The world of EverQuest just keeps getting
bigger and bigger.
It is readily apparent that Sony Online
Entertainment, which will be launching EverQuest II later this year, is not
stepping back from supporting the original title, which ranks as one of the
oldest massively multiplayer online role-playing games.
But EverQuest: Gates of Discord is more than
just your run-of-the-mill expansion. This has a target group of players in mind
and that group is those who have hit the upper levels in the game. Gates of
Discord offers more challenge, more adventure and has a list of new abilities
and zones guaranteed to put the challenge back into the game.
The list of new features should have anyone
salivating: 20 new zones, including 10 instanced and 10 traditional zones, and
new combat zones for characters over level 50; 100 alternate advancement
abilities; the capability of getting leadership experience and unlocking group-
and raid-enhancing tools; and a new Berserker class. The group- and
raid-enhancements are wonderful, and can be as simple as health or mana bonuses,
or a little more effective like creating a path the group leader. The Berzerker
is a melee class warrior with limited crafting abilities. But their skill trees
diverge early from the tradition warrior classes and into frenzy-driven
abilities, which also allow them to have stuns and slows in their arsenal.
The Wayfarers Brotherhood has discovered the
continent of Taelosia, which is alive with mobs. There is only one portal into
the area, but players can earn character flags by defeating mobs, which is not
all that easy. The character flags will allow players to work into areas deep in
the land.
One of the more innovative ideas had enabled
players to clear out old items in the banks and convert them into tribute buffs.
Basically these buffs can be statistical or ability timed enhancements.
The game’s sound and graphical elements have
not undergone any changes. This is more of the same, and for those players not
capable of traveling to Taelosia, which does sport some richer texturing,
because they are not high enough in level, you will have to content yourself
with using some of the new advanced abilities, leadership bonuses and new class
until you are high enough to brave the challenges of the new lands. Actually,
these are satisfactory in many regards.
Essentially, Gates of Discord is geared for
upper level players who need to feel that burn of being challenged once again.
Gates does have a few caveats to throw in the direction of the younger players,
though, but the real benefit of this title will be reaped by the veteran player.
Gates of Discord is quite obviously a bold
step forward for the EverQuest series. Fans are anticipating the release of
EverQuest II but Gates of Discord shows very clearly that none of the focus has
gone from the original title. Gates is challenging and offers enough new
features to make it a worthy investment for any EQ fan.
Gameplay: 8.8
The challenge is back, especially for upper
level players. This is indeed a very good thing. The other attributes brought
out makes for a move involved experience
Graphics: 8.4
While there is some new texturing in the new
lands, little has otherwise changed.
Sound: 8
Nothing really new here, either.
Difficulty: Medium/Hard
Players will have to be above level 50 to
really reap the benefits of this title.
Concept: 9
Sony has done a wonderful job of providing
content for the upper-level players as well as giving some new paths and rewards
for younger players.
Multiplayer: 9
This title, with its leadership skills, really
helps emphasize the importance of fellowing.
Overall: 8.9
The challenge is back for the upper-level
players and the new class is fun to play. The game also sports some wonderful
new attributes which make grouping more fun and rewarding. This is an expansion
well worth the investment.
