I've mentioned that I'm likely to be more critical of Age of Conan's 'Endgame' than my leveling experience. Partially because I can glimpse already what's there (or what isn't), but also because I've had such a good time I haven't had a lot of complaints so far.

Here's one though, I'm level 74 and I'm not too fond of Kheshatta.

That shouldn't be a big deal, but past level 75, Kheshatta is the only viable zone. This has been mostly the case since level 50, the zones overlap a little bit, but generally you don't have options. You pretty much need to go everywhere in Funcom's Hyboria if you plan to level to 80.

I hadn't noticed it so much honestly, because I guess I've been lucky: I've enjoyed the zones I've been in up to this point, with the exception of the Noble District (although I do like those Villas). I never hit any 'wall' as other have put it, not at 35 and not at 50. When some have insisted they've run out of quests, my log has been full. I suspect because I branched into several of the zones for 20-35 (I did all of Wild Lands and most of Conal's Valley) so I didn't start out early chasing red quests. Plus just the way I tackle content.

I've already put a great deal of hours into this game. I don't rush. I'm very thorough with the content and I've seen pretty much all of it to this point, aside from some of the group dungeons.

Comparing this to WoW for a moment, because it's the obvious measuring stick, there were always at least two solid choices for questing. Impressive given that they had faction-specific zones at lower levels. They did have one 'wall' though, in that sooner or later everyone had to go to Stranglethorn Vale, in fact you felt stuck in it for a long while. So after an alt or two you sure got sick of STV. I've heard it complained about many times even though on first visit it's not bad at all.

I suspect I'll find some hidden gems in Kheshatta, I haven't been everywhere in it and so far Funcom's zone design has really shined at the higher levels. There was so much that surprised me in Atzel's and I even ended up going back to Thunder River on group quests for the Prison colony which I'll enjoy a few more times too.

But I am sitting here, wondering what it's going to be like stuck in Kheshatta for months, because at this point, it's the only viable zone for both leveling and then farming at 80.

Today I went and did the Villas for the first time since about 50 or so.

I've been leveling at a steady pace and I think I detect some cries of alarm from guildmates seeking to catch up. It hasn't seemed rushed, I try to hold myself back, but my Polearm Guardian is too much fun dammit.

Kheshatta is the level 80 zone in this game and I have to admit in my first visit I was underwhelmed. Perhaps I've yet to find the hidden gems in the zone, so I'll withhold any deep criticism, who knows with first impressions right? Desert landscapes don't appeal to me on the surface.

Atzel's Approach on the other hand, has proven a surprising alternative. I expected to be moving on by now but it goes all the way from 60-75. It's cleverly laid out, whomever the zone designer was he has my deep respect because Atzel's Approach has layers. Like onions, or better yet a layered cake. Oh yes, my analogies suck.

I just wrote a poetic description of the place that was borderline brilliant, but I nuked it for sake of explorer spoilers. =P   Discover the zone on your own terms, because this good stuff is too far and between in these games.