EverQuest II Reviews
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With graphics that rival those of the top shooters, in-game systems that strive to do something other than "the same thing only better", and combat that scales dependent on player ability (the heroic opportunity system can separate novice gamers from advanced), Sony's parallel online world is a deep, involving, and intellectually stimulating game that creates a "need" for me to log in and play. As Senior Producer John Blakely said at the launch event in San Francisco last month, "games are all about fun, and no matter how cool the graphics or complex the systems, a game without fun is dead software." EverQuest II definitely hits the mark in this department.
The second is at MPOGD.com with an overall score of 7.8/10:
Overall SOE did a decent job with EverQuest 2. It's not brilliant but it's entertaining. If you're looking for something to get your favorite gamer for Christmas this is an option. They will get hours of enjoyment from this game. My hope is that SOE can get the major bugs worked out that prohibit a more enjoyable playing experience. If they don't do it in a timely manner I'm afraid that there will be an exodus to the other major title that released this season.
The third is at GamePro with an overall score of 4.0/5:
The game's two key weaknesses are the art direction and the pacing. While EQ II is technically hyper-impressive (it probably won't look outdated for a couple years at least thanks to the crazy number of customization options), the artists didn't quite utilize the technology to the fullest. Many characters and enemies look superb, but the world they live in looks drab, depressing, and under-designed. The user interface is simple and clean, but the icons and frames are extremely dull. Quests are just about pouring out of every orifice in the game (simply look for someone to "wave" to you to know if he or she's got one), but you spend too much time running from point A to point B and back again or looking for hard-to-find NPCs or too-specific creatures in a field full of similar-looking monsters.
The fourth is at The Laser with an overall score of "A-":
EverQuest II's visual enhancements are obviously the most immediate improvement to the game, but look underneath and you'll find the solid gameplay and community aspects that have underlined the game's success from the beginning. While it still offers the same immersive, deeply satisfying experience as previous games, the steep learning curve has been lessened which allows new players to get to the more interesting aspects of the game much faster. The larger scope and increased number of missions makes for a more varied and interesting experience that should have even more long-term appeal than the first game. The world that the developers have created is so evocative, detailed and beautiful that you can't help but be impressed. Players everywhere probably had high expectations and fortunately, EverQuest II delivers and experience that transcends the first title to create a truly immersive experience.
And the fifth is at GamesFirst! with an overall score of 4/5:
Everquest II is certainly a worthy addition to the now vast library of MMORPG's out there, but if you're looking for that special, epic gem that only comes along every other blue moon and blows you out of the water, you may have to look elsewhere, as Everquest II is really just more of the same, and doesn't quite have the impact that the original had. The game has its good points, its great points, and points that should crawl away and die, but for the most part, it's a fairly decent game on its own right. For those who have played the original Everquest to death and are yearning for more of Norrath, Everquest II will certainly fill that void in your life. Here's to hoping you get that Alienware system you've been asking for for Christmas. You're going to need it.
