Game Over for Galaxies
The new combat changes are absoutely god aweful. The targeting system, which must keep the reticle on the target at all times is almost impossible to handle with the fast pace combat they have introduced. For ranged players, this will take some getting used to as you must now run and shoot, kinda like your typical fps. For melee classes, including the once very strong Jedi, it's 99% impossible to maintain a target lock, while running after your target and also try to heal/attack as the ranged player smashes you into oblivion with constant clicking of his/her mouse.
This new system also reduces the once 32 professions in game, down to 9. This has taken away a lot of the diversity from the game, which made Galaxies unique and fresh. The skill/point system has been done away with for a simple lvl up and gain new skills. All players have the same skills which takes away any chance of tactics or strategies.
This new NGE has included new quests for new players 1-30, but what about any player higher than that? There is nothing for them to do! No new quests have been added for higher levels and in fact, the developers have suggested you buy the new Obi-Wan expansion, which is not worth the time anymore due to this NGE.
The new combat system is trying to intergrate classic SWG, or if you wanna call it that anymore and a first person shooter. Some very strong disadvantages to that include; the graphics engine and user interface wasn't made for target lock on all the time. In a typical MMO, you might have a reticle, but it's not required to cast a spell or use an attack, with the new system, you must have that target locked on before you can do anything. Another problem is the interface, the game's chat and movement has been completely changed with minimal changes available. The new way of using an attack, you must select it from the bar (1-12) and then right click it in able to use it. This is very frustrating with everything else going on that you must do, make sure your healed, having the reticle on your target and making sure the attack is available and not charging.
Sony has taken the original game, and modded it with their new combat upgrade from Feb. and then tacked on this new NGE. That being said, you have the original graphics engine, a combat system simiilar to WoW, where attacks charge on a timer, and the new combat reticle/fps type targeting system.
This leaves most vets very confused, frustrated and ready to quit. I'm starting to ramble instead of being objecfive, but the game has went through it's last hoop. Combat is the worse in an MMO, the interface and chat have been demolished and diversity with professions and abilities are gone forever.
Please DO NOT GO back to galaxies if your an older player and new players stay away, there are so much better MMO out there. Try World of Warcraft!