EverQuest II Overview

Gameplay

With over 4 years of massively multiplayer game development experience to draw from, the EverQuest II (EQII) team will be introducing a myriad of new features never before seen in massively multiplayer games.

EverQuest II returns to the rich and culturally diverse world of Norrath. Users will be able to select from 14 races, as well as an exciting new class system. Significant improvements to combat, spell and quest mechanics promise to immerse players even more so than the original. In addition to the new mechanics, users will be able to own real estate, participate in and conduct gladiatorial and theatrical events, as well as have the ability to command horses, ships and other such modes of transport. At release, players will be able to equip thousands of items and encounter hundreds of unique creatures, all within a world so large that it literally eclipses the original Norrath in size.

The EverQuest II game world is designed to support 5000 simultaneous users at any given time. With multiple, regionally placed game servers running concurrently, the EverQuest II network will have the capability of supporting hundreds of thousands of players on-line at any given time. Users will be able to communicate in multiple languages via the chat interface, allowing friendships to form around the world. Special incentives will be given to existing EverQuest subscribers upon their registration of EQII.

"While our enemies quake in terror, we embrace the nightmare. We are the nightmare. Norrath is ours."

"We shall always endeavor to become who we are in our dreams. In defiance of the nightmares all of Norrath must endure."

EverQuest II is a parallel online universe to the hugely successful gaming phenomenon EverQuest. Featuring breathtaking graphics and a vast, beautiful game world to explore, EverQuest II sets new standards in graphical realism as players are immersed in the game's epic storyline with thousands of other players online. Players will encounter hundreds of unique creatures as they journey across the majestic landscape of rolling hills, lush forests, and bustling cities. Thousands of new items, hundreds of magical new spells, and unlimited adventure await all who enter the world of EverQuest II.

Features List:

• Massive World of Norrath - Regions, cities, countless dungeons and dynamically created zones. The vast world of Norrath revisits familiar locations and introduces a variety of newly discovered areas in the Age of Destiny, a time period in the future of the original EverQuest.
  
• Advanced Character Customization - Customize face, age, skin tone, armor, eye, hair color and body types to create truly unique avatars.
  
• 16 Races, 100 Levels and 48 Classes - The new branching class structure lets players define their characters as they advance through the game.
• All-New Graphics Engine - A brand new 3D engine which takes full advantage of a wide variety of recent technological advances in 3D hardware/software such as per pixel lighting, dynamic environment mapping, and a fully programmable surface shaders system. It is also capable of improving as hardware and technology advance.
  
• Intuitive Gameplay - More intuitive gameplay features appeal to both new and seasoned players
  
• Caters to All Types of Gamers - Deeper character development offering pacing options that cater to game players new to the role-playing genre as well as experienced role-players.
  
• New Skill System - Dedicated trade skill player classes based on Techniques, Knowledge and Arts.
  
• Non-confrontational Advancement - Non-confrontational means of character advancement that includes a completely new Tradesman character class
  
• Mounts and Boats - Rideable mounts and vehicles to own and control, including horses and boats, make traversing the massive world of Norrath faster than before.
  
• Real Estate - Player-owned Real Estate - Such as apartments, homes, and guild houses.
  
• Dynamic Combat, Quest and Spell Systems - Advanced game mechanics and visually stunning effects. Completely new and tactically rich combat, spell and skill systems.
  
• In-game Journals - players can log information regarding quests, adventures, encounters, transactions, etc.
  
• More than 160 Unique Monster Types - Encounter and fight dozens and dozens of monsters.
  
• Advanced Chat, Guild and Grouping System - Faction belief systems, advanced chat and grouping options.
  
• Existing EverQuest Player Incentives - Exclusive crossover quest zones, chat system and more!
  
• A Dynamic World - Dynamic world environment shaped by player events.

Storyline

"It is here that time begins. Yes, it is true; there have been other events of far greater significance. The sky itself has rained down upon us! Temples lie in ruins. Empires have crumbled. Continents lost. These great events and many more, both terrible and wondrous, have taken place since last we spoke and I am sure there are many more of equal import on the horizon. But, it is here that time begins. It is here that hope begins. It is here that the future of Qeynos, nay, the future of Norrath, will be written. I pray it is not scribed in blood."

-Antonius Bayle IV, Lord of the Great City of Qeynos

An excerpt from his address to the House of Nobles delivered on Feastday, the first day of Deepice, Year One of the New Antonican Calendar