First off I’d like to note that at the time of writing this review my main character is level 28.

I’m a big fan of Online RPGs and have been for a while now. I first got into them back in 1998 with Ultima Online and have been hooked ever since. Things have changed alot since then and so have MMORPGs.

I played EQ for the PC very little so I can pretty much write this review with a clean slate. I was still addicted to UO at that time. For those UO veterans just think back to that time when UO was something special. It surely was.

Ok, on to the game. To get started you will have to have the network adapter for your PS2 to be able to get online. I got it for $40 at Best Buy. It works great with a regular dialup connection as well. No need for broadband. There is also a monthly charge of $10 but your first month is free. Once you get past all that and have your account made, you are ready to login. Pick a server and get ready to make your character.

Character creation is pretty simple. First you pick a race and a gender for your character. The gender doesn’t matter but pick your race according to the type of character you want. Some races can only be a few different classes. Your race is very important and determines what type of adventurer your character will be. The nice menu explains the races to you. After you choose your race and appearance, it is time to pick your class. After choosing a class you get 20 attribute points to use on whatever stat you wish. Each class has 2 “power” stats which will also raise the characters max power (mana). The stats are also explained to you.

Now you are ready to set off on your journey. You will be placed in your starting town (depending on race) and will be guided through various quests to help you learn the game and gain some helpful items.

The controls are pretty streamline and are very nicely setup for the PS2 controller. Everything you need is right there. You have a on screen keyboard that you can use to talk or you can use a USB keyboard. I still just use the controller and after some practice I have mastered the on screen keyboard to chat somewhat efficiently. Walking around is done with the left analog and the right analog is used to rotate the camera. You can change the camera angle to first person, follow, or tether. The camera can sometimes be a pain in tether mode but I think that is the best angle. While in combat you select your target with the R1 button and hold down the X button for “auto attack.” You also have a 5 space macro bar for your skills which can be used by hitting the O button. Which skill you have selected can be switched by pressing up and down on the D-pad. You also have a toolbar for your essentials which is accessed with right or left on the D-pad. They do give a tutorial in game for the controls.

The graphics aren’t anything spectacular and won’t win any awards but it gets the job done. Character models actually look really good for such low polygon count. The world detail overall is pretty stale but it looks good and some towns/areas have real nice detail. You are able to see about a mile ahead (in game). The world is huge and zoneless (says alot to those EQ PC players).

Sound and music are pretty much non-existent. All you get are the basic sound effects and that is it. No music besides 2 really lame battle tunes. I guess they had to cut corners somewhere.

If you are looking to get into online role playing and just don’t know where to start. Give EQOA a chance. It has a little something for everyone and plays at a faster pace than most online rpgs for the PC. The whole point is to appeal to a console crowd which includes less downtime and more action oriented gameplay. If you are a online rpg vet (like me) and want to try something new and get a breath of fresh air, pick up EQOA. If you have the dedication, you won’t be disappointed. Grouping with other console players all hanging out on their couches is pure enjoyment. 🙂

Catch me in Hodstock as Blakstaff or Grimnir.