TenTonHammer.com - Taking MMO Gamers to the Next Level!

To many, Everquest (commonly abbreviated EQ) was the first true 3D MMORPG, featuring luscious environments and a captivating world that brought with it a peak user count of upwards of several hundred thousand users. Although a number of MMOGs came before it, many argue that the precedent EQ set has far out-lived its popularity with many games still basing their leveling systems on the old EQ style. With an original game design built by Brad McQuaid, Bill Trost, and Steve Clover, EQ spawned a sequel, an RTS-based game, and an online trading card game.

Essentially, EQ is a fantasy-themed MMORPG that takes place in a world called Norrath. Gamers choose from a vast selection of races and classes, augmenting their characteristics with stat point adjustments until you've created a character that fits whatever role you'd like to fill. After that's done, you're set off into the world where you try to make your way by killing whatever monsters you can find. The developers have added quests into the old gameplay, but you'll still be doing a bit of grinding.

As a mature game in a gradually maturing market, Everquest still remains one of the tried-and-true staples of the MMORPG genre. Players often refer back to EQ when making points regarding MMOG design, and you'll be hard pressed to find one in ten MMOG players that haven't at least tried the original EQ.