I would have been OK with limited multi-classing just to allow someone to spice things up and also to bring a little more utility to raids. I'm withholding final judgement on the classless aspect of EQ Next until I actually see more info or get to play it.
It seems like a lot of the utility and skill sets of the different classes must be earned. So while there might not be set levels, there is definitely going to be a progression in gaining new skills. And this is Everquest, there's probably going to be tons of Alternate Advancement points we need to earn.
As for Rift, it's problem wasn't the multi-classing. The problem was that it was too much of a themepark that you can solo (and I mean easily solo) from level 1 to 50. You obtained a mount and weapons way too easily. Rift had some nice ideas but it was basically trying to outdo WoW at WoW's own game.
Again, I'm withholding final judgement, but you don't need levels to get a hardcore experience. Mind you, I'm hoping for a challenging game. Ultima Online didn't have levels and some of the deeper dungeons can get challenging, at least back when I played which was over a decade ago.
Agreed. I hope the environmental destruction in the demo was only for the purpose of demoing what the game engine can do. I don't think I'd enjoy it if every battle the group goes through I'm digging a 10 foot whole in the ground.
No, you're not just "that guy" or at least not the only one. A large part of me would have liked it to be EQ 1.5. A return to classic EQ where a mob would tear you a new one if you tried to solo it. A game where there was a lot of player interdependence. A game where a train of 5 mobs meant you better be good and on your toes because that can and will wipe your group.
I was also hoping for a more realistic style...but I can live with the art direction.
Incidentally, anyone who still has the original Scars of Velious box, if you look at the halfling (gnome?) you'll find the name GLIP on the cloak. That is none other than Nicholas Parkinson. Went on a Plane of Hate raid with Glip one time and he told us to look at the cloak.
The AI elements are what is most intriguing about this game. Enemies that will pick up camp and move it to suit their needs. Large interactive events/quests which will change depending on your actions and that can change the world. From that alone this makes me wonder if this is indeed the Mass Multi Online Role Playing Game we were looking for.