I've been MMORPG hopping as of late, sampling pretty much everything. My first foray into the world of MMORPGs was with Final Fantasy XI. Though beautiful, the forced grouping and lack of quests got to me. I then spent a while on free online MMORPGs, such as Graal (when it used to be noncrap) and Runescape (I feel so bad for my past self now). I then got WoW and left on good terms. I still like WoW, but I've exhausted it of content and don't plan on returning until the expansion.
Since January, I've played City of Heroes/Villains, Ultima Online, Maple Story, Flyff, and Everquest 2. Everquest 2 was my favorite of the whole bunch. I know some EQ1 players have contempt for the game, but please don't hate me. :]
The reason why I am here and not playing EQ2 happily is because I wish to play its predecessor to get a feel for the storyline. I have a few questions about it.
1) Soloability. I like grouping for some things, but I don't like being unable to make zero progress whatsoever in terms of gaining EXP if I am unable to find a party. Are there classes that excel at soloing? I heard Necromancer is good, but MMORPGs change often and it may very well be that the Beast Tamer or whatever is now the best.
2) Graphics. I'm not expecting the game to look amazing, that's EQ2's territory. However, and I will risk sounding like a graphics *****, but screenshots like this make me kind of uneasy. ( https://everquest.allakhazam.com/mediabox/undead-reaver.jpg ) But then I see screenshots like these ( https://everquest.allakhazam.com/mediabox/uqua.jpg ) ( https://everquest.allakhazam.com/mediabox/fallen-palace.jpg ) and I'm not as bothered. Which one is more representative of the game's overall look? Does it take a lot of work with camera angles and timing to get good shots? Do newer expansion areas have significantly better textures and graphics? Could one field area be a flat green expanse and the adjacent 2004 expansion area look exceptionally more intricate?
3) World size. For some reason, Everquest seems like it has a gigantic world, which is what I love in an MMORPG. For anyone who's played FFXI, WoW, or EQ2, how does Norrath in EQ1 stack up?
4) Newbie trickle. If I AM forced to group up, how hard will it be to find other newbies in low-level areas?
Thanks for your time!
- Forums
- EverQuest
- General Discussion
- I might want to be starting soon. Fill me in on EQ. :)
I might want to be starting soon. Fill me in on EQ. :)Follow
early expansions have crappy graphics, later ones have decent graphics.
norrath is way, way, way, WAY bigger than WoW's world.
norrath is way, way, way, WAY bigger than WoW's world.
1.) Soloability is a big discussion in EQ. I'm of the school that Druids are one of the best soloers. Necromancers, and Rangers can do pretty well by themselves too. Even Shaman do ok. You can solo as a Beastlord as well. I've played a Shaman, Druid, and Beastlord to level 65 pretty much solo, and I'm working on a Ranger now (he is 61).
2.) The first screenshot you show is more representative of the "old world" zones in EQ. This was way back before most expansions, and still represents a majority of the low level content you will see now. The better screenshots you link are in areas that require high level grouping/raid encounters. Graphics in EQ run a wide spectrum of quality. Some of the older zones have been "revamped" with new npc models, and some have been revamped all together so everything looks new. But then again, everything will be new to you.
3.) Everquest is HUGE. Players have played since 1999 and still not explored every nook and cranny there is to see out there. I still find it overwhelming how much there is out there to explore, and I'm one of those players that has been playing since 1999.
4.) It can be very difficult at times to find others to group up with at the lower levels. Pick a class named above that does well solo to fill the time between looking for a group.
Summary:
EQ is a beautiful world to explore with more depth than you'll find in any game you have played to date. Some of the graphics are dated, but this doesn't affect the actual gameplay. Lore info and the lineage from EQ to EQ2 is very spotty. Some expansions have great lore and story, others look like it was thrown together at the last moment. There are tons of quests to do. Alot don't reward you with gear or items that will use long, if ever, but they can be a lot of fun.
Heck for $20 pick up EQ:Titanium and give it a try.
Have fun and good luck!
2.) The first screenshot you show is more representative of the "old world" zones in EQ. This was way back before most expansions, and still represents a majority of the low level content you will see now. The better screenshots you link are in areas that require high level grouping/raid encounters. Graphics in EQ run a wide spectrum of quality. Some of the older zones have been "revamped" with new npc models, and some have been revamped all together so everything looks new. But then again, everything will be new to you.
3.) Everquest is HUGE. Players have played since 1999 and still not explored every nook and cranny there is to see out there. I still find it overwhelming how much there is out there to explore, and I'm one of those players that has been playing since 1999.
4.) It can be very difficult at times to find others to group up with at the lower levels. Pick a class named above that does well solo to fill the time between looking for a group.
Summary:
EQ is a beautiful world to explore with more depth than you'll find in any game you have played to date. Some of the graphics are dated, but this doesn't affect the actual gameplay. Lore info and the lineage from EQ to EQ2 is very spotty. Some expansions have great lore and story, others look like it was thrown together at the last moment. There are tons of quests to do. Alot don't reward you with gear or items that will use long, if ever, but they can be a lot of fun.
Heck for $20 pick up EQ:Titanium and give it a try.
Have fun and good luck!
I've been playing over 4 years and I don't think I've seen half the zones in the game, much less done 10% of the quests available. The Original everquest was pretty big, and that was 10 expansions ago. As the technology has changed, EQ has attempted to keep up graphics-wise with new expansions, but you can't expect them to go back and re-code all the earlier expansions to make them prettier. The gnoll reaver was rendered with 7 or 8 year old technology, the Guardian is from a highend zone that's only 2 or 3 years old, and the screenshot of the sunrise/sunset is probably from the latest expansion. Yes, you will still find all three technolgies in the game, which is why it can be so hard to fix and find bugs in the game.
Beasts are good soloers, Necro's hands down have to be the best solo'ers and do outstanding DPS in the high-end game. Druids can solo, plus they have decent healing abilities. It all depends on what you want to do as a player. Just keep in mind that as your character progresses, it will go through phases where it's role will change as it levels up.
Beasts are good soloers, Necro's hands down have to be the best solo'ers and do outstanding DPS in the high-end game. Druids can solo, plus they have decent healing abilities. It all depends on what you want to do as a player. Just keep in mind that as your character progresses, it will go through phases where it's role will change as it levels up.
1) Soloability.
If you want to solo do not pick a warrior. Clerics are better now then before but still not great exspcially at lower levels. For soloing I would say Necro/Druid are great. Beastlord, Shadowknight, Shaman, and Chanter have some high lights too but have down sides too.
It isnt really a soloers game. Designed for groups. If you want high desireablity for groups make a cleric, never enough of them.
2) Graphics.
Those screen shots are from completely differnt areas. 1st on is from the Karanas. That is old school original EQ. Also they dont have their Sky turned on and from teh look of those trees so sad sad clipping settings on that PC. The 2nd one is Uqua. A raid level zone from GoD. That shot is probly the only place in the zone that looks good at all. 90% of it is just grey hallways. 3rd is Cittidel of Anguish. The end zone from OOW exspansion. You can see graphics have gotten better as they go, but this person has his sky turned on. so it looks much better. Turn that sky effect off and it won't look much better than the 1st one.
Does it take a lot of work with camera angles and timing to get good shots?
/shrug I never bother. Dont think it is that hard tho.
Do newer expansion areas have significantly better textures and graphics?
Yes, far and away. The old stuff is sad compared to the new. Dragons of Norath has mist floating knee deep and some great textures and "flowing" multi layed stuff.
Could one field area be a flat green expanse and the adjacent 2004 expansion area look exceptionally more intricate?
Exactly
Personally game play is MUCH more important than looks. I play with many settings off so I get better performance.
3) World size.
EQ with 10 (11? losing track) exspansions is HUGE. With the addition of Plane of knowedge travel ceased being a 4 hour adventure. It used to be that you had to spend 1 night traveling and log where you wanted to play the next night. That isn't so bad now.
4) Newbie trickle.
This will be one of the short comings of EQ1. Not many low level folks running around. They exsist but few and far between that are not being fast tracked alts. However you can DL the tutorial and play to level for free. At that level there were many people in tutorial when I tried it. Make some friend s that have similar play time, or talk to some RL friends and play together. Will make this aspect better for you in the long run.
If you want to solo do not pick a warrior. Clerics are better now then before but still not great exspcially at lower levels. For soloing I would say Necro/Druid are great. Beastlord, Shadowknight, Shaman, and Chanter have some high lights too but have down sides too.
It isnt really a soloers game. Designed for groups. If you want high desireablity for groups make a cleric, never enough of them.
2) Graphics.
Those screen shots are from completely differnt areas. 1st on is from the Karanas. That is old school original EQ. Also they dont have their Sky turned on and from teh look of those trees so sad sad clipping settings on that PC. The 2nd one is Uqua. A raid level zone from GoD. That shot is probly the only place in the zone that looks good at all. 90% of it is just grey hallways. 3rd is Cittidel of Anguish. The end zone from OOW exspansion. You can see graphics have gotten better as they go, but this person has his sky turned on. so it looks much better. Turn that sky effect off and it won't look much better than the 1st one.
Does it take a lot of work with camera angles and timing to get good shots?
/shrug I never bother. Dont think it is that hard tho.
Do newer expansion areas have significantly better textures and graphics?
Yes, far and away. The old stuff is sad compared to the new. Dragons of Norath has mist floating knee deep and some great textures and "flowing" multi layed stuff.
Could one field area be a flat green expanse and the adjacent 2004 expansion area look exceptionally more intricate?
Exactly
Personally game play is MUCH more important than looks. I play with many settings off so I get better performance.
3) World size.
EQ with 10 (11? losing track) exspansions is HUGE. With the addition of Plane of knowedge travel ceased being a 4 hour adventure. It used to be that you had to spend 1 night traveling and log where you wanted to play the next night. That isn't so bad now.
4) Newbie trickle.
This will be one of the short comings of EQ1. Not many low level folks running around. They exsist but few and far between that are not being fast tracked alts. However you can DL the tutorial and play to level for free. At that level there were many people in tutorial when I tried it. Make some friend s that have similar play time, or talk to some RL friends and play together. Will make this aspect better for you in the long run.
Don't come to EQ if you want to solo. EQ's a great game, but not for it.
You can solo up the high-end levels in some classes if you are intimately aware of gameplay and zones. I've done this with two characters. However, once in the high end, soloing just doesn't work. To be on par, or even just not too far below it, you'll need to raid a good deal, or, perhaps since PoR's release, just group pretty heavily.
You can solo up the high-end levels in some classes if you are intimately aware of gameplay and zones. I've done this with two characters. However, once in the high end, soloing just doesn't work. To be on par, or even just not too far below it, you'll need to raid a good deal, or, perhaps since PoR's release, just group pretty heavily.
38 posts
I'm not really qualified to answer all of your questions, since I've only been playing for about a month so far, but...
Could one field area be a flat green expanse and the adjacent 2004 expansion area look exceptionally more intricate?
I can honestly answer YES to this, especially if you are on the continent of Antonica (the main old-world continent.) For example, the graphics in Innothule Swamp will (almost) make you want to vomit, but zone in to neighboring South Ro, and you'll be blown away. At least I was.
Could one field area be a flat green expanse and the adjacent 2004 expansion area look exceptionally more intricate?
I can honestly answer YES to this, especially if you are on the continent of Antonica (the main old-world continent.) For example, the graphics in Innothule Swamp will (almost) make you want to vomit, but zone in to neighboring South Ro, and you'll be blown away. At least I was.
EQ for a starting character these days is very exciting.
The toutorial which takes you to level 10 threw a series of quests and side quests, and the subsequent Plane of Knowledge quests given by V'lynn Renloe Castelin Drew and Barenzini will have you outfited in the best armor and equipment the game has ever seen. By the time you have completed all of these quests you should be very near lvl 20 and outfited from head to toe. Allahkazam and the people that keep it updated are very good resources as to what is expected from these quests. EQ world is so very massave and the oldtimers are very bad at abreviating everything so .. it does get quite confusing when someone asks you if you want to go to PC for some experiance grinding...You can if you pick the right character .. IE one that has a pet from the start like a Necro for instance go very far early on just hiting the streets looking to solo. It is true that on some servers the old timers outnumber the new characters 10 to one ... and it is dificult to get groups together for intresting stuff at lower levels. EQ is very much to blame for that .. because with expansion after expansion geared to players over 50 .. IE the ever increasing aa's and level cap increases no one has time to start new characters while they are trying to keep up with the Joneses so to speak. On the other hand there are alot of old players that are just burned out on the game and have semi retired there main toons in favor of the fun of having a new toon to toy with .. sort of the old .. If I had known back then what I know now syndrome. I am one of those .. and I play a virety of Drwarf characters all arround lvl 12 now .. taking turns with each one of them gearing them up threw the aformentioned quests. EQ is and always will be a pain in the azz but so very much fun and pace setting MMMMMORPG. Have fun with it .. and if it isnt .. can that toon and start another one and have fun with that one. To snswer your graphic questions .. if and when you want to take the time to watch the sun set ... it does every day .. and in some zones the EQ earth rises .. not the EQ moon .. And, if you are forced to group because there is no other way to play a certain zone .. chances of getting a moron are as likley as getting a seasoned vet that isnt one ... lol its in the luck of the draw on pick up groups .. you will make frends fast .. and EQ has a very efecient way of allowing you to keep track of them so you can group when yall are all on together.
The toutorial which takes you to level 10 threw a series of quests and side quests, and the subsequent Plane of Knowledge quests given by V'lynn Renloe Castelin Drew and Barenzini will have you outfited in the best armor and equipment the game has ever seen. By the time you have completed all of these quests you should be very near lvl 20 and outfited from head to toe. Allahkazam and the people that keep it updated are very good resources as to what is expected from these quests. EQ world is so very massave and the oldtimers are very bad at abreviating everything so .. it does get quite confusing when someone asks you if you want to go to PC for some experiance grinding...You can if you pick the right character .. IE one that has a pet from the start like a Necro for instance go very far early on just hiting the streets looking to solo. It is true that on some servers the old timers outnumber the new characters 10 to one ... and it is dificult to get groups together for intresting stuff at lower levels. EQ is very much to blame for that .. because with expansion after expansion geared to players over 50 .. IE the ever increasing aa's and level cap increases no one has time to start new characters while they are trying to keep up with the Joneses so to speak. On the other hand there are alot of old players that are just burned out on the game and have semi retired there main toons in favor of the fun of having a new toon to toy with .. sort of the old .. If I had known back then what I know now syndrome. I am one of those .. and I play a virety of Drwarf characters all arround lvl 12 now .. taking turns with each one of them gearing them up threw the aformentioned quests. EQ is and always will be a pain in the azz but so very much fun and pace setting MMMMMORPG. Have fun with it .. and if it isnt .. can that toon and start another one and have fun with that one. To snswer your graphic questions .. if and when you want to take the time to watch the sun set ... it does every day .. and in some zones the EQ earth rises .. not the EQ moon .. And, if you are forced to group because there is no other way to play a certain zone .. chances of getting a moron are as likley as getting a seasoned vet that isnt one ... lol its in the luck of the draw on pick up groups .. you will make frends fast .. and EQ has a very efecient way of allowing you to keep track of them so you can group when yall are all on together.
If you want to solo a lot you will be playing a caster. Necro,druid and shaman in my book are the top three, with beastlord a close fourth. Mages, and wizards are also managable.
All other classes can solo,( my ranger has done so up to level 40, but only against animal mobs, and I have also done a lot of soloing on my paladin) if you pick the mob and area carefully.
BUT as said above, EQ is not designed for the soloing player. It was/is designed with the idea that you will be grouping with folks.
All other classes can solo,( my ranger has done so up to level 40, but only against animal mobs, and I have also done a lot of soloing on my paladin) if you pick the mob and area carefully.
BUT as said above, EQ is not designed for the soloing player. It was/is designed with the idea that you will be grouping with folks.
1: Soloing is basically dependant on class and equipment, there are classes that cannot solo unless extremely well equiped and no class can progress well unless in a certain level of equipment.
Fortunately the EQ ecconomy is geared in such a way that being able to obtain the level of equipment required is trivial. Either by purchasing plat if you are that way inclined or hunting for certain easily availible items if you are not.
Spiderling and spider silks still sell for huge amount in relation to the effort required to obtain them, the main reason being that it takes time to get them and people who are high level would rather purchase what they need from other players.
Best classes are Necromancer, Druid and Beastlord but other classes certainly are up there if well played.
2. Graphics are mixed and the SoE engine is atually three engines placed over the top of each othre so there can be lag issues. New zones (LDoN onwards tend to be on par with WoW without being cartooony)
3. EQ is larger in all respects to any other game on the market. This unforunately mean you are often on your own if you stray of the well beaten "Level Superhighway" but if you want a bit of peace you can find it easily and camps past lvl 50 are varied and generally free to walk into.
4. not hugely difficult on the basic level path but don't expct to go to an obscure zone and find dozens of people at lower (read sub lvl 70) levels.
Fortunately the EQ ecconomy is geared in such a way that being able to obtain the level of equipment required is trivial. Either by purchasing plat if you are that way inclined or hunting for certain easily availible items if you are not.
Spiderling and spider silks still sell for huge amount in relation to the effort required to obtain them, the main reason being that it takes time to get them and people who are high level would rather purchase what they need from other players.
Best classes are Necromancer, Druid and Beastlord but other classes certainly are up there if well played.
2. Graphics are mixed and the SoE engine is atually three engines placed over the top of each othre so there can be lag issues. New zones (LDoN onwards tend to be on par with WoW without being cartooony)
3. EQ is larger in all respects to any other game on the market. This unforunately mean you are often on your own if you stray of the well beaten "Level Superhighway" but if you want a bit of peace you can find it easily and camps past lvl 50 are varied and generally free to walk into.
4. not hugely difficult on the basic level path but don't expct to go to an obscure zone and find dozens of people at lower (read sub lvl 70) levels.
Recent Visitors: 121
All times are in CST
Anonymous Guests (121)
- Forums
- EverQuest
- General Discussion
- I might want to be starting soon. Fill me in on EQ. :)
© 2024 Fanbyte LLC