When Sony announced its new expansion for EverQuest, Depths of Darkhollow, I’ll admit that it came as a bit of a surprise to me. Historically when a new game is released in a series the developers focus all their attention and creative talent on it. The developers behind the popular EverQuest title, one of the longest-lasting MMO’s in the genre, have definitely held true to their roots. Depths of Darkhollow is an entertaining addition to the world of EverQuest. New content is added, familiar scenery is changed, and new options allow players more freedom to travel and explore than they have ever had before. While EverQuest shows a few signs of its age, fans of the original title will enjoy countless hours with the new expansion.

Depths of Darkhollow adds a host of new quests and content for players to explore. There are several new zones and one of the most memorable in the game, Nektulos Forest, has had an update as well. The new quests cover a wide range of levels so that players of all classes and experience can enjoy some of the new content immediately. New items have also been introduced that players will want to grab. There are even items that grow along with your character. As you gain power and experience their abilities increase as well. There are new quests through the expanded areas Depths of Darkhollow brings as well as quests that begin in the new areas and reach out into the rest of the game world.

EverQuest is one of the longest-lasting, most influential online role-playing games ever created. The graphics for the new areas and monsters are very well done. All of the new content is blessed with a wonderful touch when it comes to visual form and effects. The sounds for the new areas and effects are also a cut above the standard EverQuest fare. Unfortunately the game is still limited by its age somewhat. The graphics are very pleasing to someone who has played EverQuest for a long time, but players who have been jaded by titles like Lineage II or EverQuest II won’t be as impressed. The bar for visual and audio excellence has risen in recent years, but the developers for EverQuest have taken their game as far as it can go. The graphics are good and run without any framerate problems.

Fortunately Depths of Darkhollow can boast a number of new features and quests to keep its fans happy. One of the most intriguing is the ability of higher level players to don “Spirit Shrouds,” allowing them to take on the form of lower level monsters. Many games give higher-level players the ability to limit their powers so that they can adventure with their lower level friends. In Depths of Darkhollow the players of EverQuest gain this ability. By taking on a monstrous form a higher-level character can adventure with their friends in style. Not only will they be able to enjoy the company of their friends, they will get a unique avatar to enjoy as long as the group lasts.

Depths of Darkhollow is a solid expansion for a legendary title in the genre. The new areas will keep existing fans happy and engaged for quite some time. New players to the game won’t require the expansion, but it does allow for some interesting quests and abilities as they continue their journeys through Norrath. The graphics and sound are above average for EverQuest itself but are just about average for the online role-playing genre. Large guilds that have a number of lower level characters working their way up will find the Spirit Shroud abilities a great tool, allowing higher level players to adventure with their friends. While Depths of Darkhollow isn’t a requirement for the original EverQuest, it certainly adds content and fun for its players.

Gameplay: 7.5
Depths of Darkhollow adds a lot of new content to explore. Its also built on the long-lasting EverQuest interface. It handles well, but like any game there is a learning curve for new players.

Graphics: 7.0
For EverQuest the graphics in the new areas are outstanding. When compared to the rest of the genre they are about average. It’s still worth exploring around and seeing the new sights, but don’t expect to be struck speechless by the visual art.

Sound: 7.0
The music, effects, and background noises for Depths of Darkhollow are solidly done. They might not be outstanding examples of what a game can have, but they live up to the EverQuest standards.

Difficulty: Medium/Hard
EverQuest has a fairly steep learning curve. There is a lot to learn about and understand in the game, and its expansions are no exception. It can also take quite a while to reach your goals in the game, so be prepared for long sessions if you want to complete an epic quest.

Concept: 7.5
The new quests and introduction of the Spirit Shrouds are great additions to EverQuest. Players of all levels can take advantage of them immediately and dive into the fun.

Multiplayer: 9.0
The EverQuest online community has been solidly established for years. There’s a wealth of information on the Web for players to find when they get stuck as well as a huge number of players to interact with. It’s easy to find help when you need it. Just be prepared to network if you want to rise to the highest levels in EverQuest. It’s not all about you in this game. Sometimes it’s all about your friends. 

Overall: 7.6
Depths of Darkhollow introduces new content to an already legendary game. Some of its new ideas are actually fairly standard in the MMO genre, but as always the saving grace of EverQuest is its adoring fan-base. The players often make or break games such as this, and EverQuest’s players help make this game a success.