While the turmoil swirls with the pending release of EverQuest II, Sony Online Entertainment is showing its loyalty to the worlds of Norrath and to the legions of fans, which play the original EverQuest title.

EverQuest: Omens of War is the eighth expansion in the massively multiplayer online franchise (which launched five years ago). Unlike some of its predecessors, this expansion does not significantly offer more of the realm of Norrath, but rather tweaks a range of existing elements, such as graphics and gameplay fundamentals, to offer a solid expansion to the original title.

As an overview of what Omens brings to the table, there is an enhanced guild tribute system, new spell slots and a new task system, new epic quests (with epic weapons as the reward), an increase to the level cap (up to level 70), and customizable avatar titles.

First things first … EQ was a game in which players could advance up to a profession level by grinding through killing, but at a certain point, the game required that players start working in groups to make significant process toward the next level. The new task system alleviates some of that, and is geared toward players who cannot devote hours of game time to the title. Task missions fall into two general categories – scouting (location-style missions, as in “find whatever”) and kill missions – in which you are tasked to find and kill “x” amount of a certain type of mob.

The expansion centers around the Priests of Discord, which have arrived in the once-peaceful region known as Kuua. As a result of the malevolent presence, the land is thrust into a war. Most of the areas are for upper level players, and groups.

Another new aspect is the improvements to the guild tribute system. Players can donate or turn in old unused armor and weapons and guild leaders can use them to initiate buffs for players. The old system allowed for something similar but involved NPCs. Under the new system, guild leaders and specifically buff players for the pending task at hand (can you say ‘raid?’).

The game also has a few additions to the Alternate Advancement skill sets. Players can get mnemonic retention for the extra spell slot, and a variety of others, some of which are general and some profession specific.

Yes, the graphics have been altered slightly, upgraded to produce some better special effects. The textures are nicer, and while not a huge change, this is a nice adjunct to a game that still has some charm.

The nice thing about Omens is the accessibility. You do not have to be level 50 to journey to the new regions (although if you are not, don’t count on making it or living long while there). The game play is geared toward upper level players (the new regions and epic weapons, as well as the nice drops in the new regions), but the overall game does do well to extend the franchise.

EverQuest is likely going to draw a big rival in EQII, but with the continued dedication to creating content that players want, generating new content for upper level players, while allowing lower level players the opportunity to play at a more casual pace, Omens of War signals that the original is still a solid MMO experience.

Gameplay: 8.6
The game has stepped up the ante for casual gaming – log in, run a task and accomplish something toward your level. The game also gives players new epic quests, which expand the challenge.

Graphics: 8.6

New texturing improves the look and mood of the lands, while bolstering the special effects.

Sound: 8

Nothing new here, but still solid.

Difficulty: Medium/Hard

The game still has plenty of challenge and while there is a renewed emphasis on single-player gaming, the epic quests are tough.

Concept: 8.9

Sony listened to what the game community was looking for and supplied it. While the increased level cap and epic quests are more for the upper level players, this game has done a lot for the casual gamer as well.

Multiplayer: 8.8
Still a strong community/grouping game, this expansion creates challenge for players of all levels.

Overall: 8.8

This is yet another title that gives upper-level players more content, but also does a decent job of giving lower players a chance to play and level. The improved graphics are also a welcomed addition.