There are portals scattered here and there around the map that go to dungeons or other locations, so there s no need to waste time running all over the countryside if all you want to do is get from place to place. In terms of game structure itself, AC is actually fairly unique. You can also create temporary fellowships with other players if you want to go run through a dungeon with help but without more permanent attachments to each other. Unless you re playing PvP, no one else will steal your stuff off your body. You also can choose where you wish to resurrect by attuning yourself to the bright blue lifestones scattered in various places around the map.
Monsters are non-standard.
No orcs and trolls here. They have their very own bestiary, which may take a bit of getting used to so you don t accidentally attack something that s going to kill you. Combat can take a little getting used to as well, as there s a few extra clicks necessary. The magic system in AC is also a bit different and quite complex. A blademaster teamed with, say, an Item Enchanter can make for a very deadly combination, as the item enchanter can up the stats of Armor and Weapons.