by BrianC - April 5, 2005

The latest expansion pack for Sony Online Entertainment�s MMORPG EverQuest, Dragons of Norrath, brings to the table a lot of new features and upgrades. Among these are new zones, creatures, and quests. SOE has also introduced a new interactive World Map. The main feature of this expansion is the development of the story of the Dragon.

New and Improved Gameplay

EverQuest: Dragons of Norrath is the ninth expansion in the EverQuest series and as such is not a stand alone game. That means for all of you gamers who have yet to take part in the world of EverQuest have to go out and buy the original game to be able to experience Dragons of Norrath.

As the title suggests, Dragons of Norrath introduces a new zone between Lavastorm and Halas where you can discover the origin of the dragons which have roamed Norrath through the ages. Just a warning; as you might have experienced already the dragons that roam Norrath can pose quite a threat to the ill-prepared and as such venturing into a land ridden with dragons can be a little on the dangerous side.

Aside from the new zone the most notable improvement in Dragons of Norrath is the improved World Map. This is now interactive, meaning you can now click on the map and change from continent to world views at the drop of a dime. This tends to make traveling and navigating throughout Norrath much easier. SOE has also dramatically improved the inventory system. One of the improvements comes as a new �potion belt� players can wear to have quick and easy access to items as needed, such as potions. This comes in handy as defeating dragons is no easy act. The other part of the inventory system improvement is the introduction of a bandolier system. This allows players to set up different weapons and items and players can switch back and forth through these with greater ease.

The guild system has also been revamped. Players can now; more easily find parties through the new Find Guild features which allow you too search for all guilds that are currently looking for members. Once in a guild you can search for players using the Looking for Members tools. Guild members can now store and have access to all items placed within the guild safes. Through the guild safe you also have the option of making an item only accessible for certain players. The Mass Corpse Summoning Altar is one of the biggest enhancements of Dragons of Norrath allowing players to revive member of the guild with greater ease.

A Whole New Look

As an expansion of EverQuest, Dragons of Norrath brings many new things to the world of EverQuest, and as such Dragons brings improved graphics. Dragons of Norrath brings new zones that are smoother and more crisp looking that we have seen in the past as well as improved the current zones somewhat. Along with the improved graphics comes new epic sounding music that is beloved by RPGers all over.

EverQuest: Dragons of Norrath is the ninth expansion in the EverQuest series. This means a lot, especially to those diehard EQ fans who remain avid players even with the release of EQII and other MMORPGs. Nine expansions show players and fans that SOE is continuing to show interest and support the wonderful world of EverQuest. Dragons of Norrath is a must for anyone who has ever played EverQuest.