Questions about this gameFollow

1.) What is level grind like in this game?
2.) What is grouping like, and how required is it?
3.) If I must group how long do you usually find yourself looking for a group?
4.) How does PvP work, and what kind of PvP specific stuff is there?
5.) Is there anything I missed that might be important to the overall gameplay?

on a 1 - 10 scale, 10 being the highest,what would you rate this game?

First and foremost know that both of us EvilGnomes are now depressed that we bought a 6 month acct to EQ2 - and we can't get a refund. We'd drop it if we could. So, being stuck w/ it for now, we're trying to make the best of it. While aspects of EQ2 are very cool and enjoyable, other parts of it are so bassackwards and frustrating that for us... well, we hate those parts a LOT.

That said, a LOT of players in here LOVE EQ2 - so don't go on what I say alone.

1.) What is level grind like in this game?

I have no one over lvl 30, but so far it's not that bad. At least mobs tagged "group" really do give more experience. Lvls 1 to 10 are really easy. Hitting 20 is not that hard. I've slowed down because - i've had to play up several artisan chars to keep us equiped w/ boxes, bags and upgrades. And... the combat system is not what I was hoping for - and I've gotten a little tired of fighting. Oh, quests sometimes give HUGE boosts of exp - seek em out - it's cool when that happens. Too bad these are one-time only.

2.) What is grouping like, and how required is it?

Not at all required, at least not before 30 - IF - you keep your armor and weapons upgraded (u can make or buy em - or quest for em) and if you keep your spells/abilities upgraded. Most players say that "priests" (druid shaman cleric) are the best soloers because they can heal while fighting - and have decent nukes. That said, all classes can solo. Hint, if you kill blue and green group mobs you level a lot faster soloing than if you stick to "solo" tagged mobs - and loot is better. Grouping is required for some quests and some zones. But you can solo up to the high levels - and do other quests for decent gear (I think the best gear needs to be quested for in groups in general - at least starting at the lvl 20 armor quests, that seems true).

3.) If I must group how long do you usually find yourself looking for a group?

I go to the zone where I expect to fight and do "/ooc lvl x Fury or lvl x Sorcerer looking for experience group". Well, that's if I want exp. And unless it's a bad time I get offers instantly (bad time is really late at night USA time - and even then I do find groups). But as a healer and a nuker I'm highly desired in groups. I've heard that Enchanters can't get groups cuz no one understands what they do. If you're looking to do AQ2 say - expect a longer wait, esp. in off hours (armor quest 2) - when u need a grp for a specific purpose, like a quest, it can sometimes take ages to get one.
I often hear /ooc requests for a healer to do this or that. Tanks are sometimes also hollered for. I'd say at this point in the game that healers and tanks are the "most" sought after players in groups and have the easiest time getting them.

4.) How does PvP work, and what kind of PvP specific stuff is there?

Is none and won't be for some time - they might implement dueling and arena fights later this year. The pvp arenas exist but have signs saying they are "temporarily closed". No outright pvp or pvp servers are planned.

5.) Is there anything I missed that might be important to the overall gameplay?

If yer background is DaoC or FF you might like this game - it's stole- er derivative of them. Classes have a limited variety of spells and tactics - there are Heroic Opportunities (cast spells in a certain order and get extra damage or buffs) - but it is NOTHING like old EQ, where certain classes could literally go out there and "fly" (because of the variety of spells and the variety of tactics you could employ). In EQ2 you can't split groups of mobs - except by rooting stunning or mezzing one or several of them - there is no calm, pacify or harmony - no FD pulling - fighting is much more "bring it on" - almost no finesse imo. Note, others disagree w/ me on this - but most of those who do never played old EQ.

on a 1 - 10 scale, 10 being the highest,what would you rate this game?

I don't dare - and to be honest, I don't know. I like the graphics - and perversely I sort of like the crafting system - except that i HATE all crafting -- I still find stuff to enjoy in the game - but it's w/ a cloud of disappointment hanging over me. I feel they so missed out on cool things - and chose to CONTROL us instead - and have decided to try squeezing us for extra money with gippy stuff like only 4 character slots TOTAL - an on-line player merchant system (which forces u to buy another account if you want to sell while u play, etc.) - grrrrumble grumble ( $$$) - I'll stop now.

Listen to what other posters say - I tend to be very very hard on EQ2 - and there is good stuff in it - but I've played mmo's for years now - and I'm disappointed in EQ2. It's not the "next generation" of mmo I thought it would be - not by a long shot - and it's just not ... not as "fun" as I'd like somehow. Well, that's my - but again, tons of people are totally digging this game and having fun - so let them speak - and hear them out pls, cuz if you were "meant to like EQ2", I really don't want to have stopped you from playing it. We're all different, and I do try to respect that. GL!

Thanks for all the information, but i have another question, how are the zones in this game? i remmeber in EQ some zone were as rediculous as the lag, but then again i had minimum requirements.