Published on 1/3/01

Verant Interactive continues to impress the community with their ongoing persistent world, Norrath. Beginning in 1998, EverQuest was the first online role-playing game, and has consumed over three hundred thousand. Ruins of Kunark, the previous expansion allowing players to explore a new, dangerous continent, was extremely impressive. Now restoring the beat to a seemingly monotonous title, Scar of Velious has pushed EverQuest to become an even greater success. Nearly three years after EverQuest was first released, this expansion has stomped onto shelves resurrecting this persisent world and continuing to keep player enthralled.

Velious, a frigid continent south of the mainland Anatonica. Icy plains, frost-covered mountains, and perilous zones expands EverQuest's horizons. Maintaining the level cap at 60 and offering no new races or classes, Scars of Velious defines "expansion" differently than the norm - more items, more zones, more monsters. Verant Interactive chose to solidify the current levels instead of increasing the level cap. A wise choice, indeed. Now, all players have a new continent to dabble in, uncover its secrets, and witness Verant's much-needed improvements.

Graphics and the game-user interface have been improved along with Scars of Velious' depth. Prior to its release, characters face were flat, not detailed, and frankly unrealistic. The polygon count has increased and Norrath's inhabitants looks superb. Also, along with the ever-growing equipment database, new models compliment Verant's imagination. Weapons look mightier, like a serpent's head on a stave, and armor appears more extravagant. The graphics of EverQuest received a much-needed overhaul. Some slight interface tweaks also brings EverQuest up to par with the rest of the industry.

Fiction has been a large part of Norrath since its launch. However, its history is hidden behind broken quests and the player society. Ruins of Kunark failed trying to ignite race wars or quests through fiction, but this new expansion brings an all-new perspective. Verant Interactive continues to expound on Norrath's rich history books. Three races are fighting in Velious - the Coldain Dwarves, Storm Giants, and the Dragons. Each with their own homelands, the factions fight furiously against each other forcing gamers to select a side. This concept is a wonderful one that allows players to dip into the conflict instead being an outside spectator. Though, Verant still lacks the interactive fiction which games like Turbine's Asheron's Call has exceled in.

Difficulty is a large problem for EverQuest. Verant has decided to prevent players from achieving level 60 in a jiffy, they must labor hundreds of hours to progress one level. Velious' icy 16 zones continue to maintain the slow process, but expand players' possibilities. Areas are geared toward levels 30 to 50 characters. Anyone can find a specific zone dedicate to their range, however, there are more zones emphasizing on the level 40 area. Players can find Velious to be a very thorough and detailed contintent to explore for experience, fun, or to die.

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Author:
Kevin 'Exodus' Weinberg

Type:
Online Role-Playing Expansion

Developer:
Verant Interactive

Publisher:
Sony Online Entertainment

Requirements:
Pentium II 350
128 MB RAM
600 MB

Multiplayer:
Yes

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Graphics:
91%

Sound:
87%

Gameplay:
88%

Replay Ability:
100%

Innovation:
90%

Overall Grade:
88%

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