Just a quick information about my background. I've played about a dozen F2P and P2P mmo's out there and I come from about 4.5 years of FFXI on and off which I thoroughly enjoyed and I want to try something new. The best thing about FFXI for me was the grouping aspect and the close community. Would this be a recommened game for grouping (grinding exp - I don't want to be forced into quests, I want some ala eq / ffxi style grinding, get to camp, or roam and slaughter mobs)? Also, I enjoy a good story line, one that can help bring out the immersion factor. Any ideas? I'm getting sick of massive online single player role playing games.

not for you this game is.. camp/grind exp of the past it is. **wiggles fingers in front of your eyes** move along...nothing to see here.

From the sounds of it, this game is exactly what you are seeking. It is very much a grouping game, with dungeons all around the world. Usually each dungeon will have one main story line quest attached and some optional side quests associated.

Check out my blog for a few of the dungeons I've explored: www.vgmonologues.net

Originally posted by dannydarko

Just a quick information about my background. I've played about a dozen F2P and P2P mmo's out there and I come from about 4.5 years of FFXI on and off which I thoroughly enjoyed and I want to try something new. The best thing about FFXI for me was the grouping aspect and the close community. Would this be a recommened game for grouping (grinding exp - I don't want to be forced into quests, I want some ala eq / ffxi style grinding, get to camp, or roam and slaughter mobs)? Also, I enjoy a good story line, one that can help bring out the immersion factor. Any ideas? I'm getting sick of massive online single player role playing games.

 

 

You'd probably enjoy the Vanguard approach then.  Sounds like what you are looking for.

Well, unlike FF, Vanguard definitely allows soloplay too. In fact, in lower levels you will very likely have to solo unless you're really lucky and find a fellow newbie (or multiple ones) to level with you.

The better dungeons however, where you get the best items, need groups, in fact good groups. And the ultimate items are only available through raids.

Using the LFG tool helps. Joining one of the more active guilds helps a lot, too.

Originally posted by Kenze

not for you this game is.. camp/grind exp of the past it is. **wiggles fingers in front of your eyes** move along...nothing to see here.

Do you even play Vanguard?  If you did you'd know that you don't need to do any of  the quests and you can easily just grind xp, tagging along in dungeons and grabbing rare/heroic loot.  Oh that's right, you obviously haven't played since before game update 4 when they made adventuring drops actually worth it.  Half the people I group with are "just here for xp" or are "just here for drops."  Even if some members of a group have a specific objective, the group is still going to be chain killing, looking for named, and getting xp.  Quests that someone happens to be doing generally don't interfere with grind-style grouping.  If anything, vanguard supports this type of grouping by allowing you to summon new members directly to your location to replace people who leave.  Groups last for hours in more popular dungeons as long as the leader is competent  enough to find replacements.

Wow thanks guys, you all have been very helpful. I think I'll give the game a shot. Me being lazy right now (also at work :), off top of your guys heads do you know if there is a trial period for this game?

And if anyone would be so kind as to recommend a particular server or any advice pertaining to the game, that would be greatly appreciated.

Anyone feel like leveling or socializing with a newbie? =D

Well, thats a bit a problem.

At the moment, the only possibility to get a trial is to ask people for a buddy key. Normal games came with one, collector editions with ten of them.

As the game is over a year out, they are very rare now.

Originally posted by Adamantine

Well, thats a bit a problem.

At the moment, the only possibility to get a trial is to ask people for a buddy key. Normal games came with one, collector editions with ten of them.

As the game is over a year out, they are very rare now.

 

Go to EBay.   There are a lot of "Buy It Nows" for under $10 and some on auction for .99.  You will get a month of free play with the game.