Prodigal Son Returns

[lenzius]

About two years ago, I permanently left RS to play other more gr'up (grown-up) games, like WoW and LOTRO. It was blast and I loved both games. So about a week ago I decided to make a new Runescape character and try out all the new changes that have happened in the last two years.

 

The first thing I noticed is that leveling a character is now soooooo easy. OMG I could not believe how easy it was to blast through the first 25 levels! Especially cooking... no more endless click click click click click. Have they nerfed the leveling system? I remember how hard it was to level my first character to level 3o in all my melee skills. It seemed like it took forever!

 

The next obvious thing is the absolute absence of 'bots. When I last played 'bots were the plague of the game. They were driving prices down so bad that most fish were worthless. Now all the prices are ridiculous! I got rich (okay rich for a noob) off of selling 1k stack of feathers for 15k each! I remember back in the day when feathers went for 4k per thousand. Everything is so expensive. Easy to get rich though.

 

Oh, and I was able to do all the FTP quests with 20/30/5 on my melee stats.

 

So, my final thoughts overall? I like the game. I like being able to sell stuff easily. I does not take much of a challenge to satisfy me, but I can see where this game might now be too easy for some people to enjoy. It has never been easier to buy just about anything you need if you have money.

 

EDIT:

 

So I spent the better part of the last three years playing WoW. I really enjoyed it. My main was a level 80 Warlock. I COMPLETELY sucked at Raiding, and could never get my stats right. I almost got in at the ground level with a group of buddies in a small guild, and was real excited about low level raiding when the guild exploded.

 

the only way to get in another guild after that was to get charity runs and such in Naxx, and that is just boring to me. So I ditched the character, and retired it.

 

Much of the discussion here compares WoW to RS. I suppose this is a really old discussion. Certainly not original. However some really good point have been made.

 

This post by XXshady really sums much of the discussion up nicely. RS remain simple to play, and offers many options for casual players. If you have a burning desire for a customized playing style play WoW. RS is click click click.

[Pr3c1pit0us]

I definitely haven't noticed any nerf to the leveling system, especially combat.

 

One could argue that making cooking "cook x" would be a nerf, and so on and so forth, but combat has always given 4xp per 1 damage done.

 

And it still continues to give that same amount, as far as I know.

 

Perhaps it was so easy to level up combat because you knew what it would take or you thought it would be harder than it actually was.

[Draconic]

Yah. Some XP values have been altered, notably for cooking things, but the XP to the next level is the same. Most things haven't changed in speed, but just in convenience.

 

Bots have pretty much been completely decimated. Strict rules on trading, dueling and other forms of transferring money have been put in place, but in my opinion have improved the game (though an INCREDIBLY whiny minority say otherwise).

[Pr3c1pit0us]

Yah. Some XP values have been altered, but the XP to the next level is the same. Most things haven't changed in speed, but just in convenience.

 

Bots have pretty much been completely decimated. Strict rules on trading, dueling and other forms of transferring money have been put in place, but in my opinion have improved the game (though an INCREDIBLY whiny minority say otherwise).

 

I agree that it has made for a better community; however, I will never forget how much fun killing people in the wilderness was.

[Shelby_Polo]

The next obvious thing is the absolute absence of 'bots. When I last played 'bots were the plague of the game. They were driving prices down so bad that most fish were worthless.

What's funny is, now it's the exact opposite; we now have merchanters who drive price crazy high. Which do we prefer?

[ilovecuttingyews]

The next obvious thing is the absolute absence of 'bots. When I last played 'bots were the plague of the game. They were driving prices down so bad that most fish were worthless.

What's funny is, now it's the exact opposite; we now have merchanters who drive price crazy high. Which do we prefer?

It is not merchanters that make high prices. When someone buys out an item, they must dump them eventually. Theoretically, this price after the dump should be the same as the price before the manipulation. What causes the price to rise like the inflation we see is that with so much money entering the game. Manipulators drive the prices up, but with so much money sitting in their banks, players don't mind paying this elevated price. So while it is that manipulators that drive the price up, it is the inflation that keeps it up.

 

What makes Runescape such an alluring game is the fact that it is simple. There is no really complicated mechanics that take a long time to master that would drive many newcomers away. Runescape is a simplistic, easy to access, low requirement MMO. This low hardware and software requirement makes Runescape a wonderfull 'intro to online gaming' for newcomers to the genre.

A large part of what keeps people here is that you don't have to play all the time. If you are paying $15 a month for WoW, I would have a hard time not playing for weeks at a time just knowing my money is being wasted. With Runescape, the F2P game is large enough to keep you happy for long times, and even if you get members, that $5 a month isn't that much that you feel a cumpulsion to play based on 'wasted money'

[Zachneap]

The next obvious thing is the absolute absence of 'bots. When I last played 'bots were the plague of the game. They were driving prices down so bad that most fish were worthless.

What's funny is, now it's the exact opposite; we now have merchanters who drive price crazy high. Which do we prefer?

each had their pros and cons... though.

[lenzius]

Yah. Some XP values have been altered, but the XP to the next level is the same. Most things haven't changed in speed, but just in convenience.

 

Bots have pretty much been completely decimated. Strict rules on trading, dueling and other forms of transferring money have been put in place, but in my opinion have improved the game (though an INCREDIBLY whiny minority say otherwise).

 

I agree that it has made for a better community; however, I will never forget how much fun killing people in the wilderness was.

 

 

I am sitting here laughing. Ya, the wilds used to be a scary place. Once a buddy and me loaded up our inventories full of useless crap. Stuff they don't even have in the game now. Like when you used to search in wardrobes in draynor or empty crates you would find junk. We loaded up on it... old shoes, busted swords, broken armor, broken glass from the drarven city, body runes, tin ore, soft clay, and 10gp each- stuff nobody wants. We took all this stuff and ran up into the members wilderness where some idiot was pk'ing anyone who tried to get into the little safe spot. I always wonder what he thought while digging through all the garbage we left for him... lol.

[lenzius]

The next obvious thing is the absolute absence of 'bots. When I last played 'bots were the plague of the game. They were driving prices down so bad that most fish were worthless.

What's funny is, now it's the exact opposite; we now have merchanters who drive price crazy high. Which do we prefer?

It is not merchanters that make high prices. When someone buys out an item, they must dump them eventually. Theoretically, this price after the dump should be the same as the price before the manipulation. What causes the price to rise like the inflation we see is that with so much money entering the game. Manipulators drive the prices up, but with so much money sitting in their banks, players don't mind paying this elevated price. So while it is that manipulators that drive the price up, it is the inflation that keeps it up.

 

What makes Runescape such an alluring game is the fact that it is simple. There is no really complicated mechanics that take a long time to master that would drive many newcomers away. Runescape is a simplistic, easy to access, low requirement MMO. This low hardware and software requirement makes Runescape a wonderfull 'intro to online gaming' for newcomers to the genre.

A large part of what keeps people here is that you don't have to play all the time. If you are paying $15 a month for WoW, I would have a hard time not playing for weeks at a time just knowing my money is being wasted. With Runescape, the F2P game is large enough to keep you happy for long times, and even if you get members, that $5 a month isn't that much that you feel a cumpulsion to play based on 'wasted money'

 

Ya the economy is the exact OPPOSITE of what it was two years ago. You could not sell a thing. I remember having to stand on world two in seers village for thirty minutes to an hour just to sell feathers or to buy dragon armor for a decent price. Now it is almost like an instant selling system. Instant money, sell anything you like, get rich!

[nerdboyxxx]

Yeah a lot has changed over the years. I'm thinking of starting WoW up again, I felt like I deserted my guild unfairly. Hopefully they'll accept me back in :lol:.

[Range_This11]

I've never played any other MMORPG so I feel like if I start another one, I'll be too far behind. I'll stick to RuneScape, as crappy as it may be.

[Pr3c1pit0us]

The next obvious thing is the absolute absence of 'bots. When I last played 'bots were the plague of the game. They were driving prices down so

Ya the economy is the exact OPPOSITE of what it was two years ago. You could not sell a thing. I remember having to stand on world two in seers village for thirty minutes to an hour just to sell feathers or to buy dragon armor for a decent price. Now it is almost like an instant selling system. Instant money, sell anything you like, get rich!

 

It also depended on where you sold stuff.

 

Essence, Magic -- East Varrock Bank

Anything (but not as focused buying) -- West Varrock Bank

Fletching, Crafting, Magic -- Seers

Herblore -- West Fally Bank

Mining -- East Fally Bank

 

But, yea, it didn't go as fast. But for a lot of items, I wouldn't say it's changed much.

[Youmu]

I actually like Runescape now than it was before.

 

Things like the Grand Exchange and resting were major stuff. Then again, we have all this inflation going on...

 

Also, how in the world is Runescape not a "grown-up" game?

[nerdboyxxx]

I actually like Runescape now than it was before.

 

Things like the Grand Exchange and resting were major stuff. Then again, we have all this inflation going on...

 

Also, how in the world is Runescape not a "grown-up" game?

 

Because in the "manly" world of computer gaming, the more you have to click and use the keyboard, the older you are. I have yet to see a 12 year-old kid not know WoW inside out within a month, so this contradicts that statement. Summing it up, no game is for grown-ups. Ten year old kids play WoW too. It just appeals to 20 year olds for whatever reason, probably to fill in some form of social void.

[Youmu]

Because in the "manly" world of computer gaming, the more you have to click and use the keyboard, the older you are. I have yet to see a 12 year-old kid not know WoW inside out within a month, so this contradicts that statement. Summing it up, no game is for grown-ups. Ten year old kids play WoW too. It just appeals to 20 year olds for whatever reason, probably to fill in some form of social void.

Well, you DO click a lot in Runescape. Just going for a 99 takes way too many clicks, let alone maxed stats or even 200M exp.

[nerdboyxxx]

Because in the "manly" world of computer gaming, the more you have to click and use the keyboard, the older you are. I have yet to see a 12 year-old kid not know WoW inside out within a month, so this contradicts that statement. Summing it up, no game is for grown-ups. Ten year old kids play WoW too. It just appeals to 20 year olds for whatever reason, probably to fill in some form of social void.

Well, you DO click a lot in Runescape. Just going for a 99 takes way too many clicks, let alone maxed stats or even 200M exp.

 

Exactly. I find that games that use the keyboard just make you use one more hand, so I find it hard to change music on my ipod. One of the most annoying things in the world lol.

[elucin8er]

I actually like Runescape now than it was before.

 

Things like the Grand Exchange and resting were major stuff. Then again, we have all this inflation going on...

 

Also, how in the world is Runescape not a "grown-up" game?

 

Because in the "manly" world of computer gaming, the more you have to click and use the keyboard, the older you are. I have yet to see a 12 year-old kid not know WoW inside out within a month, so this contradicts that statement. Summing it up, no game is for grown-ups. Ten year old kids play WoW too. It just appeals to 20 year olds for whatever reason, probably to fill in some form of social void.

 

Nice fail statement. Perhaps you should play WoW properly and then comment. Any age group can play any computer game, however it's more likely certain age groups and certain skill levels will master those certain games. Sure 12 year old kids can PLAY WoW, but generally thoe older ones will actually perform the main tasks of the game that the younger generation can't. This is why Runescape appeals to all ages, as all aspects of the game are so simple and merely require time to master, not maturity or skill. ( Obviously barring higher end pking ).

[chc05dude]

WoW is in a pretty bad state right now PvP-wise, which was all I cared for.

 

PvE to me on my server feels more like PvF.... Player vs Your own Faction. If everyone worked together cooperatively PvE is pretty easy, but that doesn't happen. Whats my main concern in a raid? Is it the boss? No... it's the people I'm with.

[zotto]

I'm 39 years old. To me WoW seems childish. Runescape has a nostalgic feel to it. That's why I like it.

[Golvellius]

First 20 or 30 levels are easy in alot of skills.

You just forgot that when you trying to get somewhere at 70+.

 

I played WOW for a few months.

I like PVP (battlegrounds and world setting) and hate raiding.

To be honest the community in WOW is much worse than here.

Its just packed full of obnoxius and arrogant teenagers.

Just imagine a bunch of [puncture]s telling you you fail on site because you dont have their exclusive gear which takes like 20 men to kill a carebear with the "elite symbol" around its name.

Maxing is pretty much the end of the game and it happens probably in the time it takes you to get all 60s in combat on this game.

[Abc1230]

Your stats are incredible for somebody who started playing yesterday :blink:

[Pr3c1pit0us]

Your stats are incredible for somebody who started playing yesterday :blink:

 

The Prodigal Son Returns.

My thoughts about RS after playing WoW for two years

[nerdboyxxx]

I actually like Runescape now than it was before.

 

Things like the Grand Exchange and resting were major stuff. Then again, we have all this inflation going on...

 

Also, how in the world is Runescape not a "grown-up" game?

 

Because in the "manly" world of computer gaming, the more you have to click and use the keyboard, the older you are. I have yet to see a 12 year-old kid not know WoW inside out within a month, so this contradicts that statement. Summing it up, no game is for grown-ups. Ten year old kids play WoW too. It just appeals to 20 year olds for whatever reason, probably to fill in some form of social void.

 

Nice fail statement. Perhaps you should play WoW properly and then comment. Any age group can play any computer game, however it's more likely certain age groups and certain skill levels will master those certain games. Sure 12 year old kids can PLAY WoW, but generally thoe older ones will actually perform the main tasks of the game that the younger generation can't. This is why Runescape appeals to all ages, as all aspects of the game are so simple and merely require time to master, not maturity or skill. ( Obviously barring higher end pking ).

 

I played it for 3 months and mastered the entire damn thing. I know what I'm talking about -.-

 

I'm not attacking the game, its good. But its made out to be full of skills and all that crap, which it isn't. I mastered it within my first month of play, got to 60 without the expansions, was on my way to 70 and I was doing extremely well. Most of the time I just went PvP'ing and it wasn't that damn hard at all. My brother is 12 and he mastered it within a month also playing on a separate toon also.

 

I might not have played it for over a year, but it doesn't take a year to understand the game. It takes a month maximum. It isn't har at all, just like Runescape isn't hard. The only games I find difficult to master are those involving ducking, dodging, shooting, scoping, and throwing grenades. In other words, Halo for computer.

[elucin8er]

I actually like Runescape now than it was before.

 

Things like the Grand Exchange and resting were major stuff. Then again, we have all this inflation going on...

 

Also, how in the world is Runescape not a "grown-up" game?

 

Because in the "manly" world of computer gaming, the more you have to click and use the keyboard, the older you are. I have yet to see a 12 year-old kid not know WoW inside out within a month, so this contradicts that statement. Summing it up, no game is for grown-ups. Ten year old kids play WoW too. It just appeals to 20 year olds for whatever reason, probably to fill in some form of social void.

 

Nice fail statement. Perhaps you should play WoW properly and then comment. Any age group can play any computer game, however it's more likely certain age groups and certain skill levels will master those certain games. Sure 12 year old kids can PLAY WoW, but generally thoe older ones will actually perform the main tasks of the game that the younger generation can't. This is why Runescape appeals to all ages, as all aspects of the game are so simple and merely require time to master, not maturity or skill. ( Obviously barring higher end pking ).

 

I played it for 3 months and mastered the entire damn thing. I know what I'm talking about -.-

 

I'm not attacking the game, its good. But its made out to be full of skills and all that crap, which it isn't. I mastered it within my first month of play, got to 60 without the expansions, was on my way to 70 and I was doing extremely well. Most of the time I just went PvP'ing and it wasn't that damn hard at all. My brother is 12 and he mastered it within a month also playing on a separate toon also.

 

I might not have played it for over a year, but it doesn't take a year to understand the game. It takes a month maximum. It isn't har at all, just like Runescape isn't hard. The only games I find difficult to master are those involving ducking, dodging, shooting, scoping, and throwing grenades. In other words, Halo for computer.

 

So in 3 months you cleared all raid content, and seeing as you say you got to 70 that means defeating Illidin, No, you didn't. Raid content can only be done once a week, and even if you powered to 70 within a week, 11 weeks, i.e, 11 raid resets, is NOT enough time. Your post is a lie, or you are unaware of what the game actually entails. This also means you played arena and hit the 1.9k + rating, No, you didn't. I'm not saying you can't, I'm saying in 3 months you can't. By mastering the game, you must mean you got max level, this only means once you reach max level, you are ready to BEGIN playing the game. If you do this and attempt some of the harder end bosses, you'll notice that it is quite possibly a harder task for the younger generation.

[Myweponsg00d]

 

 

So in 3 months you cleared all raid content, and seeing as you say you got to 70 that means defeating Illidin, No, you didn't. Raid content can only be done once a week, and even if you powered to 70 within a week, 11 weeks, i.e, 11 raid resets, is NOT enough time. Your post is a lie, or you are unaware of what the game actually entails. This also means you played arena and hit the 1.9k + rating, No, you didn't. I'm not saying you can't, I'm saying in 3 months you can't. By mastering the game, you must mean you got max level, this only means once you reach max level, you are ready to BEGIN playing the game. If you do this and attempt some of the harder end bosses, you'll notice that it is quite possibly a harder task for the younger generation.

 

As an 80 priest in a guild with TotC 10 and 25 cleared, I'd like to just back up nerdboy's opinion. I mean, he has no right to what he is saying, because all he has done is level and BG, but he's still able to see that WoW is a borefest. Been playing that game here and there ever since Fall 06. I quit before BC came out because I thought the game sucked. When the new expansion came, I got an email for a free trial. Thought some things seemed more promising after trying it, bought a month, leveled to 80 and started to clear Naxx and quit because of what a joke raiding became. A friend convinced me to start again and I think the current raid content is fun, but still a shadow of what it could be. Also the game has become ridiculously simple.

 

But anyway I'm geared for the final raid of this expansion, Icecrown. The patch is supposed to hit Tuesday, and honestly I can say that if the Icecrown raid does not show significant improvement from the quality of the rest of the content thus far, this will be my last month of WoW. Raiding used to be a fun challenge, but anymore its just a bore task. The bosses are so easy that the only reason people raid is to get gear. It used to be a fun and challenging experience where the gear was just a nice reward, not the main point of the trip. Nowadays people act like you are a noob if you don't have every single piece of your equipment at the current highest raid level. Sorry, but some of us do not find it enjoyable to kill the same bosses every single week and spend 10-15 hours a week in the repetative raid borefest, sitting around and just waiting for your luck to turn out so you get the gear.

 

Also Arenas are completely terrible these days. If you aren't the right class, or one of your friends isnt, then one of you is going to have to make a new character just so your teams can work well in arenas.

 

 

And last but not least, its so gay how the "Server" system works. I understand that it is how most RPGs work...but I love Runescapes system so much. If I meet someone IRL and find out they play WoW its always like "Oh, you play?? Sweet! Wait...what server?" And then they are on a different server than you, and you can't play together unless you pay 25 dollars for a transfer, or you take a month and level a new character on their server. The whole game is just not very conducive to fun. It can be very addicting and very time consuming....but if you take a moment and just look at your gear and say "Wait....WHY am I about to commit 3 hours of my life to clear this raid again??" Sometimes youll realize that you really arent having any fun at all.