anyone come back to DDO?

[GlassJaw]

Just wondering if anyone has come back to DDO now that it's free-to-play. I did after a year off and it's been a lot of fun. I've always liked DDO but Turbine has really polished it and added a TON of content.

Anyway, if anyone is playing or interested in giving it a shot, look for Felecia (level 6 drow favored soul) on Cannith (the new server).

I've been playing with Wulf here on the forums - he's playing a drow bard named Elvish (Presley that is hehe).

 

[Chaz]

I had been watching for the free try thing, so I jumped in a little on the 9th... Its fun. I still play NWN2 PW I like, but I do jump in a little.

Peace

 

[GreyWizard77]

I've been thinking about. I've never played an MMO before, though. I'm afraid that once I'll start I won't be able to stop. Is the Free DDO worth looking into? Is it actually playable without sinking money into items and stuff?

 

[The_Warlock]

I was originally in as a Founder at the launch, the problem was, my friends had vastly divergent schedules, and we found it hard to get a group time set down.

So I quit...and so did all my friends.

We've all come back with Free to Play, and while it looks like we may still have an issue getting the group together regularly - the significant increase in solo content, and quests which can be handled by 2 characters has increased the playability for us significantly.

And the combat system is a welcome change from the other MMOs we play regularly, so it's a great break from the norm.

 

[GreyWizard77]

So, how does DDO stack up compared to other "free-to-play" MMO's? Is it good for beginners? How closely does it follow the DnD rules (3.5 I presume)? Any other thoughts/advice?

 

[Remus Lupin]

So, how does DDO stack up compared to other "free-to-play" MMO's? Is it good for beginners? How closely does it follow the DnD rules (3.5 I presume)? Any other thoughts/advice?

Well, I just downloaded it last night, and I have to say I'm liking it more than I thought I would. I suppose that a lot will depend on the "grind" factor, but it seems to play more like Baldur's Gate or NWN than like WoW, which suits me just fine.

Of course, it's "free" only up to a point. You have to pay for things like extra character slots or if you want to be a warforged or a drow. But again, that suits me just fine. If I ever get the yen to play a warforged, I'll be happy to pony up the money.

 

[GlassJaw]

So, how does DDO stack up compared to other "free-to-play" MMO's? Is it good for beginners? How closely does it follow the DnD rules (3.5 I presume)? Any other thoughts/advice?

The learning curve is a tad steep but if you know the 3.5 rules, you have a good start. DDO is "based" on the 3.5 rules so there are some differences, and even the things in DDO that are the same as in 3.5 play differently For example, Toughness is an important feat.

You also get a LOT more items than you do in 3.5, but that has to do more with the nature of MMO's.

The only other challenge to new players is that if you hook up with a group of experienced players, be prepared to chase them. Zerging is fairly commonplace since those players are mostly likely running content that they've done many times before. I recommend playing through the early content solo (or with a buddy or two that's just starting as well). If you make a melee class or a cleric, the early content is fairly easy to solo. That will give you a good feel for the game and interface.

We've all come back with Free to Play, and while it looks like we may still have an issue getting the group together regularly - the significant increase in solo content, and quests which can be handled by 2 characters has increased the playability for us significantly.

Warlock, what server do you play on? If you are heading to Cannith, let me know.

 

[GlassJaw]

On a side note, since there seems to be some interest here (and on CM), I think I might create a monk to see if I can run some quests with anyone who's new to the game and wants some help getting a hang of things.

I haven't tried the monk yet so I figure this would give me a chance to check it out.

If you are Cannith, post your name and I'll look for you in-game.

 

[The_Warlock]

Warlock, what server do you play on? If you are heading to Cannith, let me know.

Alas, we are on Khyber (formerly on Riedra before the Great Consolidation), with no immediate intent of switching. Losing our Favor from back in the day would make us all sad pandas.

 

[GlassJaw]

Alas, we are on Khyber (formerly on Riedra before the Great Consolidation), with no immediate intent of switching. Losing our Favor from back in the day would make us all sad pandas.

I have 2 years invested on Thelanis (formerly Xoriat) but the thought of starting from scratch on a brand-new server along with everyone else was the reason I switched!

Definitely makes running the early quests exciting again.