Shocker: Free-to-play breathes new life into original EverQuest [Video]

No, really, this is a surprise, considering the massively multi-player online game (MMO) is 13 years old. (For frame of reference, this writer was 12 years old when the game released.) The shift to a free-to-play model has been a boon to EverQuest, one the oldest MMOs still in operation.

Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) touted just how effective the game's new lease on life has been along with a short video, according to GamesIndustry International. Titled "EverQuest: A Living Legend," SOE took this golden opportunity to make a back-patting fest. But that doesn't mean the video is without novelty: Much of it is comprised of concept art behind many of the iconic monsters, environments and player races in EverQuest.

Plus, the video features some neat-o comparison shots between how the world of Norrath looked 13 years ago and today. Sure, EverQuest pales in comparison to MMOs released more recently, but the changes are striking. Plus, 150 percent more unique log-ins, a 125 percent jump in item sales and concurrent play boosted by 40 percent are nothing to scoff at. Now we just can't wait to see which turns out to be more popular: new-old Norrath or new-new Norrath.

Have you revisited or tried EverQuest for the first time now that it's F2P? What do you think of the game now? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.