Ten Ton Hammer - Taking MMO Gamers to the Next Level!

EverQuest 2, the step-brother of the massively multiplayer game that brought the genre to the attention of the world is about to change.

The much talked about showdown between World of Warcraft and EverQuest 2 is over, for now. The two heavyweights of the North American MMORPG market banged heads and the winner, at least as far as subscriber numbers is clear. World of Warcraft with 1.5 million paying subscribers is the most popular MMO in North America.

Sony Online Entertainment are a lot of things, but complacent is not one of them. They have continually updated EverQuest 2 turning it into the game that the player base has been asking for. Weekly updates, along with a downloadable add-on called Bloodline Chronicles are already publicly available. The second digitally downloaded add-on is on the horizon and even bigger changes are in store for those who purchase the first true expansion, Desert of Flames in September.

Akii Hooper, a game designer on Desert of Flames took some time out if his busy schedule to show us the upcoming expansion.Desert of Flames will add an entirely new area that is intimately familiar to EverQuest die-hards, the Desert of Ro. Those of you who played or continue to play EverQuest will be happy to hear that I was shown both Lockjaw (An EQ alligator) and Terrorantula (I'll let you guess what he is) in all their revamped glory. Imagine Arabian Nights meets EverQuest 2 and you have Desert of Flames. I asked Akii if Lockjaw would drop "the vest" and he replied, "...yes, and maybe even a glowing crook." Some of those original EverQuest days will never be forgotten. The expansion is built primarily for players level 45+ and will raise the current player level cap from 50 to 60.

12+ new zones will be added to the game, most notably a neutral city called Maj'Dul will be home to three factions. Much like in the Velious expansion of the original EverQuest you will choose which factions you work for and which you work against depending on the rewards you are after.

Maj'Dul is also where the player versus player aspect of Desert of Flames will take place. Both team and one versus one PvP will be available with team events including games like capture the flag and king of the hill. Climbing and voice emotes are other features that will be introduced to the game via the expansion. We were witness to a character climbing a steep cliff to gaze out over the city of Maj'Dul. Not all steep areas will be climbable, but discovering the spots that are and exploring where they take you is sure to be a lot of fun. What would an Arabian Nights themed area be without flying carpets? Instead of Griffons to cart you across the zones you will ride flying carpets. Flying carpets are also the preferred method of transportation of the guards in Maj'Dul. The addition of PvP alone would make for a welcomed expansion and Desert of Flames promises so much more. Keep your eyes here for more Desert of Flames information in the coming weeks.

If you need more EverQuest 2 information right now (and who doesn't?) then visit our gargantuan community site at: EQ2.TenTonHammer.com

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