DDO is all about instance gaming, with a party of adventurers. If you have a decent enough group of people to play with it can be some of the best fantasy adventuring online. Its combat mechanics are based around a twitch model with DnD stats backing up the hits. So you get to swing your sword, and strafe the monsters, and actually block using your shield. Its very hands on. Unlike the majority of MMO's out there, where its tap keys to fire special attacks. DDO does follow DnD rules (well the Eberron campaign) so levelling is quite different to your average MMO. I must stress, if you play the game without a decent set of players, you'll find some pickup groups just rush instances, and don't play through it in a considered and enjoyable fashion. As with all instance games, if you have bad group members, you'll probably have a bad experience of the instance.
FFXI seemed to me to be more of same as far as MMO goes, a bit too much grind.
If you're looking for something different DDO is probably the best bet.
Log in to comment