I know that my posts about Runes of Magic were walls of text. I'm sorry. There was a lot to say and I didn't have patience or the time to break it up into multiple articles. I was reading Hudson's Hideout and noticed a post about Runes of Magic and the associated comments. I had this in my article and in a comment reply. However, in case you missed it I'll save you some trouble and put it front and center. This is what I replied on Hudson's thread...
Hi Guys
If you’re enjoying EQ2, LOTRO or WOW, Runes has absolutely nothing to offer you since it can’t possibly (and may never) have the polish of those well established multi-million dollar development funded games.
However, if you’re not playing one of the current AAA titles, enjoy fantasy, are not opposed to playing in a RMT-enabled game and would enjoy a more homey feeling MMO experience THEN you should give Runes a try.
For me, Runes is giving me the EQ2 experience that I’ve wanted without the suck questing system. I’ve always hated leveling in EQ2 and God knows I’ve tried to like it. Now I have very similar features, simplified crafting, more enjoyable leveling/questing and it’s free unless I choose to spend money. It’s a win-win situation for players in my situation.
So let me stress this point again so people don't waste time on a long download/patch, jump in and see the obvious, which is that it's a lot like WOW and be all disappointed. It IS a WOW/EQ2/LOTRO clone pure and simple. They have however, extended the combat mechanic with a dual class system, provided many ways to twink/customize your character to suit your playing style and there's lots of little tinkering-type activities to keep you engaged when you're not in the mood to go ding. Regardless, you will NOT be replacing WOW/EQ2/LOTRO for Runes of Magic. This is for players who aren't playing those, don't want to play those or want something similar in their downtime from playing those.
Great way to put it, actually. RoM is shaping up as a nice free alternative for those unwilling to pay for or not already playing a big subscription fantasy MMO.
Posted by: Ardwulf | February 07, 2009 at 11:47 AM
While I tend to agree with a lot of what you are saying, I am actually one of those people whom IS replacing a subscription MMO with ROM. After two years of WoW, a couple of flirtations with LOTRO, and a brief stint in GW (albeit free MMO in its own right), I am finding ROM to be refreshing. While the interface and questing is a lot like WoW and LOTRO, and the graphics remind me of LOTRO, I am loving a lot of the little things that you have touched upon in your blog. The fact that I can have every profession (up to a point) is very nice, no longer do I have to figure out which two professions I should do and roll several alts or spend massive $$ for the mats I need for the professions I am unable to learn. I also love the dual-class system. I am enjoying ROM enough to say goodbye to WoW (which I was going to do anyway when my subscription is up in March - stupid me with a 6-month subscription...grrr...). I can play ROM as often and as hardcore as I want to, get nearly the same experience as in a paid MMO, and I am paying nothing up front or on a monthly basis.
Here is a big thanks to Saylah for pointing this game out to me, and for being so nice in-game!!!
Roma
Posted by: RomaGoth | February 07, 2009 at 01:46 PM
You're welcome Roma. I think I'm going to do something I've never done before which is start a guild. If I hadn't just spent 30K gold on a shield and 2nd & 3rd pieces to a nice set I would do it now. Unfortunately, you need 40K gold I think to start a guild.
I think it would be good to have a common group to come back to as people come in and out of the game. With it's similarity to other games people may come and go since this is free. With a guild of our own, you'd always have somewhere to come back to when you want. I need 3 other people and 40K gold. Once I have the gold I'll post and would appreciate people logging on at a specified time to help me create the guild charter.
Posted by: Alysianah aka Saylah | February 07, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Funny, I was just thinking about doing the same thing. I have started a couple in WoW, so if you need help or even would like me to start it I am up for it. Whatever works...
Roma
Posted by: RomaGoth | February 07, 2009 at 04:04 PM
come to Darkfall darling. u dont need to suffer anymore (not true but i think u get the point)
Posted by: elias | February 08, 2009 at 08:03 PM