EverQuest II Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Okay, I can almost hear all of you asking me: "WHY? are you NUTS?"

Firstly, my computer is just under the minimum recommended spec required for this game: AMD Duron 950 (100MHz FSB), 1GB 133MHz SDRAM (yes the old stuff), Radeon 9800Pro 128MB (Running at 4X AGP) - You get the idea. I have the game on low settings, except for the main texture quality, that is set to HIGH. This game is *just* about playable for me (although some of you may disagree) I get anywhere between 5 - 10 FPS in the cities, and higher indoors. But it lags, and quite serious lag sometimes.

But I'm still playing. And I'm not planning on quitting. And SOE are welcome to the monthly fee that I will pay - gladly.

What's in.... THE BOX!?

The collector's edition of this game comes beautifully presented in a shiny metal box. Opening the box you find: a velvet pouch with collectors coin, a cloth map of the world, a glossy poster map of the main cities, a glossy poster of Antonia Bayle - signed by Heather Graham - and a pic of Lucan D'Lere - signed by none other than Christopher Lee (otherwise known as Saruman in LoTR), a thick glossy book full of game artwork, a glossy manual and a hardback gatefold CD case containing both game DVD's, a music CD and a Bonus DVD (4 discs in all).

It's quite a package, and strangely, I found myself cackling with glee as I was rummaging through its contents. After installing (4.5GB!) and getting into the game, I typed in /claim, and found to my surprise that the collector's edition of this game also includes in-game items as follows: A choice of paintings (to be put in your Inn room after leaving the Isle of Refuge), A statue of Lucan or Antonia to put in your Inn room(and they talk when you click on them), and a baby dragon pet in your choice of colours (it also does tricks). What can I say? Pretty cool stuff - but you're paying for it, don't forget!

The Game

Now, I want you to ask yourself if you like clear purpose in an RPG. Think about all those great single player RPG's of the past that included great storylines and quests. Let me tell you that if you like quests, then you will love Everquest 2's excellent quest system. The game designers have put a lot of thought, effort and time into the stories, quests and reward system, and it's all brought to life by the outstanding voice-overs of the NPC's. It didn't take long for the LAG I was telling you about before, to become... how shall I say? ... more unnoticed. In fact, I was already planning my next PC upgrade.

The game really comes to life when you leave the Isle of Refuge and partake in the well thought-out initial quests to get you used to the city, your Inn room and the places to hunt. The NPC's chatter away as you go about your business - e.g. I saw one of the Ratonga rat men weilding a hatchet and chasing a cat through the streets of Freeport with a comical voice over of "Here kitty kitty!". Moments later the cat was chasing him instead, hissing and yowling, while the Ratonga was shouting "Helllp!.. I'm being chased by dinner!"

The game is full of these comical moments, and it draws you in, gives the world life. This game is very immersive - even more so than the original Everquest. Dangerously immersive. Hmmm... this game could be a real life stealer - but I'm not sure yet if this is a Pro or a Con.

Everquest2 is all about adventure - more so than any other MMORPG that I have played to date (and I've been playing them since the early MUD's). It has the same fun level that I experienced with single-player games like Baldurs Gate and BGII. And even though I have played the original Everquest, EQ2 is completely new to me, has that element of exploration and adventure... and good clear sense of progress right from the start.

But this game requires a COMMITTMENT.

If committment scares you, or if you don't have the time to truely sink yourself into this game - then I wouldn't recommend it for you! I'm going to take time off from real life, and become what I call "a computer hermit" for a month or so. I won't shave or wash much, I won't see the light of day for a while. Grocery shopping will be done online, or from a phone.

You get the idea. If you want a "casual" gaming experience, try WoW out for style. But if you're hardcore, like me. You know what to do..... (bwhahahahaahahaaaaa!)

Pros: Graphics, Sound, Quests, Animation, Community, Can Solo (all the way with the new solo monsters that SOE have added), Player Housing, Guild system, Group System, Combat, Item system, Voice Acting, The way that swarms of bats fly in caves, The way that flocks of birds realistically fly outdoors, Fish (and fishing), Tradeskills, Mining, Gathering/Harvesting and the whole lack of... boredom.

Cons: Price, Monthly fee, REQUIRES High-End system (works good after messing with the game settings on my friend's 3200 AMD barton, 1GB DDR RAM, Radeon 9800Pro), REQUIRES time to play - but if you're patient I suppose you could "casual" this for a time, It's by Sony - so cust support might be sketchy, Expansions to the game are PAY, Game special features are PAY, Overall the game is EXPENSIVE, your real life sanity (and/or relationship with girlfriend/boyfriend) may be at RISK.

And that's all I can think of. Hope you find the info above ^^ useful.

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Product Description:
The EverQuest II Collector's Edition opens up a new world of epic deds and amazing damgers, where players will encounter hundreds of creatures and unlimited adventure. Breathtaking graphics and an epic storyline immerse you in this world, as you become a legendary hero or villain. This special Collector's Edition includes a "Spell Book" DVD holder, bonus DVD with video assets, art book, cloth map and a collectible coin ina small velvet pouch.Players can now own real estate, such as apartments, homes, and guild houses Incredible graphics bring over 160 creature types to life -from orcs and goblins to menacing dragons and colossal Living StatuesFeatures voices for almost every NPC in the game

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