EverQuest Online Adventures

"Sony Entertainment does it again."

Let me just say that I used to be a PC EQ addict. When I picked up the PS2 version I didn't know what to expect. Set 500 years before the original EQ, this game is just as addicting and fun as the PC version. Still, the graphics aren't as good as the orginal PC but the fun quests that make you want more make up for it. No worries though. As a Frontier tester I can really say this could add up to the PC version.

Graphics
The graphics for EQOA are alright. You are, however, very limited on choosing the characters facial appearance. I don't understand why they didn't use the Shadows of Luclin system from the PC version because that would've been great on EQOA. However, like I said, the Frontiers expansion comes out soon and you won't be dissapointed with that. Soon there will be ''extra'' features in the character creation screen that will make the experience better. They are overall, mediocre, at the moment.

Controls
The EQOA controls are great and easy to get used to. Although I would've liked to use the old keyboard and mouse with EQOA the controller still gets along great with the game. The only problem I really seem to have is the pet command controls. You have to push four or five buttons just to get your pet on a mob. Other than that I think the controls are A.O.K.

Gameplay/Sound
The gameplay is great. Right when you start your first newbie character you are taught on how to play and what and where to hunt in order to gain new equipment and experience. Communicating with hundreds of fellow EQOA players is an experience everyone will enjoy and it keeps the game fresh. Grouping with others is a must after a few first newbie levels. However, some players can ruin the experience with bad language and or Kill Stealing. Thankfully, you can ignore players but there is lacking GM (GameMaker) support. They are hardly there for you to restrict bad players which forces you, if there is kill stealing, to go to another hunting spot. Overall, minus the bad players, the gameplay never gets old. The sound is nothing special but the new Frontiers expansion with most definatly improve the game as there will be certain things that should have been in EQOA in the first place.. Right now, however, the sounds and music are nothing special, but I assure you, they are being improved.

Replay
What can I say? It's EverQuest, afterall. The game gives each class unique quests and abilities that makes you feel, well, unique! Just exploring with an online buddy or alone can keep you occupied for hours upon hours! It truely is an extremely addicting game that will keep you in front of the television screen for many months to come.

Overall Conclusion
This game is pretty impresive for a first MMORPG on a console. Literally thousands of quests and the ability to form your own player guild makes this game a contender against its brother, the PC version. There still is much to be done though before it can equal it. I would like to see better costomer support and more races and or classes along with new spells and equipment. The Frontier expansion will make this a definate buy. As a beta tester I can tell you that the graphics will be greatly improved but you will have to see that for yourself due to agreements with Sony Entertainment. Also there is a new class and race that will be added, Ogre and Alchemist. For those who don't have it I encourage you to check it out. I will even tell you to pick it up as soon as you can as you MMORPG fans will enjoy it no doubt and it will be refreshed as soon as Frontiers is out for retail. For the ''newbies'' who have never played an MMORPG and have a bad PC, this is a great way to get started. This game will keep you occupied so shelling out 10 bucks a month is worth it.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 08/29/03, Updated 08/31/03