There are quite a few that play EQ2, and even many that read these forums. But they seem to fall into the category of, "I'll only post something if I have something to add, correct, or disagree with."
You won't find too many that post, "Yea, what he said. I did that too." Posts like that are pretty much useless.
Hard to get away from the facts that WoW has millions of players, especially with it openning in China. But you'll find a smaller and more mature crowd in EQ2.
Classes: You will start in 1 of 4 archtypes, Fighter, Mage, Scout, or Priest. When you get to level 10 you select a profession to follow that leads to your skills becoming specialized. At level 20 you do it again to select your final profession.
So you can start as a Scout, then at level 10 choose between becoming a Rogue, Bard, or Predator. If you pick Predator, at level 20 you then choose between Ranger or Assassin.
Each profession has abilities the others don't. For example, in the Scout archtype, a Ranger has the best attacks with a bow, but a Troubador has the best self and group buffs.
There are no sub-jobs, meaning, you can't be a 20 Mage and a 5 Fighter. You start with 24 possibilities, then pick between your last 2. The classes are typically split into "good" and "evil". For example, you can go Mage > Summoner > Conjurer (good) or Necromancer (evil).
Soloing is very possible here, not so hard like FFXI. There are plentiful mobs that range from solo to group encounters.
Groups are easy to get, you don't need a "required" class, although it's always good to have a healer. I've been in all mage groups, or all fighter groups and did fine, we just had to adjust our tactics.
You'll find lots of other things that separate the games, especially the economy. I'm sure you'll find the EQ2 economy much more player-fiendly.
Money is tight at first, but with literally thousands of quests available, you will be able to equip yourself with average starting gear just by completing quests. There are also loot drops from mobs that sell to vendors for some cash. Eventually the money will flow and you'll be able to afford better gear.
Overall, this game has a little of everything...if you want to grind, you can do that. If you want to craft, you can do that. If you want to solo or group...you get the picture.
Good luck and have fun!
Edited for grammar.
Edited, Mon Sep 12 13:59:37 2005 by tutanbriarpaw