Lineage 2 - A Case Study

A few days ago, something came over me and I logged into Lineage 2 for the first time in almost a year. Before I stopped playing, I had a level 5 clan, 60+ plains walker in full b-grade, and another account. That information is simply to inform you that I played Lineage 2 like a junkie at one point.

There were many people who greeted me with open arms. There were even a few "anonymous" people who spoke with me without revealing who their previous character was. Thanks for the warm welcome. Throughout my 5+ hour playtime with a good online friend, Salic, I was asked another important question by several people.

"Are you coming back for good?"

*Disclaimer: The answer you are about to read may raise your blood pressure if you are addicted to Lineage 2. Karashur.net, Tayman and it's affiliates are not responsible for any heart attacks, pk sprees, or broken monitors.*

The answer to that question is a hell no.

"OMG Tay, why?"

I was bored out of my mind the entire time that I played the game. Keep in mind that I am a player killer to the core. If I can't find action soon after logging in, then there is something wrong.

Once I realized that most of the server is 75+, there is absolutely NO incentive to spend 12 hours a day for weeks to hit 75. This is the main reason why botting is so bad in Lineage 2. The politics and emotion created by Lineage 2 is the only thing that keeps most playing. I've felt this way about the game for a very long time. And I am sure there are other clan leaders who felt/feel the same way. But, once you put yourself in a leadership position, you don't have any room to truly tell people how you feel about the game. If you do, it will only cause trouble.

I've already discussed most of the problems with lineage 2 in previous articles. But, just to recap:

Grind is so bad, honest people will bot to keep playing
The risk versus reward ratio is completely wrong. You risk your experience (and sometimes gear) for an extra kill point on your character sheet. Yes, you may gain a minimal amount of "respect and notoriety" for the kill...
Adena/item grind
FAILED dawn/dusk faction addition; when was the last time dusk won on your server?

This "article" is in no way trying to kill off future Lineage 2 subscribers. Quite a few asked me a question, and I answered. :) There is definetly a hardcore aspect to Lineage 2 that is marketable. But, it does not attract the hardcore player killer. L2 attracts the hardcore grinder. Before you begin to send me hate mail, I KNOW about clan wars etc. But, look at the cost of entry...months on top of months to hit 75? I'll pass, k thanks. I really want Lineage 2 to continue to grow, but as long as MMORPG developers focus on keeping their subscribers playing with grinding instead of entertainment...there will always be a problem.

I want you to ask yourself this question.

Why do I continue to play Lineage 2?

If your answer has anything to do with the friends you have met in-game, or the revenge you want to inflict on your enemies, you may need to consider looking for other games. Those friends and enemies will eventually head to the greener grass.

In the meantime, keep killing, keep grinding....and grinding....and grinding....until next week when you can attempt to gain a castle. While you do that, I'll be waiting for Darkfall. *MAYBE* I won't be dissapointed.