Even though EverQuest’s subscription numbers are staggering -- still over 400,000 as I write this -- a more incredible number is that over a million people have tried EverQuest and found it wanting. While a sequel seemed pre-destined given EQ1’s successes, SOE has taken a unique approach in creating a part deux that is not targeted at current customers, but rather former ones.

Fears that EQ2 is simply EQ1 with updated graphics are unfounded. If you are a current EQ1 subscriber, you’re not the person Sony is targeting for this title; they’re quite happy taking your $13 a month, thank you very much. Instead, this EverQuest is geared for those that found EQ too bland; too hard; too boring; too whatever and went on to different pastures. Now, if a current EQ1 customer switches products, they’re thrilled to get another box sale, naturally. So, if you’re forming your perceptions of EQ2 simply by what you think of EQ1, you’re most likely wrong.