Nothing is Perfect
I think it's about time I understand that nothing is perfect. I've learned that, time and time again with WoW, and I'm currently learning it with Rift. If I could combine the two games, I would probably be the happiest gamer ever in the history of gamers.
The problem with Rift is what makes WoW good, and the problem with WoW is what makes Rift good. It is an unfortunate give and take, and unfortunately, there is not enough time in the world to devote to both games.
Things I miss about WoW
-UI Building: No matter where I move my Raid Frames, or adjust my target of target, it's not the same. I love my UI I had spent years creating on WoW. I miss the ability to change the overall look of frames. And oh boy, do I miss Mike's Scrolling Battle Text. I hate how my numbers are flying around the screen; I can't add them all up either which is depressing,
-Lore: I've always been a writer, and I love a good story. WoW is an amazing world, with complex characters and beautiful, lush environment. Rift doesn't have the luxury of games before it that could set up an intensely focused world. I have yet to be intrigued by either the characters or the plot. I've even spent a few hours reading the Rift website, reading lore stories and profiles on characters, yet nothing seems to stick. The overall beginning was interesting- a world falling apart and the only thing we can do is go back in time and try and change the past. The main characters, in particular, Asha Catari, aren't really interesting. in fact, her and Orpheil are the only names I can even tell you.
-Questing: I miss questing. WoW has evolved questing into such an engaging experience. Although leveling has become something of a speed run, being able to experience variety, as well as cutscenes and phased areas, while still with their problems, do create a wonderful individual story and experience. Rift has nothing more then, kill this, loot that, destroy this, close that. This is perhaps the biggest problem I have with Rift, and a huge reason I'm dragging behind everyone in levels. I tend to fill boredom with quests with some rifting and invasions, but they don't give as much experience, or what I've noticed. Questing seems to be faster.
-Telera is a small world: Kind of. The individual areas are large, but questing itself is fairly linear and the areas don't offer an extra experience. By 40 there are about 4 areas that branch out, but that seems extremely late in the leveling experience. Telera is no means as big as WoW; It probably barely fills one continent. But of course, first expansion. It does however, kill a lot of Alt interest, which, well we all know I love alts.
-Running through mobs: Running through mobs in Rift is a death sentence. There is a 95% chance you will get knocked off your mount, and a then 70% you will die if you keep trying to go. Thank god my Mage knows Feign Death.
Still
The reality of it is that if I went back, I would find myself alone, with nothing to do. And that's not something I want to deal with. More and more people are making the switch, meaning less and less people to go back to. In the future, there's a possibility of me going back maybe for the next patch or expansion. I regret ever getting so deep into the raiding experience. I'm extremely competitive now, and want to involve myself with that endgame competition, even when it's not necessarily in my best interest.
Things I love about Rift
I don't want this to be a dismissal of Rift though. I love Rift. I'm just not addicted. That's a good thing.
-Invasions: major, minor, epic. I love Invasions. It's just so overwhelming but it's a lot of fun running around with 20 or more people in the zone, closing rifts, defeating invasions, fighting the final boss. While epic invasions are getting frustrating, because the amount of people isn't enough to finish the invasions, it's still a lot of fun. Honestly, this is the hugest selling point for me. It's like raiding without raids. I love it.
-Artifacts: Questing, running, killing, running, questing, SHINY!
-Event for 1.2: I like the extra dailies, the chance at a pet and the more rare artifacts.
-Class system: It's not just the quantity, it's the quality. I love that you can kind of mix what the composition can be. It's nice that we can all find something we like, and if we're missing a role, we can make up for it decently. I can't wait to see what my Chloromancer can do at level 50 and with some nicer gear.
In the end
I want to play SWOTR. Honestly, I miss the lore the most from WoW, but I love invasions. And now that more of my friends are playing, I'm beginning to think 10 mans are in the future. It's a nice feeling.
As I edge closer and closer to 50, things seem to be falling into place. But if you ask me about devotion, I really can't ignore the attachment I felt for WoW. Patch 4.1 really didn't have much for me, enough to warrant a renewal, but I think 4.2 might. We'll see.
It's always an evolving process.
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