Here's my take.
I've been away from the game for several months out of the frustration of no new content.
Coming back to the game this weekend was an eye-opener.
Many additional enemies with which to engage. Giant crabs that were lvl 16-19 are now 13-15 with the added Destoyer crabs of higher levels.
Yes, in some aspects, the game is easier, i.e.; being led straight to your quest.
However, as a lvl 26 on test I attempted the 86% done "Recruit John Smith" quest in the course of the overall Black Pearl Quest.
At this level you are charged with finding a buried rudder on Tormenta (done) and taking out Spineskulls and Flotsam (10 and 20, not respectively?).
I was unable to locate a single Spineskull in Tormenta cave. The Flotsam I came across had been elevated from the 30s levels to mid 40s. I visited jail twice (playing solo) in an attempt to complete the quest.
What, at one time, had been a do-able solo quest at that level is now impossible without spending hours grinding weapons. Previously weapons were leveled commiserate with overall Noteriety level. Now, the weapons levels I had are drastically insufficient.
I will allow - having spent several months away from the game may have hindered my weapons leveling in this new environment. Meaning to say, that if I had been playing consistently when these changes were implemented my weapons might have kept pace with my noteriety.
As it is now I find myself in the unenviable position of having to spend a great deal of time leveling weapons in order to possibly complete this quest.
However. I must say...at least the game is a challenge again and I am thrilled about that. I now have a goal again to shoot for, so I'm pleased. The game is no longer a "gimme" to a long-time player. That is a good thing.
