| Originally Posted by Maju |
| I've always thought newbie JPs are far better than NA (or EU) newbies, but I think this observation kinda confirms it. |
This is far from true. Newbies are exactly that, they are new to the game regardless of what language they speak, they don't have some special gaming powers just because they're from Japan. They don't know where to go when they reach x level so they ask around. The fact is most players will be told that the dunes is the place to level from 10-20 if they speak English. If the Japanese are telling their newbies that Kor tunnel is the place to level then thats good for them. All the more reason to still level in the dunes whilst they pack out that area with parties. I for one am a fan or Buburimu Penisula (sp?). It's just a short boat ride from VD and hardly anybody camps there.
I think one of the other main factors in the popularity of the dunes is the choice of starter nation. I don't know about your server but on Asura the majority of the players chose San d'Oria and Windurst. Valkurm is the logical meeting point for members of these nations.
You say that the dunes are in the middle of nowhere whilst Kor Tunnel is in Bastok, this only benefits new players from Bastok. Are you suggesting that players who chose other starter cities have to make a long journey whilst Bastok players sit on their arse waiting?
Valkurm (and Buburimu) also follows a logical progression of levelling with the zones either side being good spots to get levels 7-12. Zurhum Mines can hardly support a player up to level 15 so they would have to venture out of Bastok only to come all the way back just to get into Kor tunnel for a party. Lets not forget the great sense of exploration a newbie has. They want to see new exciting zones, not just hang around their starter city.
So I suppose what I'm saying is Kor tunnel isn't really for starters, its more for players who have experienced the dunes a few times, have a good method of travel and can recruit friends/ls members/other experienced players for a good xp party.