video game: Windows XP EverQuest: Gates of Discord

Released in 1999, EverQuest is a 3D massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Sony Online Entertainment. Together with its sequels, this fantasy-themed PC franchise is accessible on Windows and Mac OS X systems, and is credited with popularizing the MMORPG genre in the United States. The EverQuest games all follow similar gameplay styles, beginning with the creation of an online avatar. Players may select from one of 16 races, such as elves, dwarves, ogres, etc., and one of 16 classes or occupations, including cleric, warrior, and rogue. After creating their avatar, players must also choose a deity to worship, which can determine a player����_��s enemies and even some equipment, and a home or starting city. Avatars greatly affect the player����_��s unique experience, and even though players can test several, they must settle on one or two final combinations. Players will then use their avatars to explore the land of Norrath, engaging in combat and completing quests in order to gain wealth, experience points, and master their particular trade skills. The game hosts a realistic economy in which players can buy items from shopkeepers or other players, and can work on their own skills such as alchemy, fishing, or smithing. The EverQuest games focus on player versus environment interactions, although specifically allocated player versus player servers exist if gamers wish to engage in direct combat with one another. Players navigate the land of Norrath through nearly 400 ����_�zones,����_�_ which display an assortment of geographical landscapes and often hold portals to other areas. Over the years, expansion and adventure packs����_��of which EverQuest has 19 and EverQuest II has 12����_��have added character levels, new races, classes, zones, equipment, and features to the game world. The series aims to unite players and encourage interaction through the interface of the game world. In fact, many features of the games encourage and even require alliances and cooperation between players. Combat is easier in groups, and EverQuest utilizes a feature that automatically splits treasure and points among party members when a task is completed. Players can join guilds, shop in the global marketplace, and view other players����_�� statistics online. Furthermore, player interaction is promoted through a ����_�Voice Chat����_�_ system, a mail service, and other chat channels and fan forums. A tool can help players find groups with which to play, or help find crafters who are looking for work, and a mentoring system allows experienced players to temporarily level down to aid newcomers. The modes of interaction, quality graphics, and rich setting with extensive lore����_��not to mention its enormous following����_��make EverQuest a game ahead of its time and the series an important contribution to PC gaming.