"Forget the concept of EverQuest killer -- we're creating an EverQuest grower," said designer Chris Cao. "We want to get more spouses and other traditional holdouts involved... the second edition features way simpler mechanics. Someone who plays the two versions will see that they're targeted at two totally different audiences."

The game has been redesigned from the ground up with this philosophy. At the very beginning, onlookers will find their hands held through a deep, but streamlined character creation process. Using a simple utility suite, you begin by choosing a race, which includes mousy newcomers, the Ratonga. Also up for grabs are Dwarves, Trolls, Ogres, Kerrans, and Iksar. Customizing their appearance is as simple as tweaking a few slider bars or hitting a random generator button.

Similarly, before touching down upon the Isle of Refuge -- the first locale that heroes' encounter -- there's a helpful tutorial put forth front and center. Set aboard a ship at sea, the narrated sequence teaches the basics behind inventory management, movement, combat, and NPC interaction. It also demonstrates how standard objectives are obtained through conversation.