Heya! I played EQII years ago when it first came out. I never got past level 11 if I remember correctly and ended up quitting primarily because of the horrible lag. I'm contemplating returning in the near future and had a few questions that can hopefully get cleared up here.
First is in regards to the lag. Is it less problematic than during release? Also, I should make it known that my computer has the minimum required specs and no more. Would something like RAM, etc affect lag issues at all? I'd rather not invest too much in getting more upgrades at this point if it isn't necessary.
Second is in regards to controllers. I'm very used to using controllers rather than the keyboard. I know full well that EQ2 is more keyboard driven but does anyone know if it's controller compatible? And if so, how would I go about setting it up? If it's not controller compatible, is it at least possible to switch buttons into doing something else? For example, could I make the arrow keys be the movement keys instead of the W, A, S, D keys?
My next question is in regards to the trial. If I were to download the trial only at this point and create a character, would I be able to transfer that character into the actual game? I'm assuming the trial of the isle or whatever uses the same servers as the actual game but just wanted to make sure that you don't lose your character after the trial.
Finally, I am an avid roleplayer when it comes to MMORPG's. I know that there are two RP servers but I remember a lot of non-RPers flooding the AB server when the game first came out. This was primarily because it was the first server on the list and whatnot. Has the population of the RP server(s) "fixed" itself to a degree or is one of the two servers more centered on RP than the other?
That's all I have for now. If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to ask. Thanks in advance^^
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Answers in-line...
First is in regards to the lag. Is it less problematic than during release? Also, I should make it known that my computer has the minimum required specs and no more. Would something like RAM, etc affect lag issues at all? I'd rather not invest too much in getting more upgrades at this point if it isn't necessary.
They have made several improvements to the client which eliminated much of the launch lag. There are a couple of high stress zones that still cause folk with even better-than-average rigs to stutter a bit (QH, Neriak), but they are few and far between. A good 256MB video card and 2GB of RAM should be sufficient for smooth-enough EQ2 playing, though upgrading to a 512MB card and 4GB of system RAM wouldn't hurt.
Second is in regards to controllers. I'm very used to using controllers rather than the keyboard. I know full well that EQ2 is more keyboard driven but does anyone know if it's controller compatible? And if so, how would I go about setting it up? If it's not controller compatible, is it at least possible to switch buttons into doing something else? For example, could I make the arrow keys be the movement keys instead of the W, A, S, D keys?
A game pad...well, I won't tell you it can't be done, because it can, but you would be very limited in what you could do. On top of that you would have to jump through a lot of hoops to get it working correctly. Your best bet is to just get used to the good `ol keyboard & mouse combo (or trackball if you prefer). The good news for you though, is that yes, EQ2's controls are fully customizable with regards to the keyboard. The in-game options allow you to set just about any key to do whatever it is you want so that you can set it up in a way that is comfortable for you.
My next question is in regards to the trial. If I were to download the trial only at this point and create a character, would I be able to transfer that character into the actual game? I'm assuming the trial of the isle or whatever uses the same servers as the actual game but just wanted to make sure that you don't lose your character after the trial.
Yes, you can keep any characters that you create during the trial. The trial is essentially the full game client, but sort of held back so that you can only access/travel to certain content and attain certain levels. Once you upgrade to the full license you are essentially just 'unlocking' the content and levels you could not access before. You don't have to start over again unless you want to.
Finally, I am an avid roleplayer when it comes to MMORPG's. I know that there are two RP servers but I remember a lot of non-RPers flooding the AB server when the game first came out. This was primarily because it was the first server on the list and whatnot. Has the population of the RP server(s) "fixed" itself to a degree or is one of the two servers more centered on RP than the other?
AB is still the most populated server by far. While RP is preferred it isn't enforced. Fortunately the RP tag keeps most of the kiddies away and you have, for the most part, a mature community there that, even though they may not all RP themselves, are accepting of RP'ers. There are also several large RP only or RP strict guilds that you can join. So if you're asking if everyone on AB and LD are dedicated RP'ers the answer is "No". But if you want to know if there is a robust RP community for you to fall in with and have a good time (understanding that you will have to be fine with non-rp'ers in pickup groups) then the answer is most definately, "Yes".
That's all I have for now. If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to ask. Thanks in advance^^
Anytime
Edited, Jul 3rd 2008 1:06pm by Stugein
Belledora wrote:
First is in regards to the lag. Is it less problematic than during release? Also, I should make it known that my computer has the minimum required specs and no more. Would something like RAM, etc affect lag issues at all? I'd rather not invest too much in getting more upgrades at this point if it isn't necessary.
They have made several improvements to the client which eliminated much of the launch lag. There are a couple of high stress zones that still cause folk with even better-than-average rigs to stutter a bit (QH, Neriak), but they are few and far between. A good 256MB video card and 2GB of RAM should be sufficient for smooth-enough EQ2 playing, though upgrading to a 512MB card and 4GB of system RAM wouldn't hurt.
Second is in regards to controllers. I'm very used to using controllers rather than the keyboard. I know full well that EQ2 is more keyboard driven but does anyone know if it's controller compatible? And if so, how would I go about setting it up? If it's not controller compatible, is it at least possible to switch buttons into doing something else? For example, could I make the arrow keys be the movement keys instead of the W, A, S, D keys?
A game pad...well, I won't tell you it can't be done, because it can, but you would be very limited in what you could do. On top of that you would have to jump through a lot of hoops to get it working correctly. Your best bet is to just get used to the good `ol keyboard & mouse combo (or trackball if you prefer). The good news for you though, is that yes, EQ2's controls are fully customizable with regards to the keyboard. The in-game options allow you to set just about any key to do whatever it is you want so that you can set it up in a way that is comfortable for you.
My next question is in regards to the trial. If I were to download the trial only at this point and create a character, would I be able to transfer that character into the actual game? I'm assuming the trial of the isle or whatever uses the same servers as the actual game but just wanted to make sure that you don't lose your character after the trial.
Yes, you can keep any characters that you create during the trial. The trial is essentially the full game client, but sort of held back so that you can only access/travel to certain content and attain certain levels. Once you upgrade to the full license you are essentially just 'unlocking' the content and levels you could not access before. You don't have to start over again unless you want to.
Finally, I am an avid roleplayer when it comes to MMORPG's. I know that there are two RP servers but I remember a lot of non-RPers flooding the AB server when the game first came out. This was primarily because it was the first server on the list and whatnot. Has the population of the RP server(s) "fixed" itself to a degree or is one of the two servers more centered on RP than the other?
AB is still the most populated server by far. While RP is preferred it isn't enforced. Fortunately the RP tag keeps most of the kiddies away and you have, for the most part, a mature community there that, even though they may not all RP themselves, are accepting of RP'ers. There are also several large RP only or RP strict guilds that you can join. So if you're asking if everyone on AB and LD are dedicated RP'ers the answer is "No". But if you want to know if there is a robust RP community for you to fall in with and have a good time (understanding that you will have to be fine with non-rp'ers in pickup groups) then the answer is most definately, "Yes".
That's all I have for now. If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to ask. Thanks in advance^^
Anytime
Edited, Jul 3rd 2008 1:06pm by Stugein
Stugein did a great job with the bulk of your questions. So good in fact that I only have a comment in one area...
Depending on the kind of controller you have in mind, this could be very easy (or very difficult) to do.
There is a class of 'left hand' desk-top USB controllers like the Belkin N52 that are designed to work with a wide variety of PC games. These are far more complex then the 'two-hand' devices that do nothing more then mimic (limited) console game function on a PC.
Using an N52, I have been able to relegate my keyboard to the function of 'chat only' and find that between my trackball and N52 I can do anything I need to do faster and more transparently then with a keyboard.
Yes you can, in fact I believe they are already set up this way but even if that isn't a default setup you can go into your option panel and alter or add the commands.
Edited, Jul 3rd 2008 11:34am by OldBlueDragon
Quote:
Second is in regards to controllers. I'm very used to using controllers rather than the keyboard. I know full well that EQ2 is more keyboard driven but does anyone know if it's controller compatible?
Depending on the kind of controller you have in mind, this could be very easy (or very difficult) to do.
There is a class of 'left hand' desk-top USB controllers like the Belkin N52 that are designed to work with a wide variety of PC games. These are far more complex then the 'two-hand' devices that do nothing more then mimic (limited) console game function on a PC.
Using an N52, I have been able to relegate my keyboard to the function of 'chat only' and find that between my trackball and N52 I can do anything I need to do faster and more transparently then with a keyboard.
Quote:
...If it's not controller compatible, is it at least possible to switch buttons into doing something else? For example, could I make the arrow keys be the movement keys instead of the W, A, S, D keys?
Yes you can, in fact I believe they are already set up this way but even if that isn't a default setup you can go into your option panel and alter or add the commands.
Edited, Jul 3rd 2008 11:34am by OldBlueDragon
Can you make a gaming controller work, yes. Is it usable, not really.
As OBD said, the gaming keyboards work great. I started using one in my WoW days when I played on a PvP server. In WoW, a mouse turner and a keyboard turner was the difference between a decent PvPer and an easy kill. Now that I have trained myself to use the mouse to move and everything else hot keyed to the gaming keyboard, I find it hard to switch back. It's so much easier to know where you have everything hot keyed and be able to press it without having to try positioning a pointer over a button and take your eyes off the main action on the screen.
Personally, I use a Fang and a MX Revolution mouse. My keyboard is strictly used for chat.
As OBD said, the gaming keyboards work great. I started using one in my WoW days when I played on a PvP server. In WoW, a mouse turner and a keyboard turner was the difference between a decent PvPer and an easy kill. Now that I have trained myself to use the mouse to move and everything else hot keyed to the gaming keyboard, I find it hard to switch back. It's so much easier to know where you have everything hot keyed and be able to press it without having to try positioning a pointer over a button and take your eyes off the main action on the screen.
Personally, I use a Fang and a MX Revolution mouse. My keyboard is strictly used for chat.
OldBlueDragon wrote:
Quote:
...If it's not controller compatible, is it at least possible to switch buttons into doing something else? For example, could I make the arrow keys be the movement keys instead of the W, A, S, D keys?
Yes you can, in fact I believe they are already set up this way but even if that isn't a default setup you can go into your option panel and alter or add the commands.
OBD is correct - you may use the WASD or the arrows on your 101 keyboard OR your numpad, and if you hate all that you can change them in Options. Oh, you can also move with your mouse.
Hubby uses a gamepad, although I've no clue on the details.
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Thanks for the replies. I suppose I can just get used to living without a controller. As for the 1 GB RAM upgrade and 256 MB video card, does anyone know an approximate cost estimate on that? Like I said, I'd rather not pay too much into this. At the same time, I also realize it may be difficult to play at times with just the minimum specs.
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