EQ: Nov 28 expansion, Rain of Fear

Nadia

http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/everquest-gets-its-19th-expansion-rain-of-fear/

faithful ol' EverQuest is muscling its way back into the spotlight with its 19th expansion, titled Rain of Fear.

Rain of Fear picks up the story from House of Thule, where nasty shards of power are falling from the sky and becoming ripe for the taking. Players will hop across the world to gather these shards and prevent their use by evil forces.

Of course, if you're more into numbers than story, you'll be interested to hear that the expansion will raise the level cap to an even 100, add nine zones, 13 raids, 110 quests, and 1800 new spells. SOE also plans to institute an aggro meter, new collection and hunter tasks, fun titles, and an autonomous brokering system to boost the player economy.

• Source: Rain of Fear
• More coverage: EQ official site

rooster99

I can't wait

Fadedbomb

Just when I thought I had escaped the wicked grasp of Everquest, she continues to try and pull me back.

 

 

Granted, I'm completely disconnected from EQ past Planes of Power, but that's besides the point. Even if I went back I'd only be playing on the progression servers .

Nadia

info from forums

http://forums.station.sony.com/eq/posts ... _id=188649

Hello Norrath!

There aren’t many people that say that they have been involved in a project as highly acclaimed as EverQuest. Fortunately, I am one of those few people that can. Now, in my fourth year with the team, I have the distinct pleasure to announce the latest expansion for EverQuest: Rain of Fear™

EverQuest celebrates an unprecedented 20th major game release with the Rain of Fear™ Expansion. Thirteen years after the initial launch of EverQuest and 19 expansions later, Rain of Fear™ continues an exciting storyline that started two years ago with the mysterious House of Thule™ Expansion, and continued in Veil of Alaris™.

You and your friends destroyed the newly created god, The Triumverate, causing an explosion that rocked Norrath and released the stolen power of fear. This power is returning to Norrath, falling from the sky in the form of crystalline shards. Who will gain control of the essence of fear and bring balance between good and evil?

The Harbingers of Thule entreat you to gather the essence of their lost god before it falls into the hands of others. You will uncover the mysteries of the giant crystals that have fallen to Norrath, explore newly discovered lands, revisit the frozen wastes of Velious, and battle old foes empowered by shards, confront them and reclaim the power of fear.

Along the way you will progress up to the unprecedented level of 100! We're pretty excited to see the first character reach level 100 in EverQuest, a true gaming landmark.

We will also be adding a few amazing features to this classic game. We will be adding a way to track your relative aggro level. Ever wanted to know when the bad guy was about to turn around and mash your rogue before it happened? With the new aggro meter if you get caught over-aggroing, you'll have no real excuse. There are also new Collection and Hunter Tasks; these will allow you to gather up various items all over Norrath as well as track your kills to gain new titles and new rewards. Want to become the Gnollslayer? Gnomeslayer? Now you can. We will also be making some major improvements to the brokering system. The Autonomous Brokering system (name may change if people continue to have issues pronouncing it...) is something that you have asked us for, something that we've wanted to make for you, for years. You will be able to turn off your computer and keep your trader up in Bazaar!

This is an exciting expansion for the EverQuest team, we hope it will be just as exciting for our customers as well. Thanks for playing EverQuest!

Thom "Phathom" Terrazas
on behalf of the EverQuest Team

Keylogger

I'm half tempted to go back.

darkhalf357x

Well I just started playing EQ for the first time.  I have a SOE Pass so I came in as a gold member.  I must say, this is some of the most fun I have had in an MMO in a long time.  It does come off as a more mature title.  You do have to accept some constraints (in terms of graphics, UI complexity, movement, etc) but honestly once understood I noticed a level of flexibility I have been looking for.  There are class / race limitations but progression is skill-based as well as stat-based.  The more you use your weapon the better you get at it.   I instantly see the influences on WoW.

What I like about EQ is the lack of non-linear, hand holding. Do whatever you want.  How ever you want.  I just got killed by a poisonous snake in Crescent Reach... loving ever minute of it :-)

Having fun so far.

Nadia

beta registration is open

http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/everquest-rain-of-fear-beta-registration-is-open/

 

similar info mentioned before

http://www.everquest.com/expansions

New Rain of Fear Game Features:

• Level cap increase from 95 to 100 – Achieve a new max level of 100 and set a new standard of gameplay.
• Hunter System – Gain special rewards and titles for defeating large numbers of foes.
• Aggro Meter – A brand new tool to help better manage your aggro. You can now see your aggro level relative to your group.
• Collection System – Discover items throughout Norrath and collect sets for exciting rewards and titles.
• Improved Brokering System – Sell items in the Bazaar while being offline! More flexibility as a buyer to search and purchase from anywhere in the world.
• New Linear Item Progression – Stats on armor collected will increase as you move up from one tier to another.
• Customization with non-visible armor – All non-visible armor in Rain of Fear can be worn by all. You'll be able to customize your stats for every encounter.
• Class-specific stat distribution – Collect items that are designed specifically for each classes' abilities.
• More than 1800 New Spells (Ranks 1, 2 & 3) – Exponentially add to your spell arsenal.
• More than 550 AAs – Elevate your power and abilities like never before.
• More than 3500 New Items – Create your own identity with thousands of new items.
• More than 3000 New Tradeskill recipes – Increase your value across Norrath by creating items only available by your craftsmanship.
• More than 110 Quests – Challenge your skills and gather useful loot.
• 13 Raids – Collect valuable rewards from all new adventures.
• 9 Zones – Be the first to discover untouched lands of Norrath.
• 19 Missions – Experience intriguing lore and immersive Missions.

Mardukk

Originally posted by darkhalf357x

Well I just started playing EQ for the first time.  I have a SOE Pass so I came in as a gold member.  I must say, this is some of the most fun I have had in an MMO in a long time.  It does come off as a more mature title.  You do have to accept some constraints (in terms of graphics, UI complexity, movement, etc) but honestly once understood I noticed a level of flexibility I have been looking for.  There are class / race limitations but progression is skill-based as well as stat-based.  The more you use your weapon the better you get at it.   I instantly see the influences on WoW.

What I like about EQ is the lack of non-linear, hand holding. Do whatever you want.  How ever you want.  I just got killed by a poisonous snake in Crescent Reach... loving ever minute of it :-)

Having fun so far.

I too go back from time to time when I get tired of being treated like a child by today's MMO's.  I have the freedom to do and go where I want at my own risk.  It really has the feeling of a massive world were I have the freedom to screw up and experiment a bit.

 

I also like that loot is not the same everywhere you go.  You need to do a bit of research to decide where you want to go as questing is limited and no one tells you where to go....so refreshing.  The amount of content available at this point for FTP is staggering and a good time if you don't expect instant gratification for everything.

FrodoFragins

1800 new spells but only 110 quests?  Strange.

 

I'm also surprised that the level cap is only 100 after 19 expansions.

 

How feasible is it for new players to join the game.  they make all the low level content soloable?

Nadia

Originally posted by FrodoFragins

1800 new spells but only 110 quests?  Strange.

I'm also surprised that the level cap is only 100 after 19 expansions.

How feasible is it for new players to join the game.  they make all the low level content soloable?

not every expansion had a level increase

a new player can reach level 90 in less than a month w the help of mercs

 

http://www.paullynch.org/tnzfaq/?page_id=368

for people who are in a hurry.

Based on what I have seen people post on TNZ, two days elapsed to hit 50. This would be following Crescent Reach -> Blightfire Moors as a path, no power levelling, with a tank merc, and is for any class. At the other extreme, under six months (closer to four months) for level 95 with 500 - 1,000 AAs, Void E access and a set of purchased gear from HoT. That would be enough to get you into most end-game raiding guilds, assuming that you are playing a class the guild wants. I'd guess that you'd need 4 hours plus per day play time, five days a week; but then you'd need that to join that sort of guild.

I have recently (February 2012) seen a report of levelling a cleric to 80 with 500 AAs in 11 days elapsed, with 5 days played; minimal grouping or power-levelling.

strangiato2112

Originally posted by FrodoFragins

1800 new spells but only 110 quests?  Strange.

 

I'm also surprised that the level cap is only 100 after 19 expansions.

 

How feasible is it for new players to join the game.  they make all the low level content soloable?

EQ isnt quest driven, and most of those spells are just upgrades to the staple spells but they are usually good about throwing a new wrinkle or two in.

 

As far as new player entry...its a LONG grind.  Very long.  And it will be lonely.  Youll sprint to 60 or so, at which point youll want to start the AA grind.  Also around that point the mercs become less useful.  However, if you have a friend to play with the amount of content you can do is staggering.

darkhalf357x

Originally posted by strangiato2112

Originally posted by FrodoFragins

1800 new spells but only 110 quests?  Strange.

 

I'm also surprised that the level cap is only 100 after 19 expansions.

 

How feasible is it for new players to join the game.  they make all the low level content soloable?

EQ isnt quest driven, and most of those spells are just upgrades to the staple spells but they are usually good about throwing a new wrinkle or two in.

 

As far as new player entry...its a LONG grind.  Very long.  And it will be lonely.  Youll sprint to 60 or so, at which point youll want to start the AA grind.  Also around that point the mercs become less useful.  However, if you have a friend to play with the amount of content you can do is staggering.

Definitely a game for those who like the adventure of the grind.  Its not as boring as others who have implemented.  Mercs are still useful but you need to upgrade to J5s.  But honestly by the time you reach 60/70 you should be in a guild or have a common group of friends to play with.  The community is extremely friendly and I have never had an issue trying to group.  Guild start recruiting in glooming deep at level 1.

Nadia

site has pricing and pre-order bonuses listed

http://www.everquest.com/expansions

http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/everquest-and-everquest-ii-offer-expansion-pre-order-bonuses/

lovebug

well it seems alot better than the eq2 expansion alot more content with the eq1 expansion.

darkhalf357x

Originally posted by Nadia

site has pricing and pre-order bonuses listed

http://www.everquest.com/expansions

http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/everquest-and-everquest-ii-offer-expansion-pre-order-bonuses/

Hi Nadia :-)

I pre-ordered today.  You get a 10 dollar discount as well. 29.99 instead of 39.99.

Level 24 Beserker - Damidge - on Vox

Come say hi

darkhalf357x

Breakdown of Pre-Order -- http://forums.station.sony.com/eq/index.php?threads/rof-pre-order.499/

 

 

 

<blockquote ugc="" basehtml"="">Harbinger's Staff
(Only Available with Pre-Order)
Fear Corrupted Phase Spider Metamorph Totem - reskinned mount or illusion? looks small in the picture
(Only Available with Pre-Order)
Collector's Dimensional Case 
Traveler's Rucksack - 24 slot bag
Idol of Cazic Thule 
Holgresh Metamorph Totem - holgresh mount or illusion?
Contract of the Apparitional Alaran - alaran merc
Painting: Rain of Fear - house painting
Bracelet of the Severed Hand 
Collectors Only Collection Quest - quest
Journeyman's Pocketed Rucksack - 32 slot bag
Evantil’s Abode - house?
Holgresh House Pet - house pet
Contract of the Fallen - some kind of merc, new race?
Painting: Shards Landing - house painting
Thulian Bracelet of the Severed Hand

 

 

 

 

Nadia

more details Saturday

http://eq2wire.com/2012/10/16/soe-live-livecast-schedule-watch-at-home/

Saturday, October 20, 2012

• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: EQ Rain of Fear Panel: EQ’s 19th expansion launches in November. Come to this panel to get a sneak peek at what’s falling from the skies! (SOE)

csthao

Originally posted by Nadia

beta registration is open

http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/everquest-rain-of-fear-beta-registration-is-open/

 

similar info mentioned before

http://www.everquest.com/expansions

New Rain of Fear Game Features:

• Level cap increase from 95 to 100 – Achieve a new max level of 100 and set a new standard of gameplay.
• Hunter System – Gain special rewards and titles for defeating large numbers of foes.
• Aggro Meter – A brand new tool to help better manage your aggro. You can now see your aggro level relative to your group.
• Collection System – Discover items throughout Norrath and collect sets for exciting rewards and titles.
• Improved Brokering System – Sell items in the Bazaar while being offline! More flexibility as a buyer to search and purchase from anywhere in the world.
• New Linear Item Progression – Stats on armor collected will increase as you move up from one tier to another.
• Customization with non-visible armor – All non-visible armor in Rain of Fear can be worn by all. You'll be able to customize your stats for every encounter.
• Class-specific stat distribution – Collect items that are designed specifically for each classes' abilities.
• More than 1800 New Spells (Ranks 1, 2 & 3) – Exponentially add to your spell arsenal.
• More than 550 AAs – Elevate your power and abilities like never before.
• More than 3500 New Items – Create your own identity with thousands of new items.
• More than 3000 New Tradeskill recipes – Increase your value across Norrath by creating items only available by your craftsmanship.
• More than 110 Quests – Challenge your skills and gather useful loot.
• 13 Raids – Collect valuable rewards from all new adventures.
• 9 Zones – Be the first to discover untouched lands of Norrath.
• 19 Missions – Experience intriguing lore and immersive Missions.

I have a feeling ranger's are going to enjoy this very much with their headshot AA. Assuming there's humanoid mobs to be killed!

Karteli

I wish they would just close EQ1 and invest their time in EQNext ..

 

Maybe give EQ1 supporters a nifty costume or something (LOL) .. OK maybe a nice enchantment with a particle effect, better, or a pet also with a particle effect?

 

I'm an original fan of EQ1 before they screwed the game up (because of WoW).  SOE had 10 years to learn from their mistakes with their games, and I'm dying to see what they come up with.

darkhalf357x

Originally posted by Karteli

I wish they would just close EQ1 and invest their time in EQNext ..

 

Maybe give EQ1 supporters a nifty costume or something (LOL) .. OK maybe a nice enchantment with a particle effect, better, or a pet also with a particle effect?

 

I'm an original fan of EQ1 before they screwed the game up (because of WoW).  SOE had 10 years to learn from their mistakes with their games, and I'm dying to see what they come up with.

Well I dont feel they screwed the game up at all and I am enjoying it.  I guess it comes down to what you like to play.  By your logic they should shutdown EQ2 and invest their time in EQNext.  But even that wont gaurentee that it will be a better game, or even if you will like it.

Cautiously waiting for what they actually deliver.