Hard to answer question since we don't know what "worth coming back to" means to YOU. Plenty of people still play the game but it sure isn't the #1 MMORPG that it was in the first 5 years if its existence. But EQ is still quite viable and if anything there are more options now than ever before, what with the regular servers as well as the progression servers. If you want to try to relive the old school experience make a toon on the Phinigel server, which will bring you closest to that nostalgic feeling.
I see players returning all the time. On FV I do try to assist new players and returning, with tips and other help. And I do see a lot of them. A lot of old-time EQers are doing what you're considering: returning to a game that they loved.
Since you can play for free for starters, why not give it a shot?
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Sippin 115 DRU **** Firiona Vie ****Agnarr
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