Lords of Everquest *Pre-release Beta Version 0.1027.00*

Since Sony has so kindly let me into LoE beta even though I am possitive that I did not sigh up for it, I might as well try out the game… Even though I wasn’t quite impressed by all the pre-release screenshots.

First, the nature of this beta is of course to stress-test the multiplayer servers and balance the sides. Apparently close beta started on 20 October with 500 beta testers and slowly more were selected over time, until a planned number of 15000. Hmmmm, I really should give up my spot to some everquest fan… Anywayz, the game is a rts game based in the Everquest universe, basically something to get back at Blizzard for creating World of Warcraft, a MMORPG set in the world of warcraft. (duh!)

Graphically, LoE has all the gimmicks, particle spell effects, smooth unit animations, etc. However, the graphics just LOOK and FEEL like CRAP. After getting used to the lush and rich colours of Warcraft 3, LoE just look waaay too bland and dull. Other than the spell effects, everyting else just look like crap. The weak attempts at copying Warcraft 3 unit/building design was not appreciated. Heck, you remember WC3 and WC3x opening menu? You know, with the buttons on one side and an animated background, sometimes with a detailed character model. Well, LoE has THAT too, exactly the same except the menu is on the left side instead of the right.

Frankly, everything just screams WC3 rip-off. You see, you control “Lords” (note: NOT HEROES!) who are unique and powerful units that can level up and cast spells. (I say it again, LORDS, not HEROES!) They also produce auras that benefits your allies and do bad things to your enemies. (NOT HEROES YOU HEAR!!)

Gameplay-wise, LoE will not disappoint. Everything WC3 does, LoE does too. Maybe better, maybe not, but it’s all good enough.

However, there is one thing I must complain about. The performance. I know my computer is old and dying, but it still runs WC3 at 800 x 600 perfectly well. On LoE however, there is the occasional lag, even though the graphics don’t look any better than WC3. (indeed, the colour scheme makes it look worse, even though it is not)

After playing through only the tutorial, I can safely say that I will not pay for the actual game. Perhaps if this had come out before WC3, but now, it’s just more of the same. Still, a free meal is a free meal, I’ll keep up with the beta till the end to see how it turns out…