new, questions AC1 & AC2

[chameleon9691]

Hi all,
I've newly joined this forum because I am thinking of buying Asheron's Call in the next couple of days.

I have been trialling Asheron's Call 2 for the past few weeks, mainly because I didn't know which one I'd like better, and with AC2 I didn't have to pay for the game up front. Now, of course, AC2 is ending, and being a beginner player in a dying game is a distinctly odd feeling.

I'm beginning to think I'd be better playing AC1 instead. So, I have questions.

Is AC1 definitely not ending in the forseeable future? I'd like to be able to play it until at least LOTRO comes out.

Is the AC1 population diverse enough for a new or low-level player to fit in ok? I'm thinking about my current experience in AC2 where there is -nobody- at my level to talk to or quest with, not to mention nothing for sale in the shops. It's a definite joined-the-game-too-late feeling. Would I get that with AC1 as well?

Any comments comparing the two games would be helpful. Thanks.

[kclobo2003]

AC1 is not closing down anytime soon.

and Lately there are or atleast on TD low lvls running around now, and there is always someone to help.

There should'nt be a "joined the game " to late b/c the vendors reset so they don't keep items in there people sell and now with the new xpack out theres lots of people to with depending which server and time.

WB and do hope you enjoy yourself for what ever you choose

[Gyes]

In addition to the previous poster's comments, I'd add that AC is an entirely different game than AC2. AC allows you to hunt and quest without the aide of a group if you like, but also allows good group hunting and questing. There aren't a whole lot of players in their low levels, but that won't affect your ability to level, hunt, and quest. Also, unlike AC2 which emphasizes one monster v. one or more players, AC is all about one player against a horde. I personally like that dynamic over AC2's, but if you do prefer epic one-on-one fights, they are available once you get to mid levels. Last, but not least, even if you take your time and enjoy yourself, you will blow through the low levels very quickly. There are plenty of lowbie-oriented quests to help you along too.

If you're interested, I wrote a guide to AC a while ago for veteran MMORPG players new to AC as well as returning AC players who have missed a lot of changes. You can find it at http://www.paladinsofasheron.com/AC/gyes_guide.htm .

I'd strongly suggest you give AC a shot. It's kept my attention for 5 years now, which is quite impressive for a video game.

[Cuaradan]

Is the AC1 population diverse enough for a new or low-level player to fit in ok? I'm thinking about my current experience in AC2 where there is -nobody- at my level to talk to or quest with, not to mention nothing for sale in the shops. It's a definite joined-the-game-too-late feeling. Would I get that with AC1 as well?


For me the answer to your first question above is a a definite yes. While the population of new/low levels is not as high as I would like to see, there is definitely enough around to provide the player interaction that a MMORPG is all about. This will vary between servers I am sure, and I cannot speak for all of them because I do not play on all of them. I do play on Thistledown now, and have seen a good number of new players and returning players, that are starting from scratch. The allegiance I am a part of was started a few months ago, with the main purpose of helping new players and focusing on questing/exploring. We are made up of new, old and returning players, so a good mix of people. I have also seen 2-3 other groups that are doing something similar.

One thing you will notice when you begin playing AC is that you are NOT joining at the beginning of a game. But, this is not the same as joined-the-game-too-late feeling. AC has a very deep history and lore, that is continuing to progress and change with every monthly update. You will step into a world that has almost 6 years of change behind it, so you will be in the "middle" of many different story arcs, and changes. This can be overwhelming at times, but also makes AC extremely addictive. There is simply a tremendous amount of things to see and do, especially since all of it is new to you. And the good news is, there are others discovering these things and rediscoverying them to join in with.

I hope you decide to give AC a try, becuase it really is one of the best MMORPG's out there, and I really think you will enjoy it. Stop by our boards at the link below, if you have more questions. Or even better, jump in to AC and look some of us up in Holtburg, on Thistledown. There is almost always someone from Light Lords there, and we would all be glad to help where we can.

~Cuaradan~

http://www.lightlords.4t.com/

[chameleon9691]

Thank you all very much for the helpful replies. I have indeed decided to join AC, and am in the process of updating my Turbine account right now. I think I'll be choosing the Thistledown server for now.

[Deena]

chameleon, check your pm's here.