Dragon Nest Europe
For the last 7 years, 3 days a week, I've healed 40/25/10 man dungeons in World of Warcraft. We've cleared content on Normal and (some) Heroic, but have grown weary of WoW and been playing other games. Diablo's obviously going to be out soon, but if you're in the mood for a fun, key-mashing, face-rolling, pwnage-filled game to mess around with – this one's awesome.
When I was testing out all of the top-rated F2P Anime MMORPGS, Dragon Nest was one of them. I didn't really give it a chance because at first glance, it was so different to what I was used to and I was still raiding in WoW. When we stopped with Heroics, I picked it up again and needless to say – I'm addicted. In addition to this, one or two guys switched from Diablo 3 Beta to Dragon Nest because they were enjoying themselves so much! This game may or may not be for you, this is merely my two cents worth.
PROS:
▶ A chilled MMO — not unlike Diablo III. There's no need for commitment – even if you're in a Guild.
▶ Fast-paced, skill-based, non-target, less repetitive combat system (similar to FPS).
▶ Clean, simple UI that's easy to learn/navigate.
▶ Unique; polished; beautifully designed; colourful world, quest and dungeon cinematics.
▶ Amusing, easy-to-follow storyline dealt to you by diverse and humorous NPCs (who you may earn reputation with through Gifting).
I challenge anyone who's having a bad day not to laugh at the awesome Korean "Engrish".
▶ Cheeky, Anime-style character models with swag and happening hair and short skirts.
▶ Sweet, intricately skinned, cosplay-style armour and costumes (worn simultaneously with your armour).
▶ Good monster/boss AI.
▶ Large, active player base (Towns are always full and chat is always active).
▶ Pets that autoloot items have just been made available for purchase.
▶ Master and Apprentice system available to Level 40 and Level -30 characters.
▶ Class specialisaion.
▶ Numerous Quest; Dungeon and miscellaneous Achievements.
▶ Amusing titles that give your character additional stats and attributes.
▶ Free Cash Shop rewards ever few levels (including bag slots).
▶ Simple crafting system which requires minimal grinding.
▶ Solo friendly – Most (if not all) dungeons can be solo'd on Easy, Normal, Hard and Master difficulty. Abyss difficulty usually requires a party.
▶ Smooth play – great programming and engine performance (EU players need to download the EU client).
▶ At a higher level, 4 or 8 player Dungeons and Nests become available.
▶ Unlike other "F2P" MMOs (ESO, EE, RoM) progression in the game does not rely on item shop purchase. Literally the only thing you really "need" to buy is the 30 slot bag/bank expansions (which are cheap ...) If you don't want to buy those, you don't have to. You're awarded inventory slots as you level anyway and can vendor most low level items.
CONS:
▶ Gender-locked classes. *New classes being added.
▶ Limited character customisation *this has changed and continues to change.
▶ Unusual camera angle (differing from other MMOs) that takes getting used to.
▶ Both the level cap and the world map of SEA and EU are in the process of being expanded.
▶ There is a cash shop that offers cosmetic items to customize your avatar, as well as convenience items such as potions, messenger birds that deliver messages within the channel or world, stat reset scrolls, jellies that prevent your equipment from being destroyed when you attempt to upgrade it, puppies that run around looting items for you while you motor through dungeons so that you don't have to stop and loot, etc. Many players purchase cash shop items and sell them on the in-game Auction House, so you can actually obtain most cash shop items from the Auction House with in-game gold.
▶ There was recently some controversy when SEA tried to implement a Fatigue System to prevent Gold Sellers and Farmers. There was a huge outcry from the players and Cherrycredits were forced to compromise - thus making the game playable again. Strangely enough, the implementation caused so much drama that the population of all servers rose dramatically ... Dragon Nest EU has NOT gone with a Fatigue System, but has instead gone with a "Blessing Point System". When your Daily/Weeky Blessing Point allowance is maxed, you may still run Dungeons and Nests, however, loot drops are affected.
BEST FEATURE:
Live Action MMO Combat:
A dynamic combat system (console meets desktop) requiring good co-ordination and correct use of combos. As you progress in the game, more skills will become available to you, leading to dozens of possible combos. It's literally impossible to slack in this game. If you stand still, you'll die.I highly recommend giving this game a go. It's seriously different to any other MMO I've played and it's awesomeness is difficult to convey - just TRY it! FYI, I play Dragon Nest EU: Yoshemaru and Vahlor of <Grim Wolves>. We already have one or two SA players and there'll be more joining soon."It's 100% based on your reaction speed, knowledge of your character's skills, and aiming every attack FPS style. Every class is provided enough utility to get through just about any situation thrown at them, assuming you know your class well enough to do so. Acrobats with fast reactions can jump and roll through a barrage of spells to disable the caster. Mystics can hold off legions of goblins with a few well placed gravity wells. Mercenaries can stand toe to toe with heavily armored ogres and break their defenses with a few well placed rolls and axe slams. Or you can get your face smashed in after a 5 second duration of enemy combos that leave you sitting in the corner frantically drinking potions."
NEW CLASS TO BE RELEASED APR 24 — ACADEMIC
http://www.dragonnest.eu/en/Game/Class/Academic
The next update for the Southeast Asian version of MMO Dragon Nest will be released on April 24. The update will add in a new class called the Academic. The new class is billed as a ranged character who has the ability to use cannons and bubble guns, primarily focused on area-of-effects attacks. The Academic can also summon a robot called Alfredo which can act as a tank to control small mobs. The Alchemist can become either an Alchemist or Engineer later on. Upon reaching level 15, the class can be upgraded further to either the Engineer or Alchemist sub-class. The former is focused on using special cannon attacks and summoning mecha ducks and mecha towers, while the latter is able to cast elemental, poison, and healing magic.
Just a word - don't let the camera angle or ease of low level play put you off too much. Once you've run a few dungeons you become accustomed to the camera, Abyss difficulty is hard and, at higher levels, the Nest action is insane. 
If you're interested, below are two beginners' guides (that I wish I'd found before I got into the game myself ...) which include the customisation of game controls (to make them more bearable); stats; enhancing weapons/armour with Gems or revealing hidden potential on weapons with Codes.
Originally Posted by shadowfox
