EverQuest Online Adventures Review (no fat)

Game Description

Popularly dubbed ‘EverCrack’ for its addiction value, EverQuest started what is known today as the “MMO-mania”. When it comes to MMO’s, PlayStation2 players have spent a lot of time moping over the fact that they didn’t have anything near the quality of gaming experience PC games offered. EverQuest Online Adventures comes as a step in the direction of fixing just that. PS2 users now have the opportunity to bask in the world of Norath as well.

EQOA Storyline

While the game’s purpose is to introduce PlayStation users to the world of MMO’s, it isn’t just a PC game turned into a PS2 version. The story of EverQuest Online Adventure is timed 500 years before that of the PC version.

The High Elves and the Wood Elves are not divided as yet, so they are a single race that has only just started to leave Tunaria for Faydwer. The Orges are living secluded in the mountains and they are not as yet a playable race. Similarly, later races from the world of EQ2 are not even born yet. With the originality of the gaming experience on offer in EQOA, even PC gamers can play the game without the thoughts of ‘been there, done that’.

EQOA Gameplay

The Online Adventures in the world of Norrath are open ended. Players can take up multiple quests, move from one region to another and fulfill their quests in any order they like. The storyline does not dictate the gameplay but each race has a different set of story environments running. Therefore, along with being a persistent world, the re-playability value is high and players might like to try out different races than their original choices as well.

EQOA Character Creation

The game offers a complex character creation system, letting you choose between 9 different, unique races and 13 classes, some of which could also be found in the PC version of EverQuest.

Even as you might have to spend a few extra minutes reading each race’s description and each profession’s abilities, the race and profession of your character will count enormously on how the game will develop for you, so its always handy to choose a character of your liking in EQ. Besides choosing a race/profession combo you will also be able to pick gender, appearance, modify starting attributes and add points to your character’s proficiencies.

Combat and Looting in EQOA

Because the original EverQuest was based around combat and looting rather than solid, complicated questing and story-following, the PlayStation version could not be too far off. Although it is still combat-prone, the game’s fighting system has been simplified for the use of the PlayStation interface. This makes the combat more dynamic. But there still is not much you can do in a fight, but wait for your opponent to fall first from the head-bashing you are both generously exchanging. However, you can use special attacks and magic spells for a quicker ending to the 'I’ll-wait-till-you-hit-me-back' fights.

Trade Skills and Community Features

The PlayStation version clearly takes a step forward in the original game’s social system. Offering a good amount of trade skills like armor crafting, jewelry, cooking or brewing, the game creates player interdependencies that make solo-ing the game out harder and emphasizes on the use of a group to succeed. Grouping out is not only more fun, but is essential at times, since there will be monsters that you will simply not be able to take out alone.

Game Requirements

The game is built for online play only, so going offline, soloing on your PlayStation won’t be an option at all. You will need a high-Internet connection, 3 MB memory and a PS2 Network Adapter in order to be able to play.

EQOA Graphics and Visual Effects

The graphics engine is not exactly what you would call 'state-of-the-art', at least not for the year of the game’s release. The ground might seem a little 'stretched' at times and the lack of diversity is obvious in some areas (to the point of being annoying at times).

Apart from that, the game’s visuals are of decent quality (considering it is an MMORPG). Character models have a natural motion and their animations are nicely built, although their facial expression is a little dull.

The real diversity in EQOA graphics can be seen in the indoor structures; the buildings differ in designs from region to region and it makes exploring a very rewarding job visually. In addition, the weather in Norrath is particularly dodgy and the sudden rains and storms can catch you off guard at times… nice effects.

EQOA Sound

Unfortunately, the soundtrack of EverQuest Online Adventures is nothing to drool over. Although the idea of each race having a different music attached to it is a interesting one, the music gets pretty boring on the whole with only a couple of battle music options.

The sound effects are good with sounds from the environments. A good sound system coupled with the games’ battle sounds can create a heady atmosphere, adding value to the package.

Conclusion

EverQuest Online Adventures is a simplified, yet better polished version of the EverQuest for PC. Even if it is not graphically magnificent, it is addictive and highly enjoyable and of course, it does provide PS2 gamers the chance to enter the Online arena. Kudos.

EQOA Cost

The game currently retails for 19.99. After a months’ free trial period, gamers are required to pay a monthly subscription fee of $9.99 .