I was in EQOA from Beta 1 until end of beta. The game is much different
from PC EQ. I had a lot of fun but alot of other long time EQ players
didn't like it. The 'feel' of the game is totally different. The game
mechanics are different. It's a totally different game. Don't buy EQOA
for it to be a clone of EQ.
The people who were the most blown away by EQ were the console gamers.
They really had a blast. It was fun showing them some of the basics
about the EQ world and making them so happy.
In order to play EQOA you need an network adapter. Some people have
trouble finding this so buy that before EQOA comes out if you are
planning to buy it. I bought mine off Ebay, make sure the person you buy
from has a high rating and it's new in box.
It is also recommended that you have a USB capable keyboard. They do
provide a menu system for the most common phrases but it's clunky to
use all the time. I recommend you play for at least a day without the
keyboard to familiarize yourself with the controller. The point of
console gaming is so you don't have to sit at a desk, lay on the couch
and use the controller for a while.
One thing I don't like is you are limited to 4 people in a group. I
also don't like that they fixed my 200 damage quested weapon, I was the
Battle Druid for a while there, hehe. You get used to the small group
tho, there's a nice bonus for big groups. Best way to get levels is in
a full group.
Crgaming has a nice site up about EQOA, has info on each of the races
and classes. They posted a dev chat today.