First impression
Finished my download and installed the game today.
Installation and account registration is quick and easy (also cancelling the account is very easy) and very well done, you do not have to give out any bank account or credit card data (well, naturally, it's free after all), since there is a special signup option for the free version. You can still do so (immediately or later), if you want to have the account turn into a regular account (instead of just being frozen and later terminated) once the free time is over (1/1 2006).
Of course, the version is limited, you do not get any of the three expansion packs (one of which I noticed immediately, since you cannot fly to the skycity of Jope (one of the starting areas) as this requires one of the expansions), but the regular game seems to offer quite a bit of options already.
Character creation is pretty quick and easy, too, there are 4 races and 12 (?) classes, which all sound pretty fun (havn't really checked the details yet), you get to choose a custom face from a broad selection and body height/type, and then you can move on to the starting area.
The controls are a bit awkward (well, I'm used to Blizzard goodness) and you need to get used to them at first, but that doesn't take too long. You can customize quite a bit, too. There are also plenty tips available, which pop up when needed or when requested, to guide you along.
From what I have seen so far, which really isn't much, there are a lot of gameplay options (dozens of pretty neat emotes, for example) and dozens of skills, which really require you to take a look at the manual (you will receive a mail with links), as there is very little explained in the game itself (the tips do tell you which skills are most needed for your class, tho).
While it's not World of Warcraft, it's definitely worth a look to see if this kind of game in general appeals to you.
Bye
Thanee
