Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

EverQuest: Trilogy delivers a classic MMORPG experience that laid the foundation for many online role-playing games to follow. The original EverQuest encourages you to form parties, tackle challenging dungeons, and master diverse character classes, each with its own unique playstyle. Whether you choose the brute force of a warrior, the healing finesse of a cleric, or the elemental magic of a wizard, every class feels distinct and vital to group synergy.

The Ruins of Kunark expansion adds an entire continent filled with high-level zones, epic raid encounters, and new mechanics such as dragon mounts and increased level caps. It deepens the gameplay loop by introducing complex raid puzzles, experience-boosting quests, and reputation systems that reward you for exploring dangerous territories. Veteran players will appreciate the increased difficulty and the need for coordinated teamwork, while newcomers can join established guilds to learn the ropes.

The Scars of Velious builds upon this framework by introducing frigid landscapes, aerial combat atop gryphons, and further class customizations. The expansion’s multi‐layered zones, from icy peaks to underground caverns, demand careful strategy and resource management. The learning curve remains steep, but the sense of accomplishment after conquering a tough dragon or unraveling a hidden quest line is immensely gratifying. Overall, the gameplay in EverQuest: Trilogy remains challenging, community-driven, and deeply rewarding for those willing to invest the time.

Graphics

When the original EverQuest launched in 1999, its 3D graphics were groundbreaking for an online game. Today, the polygonal character models and simple textures feel dated compared to modern titles, yet they retain a certain nostalgic charm. Character faces and animations are rudimentary, but the vibrant color palettes and varied architectural designs across continents still evoke a sense of wonder.

With Kunark and Velious, SOE introduced richer environmental details—rugged mountain vistas, sweeping dragon‐guarded fortresses, and elaborate ice caverns. While the expansions did not drastically overhaul the core engine, they added weather effects such as drifting snow and dynamic lighting in caves, which enhance immersion. The draw distance remains limited by today’s standards, but it also contributes to a feeling of exploration as new vistas gradually load into view.

Overall, EverQuest: Trilogy’s graphics won’t compete with modern AAA titles, but they possess a distinct aesthetic that long-time players will find endearing. Textures may appear low-resolution, and some character animations can feel stiff, yet the art direction—especially in Velious’s frosty environments—still manages to convey the epic scale of adventuring in Norrath.

Story

The narrative thread in EverQuest: Trilogy weaves through the high fantasy world of Norrath, inviting players to explore its many cultures, conflicts, and mysteries. In the original game, you’re introduced to the city-states and wildlands that have become legendary, with quest lines ranging from simple fetch tasks to multi-stage epics involving gods and demons. The lore is expansive, and uncovering hidden stories often requires collaboration with experienced players.

In The Ruins of Kunark, the story expands to the shattered continent of Kunark, where the dragon armies of Vashet slumber and the Iksar empire hides ancient secrets. Quests here are often interconnected, revealing layers of intrigue and betrayal that challenge players to piece together events spanning centuries. The writing excels at creating a sense of living history, with in-game books, NPC dialogues, and environmental storytelling all contributing to the rich tapestry.

The Scars of Velious takes players to the frost-bitten territories where humanity’s last stand against the dragon ruler Thurgadin unfolds. The expansion’s narrative emphasizes survival against overwhelming odds, with dramatic boss encounters that feel earned after rigorous preparation. While the story may lack cinematic cutscenes by modern standards, it relies on player agency and community storytelling—allowing groups to recount their own heroic tales as they push back the icy tide.

Overall Experience

EverQuest: Trilogy represents a monumental value for fans of classic MMORPGs, packing three content-rich titles into one package. The anthology preserves the raw, unfiltered multiplayer experience that defined early online gaming: a challenging environment where friendships form in the heat of combat and every victory feels personal. Newcomers should be prepared for a slower, more deliberate pace compared to streamlined modern MMOs.

The community remains the heart of EverQuest, and while servers have thinned over time, dedicated role-playing and progression servers keep the world vibrant. Joining a guild is practically mandatory to tackle high-end raids and lengthy quests, reinforcing the social bonds that once made online gaming feel truly communal. If you cherish the idea of a game that demands teamwork and patience, you’ll find little else like EverQuest: Trilogy.

Subscription fees apply, and the interface can feel clunky for today’s standards, but the depth of content—spanning dozens of zones, hundreds of quests, and countless raid encounters—ensures that adventurers have countless hours of exploration ahead. Whether you seek nostalgia or wish to experience a genre-defining classic for the first time, EverQuest: Trilogy offers an unforgettable journey through the golden age of MMORPGs.