EverQuest 2: Where is the Media Love?

by: Tony "RadarX" Jones

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Let me begin, by saying that historically, I've been a huge fan of Gamespy.  It was where I went to get my gaming news, laugh at Fargo (who is still funny), and get a general feel for everything gaming.  I won't blame IGN's purchase of Gamespy for why I started reading them less, but I did lose quite a bit of respect for them after their EQ2 vs WoW article.  Ultimately, it's up to the opinion of the people reviewing the game, but a task of that nature should've utilized more staff.  Anyway, here we are down the road and last week Gamespy's Miguel Lopez decided to revisit EQ2 and review it again.  

First, Mr. Lopez quotes the subscriber numbers from MMOGchart.com.   Now, there are 8 shown points on the EQ2 graph over 18 months, compared to 19 points over 12 months with World of Warcraft.  This would appear to me, it just might not be the most accurate information.  SOE doesn't comment on their numbers, so let's all stop guessing shall we?

The article continues in a very positive manner describing how SOE responded to necessary changes to their system.  I don't believe they "got lazy" as he states in developing EverQuest II, I think they were trying to build the next generation MMO and took a lot of risks (unlike WoW), many of which proved to be unpopular.   I will agree though, they've come a long way since launch and removed many of more painful factors.

The next section mentions how EverQuest 2 is focused more on "party play" and has yet to completely "get with the times."  The amount of necessary solo content in a MMO is objective, so I fail to see how more with the times they can get with that.  I'll agree there were some areas that needed solo content, but if it's overdone, your players go through it too quickly and burnout (sound like any other MMO you know?).  This also the segregates the community through this type of content, and that's one thing EQ2 does really well.  Criticizing an attempt at proper balance, seems like telling Coyote he isn't funny.  Not only is it not true, but he'll bite your face off.

I agree with most of Mr. Lopez's remaining comments regarding the game, but I find no reason to hate "parroting what EQII's devs said."  If something did bug you at launch, odds are you'll be pleasently surprised.  What I will disagree with, is his statement "the game isn't as solo-friendly (or even duo-friendly) as SOE's messaging would lead you to believe."  I'm not really sure where they state they are "friendly" to any play style.  I'm not beneath admitting, you have to put solo content in MMO's or they are going to sell, but there is plenty of solo content to be found in EQ2.  

Finally, he states he was "a bit surprised at the overwhelmingly positive response when we polled EQII's players."   See?  This is what happens when you listen to the conjecture of people who don't play the game, or left it unhappy.  Never doubt the community of EverQuest 2, because it will always surprise you.  Sure, we all have issues we want fixed (*points at his leg armour*), but at the end of the day we love the game.  Overall, a fairly positive article, but it appeared to be written as if the writer was pained by the task.  I understand what a big fan of WoW they are over there, and I respect it, but let's give EverQuest 2 the justice it deserves.