The world of EverQuest just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

It is readily apparent that Sony Online Entertainment, which will be launching EverQuest II later this year, is not stepping back from supporting the original title, which ranks as one of the oldest massively multiplayer online role-playing games.

But EverQuest: Gates of Discord is more than just your run-of-the-mill expansion. This has a target group of players in mind and that group is those who have hit the upper levels in the game. Gates of Discord offers more challenge, more adventure and has a list of new abilities and zones guaranteed to put the challenge back into the game.

The list of new features should have anyone salivating: 20 new zones, including 10 instanced and 10 traditional zones, and new combat zones for characters over level 50; 100 alternate advancement abilities; the capability of getting leadership experience and unlocking group- and raid-enhancing tools; and a new Berserker class. The group- and raid-enhancements are wonderful, and can be as simple as health or mana bonuses, or a little more effective like creating a path the group leader. The Berzerker is a melee class warrior with limited crafting abilities. But their skill trees diverge early from the tradition warrior classes and into frenzy-driven abilities, which also allow them to have stuns and slows in their arsenal.

The Wayfarers Brotherhood has discovered the continent of Taelosia, which is alive with mobs. There is only one portal into the area, but players can earn character flags by defeating mobs, which is not all that easy. The character flags will allow players to work into areas deep in the land.

One of the more innovative ideas had enabled players to clear out old items in the banks and convert them into tribute buffs. Basically these buffs can be statistical or ability timed enhancements.

The game’s sound and graphical elements have not undergone any changes. This is more of the same, and for those players not capable of traveling to Taelosia, which does sport some richer texturing, because they are not high enough in level, you will have to content yourself with using some of the new advanced abilities, leadership bonuses and new class until you are high enough to brave the challenges of the new lands. Actually, these are satisfactory in many regards.

Essentially, Gates of Discord is geared for upper level players who need to feel that burn of being challenged once again. Gates does have a few caveats to throw in the direction of the younger players, though, but the real benefit of this title will be reaped by the veteran player.

Gates of Discord is quite obviously a bold step forward for the EverQuest series. Fans are anticipating the release of EverQuest II but Gates of Discord shows very clearly that none of the focus has gone from the original title. Gates is challenging and offers enough new features to make it a worthy investment for any EQ fan.
 

Gameplay: 8.8

The challenge is back, especially for upper level players. This is indeed a very good thing. The other attributes brought out makes for a move involved experience

Graphics: 8.4

While there is some new texturing in the new lands, little has otherwise changed.

Sound: 8

Nothing really new here, either.

Difficulty: Medium/Hard

Players will have to be above level 50 to really reap the benefits of this title.

Concept: 9

Sony has done a wonderful job of providing content for the upper-level players as well as giving some new paths and rewards for younger players.

Multiplayer: 9

This title, with its leadership skills, really helps emphasize the importance of fellowing.

Overall: 8.9

The challenge is back for the upper-level players and the new class is fun to play. The game also sports some wonderful new attributes which make grouping more fun and rewarding. This is an expansion well worth the investment.