Place 19: EverQuest 2
Developer: Darkpaw Games | Platform: PC | Release Date: November 9, 2004 | Model: Free2Play
MeinMMO editor Karsten looks back at the duel between World of Warcraft and EverQuest 2: Because that’s exactly what it was: a duel between two MMORPGs that wanted to become the new king of the genre. It was no accident that the development of both games had started around the same time and their releases were only weeks apart.
Personally, WoW clearly won for me back then. Only later did I take the time to get into EverQuest 2, and that was when Sony released the free Extended version – this eventually led to my first article for GameStar.
The late trip to Norrath was enough for me to get at least a hint of the importance of EverQuest 2 for the genre. The game was a logical and comprehensive evolution from the first EverQuest, with a huge amount of effort not only devoted to content but also to areas like synchronization and soundtrack.
EverQuest 2 simply had the problem that World of Warcraft had greater appeal and accessibility. Developing in this dominating shadow has caused many other online role-playing games to fail later on.
Place 18: New World
Developer: Amazon Games | Platform: PC | Release Date: September 28, 2021 | Model: Buy2Play
MeinMMO author Jasmin summarizes her relationship with New World as follows: Although things are currently rocky for Amazon Games regarding MMORPGs, New World is one of the best games in the genre for me. Many of the core elements I appreciate in MMORPGs are executed well in New World.
In terms of combat system, New World does not rely on haste but on sweeping strikes. Since the animations of attacks and dodges take a few seconds, combat does not end in just button mashing. Instead, one must approach it more tactically.
I also really liked the flexible class system from the beginning. You do not select a classic role but can simply switch between different abilities by changing your weapons.
Crafting also plays a significant role and is so detailed that the tinkerer in me can really let loose.
Alternatively, you can dive into housing and design your home as you wish. You can even decorate the outside of the house. Some of these decorations are not only cosmetic but also bring valuable bonuses.
However, the MMORPG has long struggled with declining player numbers. Amazon Games must definitely pull some cards from their sleeves to keep the existing players and attract new ones. Otherwise, the only major MMORPG blockbuster from a Western studio since 2015 does not look good.
