by Savanja on Jul 23, 2006
By: Savanja
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MMOs are forever expanding games that are constantly being added to, to keep
the virtual world that you are gaming in, fun and interesting. Without
expansions, those that play MMOs would grow out of the content, get bored, and
move on to some yet to be conquered game.
I've always thought that the strong point of EverQuest II was in the fact
that our developers desire to keep the world of Norrath fresh, new, and
exciting. They have done this fabulously in the way of many live game
updates, expansions, and adventure packs. But are those expansions and APs
necessary?
Generally, each bit of content that is added on, is targeted to a certain set
of players. With expansions, high end content is often highlighted to give
the high end players something to do after hitting the previous level cap.
Adventure packs are great because they are small bits of content that has a much
broader range of appeal. So then which expansions and APs are for
you? Well, hopefully this overview of each added content will answer that
for you!
This was EverQuest IIs first adventure pack. I don't think that it
gained the popularity that it should have because I believe that people were
still a little uncomfortable paying money for what appeared to be just a
miniature expansion. Bloodline is geared
towards players level 30-50, with limited solo content, as this adventure pack
was clearly designed for heavy grouping. The smaller instances working up
toward access to the main instance make for great solo and duo content, but the
further you work into the Bloodlines storyline, the more you will likely need a
group.
I'd recommend this adventure pack if you have a regular group that you play
with that would enjoy experiencing this amazing storyline together. It's
just not the best choice for solo and pick up group play.
I have a particular affection for this adventure pack. This is the
second AP that EQ2 released. The storyline is less intense than
Bloodlines, but the solo-ability of this AP is outstanding! Splitpaw is
intended for players level 20-50. Since it scales in level depending on
the levels within your group, it is always just right for play! The upper
tunnels of Splitpaw is broken up so that solo and heroic content is on separate
branches of the zone. The Den works out in the same way, where instances
are either solo or heroic, making it very easy to pick a play area that will
suit your needs.
I really can't think of a downside to the Splitpaw Saga. I think it's a
well done AP that encourages gameplay for all types and skill levels of players!
The third and newest adventure pack, and this one is a beauty! Meant
more for the upper level set, mid 50s-70, there are a lot of interesting, lore
filled quests in this zone. Unlike Bloodlines and Splitpaw, this AP boasts
scenic outdoor zones, and a full range of various mobs. There is plenty of
solo content along with a plethora of heroic areas, including one of the
toughest (if not the toughest) zones in game currently. This AP
also gives the big bonus of allowing owners to level their characters to 55
without the expansion packs. If you are a tradeskiller, you will really
want to check out the furniture that comes along with this! I was wow'ed
by the style and look of the whole AP, but the furniture made me drool.
It's unfortunate that this AP doesn't have more content for the lower levels,
but if you are 50+ it's definitely an AP to check out!
This is EverQuest IIs first full expansion pack. Designed for levels
45+, this expansion raises the former level cap of 50, up ten levels to
60. The Desert of Flames takes you into a world that seems so different
from everyday Norrath. The city of Maj'Dul, a city that you may choose to
reside in, is a rich oasis amongst a harsh desert backdrop. The city is full of
strife, so to be able to make it there as a visitor or resident, you'll want to
align yourself with one of the few factions. Maj'Dul also happens to have
the very interesting addition of the PvP arena. Now to be honest, I don't
think that this picked up the popularity that the developers had been hoping
for. I kind of look at it as a temporary solution to answer the yells for
PvP, until the PvP servers were opened, so the arena doesn't get a whole lot of
attention these days.
But none the less, the expansion is a must have if you wish to adventure
beyond level 50. It has a great combination of solo and group content,
lots of various types of quests, and if that doesn't sell you, it has the quest
to get the nifty magic carpets to float around on!
The only downside of this expansion is that it gets rather repetitive.
A few of the instanced zones have the same layout, and when you play a lot, this
can make things grow old rather fast. As much as I enjoyed Desert of
Flames, I was very happy when the next expansion came out and I could move on to
something different.
Kingdom of Sky is the second and most recent expansion pack, and in my humble
opinion, far better work than the former expansion. This expansion raises
that level cap again, all the way to level 70! Go easy though, because I
hear the next expansion to come out will not raise the level cap, and you'll
really want to take your time enjoying these zones.
Set up as a series of islands, suspended high in the air, there are three
major zones, split up by level range. The lowest of these, being the
Tenebrous Tangle, allows for adventurers as low as their 50s to enjoy. As
you grow in levels and skill, you'll want to check out The Barren Sky and The
Bonemire.
This is my favorite part of EQ2, the solo content is fabulous, giving you
many options for your skill level. And with many dungeon areas and heroic
content, grouping here is a blast. Heritage quests, and regular quests are
all over the place, and we have the introduction of class hats! I still
haven't gotten my monk class hat, but it's on my list of things to do because
they do look very cool. And keep an eye out for those old friends from
EverQuest I, the Aviaks! They have gotten very impressive over the several
hundreds of years since we have seen them last.
Sadly, these expansion packs don't have much for the lower levels, but keep a
look out for the next expansion pack, "The Echoes of Faydwer", now in development
(due out November 2006), aimed at all adventure levels, and introducing a new
playable race, the Fae!
Be sure to check out the main page of Ten Ton Hammer for zone guides to most of these areas. You don't want to venture into unkown lands without them!
If you have questions or comments, feel free to drop
me a line!