Dunno if this has been discussed before, but I just wanted to pose some general questions about the functionality of eq 2's ui versus wow's, and how people playing EQ 2 feel about the differences.
For those of you who have played both games or at least had a chance to study both UI's, you'd realize that although the two UI's are very different right down to the code language used to build them, out of the box, WoW's UI doesn't really compare to EQ 2's UI in versatility and customization. But do some digging around and you will realize that there is a whole world of possibilities when it comes to UI mods for the WoW UI.
The WoW UI mods (called add-ons) such as
Cosmos and the ones found at
Curse Gaming, which is pretty much EQ2interface for WoW (pages load very slowly but worth checking out), actually DO stuff, reveal information in real time and after fights, and generally make your in-game life a little easier. When you look at UI mods for EQ 2, while some are creative, attactive and informative, they really aren't breaking any new ground on functionality or reorganization. Now I realize that this isn't necessarily the fault of the UI modders, because it seems like EQ 2's UI is for the most part closed off from major overhaul due to the way the devs designed it. I feel that this is a major design flaw, though I guess there must be reasons for it. I would also like to believe that nothing is set in stone, and with enough interest, EQ 2's UI can become more flexible.
I want to know how you all feel about this. Would you like to see things like the following implemented into EQ2's UI?
Automated organizers for items in your bags (tradeskiller's dream IMO)
An accurate in game dps watcher and reporter that kept track of kills and time spent killing
A smart self-cast ability for spells and buffs (tied to a key like Alt for periodic use, or always on when you have no target or an improper target for the spell)
Loot windows that move to where your mouse is for quick looting
Commands that improve pet behavior
Counters that kept track of components needed to cast spells (such as oddysey stones and nil crystals), and let you know when you're running low/out.
Dynamic buff names and timers on all buffs, with different ways of displaying each based on your preference
Equipment comparison tooltips (hover your mouse over an item and see its tooltip and also the tooltips of the items of the same slot you have equipped currently next to it)
There are too many great WoW add-ons to list, but those are a few that I like, and I'd like to see similar things make their way to EQ 2. I don't want to see the level of automation that some WoW mods have, but I would like to be really truly impressed with an EQ 2 UI mod and it's capabilities, like I have been with WoW's.
Regards,