EverQuest Review: Is EQ Worth Playing in 2024? - MMORPG.GG (2024)

EverQuest, released in 1999, was one of the first massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) and is considered a pioneer in the genre. The game was set in the fantasy world of Norrath, and it allowed players to create characters and embark on quests, interact with other players, and form groups to take on more challenging content.

The game’s graphics were impressive for its time, and the world was vast and immersive, being one of the first 3D MMOs. It was a revolutionary game that set the standard for many of the MMORPGs that came after it, and it continues to be enjoyed by many players even in 2023.

The game can now be played on regular live servers, time-locked progression servers, or classic private servers like Project 1999. This provides players with the option to experience the game as it was originally intended or to experience it with some modern updates and conveniences.

Gameplay

One of the major appeals of EverQuest was its sense of adventure and exploration. The game world is massive and filled with a variety of different zones, each with its own unique aesthetic and creatures to encounter.

The game features a wide range of races and classes to choose from, giving players much flexibility in creating their characters.

EverQuest’s combat system was also noteworthy back in 1999. Unlike many other games at the time, combat was not turn-based but rather real-time. This added a sense of urgency and excitement to battles, as players had to actively dodge and block attacks in order to survive. The game also features various spells and abilities for players to master, giving the game a deep and rewarding combat system.

Death in EQ was also far more punishing than in most other MMOs, as players had to retrieve their corpse and items before they could respawn. This encouraged players to take a more cautious approach to battle, as death could have serious consequences.

Another major appeal of EverQuest was its sense of community. The game was designed to be played with others, and players could form groups to tackle challenging content or simply socialize with one another. Cities and trading hubs were filled with players, each with their unique story and identity.

The game also featured various zones and dungeons designed for groups, encouraging players to form bonds and work together. No dungeon finder existed, so players had to work together to find and complete dungeons.

In 2023, EverQuest is considered a classic game and holds up well in terms of its historical significance. However, in terms of gameplay and graphics, it may not compare to more modern MMORPGs.

The game’s mechanics and UI can be clunky for players accustomed to more recent titles. Additionally, the game’s subscription model, which was standard for MMORPGs at the time, has been replaced mainly by free-to-play models. EverQuest has also made the switch to free-to-play, making it more accessible but also introducing microtransactions to the classic title.

EverQuest has almost 30 expansions at the moment, with a new one being released every year, resulting in significant feature creep. This can give new players the impression that EQ is too complex and intimidating to bother learning, which may make them opt for other MMORPGs instead, especially with the clunky, outdated UI.

However, despite these shortcomings, many players still find EverQuest to be a fun and engaging game. The game’s sense of adventure and exploration is still enjoyable, and the combat system is still challenging and rewarding.

The game’s community is still active and dedicated, and there’s a sense of nostalgia and nostalgia associated with the game that makes it appealing to many players.

Players looking for a simpler experience can also check out Project 1999, which is EQ in its purest form and is arguably more enjoyable than the current version.

Graphics

The graphics in EverQuest were impressive for its time, but by today’s standards, they appear outdated, even with a few updates over the years. The game uses 3D graphics, but the models and textures are low-resolution.

Additionally, the game’s lighting and shading effects were limited, giving the game a more flat and simplistic look compared to more modern titles.

However, despite these limitations, the game’s art style and design still hold up well, and the game world is still immersive and atmospheric.

The game’s sense of adventure and exploration is still enjoyable, and it’s capable of immersing players in the world of Norrath.

The graphics might be unappealing to new players, but veterans of the game will still find it charming.

Sound

For an older game, the sound design in EverQuest is well-done and adds a lot to the game’s immersive atmosphere, with different sounds for different creatures, spells, and abilities.

The game featured a wide variety of ambient sound effects that helped to bring the different zones and environments to life.

The sound of EverQuest has a very retro feel, but overall, the sound design in EverQuest is a strong point of the game, and it helps to create a rich and immersive experience for players.

Population

EverQuest’s population has fluctuated over the years, but it still has a dedicated player base in 2023.

The game’s population peaked during the late 90s and early 2000s, but as newer MMORPGs were released, the player base began to decline.

The game’s community is still active, and there are still many players who continue to play the game on a regular basis.

There are also a number of private servers, like Project 1999, that have a significant population of players who still enjoy the game. These servers offer a classic experience of the game, with a community that is dedicated to preserving the game’s original features and atmosphere.

Is EverQuest Free-to-Play?

EverQuest is free-to-play and has been since the game transitioned from a subscription model to a free-to-play model in 2012.

Players are now able to play the game for free, but there are optional micro-transactions available through an in-game item shop. These micro-transactions allow players to purchase in-game items and services.

Additionally, there is also an optional subscription model called Membership that provides players with additional Perks.

Is EverQuest Pay-to-Win?

It’s accurate to say that EverQuest has some elements of pay-to-win, as players can purchase Chrono with real money that can be sold to other players for Platinum, which can be used to buy gear and other in-game items. This allows players willing to spend real money to have an advantage over those who choose not to.

However, it’s worth noting that the game still requires a significant amount of skill and effort to be successful, and it’s not possible to simply buy your way to the top.

Project 1999 and other private servers do not contain pay-to-win elements, as all in-game items are acquired through traditional means.

Conclusion

Overall, EverQuest is a game worth experiencing for its historical importance and the nostalgia it holds for many players.

It was an innovative game that set the standard for many of the MMORPGs that came after it. However, those looking for a more modern MMORPG experience may be disappointed by the game’s clunky mechanics and outdated graphics.

If you can overcome those factors, EverQuest is still a rewarding and enjoyable experience, with an active community and a variety of options to explore.

Any MMO fans should at least try it to experience the world of Norrath and check out what EQ is all about.

Have you played EverQuest? What were your experiences with the game? Let us know in the comments below!