Is this worth playing as a new player?Follow

Hi everyone

I don't know if anyone still reads these boards actively, but I'll give it a shot anyways. Here is my situation.

I have been wanting to play this game since it came out but for several reasons, I never got around to it. I have been playing MMOs for years, EQ, EQ2, WoW. I have great nostalgia when I think back to my EQ playing days.

Last week, I saw a copy on eBay and picked it up. The problem is, I don't have a PS2 and would need to purchase one, just to try the game out. The other problem is, I don't know if I am going to like it. It looks like its a damn fun game, regardless of the fact that the graphics are old. The fact that I can lay on my couch and immerse myself into an MMO is what really appeals to me. However, what concerns me is the lack of player population.

I hear that CLW is where its at, but what can I REALLY expect when I log in as a level 1 character? Does anyone bother grouping up for grinding, doing dungeons, stuff like that, or is everyone pretty much a quad-boxer levelling up alts to 60 as quickly as possible? Do normal groups even exist anymore? Even though CLW is the most populated server, what does that mean, 200 ppl on, all high levels, or is it very active where I can easily find a group?

My other question is, how solo friendy is this game? I can sometimes play for extended periods of time, but I consider myself to be a casual player, avg 20 hours a week. If I can't find a group during a session, can I reasonably expect to get anything done by myself?

I guess what I am looking for is for people to give me a good reason to try this game. I really want to, but I'd like for someone to give me an honest answer.

Also, if any guilds out there are willing to help me out and take me under their wing, I'd love to contribute at the end game and be an active player within their guild :P

Sorry for the wall of text, and look forwards to your replies, thanks in advance!!!

I just started back up with this game after a few years of playing other MMO's. I wanted to get back into a basic MMO that i can be a couch potato playing this again. I remember liking the simplicity of the game. I logged in for the first time yesterday and didnt see anyone in the area, but again, it is probably because everyone is a higher lvl and/or the server is a low pop server. I am going to keep playing and see how it goes... I suggest doing giving it a go!!