I got into SB back in November of 2001. I got tired of remaking characters after wipes. I don't play enough any more to make a character that I am interested in. I like the movement; no chance of running off to nowhere on disconnect. The changing viewpoints are nice. The empire/guild system should be a new standard on how interaction of groups work. I love the way one can put Icons anywhere the want on their desktop. .....on the other hand, the graphics were good for maybe 2 years ago (dated). The server is laggy, and the mobs jump around too much. The landscape is HUGE.....meaning travel between towns is a long lonely jog that takes entirely too much stamina. There are still clipping problems, even in the character models. Recently I've ran into hefty loading lag on entering merchants homes.
Early on, when I manage to make level 21 I was forced/ Jumped to the mainland and had to join a guild in a town called Defiance(whom I didn't like, but hey, someone has to be the bad guys). The reason (unknown to me) was an upcoming invasion of multiple guild against where I'd shown up. It was a set up for some screen shots and tests, at my expense. Then again, it was a beta test. I lost 3 levels of exp. This experience loss has since changed when dealing with PVP. That's where I met Nex Imperium....er...actually slain by...whatever. I did try to join them later, but then there was yet another character wipe. I've since then never had a character over lvl 10. I don't enjoy the game as much anymore.
At least I didn't have to pay for it.
What is everyone going to play next folks?
--Hothgorn TheBlack