What ever happened to the "Quest" part of "Everquest"? All this game seems to be anymore is a bunch of lvl 65s running around getting the best gear for their twinks, and to hell with anyone else trying to advance without their divine intervention.
What happened to quests that made the game worth playing? There aren't any good quests anymore! All of the fun ones have been replaced by cheaper and much more powerful alternatives (thanks, Bazaar). And the ones that are still worth it aren't by the time the questor is high enough to complete it!
I'm close to quitting this game outright. The environment doesn't foster cooperation and teamwork, it fosters greed and selfishness. I can only hope that EQ2 is better...
Lost Dungeons of Norrath is Official
Gamespy has an interview with Shawn Lord regarding the next EQ expansion, Lost Dungeons of Norrath. To sum it up, the expansion will consist of randomly spawning dungeons created for a party of 5 or 6 adventurers. The level and contents of the dungeon will automatically adjust to the makeup of the party. Mobs will not respawn when killed, and they expect it to take the party between an hour and a half to two hours to complete the dungeon.
For more detail, check out gamespy's four page article at this link.
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Update.
When I first read the interview at Gamespy, it had an official announcement with it, which has since been removed. Fortunately, it was posted by some alert reader on the Fires of Heaven Forums, so I'll post it below for you:
SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT UNVEILS LOST DUNGEONS OF NORRATH(tm) EXPANSION FOR EVERQUEST(r) -More Than 40 Customized Dungeons Added To the Massive Online World-
SAN DIEGO, CA - June 16, 2003 - Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online gaming, today announced Lost Dungeons of Norrath(tm), a new expansion for the incredibly popular PC Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), EverQuest(r). This full-sized expansion will focus on the exploration of more than forty dynamic dungeons, with the main emphasis being placed on single group content. New technology and design ideas have been implemented that will allow players to work their way through dungeons within the context of truly personalized encounters. Lost Dungeons of Norrath will be available fall '03 in limited quantities at retail and as a secure digital download from SOE.
The discovery of once forgotten dungeons, artifacts, and power has set Norrath's competing factions in motion. To control these new areas, the various factions will employ mercenaries, adventurers, and their companions, sometimes even pitting them against one another. Hundreds of new quests will lead players across the face of Norrath in a new age of exploration and conquest. Legendary dungeons filled with undiscovered horrors, items, and fame are waiting to be found. Players of all levels will discover detailed environments that cater to the wide range of play styles.
About Lost Dungeons of Norrath
Just when you thought you'd covered it all -- five massive continents, the moon, and the homes of the gods themselves -- a new series of adventures leads you into some of Norrath's greatest sources of speculation and mystery. The story that began in Broken Skull Rock now yields new clues about an event threatening to change the face of Norrath. Assist a band of adventurers on their quest to unearth long-hidden artifacts of power from forgotten dungeons, secret catacombs, and long-buried ruins. A mystery is unfolding and a new age of exploration and adventure has begun!
Explore more than 40 diverse dungeons set in 5 new environments.
New Dynamic action System (DAS) emphasizes personalized group encounters without interruption from other players.
Enjoy the excitement of "dungeon crawls" that are tailored and customized for your group's attributes & levels.
New environments, objects, and interactive items await the hardy adventurer. Reap the benefits of the new Adventure Rewards Technology.
Encounter dozens of new challenging monsters and NPCs.
Collect explosive new spells, new trade skills, fearsome weapons, and other incredible loot!
The new expansion will be downloadable via the EverQuest launch pad for $24.99. Additionally, retailers will be offering a boxed version that will carry a suggested retail price of $29.99.