By David Craddock
As any game nears its release, many changes are quickly applied to get the game completely ready for launch. [i]EverQuest II[/i], though nearly complete, is no exception to this rule. Below is a full list of what you can expect regarding the changes to the game, and many interesting details for “EverCrack” junkies as well!
[i]New Feature – Training Specialized Abilities[/i]
? As you develop your character, you’ll be able to specialize in major aspects of your profession. About every ten levels, you can choose to focus on one of your core abilities and receive advanced training to improve it.
? For example, a priest could train and receive either a stronger heal, a more potent buff, or a higher-damage nuke. This ability would be of much greater potency than the typical granted spell and may be upgraded even more through adventuring.
? Each profession gets similar choices that play to their strengths ? fighters may choose between offensive and defensive enhancements, or mages may focus on improving a damage spell, a pet, or a stun spell as appropriate to their profession.
[i]New Feature – Character Traits[/i] ? Character traits allow you to choose an aspect of your character and improve upon it. Traits are independent of your character’s race or profession, and all characters have access to the full list.
? By the time they’ve reached level 50, every character will gain access to seven traits that help tailor their character to their preferred play style.
? For example, a given character might choose to become Clever, thereby increasing their intelligence. Another character might choose to become Nimble, thereby increasing their base agility.
? Traits can improve your character in a variety of areas, such as increasing your statistics, giving more health or power, improving your health or power regeneration speed, and making your more resistant to magic, disease, or different types of melee damage.
? Traits are generally permanent effects that continuously improve your character during play. Once you’ve selected a trait, you’ll enjoy its benefits permanently.
[i]New Feature – Racial Traditions[/i]
? As players learn the background and lore of their chosen race, they begin to unlock certain bonuses. This starts with race-specific titles and leads to a choice of racial abilities.
? By the time they’ve reached level 50, every character will gain access to four racial traditions to help tailor their character to their preferred play style and distinguish themselves from other members of their race.
? For instance, an Iksar could choose from enhanced health regeneration, increased power regeneration, or increased armor class. A Ratonga may learn to forage for food or improve his ability to dodge blows. Erudites may learn to summon a magical wisp, guard themselves with a magic-resistant shield, or improve their alchemist crafting abilities.
? Racial traditions take many forms, but are generally activated abilities that can be used on demand to greatly improve your character for a short period of time. ? Some traditions give bonuses similar to traits, but with much more powerful effects.
? Full racial tradition lists will be released for every race in the next few days.
[i]New Feature – Enemy Mastery[/i]
? During your adventuring career, you’ll be able to learn about the creatures and monsters you’re fighting and use that knowledge to your advantage.
? Every few levels, players may choose from a selection of enemies and undertake a quest to learn how to exploit their weaknesses. The successful completion of this quest results in an enhanced attack against that type of enemy.
? By the time they’ve reached level 50, every character will gain access to six enemy masteries to help tailor their character to their preferred play style.
In this reporter’s opinion, these changes and additions allow for a much greater variety of character choices for the player, and this is only a good thing! Look for [i]EverQuest II[/i] in mid-November at a gaming retailer near you.
