Everquest on PS2!

[Overlord]

What do you guys think about this Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game, which most people have referred to as "Evercrack". Being one of the most addictive games ever, what do you think the amount of influence it will have on the PS2's online plans. Of course it will also rival FFXI:Online.

And with a monthely payment, about $10?

And this will be a totally new adventure. It will be about 500 years before the events of the current PC Everquest.

Your Thoughts?

Edit: Rolyplaying, what was I think thinking?

[folken001]

I dont' think I am going to be interested. First of all, I am in school. I am busy all the time. It would be a waste for me if I pay 10 dollars for that game when i don't even know when I will have the time to play it. 2ndly, which one would you prefer? FFXI or EverQuest?

[Overlord]

2ndly, which one would you prefer? FFXI or EverQuest?


Well thats a pretty hard question for me since I've only seen some of my friends play Everquest than play my self. It does look like a great game though. And it is also really popular, so maybe others on the board can answer that question.

Now for FFXI, I always loved the series. So if you like the other games, you might wanna get this instead. Hopefully it will be a lot like FFT. With a good job system, this could be one of the greatest games ever!

Also you can see how good the graphics are, not a single jaggie any where.

[folken001]

Originally posted by Overlord


Well thats a pretty hard question for me since I've only seen some of my friends play Everquest than play my self. It does look like a great game though. And it is also really popular, so maybe others on the board can answer that question.

Now for FFXI, I always loved the series. So if you like the other games, you might wanna get this instead. Hopefully it will be a lot like FFT. With a good job system, this could be one of the greatest games ever!

Also you can see how good the graphics are, not a single jaggie any where.

U know, I dont' doubt FFXI might be a great online game. It looks great and all but I rather Square release this game under another name than FFXI. I feel that Square is trying to milk down the series so they can sell more copies. I felt the same when PSO first came out. I was upset for a while.

As far as jaggy goes, I never really care about it. I have been playing many games on PSX and, as you know, how many "jaggies" were there in PSX games? PS2 did a good enough job for me. I wouldn't say PS2 is a bad system just becasue some "jaggies" that I barely notice or because Xbox has Gforce 3.

[Overlord]

True, I don't really care as far as graphics go also. But its always nice to see how far developers get and how much they are able to accomplish. I still play some PSx games like FFT and Chrono Cross. Also some Snes games like FFIV, VI and Chrono Trigger.

Square has been millking the FF franchise for some time now. Same as Capcom is doing with RE.

You might already know this, but GT3 only uses 25% of PS2's full power...

[folken001]

Originally posted by Overlord
You might already know this, but GT3 only uses 25% of PS2's full power...

Yea, I know about this. However, there are many debates based on this statement. PS2 people say PS2 has only used 1/4 of its totaly potential. Xbox people then say, it is not true. According to our calculation, PS2 actually used 75% of its power already. Even developers are telling different stories. I am kinda confused and don't know who to believe.

However, I know this much. PS2 games will keep improving. That is all I need to know. I wonder how much improvement will you see on Xbox? I doubt there is going to be much.

[Overlord]

At this point, all the consoles has a lot of room for improvement left. No one is for sure what the limitations for all the consoles might be.

Theres a lot of things that the PS2 is doing right now which people belived it couldn't. Like DTs support, Full-Screen Anti-Alising and HDtv support with progressive scan.

I highly doubt that GT3 uses 75%...

But some people think that Rogue Squadron for Cube might be close to maxing out the console. Maybe close to 70%. Since its the easiest console to dev for and the PS2 being the opposite.

I can't really comment the XBox right now. But it will most likely be PC dev who maxes it out first.

[chocotek]

i wont be getting eq...i got tired of the pc version, im not about to shell out money for the ps2 version, just so i can sit there and listen to people complain about verant on my ps2? no thanks....

I could careless wich systems have maxed out there potential, its all about gameplay anyways....hmm this reminds me i need to cancel my evercrack account...

[Rubeus]

Is EverQuest really that popular on PC? I don't know much about online games, but I do know Ultima Online is really popular.

What are the top 3 MMORPGs for PC anyway?

[pfk]

about the GT3 25% vs 70% thing...

i'm not in the "business" but i'd say 25% since a console graphic quality increase with years, that be like saying that a launch game use 70% of the hardware power... wait you just said that. ouch!! ;)

but than again playing the game it feels like 75% cuz it's so damm neet!! can't wait for GT4!!

[Overlord]

i'm not in the "business" but i'd say 25% since a console graphic quality increase with years, that be like saying that a launch game use 70% of the hardware power... wait you just said that. ouch!!



Actually, a official reviewer for hardware said that Halo uses arond %48-%50% on the Xbox.

And thats pretty high for a launch game. Of course Halo has also been in production since '98 or '99.

[dvdjedi]

The next big things in the world of PC MMORPGs are Neverwinter Nights and Star Wars Galaxies. NWN is set in the D&D world of the Forgotten Realms & is your standard fantasy RPG. SWG is...well...Star Wars. :) Personally, I'm totally psyched for SWG & think that's going to be the Next-Big-Thing.

[Overlord]

Yes there might be better MMORPG's coming out now for PC now. But not every has a suped-up computer to play all of them. Some might not even be able to play Everquest.

Thats why this is big news in the console market, where pretty much, everyone can afford it.

[oerjaN]

im excited about this game!

i want to lay on my sofa and MMORPaGize me ass off!! ;)

[Overlord]

What?

...No one eles cares that "Evercrack" is coming to PS2. With a whole new adventure?

[chocotek]

Originally posted by Overlord
What?

...No one eles cares that "Evercrack" is coming to PS2. With a whole new adventure?

guess not...and what adventure? that so called plot for it sucks, since all you end up doing in killing things, talking to your friends and trying to get items so you can sell them on ebay or brag about having them...

[Overlord]

Well, there hasn't been any news about the main plot and missions yet. The only thing we know, is that it takes place 500 years before the PC version.

...One of the reasons why this game was/is so popular was because of the number things you could do. In the second expansion pack for Everquest PC, you could make you own house deep in the forest. And you would never have to interact with anyone. And you wouldn't have to battle real people if you didn't want to. I guess you can still battle monsters if you wanted. Or make money selling things and stuff.

[Overlord]

IGN:

April 26, 2002 - For the first time in weeks, new shots of Sony's upcoming massively multiplayer online RPG, EverQuest Online Adventures has hit the web. Already an obvious improvement over the first pictures from earlier this month, the hatchling screens are slowly but surely equaling its PC cousin.

In addition to the seven new shots available on The Official EverQuest Online Adventures Website, brand new information about the game has also come to light (with special thanks to the FAQ provided within its menu).

Confirmed to support up to 5000 simultaneous players per world (with hundreds of worlds per server) and an unknown monthly fee definitely in the works, one of Sony's largest releases over the next couple of years is beginning to take shape. Other new tidbits, like being able to message buddies through the game system while they're offline, a list of your starting inventory (some food, a compass, simple clothing, and a weak weapon), and the revelation that you can swim in just about any body of water were among the facts revealed.

Still scheduled for an appearance in the spring of 2003, EverQuest Online Adventures is going to be huge. Be sure and check back for additional screens and expanded coverage in the coming weeks.


New Images!

http://ps2media.ign.com/ps2/image/everquest_online_adventures_04_26_2002_01.jpg

http://ps2media.ign.com/ps2/image/everquest_online_adventures_04_26_2002_02.jpg

http://ps2media.ign.com/ps2/image/everquest_online_adventures_04_26_2002_03.jpg

http://ps2media.ign.com/ps2/image/everquest_online_adventures_04_26_2002_04.jpg

http://ps2media.ign.com/ps2/image/everquest_online_adventures_04_26_2002_05.jpg

http://ps2media.ign.com/ps2/image/everquest_online_adventures_04_26_2002_06.jpg

http://ps2media.ign.com/ps2/image/everquest_online_adventures_04_26_2002_07.jpg

[devie]

Originally posted by Overlord
Rolyplaying Game

Rolyplaying game eh?:D Never heard of those. Evercrack sucks eggs.

[Overlord]

Heres some answers to some questions that you might have about the game:


General Information

What is EverQuest Online Adventures (EQOA)?

EverQuest Online Adventures is an all-new massively multiplayer online roleplaying game for the Playstation?2 computer entertainment system. It features a huge, seamless 3D world. The game world is designed to support 5000 simultaneous players, and our network can support enough worlds to keep hundreds of thousands of players online. Players will team up with people from around the globe to fight monsters and explore dangerous and spectacular locales.

What?s the premise? What?s the story like?

EverQuest Online Adventures takes place during the Age of Adventure, a time set approximately five centuries before the original EverQuest for the PC. Return to Norrath?s past, when the city of Freeport was newly formed and the elves have yet to abandon their ancient homeland completely.

When will it be released?

Q1 2003.

Is EverQuest Online Adventures only playable online?

Yes, you will need to have your PlayStation 2 system connected to the Internet to play EQOA. The persistent world will be host to thousands of other players for you to interact and adventure with.

Will a monthly fee be required to play?

Yes. But, the monthly fee has not yet been determined.

Gameplay

Where does EverQuest Online Adventures take place?

EverQuest Online Adventures takes place in the world of Norrath. The game focuses on a continent known as Tunaria. The landscape of Tunaria is incredibly diverse; there are mountain ranges, foggy swamps, crowded cities, perilous jungles, subterranean dungeons, and many other unique locales.

What is the goal of the game?

The goal of the game is to develop your character, complete quests and explore the world. You can do this by adventuring on your own or teaming up with other players. Characters can take up the cause of good or evil. Part of the fun is just hanging out with your friends and enjoying the view. We are building a living world for everyone to enjoy.

Will the gameplay resemble that of the MMORPG EverQuest?

Yes. The gameplay in EQOA is focused on character development, questing and cooperative combat. The character system is stream- lined, but combat is faster paced and tactically rich.

Since I can only play EQOA online, will the game be a persistent world like EverQuest?

Yes.

How many characters will I be able to control in EQOA?

You control one character at a time. However, you can maintain more than one character on a world server.

How many hours of gameplay do you expect EQOA to have?

The duration of game play is almost unlimited. The character system is incredibly rich, so there is always something new to do with your character. We are also working hard to implement a huge number of quests. It should take the average gamer about 600-800 hours to raise their character to level 50. Of course, with multiple races, 13 classes, and 520 km2 (323 miles2) of game world, the replay value is incredible.

How do I communicate with other players?

The EQOA chat system allows players to send each other messages using a set of common chat phrases. Players can also set up controller shortcuts to customized chat phrases. Finally, EQOA will offer full keyboard support. The USB ports of the PlayStation 2 system will support standard USB keyboards. You can even send messages to players who are offline.

How does inventory work?

You can store items in your character?s inventory or in a bank. Your inventory size is limited by your character?s carrying capacity. Traveling with heavy items will limit your inventory.

Characters

Will I be able to transfer my characters from the original EverQuest to EQOA?

No, EverQuest Online Adventures is an entirely new game. It introduces a new style of gameplay and game mechanics.

Can I customize my character?s appearance?

Yes, each race has a unique appearance. You may also customize a character?s face, hairstyle, hair color, facial hair and tattoos. You can also specify your character?s gender. With the thousands of options on clothing, armor and weapons, there are really no limits to the variety of looks you can achieve.

What starting equipment will I receive?

New characters start off with some food, a compass, basic clothing and a simple weapon.

How does EQOA?s combat system work?

The EQOA combat system focuses on cooperative combat. However, solo players can still have a great time fighting in EQOA. Your characters can use just about any imaginable weapon to fight monsters. In addition, characters can learn spells and special attacks to gain the advantage in a fight. Your character?s statistics help to determine how effective he or she is in a fight.

What happens when I die?

You will lose some experience and a portion of the money on your character at the time of death.

Where will I respawn?

When a person is slain, their spirit will return to where they are bound. There, the body and possessions will rematerialize. To be bound at a location, you must solicit the aid of a Spiritmaster. Spiritmasters are special NPCs that help players by binding them to a specific location.

Can other players loot my corpse?

No. There are no player character corpses in EQOA.

Travel

How will I traverse the world and how long will it take?

You can run or swim to just about anywhere in the world. Specific character classes can move around the world using teleport spells. EQOA also features a new system of transportation. Characters can purchase tickets to select locations, making it easier to meet your friends in the game world.

[Overlord]

Gameplay
EverQuest Online Adventures combines the best parts of console RPGs and massively multi-player online worlds.

As a console RPG, there is a focus on exciting combat, questing and character development. Combat is fast and tactically rich, with each monster posing a unique challenge for the player. The world is laden with compelling quests and intriguing subplots. Players enhance their characters by discovering items and unlocking secret abilities.

Fiction

EverQuest Online Adventures takes place during the Age of Adventure; a time set approximately five centuries before the original EverQuest for the PC. Return to a time in Norrath?s past, when the city of Freeport was a new coalition of merchants and the elves have yet to abandon their ancient homeland completely. To the west, Antonius Bayle the Second has recently been crowned ruler of Qeynos. In the eastern lands, the once great Eldarr Forest has all but disappeared, its trees withering away as the once rich ground beneath it turns to desert sands.

To the far north, on the frigid plains of Everfrost, many of the nomadic barbarian tribes have put aside their differences and banded together for survival. The city of Halas stands as a new concept to these proud warriors, opening communication and trade with other races for the first time in barbarian history. Fortunately the barbarians have found strong support in their endeavors, especially from the dwarven mining city of Moradhim nestled in the northern mountains.

And, in the South, the swamplands provide a perfect home for the trolls of Grobb.

Feature list


-All different play styles supported from the occasional 20 minutes before dinner to the hardcore, hours-on-end playfest.
-A massive seamless world packed with cities, dungeons and huge underground lairs.
-Unparalleled character customization, including multiple races, 13 classes, skills, spells and abilities. Character avatars have customizable faces, hair and more.
-Online game play that allows players to team up and fight together, meet friends, form guilds and become heroes.
Multiplayer cooperative combat including archery and magic.
-Over 1400 unique character abilities with stunning visual effects.
-Thousands of quests to complete.
-Grouping and guilds. Work with your friends to get ahead and -join a guild.
-Hundreds of unique monsters and NPCs.

[Overlord]

Some in-game graphics:

http://everquestonlineadventures.station.sony.com/screenshots/thefight.jpg

http://everquestonlineadventures.station.sony.com/screenshots/SpiderMine1.jpg

http://everquestonlineadventures.station.sony.com/screenshots/EQOA05.jpg

http://everquestonlineadventures.station.sony.com/screenshots/Freeport_Day.jpg

http://everquestonlineadventures.station.sony.com/screenshots/BlakedownDay.jpg

http://everquestonlineadventures.station.sony.com/screenshots/ObservatoryDusk.jpg

http://everquestonlineadventures.station.sony.com/screenshots/Tree_Village01.jpg

http://everquestonlineadventures.station.sony.com/screenshots/Halas_Night.jpg

[Overlord]

Artwork:
http://everquestonlineadventures.station.sony.com/screenshots/Qeynos-Castle.jpg

http://everquestonlineadventures.station.sony.com/screenshots/Large-Shop_Well.jpg

...Well, this game is due out in 2003. And like FFXI, it might also require a HD. I personally think that this will be one of the games to look out for next year. It might give Sony's online plans a big boost. Well, look for it at E3.

Your thoughts?