Hmmmm, how to point out pros and cons without making it an incoherent mess......I'll use a point by point system.
Pros
1. In-game tutorial. There is a comprehensive in-game tutorial that will show you the ropes. The tutorial will pop-up whenever you get a new skill or item that needs explaining, even when you're a high level.
2. Evolving universe. There's a story going on in E&B, and it has a very noticeable effect in missions and what the news network reports. It's not a static universe, and YOU can influence it, and even get your name on the news or create the news.
3. 3 areas of Experience. Unlike most MMORPGs the focus is not on killing things. Combat, exploration and trade are the 3 key areas which you can advance in. Each level increases your character level, and consequently which skills you can increase in. All 3 are important, and all 3 decide what your character can, or can't do.
4. Skills with unique abilities. Increasing a skill by one point doesn't just give you a 10% better chance to hit. Sometimes it can give you a new ability. The first level of Cloak for example allows you to cloak yourself, and move at half speed. Subsequent levels will allow you to move at full speed along with an increase to base damage when uncloaking, and eventually, cloak your whole group.
5. Integrated missions. The missions aren't just an opportunity to get l33t loot. Many are required to get ship upgrades and skills, and you cannot do them multiple times, so people won't be camping an area doing the same mission over and over. Other optional missions are a part of the ongoing storyline, and will vary depending on which faction you choose. Players from different factions will have completely different missions, so again, you won't have to compete for a spot.
6. No need to group. Unlike EQ, the "monsters" aren't so hard that you MUST group in order to take them down. If you'd rather explore, trade and kill on your own for awhile, you can. But grouping brings about increased XP awards for all involved, so you won't have to look long to find a group to join. The more the merrier.
7. Everyone has something to offer. Not all classes can learn all skills, and some skills are highly sought after. Traders can repair ships and systems and get better deals when buying/selling, explorers can open wormholes and jumpstart derelict players, while warriors offer their combat skills to help turn the tide of any battle.
Cons
1. It's 13$ a month.
2. Ship upgrades are far and few between, and shield upgrades are usually slated for the same level, so if you're into killing things, and having trouble, you'll be having trouble for a long time, unless you group.
3. Very large playing field. If you start jumping willy-nilly, it's easy to lose your grip on where you are, and where you should be. In space, there are no roads or road signs.
4. Just one more level. Because you're always getting XP in some area it can keep you playing past your intended limit. Especially so if you're in a good group. No, seriously, this is a con, more so if you have to be somewhere in the morning, or have some other task that requires your attention.
I'm not a member of any guild yet, though i've received offers from Dark Empire and Strength and Honour, the two largest guilds on Orion(in Dark Empire's case, the largest guild in the whole game). I want to see which guilds are out there, and what they offer before i commit myself. If joining a guild as soon as you log on is your objective, you needn't worry. Everything from faction specific guilds to "come-one-come-all" guilds are recruiting at all times. Just announce your intent on the New Players channel, and expect a barrage of offers.
Hot dang! This must be my longest post ever. If Westwood hadn't gone out of business, i would mail them my bill for posting this advertisment. Â*
02-17-2003, 11:42 PM
Linear Mode
