Trying to decide on an MMORPG

[MHopcroft]

A lot of people have been suggesting I start playing Champions Online (when you frequent the Hero Games forums, that happens), but I've been vacillating about it. I want to try my hand at a MMORPG, but I don't want to get obsessive about it, and I'm wondering which game I ought to try that might have what I'm looking for. I have no real preference as far as genre is concerned, but I am on a tight budget.

I'm thinking some of the more experienced PC gamers might have some guidance for me.

[GKMachine]

Well, it depends what you want, I've played WoW (Free-Trial), 3 different KMMOs (Neo-Steam, Fiesta, Scions of Fate), and DDO (Dungeons and Dragons Online).

All of the KMMOs while free, are generally worth every penny, and also mostly the same.
DDO appears to use the same engine that the KMMOs due, but modified to not suck royally. DDO also uses the same business model as the KMMOs but also scaled up (with subscription accounts as an option), unlike the KMMOs after you hit level 5 (the level cap is 20, so this is actually take awhile to get) you have to start paying in order for it to not be grindy.

Overall, DDO was the least grindy of the MMOs I've played, but the game mechanics mirror 3.5 edition very closely and as a result, are quite complex, so if you aren't familiar with D&D 3.5 PnP (pen and paper) then it probably isn't for you.

I've heard good things about champions, and also Guild Wars and Eve.

Eve and Guild Wars are targeted at casual gamers specifically.

As far as I can tell KMMOs are a nice safe haven for Gold farming... but I like them 'coz they're free.

[Legoman]

I played WoW, a great deal of WoW, and RuneScape. RuneScape is pretty much a grind-fest with things to do when you want to stop leveling up. WoW is grind to the level cap, then stay online for hours at a time trying to finish one dungeon with 25 other people.

[Kai]

I disagree somewhat on WoW. There is a lot of grinding sure. but they have been recently doing a lot of work on systems like the achievement system and the upcoming path of the titans system. (http://www.wowwiki.com/Paths_of_the_Titans for more on that)

[Kitsune]

Eve is not for casual gamers...it's also not for people who like to be cooprative and not-paranoid...In eve it's best to assume everyone you meet is out to get you, and chances are they are.  Killing other players and taking their stuff is a viable play style.

[Kai]

Eve is not for casual gamers...it's also not for people who like to be cooprative and not-paranoid...In eve it's best to assume everyone you meet is out to get you, and chances are they are.  Killing other players and taking their stuff is a viable play style.

It isn't paranoia if the actually ARE out to get you.. its good sense. XD

[Legoman]

Eve is not for casual gamers...it's also not for people who like to be cooprative and not-paranoid...In eve it's best to assume everyone you meet is out to get you, and chances are they are.  Killing other players and taking their stuff is a viable play style.

It isn't paranoia if the actually ARE out to get you.. its good sense. XD

Just because I think every one is out to get me doesn't mean they aren't?

[MHopcroft]

I had this exchange with one of my teachers years ago:

Teacher: "Aren't you being a little paranoid?"
Me: "You're only saying that because you're out to get me."

Fortunately they recognized it as a joke -- I doubt anyone could get away with saying that in school now.