My impressions:
1- This is NOT CoX-like - it is another fantasy MMO;
2- Character customization is lackluster compared to CoX - only 5 classes, all using the same-looking gear per level as others like you;
3- You can play one of 6 different races, but with no significant difference in gameplay;
4- But - it is not really DnD either. About the only thing DnD-like (at least for the old pnp crowd) is the title and splash page;
5- Controls are oddly different from that old familiar CoX feel and cannot be made to work the same way; Forget click-to-target, won't work.
6- Gameplay (that is to say, combat) is more challenging and demanding, but not twitchily so (I have been known to run 2-3 CoX characters through missions together on separate accounts, using only autofollow/assist and 3 separate keyboards - there's no way to manage that in NW).
7- Community - it is what it isl right now it seems mostly rude and zerg-like, but turn off Zone chat & guild up with friends & you are golden.
8- Quest Loot - Today I was running with 2 close CoX friends and we queued together for a special mission. We were pug-paired with two others who played ok, though mostly quiet . Then when the rare loot dropped, they hit "need" when the items were outside their class. This is apparently a frequent pug issue. Until they fix this, from now on in pugs, I make it clear, everyone "needs" blue gear, to keep it random.
9- Unfinished; certainly enough content to carry anyone through once or twice to max level, but still a lot of Nigs & little motivation to fix most of them (PWE has a bad habit of ignoring what's not game-breaking in favor of developing the next in-game cash cow).
WHAT IT IS:
1- In a few words: FUN. Fast. Pretty. Engaging. Free (or not).( I am a CoX diehard, and though I've played DDO, it never had my allegiance.)
2- Though the controls are strikingly different and take some getting used to, they work well for the combat style, and there's no undue 'twitching'. You choose which of your available powers to upgrade and prep on the power bar, so there's some chance to be 'different', and the dodge is just a quick movement burst you have available for when you find yourself standing in a red circle. Blocking is a viable option to dodging if you play the shield-carrying Guardian Fighter - but it's not required.
3- The Classes ARE unusual enough to give them each some novelty, and each is capable of some pretty flashy epic combat. So there's enough to keep busy for some time. More classes are planned in the near-immediate future (chosen from the list of 100+ prestiges in the 4th Edition DnD Game).
4- Customization: always gonna be an issue since characters are so highly gear-based, ie. every rogue will be working toward pretty much the same uber gear (not entirely true, but close enough). However, characters also can display normal clothing rather than armor, for a bit of RP flair, and dye is readily available and easy to use on your armor/clothing (each piece can have 3 colors).
4- Companions: If you want for RP or some specialized help in missions, you can add several companions to your character, (first one is free at 16), any one of which can be summoned to play along with you at any time.
5- The setting: The settings are very well done, even immersive, and sometimes stunning.
6- The Foundry: This is the illegitimate child of CoX's AE. Player created content that is keyed to locations on the normal player map. At 15 you can design your own quests, stories and publish them for others to try. If they like your stories, people can leave a tip in Astral Diamonds, the most used currency of the game. The Foundry quests I've played were innovative and enjoyable.
7- It's free. completely. You can try without risk, download, start a character, play through the tutorial. Play through the starter zone missions, look around, you are level 9-10. They sell all sorts of things for real money, and you'll see things you'd like to have - BUT HERE'S THE KEY: You can get it for free if you are willing to wait for it. Earn a few easy Astrals & specialty coins every day through crafting, invocations, missions, the foundry. Take any decent drops you get to the AH and sell them for a fair price. The best money comes, as always off the AH. Buy what's posted too cheap, repost it for a profit, you'll have enough for that White Faux Fur Boa in no time.
Now I'm tired, but you get the idea: It's not gonna be cox, but its pretty good anyway, and until something better comes along, or PWE does something really stupid, I expect I'll play through NWO a few times.
