Reviewed: December 10, 2005
Reviewed by: Megan Dyer

Publisher
Sony Online Entertainment

Developer
Sony Online Entertainment

Released: February 15, 2005
Genre: MMORPG
Players: Online
ESRB: Teen

7
7
7
7
7.0

System Requirements

With new areas to explore, improved graphics, and new missions and abilities, Depths of Darkhollow has a lot to offer its die hard fan base, and though EverQuest isn’t the most visible of MMOs out there today for the newer generation of gamers, there’s something in it for the newbies as well.

EverQuest, I’ve noticed, while obviously showing signs of age, has the same sort of lure to it that I find in World of Warcraft. With an immersive fantasy world, endless missions and things to do, and a thriving online community, it’s no surprise that EverQuest is in its tenth expansion with Depths of Darkhollow. While many of the old EverQuest fans have switched to the newer and fresher EverQuest 2, Depths of Darkhollow shows that there is a reason to still play the first game.

For higher level gamers, probably the biggest and most intriguing change to come from Depths of Darkhollow, is the ability to use Spirit Shrouds. A Spirit Shroud allows players to change into lower level monsters in the game and use new sets of customizable abilities. The cool thing about this idea not only lies in the fact that gamers have a new and interesting avatar to run around as, but the transformation also gives a good incentive to the higher level players to group up with lower level characters.

This is good for those who would like to go back to earlier zones after leveling so far, and it also gives people who are just getting their friends into EverQuest a chance to group together. Since the difficulty curve for EverQuest is, compared to newer MMOs, a bit steep, it’s a good way for more adept players to show the newbies the ropes. It certainly helped me.

What would a new expansion be without new missions to go on, though? Rest assured, there are quite a few, many of them available in new underground zones. These new missions span a decently wide range of levels, so the new content doesn’t cater to just older players, and can be accessible right away.

Still, I think Sony knows that the staying power of EverQuest comes from keeping old players hooked, not really recruiting new players. Some of the higher level missions are very difficult, not only to play, but to even get to, as I was told from some of the old hands. Some of these missions may be a bit too difficult, and tiresome and frustrating at times. Still, if you like a challenge, that’s something EverQuest continues to deliver.

There are also new items to get your hands on that grow with your character. As you level, so does the item and it gains new abilities. Having items evolve with you is pretty cool, considering they not only change in appearances and functions, but also at times speak to you as though its taken on a life of its own. How cool is that?

Even with all the cool stuff there is to be seen and done in Depths of Darkhollow, EverQuest remains the same game that its always been. The expansion has some cool new stuff that the game has never tried before - most notably Spirit Shroud transformations - but it’s nothing that’s going to revolutionize the way it’s played. I really can’t see higher level players complaining about the new content. My only concern is that many new players will face the obstacles that I faced. EverQuest is pretty daunting for beginners at times, even with ten expansions to its name.

The difficulty curve is quite steep, and while the game mechanisms aren’t obscenely difficult, it just doesn’t ease new players into the gameplay. You sort of hit the ground running. So don’t expect Depths of Darkhollow to attract a lot of new players who are curious about what all the fuss over this game is all about and are willing to stay with it. That‘s still more the domain of EverQuest II, Spirit Shrouds or not.

Depths of Darkhollow offers players yet another graphics upgrade, but the game will never really catch up to newer titles. That said, the new areas for the Depths of Darkhollow expansion look pretty good for EverQuest. Mystic arches and cavernous subterranean ruins are among the new locales available to adventurers. Though this sort of area has been around longer than EverQuest itself, the careful design keeps them from seeming too dull.

The updated Spirit Shroud monster models are smoothly animated, as well. However, textures, especially on floors and ceilings, are grainy, monster and character designs are a little blocky, and it’s quite clear that the graphics engine for EverQuest has been pushed to its limit. This alone could be a bit of a turn off for newbies to the world of Norrath when MMOs like World of Warcraft and Lineage 2 look so much more up to date.

As for players that have been with EverQuest for a while, the graphics in Depths of Darkhollow are sure to please. It’s important to keep in mind that EverQuest has been kicking around for six years now, and for EverQuest, the graphics are pretty damn good. Even by today’s standard they are about average. Besides, the backgrounds are still fun to look at.

A true fantasy atmosphere, it does a good job of making the world immersive, and the use of colors is often quite vibrant. So if you’re new to EverQuest, don’t be disappointed when the graphics don’t completely blow you away. If you’re an old pro with EverQuest, you should be quite happy with the new makeover you see in the familiar world of Norrath.

A few new sounds and songs have been added to the game, naturally. The new stuff blends in with the rest of the game’s soundtrack, and is pretty much the kind of stuff EverQuest gamers are used to. The fantasy tunes range from darkly sweeping to brooding, and fit the world of Norrath well.

Spirit Shrouds are probably the coolest new bit added to the game, just because it is a rather interesting and fun aspect of play that the game hasn’t seen before. Plus, there are many of new missions, items, and areas. The value basically should come down to the fact that Sony is giving yet more to the fans of a six year old pay to play game.

Even though $30 might be a bit steep given the age of the core game, the fact remains that there’s a lot of new content to be seen. At the least, it‘ll keep old hands entertained. There’s plenty to offer in Depths of Darkhollow, and ultimately, I judge it a worthy investment for veteran questers and newer converts alike.

EverQuest: Depths of Darkhollow is definitely more of treat for fans that have been with the game for awhile rather than for newer players who are looking for something a little more fresh. But what else can you ask from a game that’s been holding its ground for so long? If you are a devoted EverQuest fan, then Depths of Darkhollow will give you more of something that you already love. And if you are a newer player and want to see what started the MMO bug, EverQuest as a whole is still an awesome game to play.

Just be warned that it’s not the easiest and most impressive game to get into. And as any EverQuest fan will tell you, it’s not the easiest game to stop playing either.