Great game, amazing introduction to this specific genre. It does everything a typical MMORPG would do while being very beginner-friendly. This being said, the game does pick up because, obviously, that is one of the biggest points of an RPG while being, as said, beginner friendly. It for sure can be on the challenging side if you are into that kind of thing.
One really important thing to note is that you have the tutorial, which is forced unfortunately, but it isn't that much of an annoyance and takes more or less a few minutes. There are quite a few beginning choices the game puts you through for immersion, each one mostly affecting your story. The only real non-cosmetic choice is your profession.
Races are honestly, pretty diverse or maybe standard. I am not sure, because I have only really played those really ♥♥♥♥♥♥ peaked in the early 2000s MMOs. you have Sylvari, which is kind of just your typical elf, tree people that connect with nature and like an idiot, I wasted my first slot on them. You have asura, who are in lore, highly intelligent magic tech users. I have no clue they're pretty cool, and they have the best design choices. One of the hairstyles is literally Mickey Mouse. Humans are actually somehow not at the back end of this game. They're a very popular choice but not a bad one. Norn are almost like giants. They're very tall, and their design is honestly pretty cool. They are basically just independent warriors in lore. I actually have no comment on the furry class other than it is just adorable but also goofy at times. the necromancer straight up looks like a leopard and a cow fused together.
Your story completely changes depending on your race. I really dislike how many of the beginning choices are cosmetic. It confused me a little because I had thought it was going to be the type of game that changes stats depending on what you do at the start. After the tutorial, the game gives you full control over the quests and exploration you do, but good luck getting the stupidly wide map done in the short time the tragic reader would be playing this game for.
All jokes aside, the map, while big, is semi digestable and shouldn't be super overwhelming. It explains level differences, which should also tell you (if you have common sense) where you should and shouldn't go at your current progression.
I'm not going to get into the classes because it will take up more than one paragraph, but they are so standard. this game adds an exclusive called messmer, a mage that relies on illusion magic.
The game has a very strong sense of community and the player base is really kind it made me feel included somewhat I really do recommend it if you're looking to get into the genre or just don't want to spend a boatload of money on a subscription (coming from a newbie)
