thing I noticed was that there is alot of chatting going on. I noticed alot of us newbs asking questions and a group of experienced players basically fielding questions non-stop for the 2 hours I played. It's nice to see positive interaction from the established players. The game itself was alot of fun to play. I bought and tried this game a few years back and was somehwat disappointed in the lack of soloability. This has been changed. You can select difficulty for each instance you enter now and choose solo. I have played other free MMO's and you feel really weak and the games aren't much fun unless you are willing to fork over the dough. Players in the game told me they have played the game right through to level 20 without paying a dime. There is content you'd miss but you can play without paying.
I intend on trying the game over the weekend more and if I like it I may give it a whirl with a subscription.
With the sub you get more character slots, a bank that works across all your characters, and free Turbine points each month to spend on in game items.
I also looked at the point purchase system and it's not all that expensive to buy a point package and then spend the things on points for our characters.
All in all I think this wil go over well, and look forward to playing some Classic D&D and doing some good old fashioned dungeon crawling again!