Everquest II Expands
Desert of Flames will be the first full-priced expansion for SOE's MMORPG; The Splitpaw Saga marks its second "adventure pack."
Source: GameSpotSony Online Entertainment announced a one-two punch of expanded content for EverQuest II. The PC massively multiplayer online role-playing game is the sequel to the still-popular EverQuest, which helped establish the MMORPG genre.
First up is EverQuest II: Desert of Flames, the first full-priced EQII expansion pack. The pack will introduce the chaotic-but-colorful city of Maj’dul to the game. Players will be able to participate in gladiatorial contests inside the Middle Eastern-themed metropolis, either against some of the 40 new creatures included in the pack or against other EverQuesters in "a new style of player versus player combat." They will also be able to explore the surrounding Desert of Ro and learn about its inhabitants and legends.
Desert of Flames will also add over 12 new zones to EverQuest II, and will allow players to advance to level 60. It will also sport new voiceover emotes for characters. The expansion pack will retail for $29.99 when it goes on sale on September 12, and will be on display at the SOE booth at E3.
In addition to Desert of Flames, SOE is also releasing The Splitpaw Saga, the second "adventure pack" for EverQuest II. Like its predecessor, the Bloodline Chronicles, The Splitpaw Saga will let EQII players engage in new story-driven dungeon adventures. Specifically, it will add two dungeons and a dozen "different solo, group and raid instances surrounding the story of Splitpaw," according to SOE.
As for Splitpaw's story, that will center on "a ferocious clan of cannibalistic gnolls" who "will stand in the way as players seek to destroy the greatest threat yet in Norrath's new history," according to SOE. To accommodate characters from level 20 to 40, the adventure pack will "scale dynamically," hurling tougher opponents against more seasoned players.
Unlike Desert of Flames, EverQuest II: The Splitpaw Saga will only be available via download when it is released on June 28th. Subscribers to SOE's Station.com will be able to download it for free, while others will have to pay $7.99 for the privilege.
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