EverQuest II (EQ2) is a popular multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) based on the very successful (and obviously titled) original, EverQuest. Everquest II, however, is not a direct sequel to the original game – so much so that’s been more-so referred to by most as existing either within a parallel universe or an alternate reality future to the first game’s setting and overall world history.
In fact, whether the game is a direct sequel of sorts or is alternatively a spiritual successor of a glorified expansion sort is quite the heated debate within the often rabid hardcore EverQuest player circles. Ahh… first world geek problems — gotta love it!
Anyway, how about we stop broaching pointless, trifling topics and instead just jump right along into the lusciously juicy details that make up our Everquest II MMO review below, shall we?
Pros: Ridiculously vast amount of character customization is available thanks to the presence of 24+ playable classes and 19+ playable races; Very deep, extremely entertaining character specialization class options available later in the game; Absolutely huge variety of various combat, support and defensive skills and advancements present; Enormous, vibrant and seemingly living in-game world; Superb music track and sound effects; Staggering number of main story and side quests available; Intuitive, easy-to-use interface.
Cons: Overall system requirements are quite demanding; Most of the free-to-play restrictions are quite annoying (albeit easily — if a bit costly — remedied).
GAMEPLAY
Understandably quite a lot has changed since EverQuest 1 but the vets will be comfortable in this new territory. Racial class restrictions are no more, your race will be dictated by the racial bonuses you have available and by your initial ability scores. Since the race you pick really doesn’t matter until you get into the latter levels, you’ll probably just pick your race based on their appearance. You are able to fully customize their appearance, making them look however you really want them to, but when you get in the game itself they’re all going to look pretty similar regardless, so don’t go wasting too much of your time altering their appearance and trying to make them the most unique fish in the proverbial sea. Although if that’s your thing — hey, whatever floats your boat!
Many of the new features of EverQuest 2 make it a very strong game, indeed, but one that should still be very familiar to the players of the original EverQuest. Indeed, if you were one of the people who played the original to the max and then back again, you’re in for a real treat as it’s essentially the first EverQuest but with better graphics, combat mechanics and overall interface — plus on steroids.
There aren’t as many new features as you might think or have hoped there would be, but all the games previous strengths have been solidified while its weaknesses have been altered for the better. Many have labeled the game as a glorified expansion based on this regard, but ultimately, it does manage to go a bit above and beyond what you’d expect from a mere expansion. So if this was one of your worries heading into playing the game, fear not, fine traveler!
GRAPHICS
EverQuest 2 takes place during the Age of Destiny and it’s important to note/remember that during this age, Queen Antonia Bayle of Qeynos has embraced all of the good races and refugees in her city in a great, kind showing of pure compassion. Her sole goal is to rebuild and strengthen this alliance of good and use it to overcome whatever might be thrown at them across the river.
Qeynos is filled with good people who are hopeful and are looking forward to piecing the fallen land together. The people and races — many of whom appear beaten and broken (and understandably so) by the recent events — are determined to pick up the pieces and do whatever it takes to work together, help one another and help the good kingdom rise once again.
On the opposite side of the proverbial coin is Lucan D’Lere, The Overlord of Freeport, is the ruler of the evil races and strives for conquest. Freeport could be seen as quite literally the exact opposite of Qeynos, what with everywhere you look being filled with mistrusting evil races, with everyone — when it’s all said and done — looking out solely for him or herself.
You pretty much have to pick between the two states and, depending on whichever one you pick, will ultimately affect your overall experience and storyline throughout the game.
This is actually one of the first decisions you have to make in the game, and its the most important. Both cities are exactly the same in terms of what they offer; all that is different is the people in the land and the visual tone, with one land being “good” with the other existing as “evil.” Unsurprisingly, the graphics and overall visuals of each land harken the good or evil nature and vibe of the surrounding area, although regardless of which you choose to reside in for the game, it’s all a real treat to consistently gaze upon.
Regardless of which specific land you choose to call your own and home, you’ll know almost instantly that you’re in an EverQuest game — and this is something that is truly enjoyable and most certainly easy-on-the-eyes from hour one to hour one hundred of your playthrough.
THE BOTTOM LINE
All in all, EQ2 is a very fun game, and if you’re into MMORPG then its the game for you. Overall, its gotten very good reviews, you can download a trial version of the game from their website. EverQuest II also offers the players the ability to make actual money by selling EverQuest II Platinum or EQII Plat to other players for money.
The recent money making opportunities for massively multiplayer online role playing games have begun to open up selling the EverQuest II Platinum (EQII Plat) or leveled up characters for fairly substantial amounts of income. This blending of the real and virtual worlds may prove to even more beneficial in the long run as it could eventually become an incredibly fun game to make money with on the side!
Great game