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Sony Online followed EverQuest痴 1999 release with two expansion packs. Scars of Velious is the second and offers significant changes from those already added in Ruins of Kunark.
Velious is a snowy continent in EverQuest痴 massive worlds. As before, you can reach this new area through a boat or magical transport. When you arrive here, you値l discover that three races (Coldain, Storm Giants, and Dragons) are and have been fighting each other for quite some time. They all have their unique changes and are found in the icy continent. If you wish, you can align yourself with one of the three factions to provide support for yourself in the new area. One of the only things that may limit you from enjoying the expansion is that you値l need to be at least in Level 30 to experience it. The actual adventure was crafted for players who are above that, so prepare.
As you can imagine, being in a new area means that you値l see a bunch of new things. In the expansion, you値l find new spells and armor for you to use. You値l also find a variety of monsters to fight such as sirens, raptors and giants. You値l find unique opponents in the different zones, which are all pretty awesome.
If you have a higher level character you can enter new Planes to battle in. These are the Plane of Growth and Plane of Mischief. If you are at a lower level, it痴 probably best not to enter since you値l get owned. Hard.
With the new areas, races, and creatures you almost forget that the game engine was upgraded from its last release. The zones have a lot more detail in terms of textures and foliage while characters look much better thanks to even more detailed textures.
The sounds have also been improved since there are even more environment sounds which immerse you more into the game.
Fees and such:
EverQuest: Scars of Velious can be purchased by itself for $9.99 according to EBGames. The game is included in EverQuest: Trilogy which also includes the classic game and first expansion pack (Ruins of Kunark) for $17.99 according to EBGames.
EverQuest: Scars of Velious is also included in EverQuest Evolution which also includes EQ: Classic, Ruins of Kunark, Shadows of Luclin, Planes of Power and Legacy of Ykeska for some $29.99.
Macintosh gamers can experience EverQuest: Scars of Velious in EverQuest for Mac which retails for $49.99 and includes EQ: Classic, Ruins of Kunark, Shadows of Luclin, and Planes of Power as well.
You値l need to pay $12.95 a month. The first month you have your EQ account is free. The 3-month subscription rate is $35.85 ($3 savings) and a 6-month subscription rate is $65.70 ($12 savings). This fee lets you play all EverQuest expansions.
Also, you can subscribe to the Sony Online Entertainment All Access Pass which goes for $21.99 a month. This includes premium SOE content (EverQuest, EverQuest Macintosh Edition, PlanetSide, EverQuest Online Adventures, The Station Pass, and the upcoming EverQuest II).
Conclusion
Overall, Sony Online did it again with this expansion. The new areas, spells, items and monsters make it a worthwhile purchase for any EverQuest fan. The graphical and sound changes are noticeable and add more to the game. Another worthwhile expansion, if your character is up to snuff.
Minimum Requirements:
Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP; 400Mhz Processor, 256MB RAM, GeForce 1 or Radeon 7200 or equivalent, DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card, 4x CDROM, 28.8kbps internet connection, 2.5GB free hard drive space
Recommended Requirements:
Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP; 400+Mhz Processor, 512 RAM, GeForce 3 or Radeon 8500 or equivalent, DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card, 16x CDROM, 56kbps internet connection, 3.0GB free hard drive space
Review written with help from official EverQuest fanatic, Johnathan Hernandez. -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Sep 22, 2003
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