SAN DIEGO, Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a global leader in the online games industry, announced that EverQuest®II Kingdom of Sky(TM), the second expansion for EverQuest II, is shipping to retail stores in North America and can also be purchased via digital download. The retail version of the game contains the full version of EverQuest II, as well as the all new Kingdom of Sky expansion, a full-color poster sized map, a limited-edition collectible EverQuest II coin, and a special in-game item, a carnivorous plant that will reward players with items for feeding it. The digital download includes the new expansion only, and can be purchased through the SOE Station Store. Purchasers of both the retail and digital download will also receive a free Arena Champion character that can be used in Player vs. Player (PvP) combat.

"Whether you're an MMO newbie or experienced veteran, there's never been a better time to play EverQuest II," says Laura Naviaux, senior brand manager, Sony Online Entertainment. "First-time players can get an all-in-one experience -- not just the expansion, but also the base EverQuest II game with an enhanced character progression system, empowering them immediately and getting them into the action much faster. For the seasoned EverQuest II player, the addition of new content above level 20 and a new storyline full of dangerous new enemies timed to coincide with the introduction of PvP combat will extend the benchmarks for adventure and excitement in the world of Norrath."