"Best MMORPG out...but by default."

I'll start by saying that I judge this game both based on its own merits and other MMO's. This review covers EQ2 with all of the expansions upto EoF, once RoK comes out in November I'll try out some of the new content and over a month or two begin writing a new review.

Graphics 7/10
The textures in this game are far superior to the 'paint on' look from some other MMO's. But with their complexity comes a problem: Lack of variation. Because they have to design equipment for something like 40+ different model types, alot of stuff gets recycled, and even recoloring takes a good amount of time. Thankfully, by the end of 2007 they are supposed to *hopefully* release a skeleton system revamp, which will allow them to quickly produce new unique armor. Unlike some other MMO's which I wont' mention, this game is meant to be realistic, and apparently, reality is alot brown-er/gray-er than I thought. Some zones look recycled, especially in KOS (The same zone being used for HoF, Labs, and several of the parts of the mark of awakening quest, where it just locks you into different parts).

Audio 9/10
This is one of the places where EQ2 shines. Greatly composed music, fine voice acting, and character sounds out the wazoo. The only problem I can find is that sometimes certain tracks can get 'stuck' and loop over and over, mainly the battle music doing about a 5 second loop while I'm out of battle over and over again. But -- this is rare.

Interface 10/10
I really like the EQ2 interface, after comming over from a few other games, it was a relief to see a UI that was both minimalistic and functional at the same time, all the while being easy on the eye. If there is a part of the UI you dont' like, there are guaranteed to be several replacements available from the active skinning community (eq2interface.com).

Solo Content 4/10
EQ2 is a grouping game, and that becomes pretty obvious once you are in your mid 20's to lower 30's. While soloing is 'possible' with all classes, with some it is often painfully slow with many, and only a few can earn a reasonable amount of EXP doing it. If you're soloing, you'll want to keep a healthy supply of quests to suppliment the poor exp you'll be getting. There are some instances in which soloing is a good idea though, mainly for running the "Harclave" instance in the splitpaw adventure pack once a level (Personally I run it every level upto 70, as it always gives decent exp for the time spent in it).

Group Content 8/10
Groups are where you will probably find yourself spending most of your time. Groups are capable of getting good amounts of masters and legendary gear killing named heroic mobs, so you can get outfitted decently well by grouping. Grouping is by far the best way to earn experience in EQ2, and is a great way to get used to your class and start to see how you function in larger groups (and eventually raids). Group content is always available, and around 20 becomes the standard, as that is when dungeons with great loot start popping up.

Casual Raiding Content 10/10
Casual raiding in EQ2 is the mainblood of EQ2. At 70, it's one of the many things you can do. Casual raiding is most of what there is in EQ2, and it overs great rewards. Fabled items and masters galore. At the moment though, there isn't much that your average casual raiding guild can't conquer...which causes the next score to be a bit lower...

Hardcore Raiding Content 5/10
A combination of poor balancing and the ease of dropping pretty much any raid mob out right now makes hardcore raiding obsolete. Raiding is currently very casual friendly, with relatively little reward for those willing to be more dedicated to the game. The one or two mobs extra that a well oiled machine of a guild can drop compared to a casual guild (and contested mobs of course) drop loot that is hardly (if even) better than that dropped from casual raid mobs.

Overall: 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/13/07