Ryzom

Hi, I am thinking of returning to this game with 2 of my friends but I have a few things I'd like to ask first.
I havent played since 2005 and I believe there have been quite a number of changes, how different is the game now?
I also heard the game has been taken over by another company, is this going to effect the future of the game in anyway be it good or bad?
My last question is a server one, im sure you get this kinda question a lot but is there any particuler server any of you would reccomend for new players?
Also if any of you have any guild suggestions on any particuler server I'd be happy to hear them as well.
I'm hoping to make Ryzom the new home for me and my friends all being well, after spending so much time in wow it should make for a nice change, especially community wise.
I look forward to hearing from you all and thanks in advance for any help you can give us.

First, welcome back

the game isn't so different really, apart from the Ring editor. The NPC bosses have returned, a new emote system, guild list online status and a few other minor changes. As for server, if you speak english, u won't have to choose anymore, the Cho one is being merged to Arispotle. As for Gameforge taking over, and how it will affect the game I can't really answer that question, I think they intend to continue what Nevrax was working on, in a way. But they have their own plans too.

Welcome Back!
Think the first thing you might notice is Ryzom has grown some. While it is true player support for the Cho server was weak, it only shows that new players preferred to deal with more experienced and higher populated Aristople server.
Nevrax was racked by startup debt and with loan interests piling up finally had to declare bankrupcy. Gameforge has kept most(if not all) of the original dev team and is slowly working to make the game financially solvent.
All in all the game seems to have a brighter future.

As far as guild recommendations that is a personal call and will depend on what style of play your interested in.
Its been my experience so far that all the guilds here contain some great people in them. So, any choice will be the right one if that guild meets your playing style.
again, welcome back and enjoy!