What's the best way to get into this game? (completely new player)

Been wanting to play an old mmo and this I distinctly remember being one of the best. What's the best way to play? Should I go straight to modern EQ2? Or is it better to play the older game? Is it a runescape situation where modern RS is a little off for old players? I did read that modern EQ2 just "isn't the same".