[Telera]

XI is slow. Soloing is difficult without proper jobs/gear set ups, for most classes. I don't know anything about 'sinking 4 years to get to 75' feeling like 'more' of an achievement to me than the time it took me to hit cap on LotR. In fact, I don't really draw any sense of achievement from level capping (other than 'oh, good, no more partying'). Some people do, but I don't, so neither is of any real import to me.

I took one of those MMO player personality tests. I'm a SEAK. Basically meaning I scored highest on the socializing-exploring end, achievement for me I draw more from helping others or finding rare things.

And just because you're shoved in parties perpetually past lvl 10/15, doesn't necessarily equate to socializing, and I've never understood why people always draw that line as a requirement for a MMO. I've gotten more out of socializing with people I just happen upon both in XI before I quit, and LotR. In both games, people seldom speak in-party. So just because XI is more party centric doesn't automatically mean you're going to be socializing out the ass.

Mostly, I found my friends through getting in a linkshell, or just chatting to random people I happened across.

That, I think, is a key factor to enjoyment of XI. A good network of friends either via linkshell or other method. People who can help you out, and who you can help. If you have a crap LS, it tends to color the rest of your experience. If you've got a great one, they can be an unbelievable boon.

Again, though, if you're more into being able to log in in small spurts and still feel like you've accomplished something, XI doesn't lend itself well to that. Especially for some jobs. It's really a rather hard-core MMO, and if you're a more casual-style gamer, you likely will not enjoy it. It isn't certain, but this game by no means really caters to the casual player. It also doesn't really cater to PvP on the scale WoW does. So if that's a major contention point for you, you'll find yourself disappointed.

Myself, I don't like the game anymore. *shrugs* But that's just because my play-style and the time I'm willing to dedicate, and what XI often demands are not the same. I play to play. I don't play to have a second job and at times, it feels as if that is demanded of you. I'm more a role-player and general explorer first in a game, not a grinder. And XI is just about entirely grind. Keeping yourself well geared is a must. Not only for others but for yourself. Leveling can be slow enough. Gimping your gear will just make it worse. Farming the money for some pieces, especially later on, can be a rather long trial.

If you enjoy that, you'll love the hell out of this game. If not, I think you might find yourself annoyed fast.

Endgame I can't say anything about; I never got there. And raids are not my thing. I don't even do the Rift/Carn Dum/whateverelsehere with my Kin on LotRO.