Originally Posted by
Fencers
Of course. It's one of the most successful MMOs not called World of Warcraft. MMOs go on for years with less than 10 million subs, no reason why Rift would not considering it was the first AAA MMO released & immediately successful in years prior to The Old Republic.
Somewhat subjective, but on average Rift endgame is more difficult than Warcraft's endgame.
Endgame PVE design is objectively superb in Rift.
No comment on PVP.
I feel Warcraft is much better as a social game. For a number of reasons, but most importantly due to establishment. Warcraft is popular. Really popular.
Rift is somewhat less casual friendly than either Warcraft or SWTOR. Rift is tougher, requires a better PC, requires more grinding, learning curve is steeper and there are more intricate systems than those other two AAA MMOs.
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If I can offer a bit of opinion, I would say Rift is def. more of a "hardcore/veteran" skewed MMO. The method of Rift's macros, controls, encounter and class design are very granular.
Rift also lacks a lot of what I would say is coddling in other MMOs. For example, Rift has no "modes" in it's raiding structure-- they are all Heroic Mode, so to speak. Having a single difficulty setting per tier often leads to steep requirements at initial thresholds as a point of design. Where by contrast, WOW/TOR offer players an ease of access by completing lesser content progressively.
I generally do not recommend Rift for players not interested in progressive raiding. TOR/WOW are great bets if you wanna just "hang out" with friends and play an MMO less intensely.
[I am actively subbed to TOR/Rift/WOW and enjoy them all. If I had to pick one, TOR would be the hot ticket.]