... back on the subject of EQ2.

Since we've been actively playing for about 2 weeks, I've just been amazed at what a good game it is, and equally amazed at how popular it isn't. It's as good as WoW or any other fantasy MMO out there - better maybe. The amount and variety of content available is staggering. Doing gray (under-level) content is commonplace, as there's no way (short of turning off your XP) to do all the content available at a given level range, while you're still that level.

You can also (if you're into it - and I am) have your own little part of the world to do whatever you like with - in the housing system. I just moved to the largest housing available and I haven't even remotely started to customize it yet. It doesn't give any game mechanics benefit, it's just there to have fun with and play with. I've always loved housing systems in MMOs ever since UO.

As far as game mechanics, the game is awesome. There's enough classes and enough variability between them to please any type of player. Melee, magic, healing, tanking, ranged, stealth, you name it, it's all there. Pet classes aren't "as cool" as a hardcore pet class lover like me would want, but they're in the game and not bad, compared to other games.

Zone theming is extremely varied, and you're never going to get bored of one style of landscape or anything. Icy wastes, forests, jungles, and deserts... all well well-done and detailed.

Does it sound like I'm trying to sell the game? Well, I am! I think the only reason it's not more popular is that SOE hasn't marketed it heavily enough. They need to get a move on!