There are many differences between EQ and other mmorpg but for me the biggest difference is the questing/leveling system. You don't have to focus on mindless quests. You will only do a handful of quests in this game and it is for a specific item you want, not for exp. When leveling yes there is grinding, but if you are grinding mob after mob.. its actually exciting because that means you are getting good exp and sometimes it can be hard to come by. If you have that feeling that you are grinding.. that means you are doing something right and are most likely excited about the exp you are getting so the grinding part isn't a bad thing. In other mmorpgs the exp grinding is very easy/boring and have to be supplemented with quests that I can't stand doing. You find a group of strangers that need to do the same instance, get the little trinket or item you need and all go your separate ways. This game has such a better dynamic for what it means to have a real group.
An item in this game is also very important because the majority you can wear, and then sell afterwards instead of the item binding to you. This makes the item so much more valuable because you can use it and then sell it later on to another player. Items themselves have a true value and don't turn meaningless after you purchase with coin. You also do not need to replace your equipment that often. For instance, I started the game with nothing, got cloth armor off of mobs around level 1-6. I wore that armor and am currently level 25. I still have some cloth and am slowly getting piece by piece of mid range gear. Then once I"m max level I will be replacing these mid range pieces I'm getting now. That means through the entire game (pre first expansion) I'm really just going for 2-3 pieces per slot instead of replacing all of my gear every 5 levels.
I really like the freedom of being able to level wherever I want, focus on the tough mobs and fights that everquest offers, and forget about looking for gear 24/7. In WoW I based where I was fighting on what gear I needed, or doing mindless quests that gave me no items but exp. There is a lot of reading up and pointless chores I feel like I"m doing with these types of quests. When you are playing Everquest you are always fighting where you want, killing what you want, and working towards something to me at least, is more meaningful then when playing other mmorpgs.
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