EverQuest set the industry norms for MMORPGs back when it was released in 1999. Now, with the announcement of EverQuest Next, it looks like Sony Online Entertainment is looking to redefine the the genre.
Most MMORPGs follow the same formula. Create character, go on missions/quests, explore the world to find new missions/quests, and eventually reach the level cap. At that point, you can engage in endgame content such as raids, PvP battles and whatever else the game offers until the next expansion pack offers a higher level cap and more missions/quests. Yup, very easy to fall into a boring cycle as players move through content with ridiculous speed. EverQuest Next (EQN) seeks to change this paradigm.
Dave Georgeson, the Director of Development for the EverQuest Franchise, explains that this game will not be a continuation:
“EverQuest Next is not the continuation of a familiar story. It represents the fundamental reimagining of the characters, lore and environments of the EverQuest universe. Make no mistake; while great care has been taken to respect the extraordinary influence that EverQuest has had in this industry and with our player community over the years, this is a boldly different game unlike anything that has come before.”
This means some key changes to gameplay. These include destructible environments, permanent change and emergent AI. Players will be able to interact with their world in a completely new way – build or destroy cities, work with other players to build massive projects, or fight off invasions by gold-seeking Orcs. Change servers and you may find an archeological dig where you are expecting to find a town. The goal is for players for have unique characters whose experiences vary widely – players will be able to share stories about their experiences that are interesting instead of everyone completing the same quests. Oh, and developers will occasionally through in an earthquake to shake things up and expose new areas.
EQN is free to play and you can apply for the Beta here. Otherwise, just check out these cool videos until it’s released.
Last Updated: August 5, 2013
Argentil
August 5, 2013 at 17:44
I watched this, and my first impression was really positive. There’s a lot of proposed innovation. As I poked further, I realised that a lot of the class and skill systems are exactly like Guild Wars 2, which is an instant turn off for me :/
You get x number of skills that are tied to your weapon, with a few abilities you can use if you’ve leveled the relevant class (so elements of cross-classing). All in all, you only have access to a couple of skills at any one time.
Tarisma
August 5, 2013 at 20:37
I’m with you there I just hope it keeps it’s promises. Also if player interaction is so massive ending up on the “troll” server could suck!!
Alric
August 7, 2013 at 01:16
I don’t think the combat system looks promising either, and the comparisons to GW2 are part of why. That said I think that as much of the problem with GW2 combat is what the skills actually do, as how you access them.. it could certainly be done a lot better.
Rags
August 5, 2013 at 18:18
Looks like a minecraft mod. 😛
Alric
August 7, 2013 at 01:13
I need to find where you’re getting your minecraft mods from then…
Rags
August 7, 2013 at 09:00
Check 2:53 of the first video. 🙂
The only thing missing is the tree parts converting to cubes.
Kromas
August 5, 2013 at 19:49
As I watched this I could not help to think “Just another MMO”. A genre is defined by what it does. That’s like asking for a non combat FPS. The S stand for shooter and implies combat. Portal is one of the very few FPS games that I can think of but then again it was brilliant so I might be wrong.
Tarisma
August 5, 2013 at 20:40
Looks decent but anyone else think wildstar looks better?
CypherGate
August 6, 2013 at 09:11
I like both to be honest. Would first want to try them and see which is the better. Either way they both looks like they will end up being fun
Brenz
August 6, 2013 at 07:45
“developers will occasionally through in an earthquake”
fyi 🙂
OupaKarools
August 6, 2013 at 09:11
At the moment I am playing GW2 and I enjoy it really much as a casual gamer. Not everyone’s cup of tea but I love it.
EQN got me very interested, but I have some major concerns with some of the things they have mentioned.
Destroyable environments? Excellent! But what happens if everyone starts digging holes and blowing everything up. On the first day the place is just going to be a few embers!
Also, the way the AI will work sounds awesome. But there again, who says anything will survive long enough to populate an area?
I am not negative. I am really interested in how they are going to balance everything. My hopes are however not too high as I have been disappointed so many times in the past.
CypherGate
August 6, 2013 at 09:13
I think certain things will be destructable, but not everything. If you check that section when they fall down and battle that beast. There are only certain things thats destructable.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
August 6, 2013 at 23:48
One of my biggest regrets is never getting into Everquest. One of my mates enjoyed Everquest 2, but I was still stuck in WOW at that time. Everquest Next looks interesting though,