I tried it out after taking a very long break from GW2. It's a really beautiful game, definitely the prettiest mmo i've played. The combat system is pretty unique too, it actually supports a 360 controller straight out of the settings menu. It plays more like an action game than an mmo. Like you can actually press a button to block an attack n stuff.

The free to play system is definitely better than Swtors free to play system which has so many restrictions it's not funny.

Go ahead and try it if you want :p. I like the aesthetic style and the general look of the game (got that anime flair), but I stopped playing because mmo's just take up SO much time to make any progress it seems. Especially if you want to do pvp or endgame stuff, as it requires you to almost have the best pieces of equipment just to participate.

I think companies are finding that F2P with cashshop can make a lot of money. As long as they don't make it pay 2 win than there is no harm in a free to play system as usually it allows for a much larger player base. Guild Wars 2 does the cash shop right, with a few exp boosters and armor dyes/sets that are only for aesthetics. Nothing significant over non paying players.

I would really like to try the new FFXIV when it finally comes out but that subscription seems like it might stop me. Perhaps after a while it will adopt a F2P system as well, though I doubt it as even FFXI still has a sub fee haha.

Is it pay 2 win? I bet it is.

That's really good to hear. I loved Tera! It was a great game. The combat and required skill to pvp successfully was a nice change of pace for MMO's I thought. Definitely a gorgeous game too. Hopefully this is will help keep it around and populated for a while to come. Check it out if you are looking for a very focused combat driven MMO.

I know right? then if you miss a few days of playtime you feel like you are so behind the rest of y our friends who play (if you play with a group). Pretty high maintenance. Yeah private servers can be a lot of fun actually, if you find a good one.

The last I heard FFXI still has around 500,000 subscribers and is actually getting a new expansion too. Square really has been supporting it well, especially for how old it is. I can't find the numbers now but I remember reading that FFXI made Square a lot of money and that's why they are so hard at work with revamping FFXIV.

You won't be disappointed. I tried it out too and the game is great. I use my PS3 controller as well, since a keyboard and mouse for this type of game be just be awkward.