I've never in my life been so privaledged as to play a massively multiplayer game before. They have either been too expensive, not interesting, or too intimidating. MMORPGs seem so boring. Sitting around fighting plants, taking naps, doing arts and crafts? Come on, that's not what games are about. Forgive me for sounding cynical, because trust me, I am, it's just that MMORPGs don't look appealing in the slightest.
Then I actually played one.
Surprising, that's the word that comes to mind. I got a chance to join the Everquest II beta, thanks to Sony Online Entertainment and the powers that be. And let me tell you, I didn't think I was actually going to sign up, I thought to myself, either I'd hate it and never want to play a game like it again, or I'd get sucked in and never stop playing it ever again. Well, I definitely didn't wind up doing something like that, so I'm happy.
Okay, let's start with the beginning, the installation process. It was long, annoying, and grueling. I don't ever want to go through that again. I had to sign up for an account at station.com, which apparently is the HUB for all Sony Online games of this nature, so that's cool. Then I had to start up the client, and then update. That took a long time, and when I say long, I mean a long time.
Finally, about 12 hours later, or however long it lasted while I was sleeping, I was ready to play! First thing I notice is that the characters look pretty good considering the size of the game. I had the option to choose from like twenty different classes, which is cool. I think I chose a dark elf, except I can't remember for sure.
The first part of the beta sticks you on this boat heading to Refugee Island! You get a short tutorial about how to do everything, which is sweet. The graphics are awesome, so amazing considering the type of game it is, totally unmatched by anything. Guess what else? There's voice acting! In a online RPG, voice acting! Wow! That's pretty impressive, I've got to say.
The way you control your character is really cool. You run with the WASD controls and use your mouse to look around, typical, but it works. You can scroll your mouse wheel in and out if you want to be in first or third person, so that's another nifty feature. I thought the way you access your commands and everything is cool too. There are little buttons underneath that you press to do certain things. Great fun.
I don't know what it is, but I'm loving this game. It's really cool. Maybe these things aren't all that impressive to experienced players, but to me it's awesome. I can't wait for this game to come out, even though I doubt I'll buy it. I don't know if World of Warcraft is better than this, but I doubt it. If I was in the beta for that I'd let you know!
Frizzy
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