EverQuest

• Platform: IBM PC Compatible
• Release Date: March 26, 1998
• Genre: Role-Playing
• Style: Persistent World Online RPG
• Similar Games: The Legend of Zelda (Nintendo Entertainment System), Ultima Online (IBM PC Compatible)

Game Description

EverQuest is a online multiplayer game that features over 12 different races, 14 classes, and an abundance of special skills, spells, and abilities to transform your character into a unique person in a thriving world. As you connect to a server for the first time, you will notice hundreds and thousands of people online -- all of whom are either part of a guild (a group of characters playing together), going solo, or looking for an adventure.

EverQuest takes place in the vast world of Norrath. Created by the mighty dragon Veeshan, the land quickly attracted the attention of other gods. Each god then created a race of people who would worship them and attempt to capture and maintain power in Norrath. Since certain gods loathe one another, not all races get along in this world. Naturally, this results in a living society that falls under the beliefs of all types of religion (with the exception of agnostics).

If your character must believe in a god (some classes require it), you have many to choose from. Among the various gods available are Veeshan, a crystalline dragon that looks over The Plane of Sky; Karana, the goddess of The Rainkeeper; Erollisi Marr, The Queen of Love and the creator of the barbarians; and Tunare, The Mother of All. There are 16 different religions in all (not including the agnostics) and choosing one may work for you or against you. Because of religion, followers of a certain god may not be able to purchase goods in a town that doesn't believe in that god. Additionally, they may be treated with hostility by some other players.

As you go to create your character, you have the following races to choose from: Barbarian, Dark Elf, Dwarf, Erudite, Gnome, Half-Elf, Halfling, High-Elf, Human, Ogre, Troll, and Wood Elf. Each race has a particular trait in addition to a starting city (Humans have the ability to choose their city). Depending on which race you choose, you will then be given some options as to what your character's class will be.

Classes include Bard, Cleric, Druid, Enchanter, Magician, Monk, Necromancer, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, ShadowKnight, Shaman, Warrior, and Wizard. Not every race can be every class, so you'll have to choose wisely. If you want powers of the arcane, you may want to choose the Magician or a Necromancer. A holy person who believes in the power of good would want to choose a Paladin or a Cleric (the ShadowKnight is the exact opposite of a Paladin and uses his powers for evil purposes).

Additionally, your character is given a set of statistics that can be increased. These include your standard strength numbers, agility, charisma, and other abilities. As your character grows, these statistics will become higher and your character will become stronger. They also effect the way your character deals with NPCs (non-player characters). In addition, you are given a wide variety of skills, such as fishing, tailoring, baking, taunting, and sense heading.

As you go about the world gaining experience and looking for adventures, some people may come up to your character and challenge you to a duel. Player killing (or "player vs. player" (PvP)) is controlled in EverQuest. Players who wish to take part in these duels must activate the setting -- if you don't want to be challenged, then don't turn it on.

Combat is performed by hitting the auto-attack button, and you are given a wide variety of camera options by which to view the action. The default view is a first-person perspective, but by hitting the F9 key, you can toggle between a third-person view, an aerial view, and various other views. Before each battle begins, it is recommended that you "consider" your opponent. Consideration tells you whether or not you should try to attack a specific enemy. If the message is in red, it's a good chance you'll die trying to kill it; if the message is blue, then you'll probably be able to destroy it.

EverQuest requires a 3D acceleration card and an Internet connection in order to play.

Review: Overall

EverQuest is a game which reaches out of the box, grabs you by the throat, and won't let go. The game has consumed endless hours of my time, and the world of Norrath has visited my dreams more than Tyra Banks.

My first impression of EverQuest was its fantastic selection of races, each with their own distinct culture and beliefs, and the wide mosaic of classes.

Upon character generation, you customize your character by choosing name, gender, face, and adding points to various stats. Within the game, you can actually see the equipment your character wears and the weapon he or she wields. I found myself rushing out and buying things not out of necessity, but just because they looked great.

I started with a dark elf (essentially a "drow") cleric, who followed Innoruuk, God of Hatred, and hailed from Neriak, city of the Dark Elves. The Dark Elves consider themselves the superior race of Norrath, and humans and other lightwalkers are just footsteps on the way to power. A character with a superiority complex? Sounded fun to me.

I began as a fledgeling, got beat up by everything but managed to gain levels and quickly beat things which used to be death incarnate. After a while, I yearned to travel and branched out to explore the world to see exactly what was out there and to spread the word of Innoruuk: that hate was power. Like a child leaving home, I actually did miss the darkened forest outside Neriak and felt a bit nostalgic when I'd return home from my journeys.

I was really impressed with the people who got into character, who called me "brother" and brought my character to life. I ventured to the human city of Freeport and, with an ogre buddy, snuck in through a secret passage and entered the city from an underground tunnel. It was this depth and insight the designers brought to the game that really took me aback. Automated quests sometimes revealed more about people in the game and gave a wide view of the "story." Who in Freeport was really a worshipper of Innoruuk? Could it be the head of the paladins?

EverQuest's world of Norrath IS a world. You'll recognize landmarks along the way, you'll have to take boats to cross oceans, and you'll have to be careful where you travel. Because of my character's race and class, many NPCs (non-player characters) would attack on sight, making traveling through some areas an adrenaline rush.

I was extremely disappointed with some of the players, however. Because I enjoy role-playing, I constantly received insults from "k3wl d00dz" who weren't interested in anything more than becoming the most powerful characters in the game. Unfortunately, the support staff within the game seemed to be extremely limited and many complaints were not addressed until hours later.

You get from EverQuest what you put into it. If you want to treat the game like Quake with a sword and magic, you'll probably grow tired of it. If you realize it for the immersive environment that it is, you will never tire of it. If your one and only goal is to become the best thing in the world, you'll be sorely disappointed. There's always someone better than you out there...

Review: Enjoyment

You get what you put into EverQuest. If you make it an immersive role-playing game, it will be. If you power-level and only want to be the best, you'll be unhappy.

Review: Graphics

Very well done. Watching the sun over the ocean is an experience in itself. Upon seeing steam rising from the lavastorm mountains, the amazing 3D acceleration on spells and the immersive world, I was hooked. Graphics are what makes EverQuest far more in-depth than just a MUD (multi-user dungeon).

Review: Sound

I got tired of hearing the same "clump, clump, clump" sound when I was running over different surfaces. Also, music did not work in the game until a month after release. My Diamond Monster Sound MX300 still plays the music a bit off occasionally as well. Otherwise, sounds add a lot to the game's mood. Standing outside the Necromancer guild in Neriak and hearing the music combined with the ghouls making their noises was too creepy.

Review: Replay Value

A different game every time you enter the world. It never ever ends. If you get tired of one race or class, you can just make a new character!

Review: Documentation

I was disappointed with the documentation. Much-needed information such as spells and weapons were not put into the instruction manual, but rather sold in a seperate "player's guide." The included maps were definitely useful, however.

Production Credits

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