Game Update 42 Preview!

[Gnobrin]

<p><a href="http://eq2players.station.sony.com/news_archive_content.vm?id=1537&section=News&locale=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><b>Game Update 42</b></i></a> isn't your usual home-grown update; it's almost an expansion unto itself. With this onslaught of information, you'll gain access to Adventuring as well as Tradeskill Epics, the introduction of <i>three</i> gods from Norrathian lore, a new means to interact with your pets, a connectivity window to know how the internet weather is between you and the servers, a means to better search the broker through effect name and some <b>VERY</b> helpful household items, including a couple to permit you to show off your hard earned equipment!</p><p>~Gnobrin!</p>

[Cadori Seraphim]

OMG The epics look awesome!!And the gods.. wow.. they look amazing as well!/squeeeeeeeeeeeels!!  I want to see more!

[Journee]

<p><span style="font-size: xx-large;color: #ff9900;font-family: comic sans ms,sand;">THANK YOU</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;color: #ff9900;font-family: Comic Sans MS;">THANK YOU</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;color: #ff9900;font-family: Comic Sans MS;">THANK YOU</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;color: #ff9900;font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;color: #ff9900;font-family: Comic Sans MS;">HUGS</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;color: #ff9900;font-family: Comic Sans MS;">~Journee~</span></p>

[Winter]

<span style="font-size: medium;color: #ff99ff;">Looks absolutely stunning. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> I can hardly wait! I'm definitely interested in seeing the lore!!!<img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></span>

[Diimitri]

when does it go live?

[shadowgate]

Tuesday Feb. 5th...if nothing goes wrong.

[Leucippus]

I hope that new broker search is fixed before it goes live.If not, then the patch notes will have to be worded very carefully to avoid have a bunch of disapointed, and confused, customers I suspect.For example, this quote from the preview linked in this thread:Broker Search UpgradeTo help streamline the broker process, this update comes with the ability to search via item ability name! No more having to dig for that one perfect weapon or piece of armor that has that ability you've always needed, you can soon seek them directly!Is not exactly correct 100% of the time. There exists a thread in the In Testing Feedback forum related to it.-Leucippus

[Deadrus]

The up date looks awesome. I'm not up with the whole raid thing so i questoin the 3 returning gods that are raids. Are they the gods themselfs? Or are they just Avatars like all the other dietys in the game so far? The Epics look very cool. The 4th one looks like the necro one.. My main is a necro so im a little bit disapointed with that way it looks but well see once i get it. I hear they all have an animatoin to them. Might look cooler in motion then in a still picture. Looks great guys. Any hope of the Skeletal revamp and new armor looks for GU 43?

[Sola]

This is a step in the right direction.  I hope this is a trend we see in the coming months!  EQ2 is a fantastic game, but when competing with WoW, it's going to take a lot of hard work and being honest about why Blizzard pulled so far ahead of SOE in such a short amount of time.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that overhauling the graphics engine is on the plate by the next expansion release <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />.  Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll build it to be DirectX 10 capable... maybe...

[Armawk]

<cite>Sola wrote:</cite><blockquote>This is a step in the right direction.  I hope this is a trend we see in the coming months!  EQ2 is a fantastic game, but when competing with WoW, it's going to take a lot of hard work and being honest about why Blizzard pulled so far ahead of SOE in such a short amount of time.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that overhauling the graphics engine is on the plate by the next expansion release <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />.  Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll build it to be DirectX 10 capable... maybe...</blockquote><p>"when competing with WoW, it's going to take a lot of hard work and being honest about why Blizzard pulled so far ahead of SOE in such a short amount of time"</p><p>"overhauling the graphics engine " and "DirectX 10 capable"</p><p>That seems a little.. contrary doesnt it? to compete with wow by taking on board its methods they would need to massively simplify and downgrade the graphics engine of eq2, making it effectively dx6-7 to make the game run on any old junk hardware, not make it more advanced and exotic!</p>

[Zabjade]

<span style="color: #00cc00;">Berty is a Ratonga now? Boy oh boy how the godling fashions change.</span>

[Morghur]

Can these new gods be worshiped as a Diety? Or are they only the Avatars for raiding?!<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />Great update too!! Cannot wait!

[Zabjade]

<span style="color: #00cc00;">Probably both, Personally I'm waiting for The Nameless.</span>

[Anestacia]

<cite>Jenova@Najena wrote:</cite><blockquote>Can these new gods be worshiped as a Diety? Or are they only the Avatars for raiding?!<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />Great update too!! Cannot wait!</blockquote>They have been able to be worshiped since RoK was released.  The first picture is the Tribunal, the second is Karana and the third is Bertorxolous (why he is a rat I dont know lol). This just means they are now able to actually be seen in game and raided just like the gods before RoK came out. As far as the Nameless being a god coming soon; don't hold your breath.  The Nameless is not part of the pantheon as are the other gods.  He is higher than even the elemental gods and created all of the deities.  He has been "MIA" since Norrath lore began.

[Morghur]

<cite>Anestacia wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Jenova@Najena wrote:</cite><blockquote>Can these new gods be worshiped as a Diety? Or are they only the Avatars for raiding?!<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />Great update too!! Cannot wait!</blockquote>They have been able to be worshiped since RoK was released.  The first picture is the Tribunal, the second is Karana and the third is Bertorxolous (why he is a rat I dont know lol). This just means they are now able to actually be seen in game and raided just like the gods before RoK came out. As far as the Nameless being a god coming soon; don't hold your breath.  The Nameless is not part of the pantheon as are the other gods.  He is higher than even the elemental gods and created all of the deities.  He has been "MIA" since Norrath lore began.</blockquote>Oh really? Goes to show how much I've been noticing <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> I'll go read up about them thanks!

[Kitsune286]

What better way to symbolize rot, disease, and plague, than with a giant Ratonga.Kinda makes me sad, My Ratonga is a good clean mouse. His Avatar is stunningly graphically good, to the point it almost makes me sick, heh.Edit: Silly Typo's.

[Miss_Jackie]

Now... time to wait for guild halls. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Freydinessa]

<cite>Miss_Jackie wrote:</cite><blockquote>Now... time to wait for guild halls. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img mce_tsrc=" />" /></blockquote>I can wait for guild halls for a <i>long</i> time. But anyway.... This update is truly amazing. Well done SOE!EDIT: Though,  i'm a  little bit surprised the Tribunal are looking so Military. As they <i>somewhat</i> hold court in the plane of justice i thought we'd actually see them in their more tradition outfit of a hooded robe. But at least we still can't see their faces. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Well done.

[dawy]

Its looking a good one thats for sure

[digitalfre]

meh...

[Deadrus]

<cite>shaunfletcher wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Sola wrote:</cite><blockquote>This is a step in the right direction.  I hope this is a trend we see in the coming months!  EQ2 is a fantastic game, but when competing with WoW, it's going to take a lot of hard work and being honest about why Blizzard pulled so far ahead of SOE in such a short amount of time.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that overhauling the graphics engine is on the plate by the next expansion release <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />.  Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll build it to be DirectX 10 capable... maybe...</blockquote><p>"when competing with WoW, it's going to take a lot of hard work and being honest about why Blizzard pulled so far ahead of SOE in such a short amount of time"</p><p>"overhauling the graphics engine " and "DirectX 10 capable"</p><p>That seems a little.. contrary doesnt it? to compete with wow by taking on board its methods they would need to massively simplify and downgrade the graphics engine of eq2, making it effectively dx6-7 to make the game run on any old junk hardware, not make it more advanced and exotic!</p></blockquote>He is right in a way. The graphics engine needs a MASSIVE overhaul not nesisarly to make the graphics better but to make the enginge more compatible with curent hardware. Make it take advantage of dual core processores if people have them. Have the engine take advantage of SLI if people have it. Make the engine more GPU oriented rather then CPU oriented. thats the huge problem right now with the Eq2 engine it puts more stress on the CPU then the gpu since it seems back in the day they thought processoers were going to be going up and up in speeds when in actuality we've been at the 3GHz range for the last several years now the big thing thats happened in processing has been muliti cores.  EQ2 needs to be optomized for curent technology so it can run better then it does now.

[Zabjade]

<cite>Anestacia wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Jenova@Najena wrote:</cite><blockquote>Can these new gods be worshiped as a Diety? Or are they only the Avatars for raiding?!<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />Great update too!! Cannot wait!</blockquote>They have been able to be worshiped since RoK was released.  The first picture is the Tribunal, the second is Karana and the third is Bertorxolous (why he is a rat I dont know lol). This just means they are now able to actually be seen in game and raided just like the gods before RoK came out. As far as the Nameless being a god coming soon; don't hold your breath.  The Nameless is not part of the pantheon as are the other gods.  He is higher than even the elemental gods and created all of the deities.  He has been "MIA" since Norrath lore began.</blockquote><span style="color: #00cc00;">Your point? Seriously <b>I know the chances are near nil</b>, there is too little lore other then stepped into time/space and made Norrath then stepped back out followed by Veeshan scratching up the bran new planet like a puppy wanting to get out the back door before it potties on the floor. Still it would be something <b>New</b>, just keep the history of him vague <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> perhaps he is the cause of Frostfell, just likes to work behind the scenes and is not as flashy as the godlings.</span>

[Powers]

This looks to be a great update, but "almost an expansion unto itself"?  Not hardly.  =)For those of you wondering about the appearances of the Avatars of Decay and Justice, keep in mind that these are not the deities themselves, but manifestations of them exhibited through Norrathian beings.  Ratonga are among the Plaguebringer's most dedicated servants, so it makes sense he would use one of them as the basis for his avatar form.Powers  &8^]

[-Arctura-]

(( *Drowns in Drool*ohhhhh so nice.  GREAT WORK TEAM <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" /> NICE NICE.Mannequins look super fab, and they are just mannequins! Great work on the textures there! Super! Look like canvas sacks, something i'd expect from Fantasy genre, so Totally enhancing the Immersion there. Fine details are always nice.The weapons are a real treat. In-engine renders always win out visually ^_^  GREAT WORK!Its all happening so fast... i better sit down, im feeling light headed from all this excitement!PS. for future patch, can you make an option in broker window, a Checkbox if you will, that allows us to 'Display Cheapest Priced Item only'  to show just 1 of each item, (the cheapest one). It would be super fabulous when doing searches for ... things like... Collectable Pages....Seriously, just typeing in 'page' results in a few hundred pages of broker listings of them hehe. Most are duplicates so it takes long hours to go through the whole list via Mouse-overs to see which ones we need and which ones we dont <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" />Mind you, its totally more advanced than it was at launch, since we can just mouse-over things now to compare or check if we need em. (*praises the coders for that much*) (all  in all, great stuff)<img src="http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g69/Arctura000/OB-sig.jpg" alt="" border="0" />

[Joemomm]

I almost feel sorry for all the custom UI builders out there. Trying to keep up with all these amazing new changes must be stressful. Keep up the AMAZING work there dev's!

[Polywogus]

<cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite><blockquote><span style="color: #00cc00;">Berty is a Ratonga now? Boy oh boy how the godling fashions change.</span></blockquote><div> </div><div>Well put - I was aghast.  *edit* Powers, that is a good way of thinking on it, however.  Thank you!</div>

[Themaginator]

<cite>Polywogus wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite><blockquote><span style="color: #00cc00;">Berty is a Ratonga now? Boy oh boy how the godling fashions change.</span></blockquote><div> </div><div>Well put - I was aghast.</div></blockquote>His avatar is ratonga...he is not.   bertox is a bertoxxulous not any race...avatars are just mortals infused with the essence of the god therefore they always resemble some mortal race.  For example Solusek Ro's is an erudite therefore he is obviously a rudite but has many of the feature's of the god.  Same as Bertox's avatar except his chosen was a ratonga.Inny's is a trollMithanial's is a Barbarian Tunare's is a high elfCazic's was a troll at one point i'm pretty sure  except its all messed up hahaBrell's is a dwarfBristlebane's is a halflingSolusek's is an Erudite Rallos's is a giant Quellios's is a human childTribunal is uhh well you cant tellKarana is a humanSeeing as Bertox has no race on norrath that in any way resemble's him he chose a race that he just really liked, and bam you have an avatar.There no more arguments that he doesnt look liek the god...its because he doesnt have to

[shadowscale]

<cite>Sashtan@Mistmoore wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite></cite>Cazic's was a troll at one point i'm pretty sure  except its all messed up haha</blockquote>suposed to have been a lizardman me thinks. althogh the way to get how it looks now seems painful. then agen same could be said of bertox avatar.

[cenallron]

It has always just seemed to me that Cazic is the only one arrogant enough to show his face, or what he wants to be seen as.  Cazic's avatar had to have been recreated, not of a player race.But anyway, Way To F***in Go on this update you guys! I am an EQ1 vet who just started playin eq2 at the release of RoK, which is strange cause that is when I started eq1 as well... lol but anyway! Seriously looking forward to these epic quests! REALLY looking forward to them!

[Sola]

<cite>Powers wrote:</cite><blockquote>This looks to be a great update, but "almost an expansion unto itself"?  Not hardly.  =)For those of you wondering about the appearances of the Avatars of Decay and Justice, keep in mind that these are not the deities themselves, but manifestations of them exhibited through Norrathian beings.  Ratonga are among the Plaguebringer's most dedicated servants, so it makes sense he would use one of them as the basis for his avatar form.Powers  &8^]</blockquote><p>So glad you brought this up Powers.  Making a comment "almost an expansion unto itself" is quite derogatory.  They finally put together a real meat and bones update (though some of this was supposed to come with the release of RoK several months ago) and they want to blow it way out of proportion!!!  Need to look at how often WoW puts out content, fixes things, or revamps each class and then put such talk into context.</p><p>Another point WoW does I think EQ2 devs should look at doing for updates is revamp "x" amount of classes each month.  If they did this than maybe we could get balance between classes done and start pulling in more PvP types (though myself I don't pvp, but I do see where SOE has favored certain classes more than others and slow to fix classes they don't favor).</p><p>Beside this, Kudo's devs!!!  We players love when you show us attention and this patch 42 is a step in the right direction!!!</p>

[Hekynn]

Wow!!!! I cant wait to start questing for my epic group items <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> that will  be great xp for me <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Spyderbite]

<cite>Sola wrote:</cite><blockquote>EQ2 is a fantastic game, but when competing with WoW</blockquote>Competing with WoW? That's like comparing the NFL to Nascar. Both, have their followings but usually have very different tastes in sports entertainment. WoW has a larger player base because it caters to people who have much lower standards for the depth, quality and challenge in their game play. And, I would prefer they stay there rather than migrate to EQ2 and become the majority voice when it comes to dumbing down our game.With that out of the way. I'm really looking forward to displaying some of the armor I've retired after moving on to a new tier. And, it frees up bank slots as I can display the sets for my next tier that I've put together, sort of like a visual incentive! XD

[Cadori Seraphim]

<cite>Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Sola wrote:</cite><blockquote>EQ2 is a fantastic game, but when competing with WoW</blockquote>Competing with WoW? That's like comparing the NFL to Nascar. Both, have their followings but usually have very different tastes in sports entertainment. WoW has a larger player base because it caters to people who have much lower standards for the depth, quality and challenge in their game play. And, I would prefer they stay there rather than migrate to EQ2 and become the majority voice when it comes to dumbing down our game.With that out of the way. I'm really looking forward to displaying some of the armor I've retired after moving on to a new tier. And, it frees up bank slots as I can display the sets for my next tier that I've put together, sort of like a visual incentive! XD</blockquote>Well said!

[Marialle]

I get so sick of all the WoW comparisons... if you like the game so much, go play it.That being said, I like this update. Now, if we can only get a few more gods "unlocked", as it were, like Erollisi Marr, Terris Thule, and a few others... but I'll give that time.

[Guiddian]

this isnt wow!!! this game does not have to compare with wow in anyway shape or form.

[Sola]

<p>You're right, it's not WoW, but SOE got their [Removed for Content] handed to them when WoW produced a product that has 10+ times the amount of people!  My point being, EQ2 has a lot going for it.  It's the reason I play EQ2 and not WoW!  If you want to stick your head in the sand and say, "Oh, you can't compare the two; they are totally different" than have fun groaping for worms.  No matter how you want to color coat it, they are direct rivals!  It's more like comparing the NY Giants to some college football team because revenue wise, WoW trumps EQ2.  This is what management look at when investing millions into a product.  If you don't learn from your competition, you'll end up like Novell, dBase, Lotus, WordPerfect, etc...  They all stuck their head in the sand thinking Microsoft wouldn't out pace them.  Guess what; where are they now?!?</p><p>So if you want to see SOE and EQ2 continue to flourish, you better hell do some comparison with other MMO's.  Otherwise you'll be nothing but a spot in history.</p>

[Spyderbite]

<cite>Sola wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>You're right, it's not WoW, but SOE got their [I cannot control my vocabulary] handed to them when WoW produced a product that has 10+ times the amount of people! </p></blockquote>When it comes to Quantity vs. Quality.. we'll take the Quality as far as community is concerned. Games like UO have survived 10 years with sub 100k numbers. EQ and EQ2 aren't going anywhere soon.Take a browse through the newbie forum.. 90% of all the new player posts begin with "I just quit WoW".Sure there are more lemmings joining it every day to keep the population flourishing. But, the quality gamers.. those that seek challenge and a strong community will find their way here or to another similar game.Making EQ2 more like WoW will certainly increase the number of subscriptions. But, it will also drive away those who play MMO's for more traditional reasons. Specifically a supportive Community.*Has flashbacks of the Stepford Wives* <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Armawk]

<cite>Sola wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>You're right, it's not WoW, but SOE got their [I cannot control my vocabulary] handed to them when WoW produced a product that has 10+ times the amount of people!  My point being, EQ2 has a lot going for it.  It's the reason I play EQ2 and not WoW!  If you want to stick your head in the sand and say, "Oh, you can't compare the two; they are totally different" than have fun groaping for worms.  No matter how you want to color coat it, they are direct rivals!  It's more like comparing the NY Giants to some college football team because revenue wise, WoW trumps EQ2.  This is what management look at when investing millions into a product.  If you don't learn from your competition, you'll end up like Novell, dBase, Lotus, WordPerfect, etc...  They all stuck their head in the sand thinking Microsoft wouldn't out pace them.  Guess what; where are they now?!</p></blockquote><p>Would you sit in a fine restaurant and say 'Why on earth dont they make this place more like Mcdonalds?'. No you wouldnt, but Maccas makes 100000 more money and attracts vastly  more customers, so why wouldnt you?</p><p>There is nothing wrong with high volume lowest common demoninator product.. but lets pray never to have a market with nothing else in it.</p>

[Spyderbite]

<cite>shaunfletcher wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite></cite><p>Would you sit in a fine restaurant and say 'Why on earth dont they make this place more like Mcdonalds?'. No you wouldnt, but Maccas makes 100000 more money and attracts vastly  more customers, so why wouldnt you?</p></blockquote>[Removed for Content].. you're analogy beat the hell out of my NFL vs. Nascar analogy! XD Nice job!

[denmom]

What many aren't seeing is that Warcraft had a large fanbase from the <b><i>start</i></b> due to being an RTS PC game <b><i>first</i></b> for <b><i>years.</i></b>  Since <b><i>1994!</i></b>So when it was created as an MMO, <i><b>of course</b></i> it had a huge following.  All those who played it as the RTS finally could get into the game and play in an utterly different way.  And this is <b><i>ten years</i></b> after the first Warcraft RTS was released.So, yes, it's little wonder that with the above info WoW is a huge success and beat out EQ2 for subs at the start.But think about this: how many come from WoW to EQ2 looking for better content?  Better community?  Better gameplay?<i><b>A lot.</b></i>I base the above statement on the fact I seen in level chat and forums new players saying they're from WoW and are greatly surprised at the differences and are happy with EQ2.

[Sola]

<cite>Pheep@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>But think about this: how many come from WoW to EQ2 looking for better content?  Better community?  Better gameplay?<i><b>A lot.</b></i>I base the above statement on the fact I seen in level chat and forums new players saying they're from WoW and are greatly surprised at the differences and are happy with EQ2.</blockquote><p>Like I said, EQ2 has a lot of good points and I'm very glad to see people coming to EQ2 from WoW.  It's good you and others point this out.  It's these areas that EQ2 devs are doing great at.  However, WoW does better community relations, they have very minimal zoning, they constantly update classes to compete toe to toe with one another, their client very seldomly crashes, they provide more graphic sets for armor, etc.. etc.. etc..</p><p>  If you think I'm trying to run EQ2 in the ground, you're highly mistaken.  I see EQ2 as an unpolished diamond I found among MMO's.  Looking deep into it's core I see the beauty waiting to come out.  And just like a fine jeweler takes painstaking effort to smooth the edges and to polish to perfection, I too wish the same for EQ2.  This update #42 is a step in that direction!  And as such, I want to encourage such hard labor and bring to the surface areas that many other forums talk down about EQ2.  It has a strong heart in it's loyal fans like you and I, but to neglect where it needs more spit and polish is to do disservice to both the devs and us in the long run!  We have to point out what people like including ourselves in other MMO's so devs can say, "oh yeah! you know what, maybe if we do this we can make it that much better!"</p><p>Needless to say, this is spiraling out of my scope of intention.  If I thought WoW was a better game suited for me, I'd be playing WoW.  However, I'm here because of all the beauty the devs have created in EQ2.  It's more suited to my style of play and as such, I want to protect it.</p><i>"I am that gadfly whichGod has attached to the state, and all day long and in all places am always fastening upon you, arousing and persuading and reproaching you."  -- Socrates</i>

[Powers]

<cite>cenallron wrote:</cite><blockquote>It has always just seemed to me that Cazic is the only one arrogant enough to show his face, or what he wants to be seen as.</blockquote>Funny you should say that, since Cazic-Thule is also known as the "Faceless".  =)Powers  &8^]

[Yohann]

<cite>-Arctura- wrote:</cite><blockquote>(( *Drowns in Drool*ohhhhh so nice.  GREAT WORK TEAM <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src=" width="15" height="15" />"> NICE NICE.Mannequins look super fab, and they are just mannequins! Great work on the textures there! Super! Look like canvas sacks, something i'd expect from Fantasy genre, so Totally enhancing the Immersion there. Fine details are always nice.The weapons are a real treat. In-engine renders always win out visually ^_^  GREAT WORK!Its all happening so fast... i better sit down, im feeling light headed from all this excitement!PS. for future patch, can you make an option in broker window, a Checkbox if you will, that allows us to 'Display Cheapest Priced Item only'  to show just 1 of each item, (the cheapest one). It would be super fabulous when doing searches for ... things like... Collectable Pages....Seriously, just typeing in 'page' results in a few hundred pages of broker listings of them hehe. Most are duplicates so it takes long hours to go through the whole list via Mouse-overs to see which ones we need and which ones we dont <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src=" width="15" height="15" />">Mind you, its totally more advanced than it was at launch, since we can just mouse-over things now to compare or check if we need em. (*praises the coders for that much*) (all  in all, great stuff)<img src="http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g69/Arctura000/OB-sig.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="500" height="150" /></blockquote>um yeah you can now open your quest journal and go to collections and click on the ones you have missing and it will only show those in the broker box. This should save you even more time =)

[Echgar]

Let's stay on topic please.  Some of the posts here are getting pretty off-topic with discussion about other games, other companies, and wish lists.  This thread is about the <a href="http://eq2players.station.sony.com/news_archive_content.vm?id=1537&section=News&locale=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Game Update 42 preview</a> -- if you have feedback about other things it probably belongs elsewhere!

[RickAO76]

<p>I like the LU and all - but if the Ranger Epic ends up being anything, but a BOW - I am just going to SCREAM !</p>

[Freliant]

<cite>RickAO76 wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>I like the LU and all - but if the Ranger Epic ends up being anything, but a BOW - I am just going to SCREAM !</p></blockquote>Go check out Allah for concept art of the BOW that rangers are getting as their epic. ^_^ Happy trails.

[Calthine]

We had a lot of news this week, the Epics got pushed way down, lol.  Here's your link:  <a href="http://eq2.allakhazam.com/sdetail.html?story=12090" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Epic Concept Art!</a>

[Melisondra]

<p><span style="font-size: small;font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">I still don't see anything about shipping boxes for mailing multiple items!  I am so tired of mailing one item at a time, and again having to open 10 pages of mail because there is only one item attached to it!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;font-family: Tahoma;">Is it too much to ask for a simpler way to mail multiple items?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;font-family: Tahoma;">Areyl</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;font-family: Tahoma;">74 Conj</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;font-family: Tahoma;">Kithicor</span></p>

[Tiegar]

<p>I didn't read through this string of messages, so forgive me if this has already been asked/addressed.</p><p> Will/are the maniquins posable? If they aren't, it would be nice if the could be.</p><p> Thanks.</p>

[Windain]

<p>After seeing the actual epic pictures and the concept arts, I'm starting to ache for a bard picture.  The possibilities are so high.  Although as a troubador I'm kinda worried that the dirges one will be better looking like the class hats haha.</p><p>I'm hoping the troubador weapon is a harp + short sword hybrid that when not fighting you play. (little blue notes wouldn't hurt haha)</p>

[MisterE]

well done guys.  I can only hope my inq epic is a 1h weapon.  puuuuhhhleeeaasee...  i got a 2h that i like already.

[NiamiDenMother]

<cite>Tiegar wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>I didn't read through this string of messages, so forgive me if this has already been asked/addressed.</p><p> Will/are the maniquins posable? If they aren't, it would be nice if the could be.</p><p> Thanks.</p></blockquote>No, they won't be.  There are further versions being discussed/thought about, but it sounds like any poses will be done via pre-posed settings (one-handed weapon stance, 2-handed or such).  I do NOT wanna see what would happen if there were player-created poses for these.  {shakes head with a snicker}You'll find discussion of the mannequins over in the tradeskill forum.  You can also hit up Dev Tracker for Rothgar's comments and responses.~Mum

[Xandis]

<p>I'm excited. This is great news.</p><p>Is the Valentine's Day World events coming with the same update?</p><p>I wish they stated at what levels the EPICs where startable at. My guess, of course,  is 80.</p><p>Epic Tradeskills? Wonderful Idea. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />Have any more information on this?</p><p>Some coworkers just convinced me to by another Sony Station game last weekend.After reading this, I just mailed them and told them they won't be seeing me for a few months. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Aquiline]

<cite>MisterE wrote:</cite><blockquote>well done guys.  I can only hope my inq epic is a 1h weapon.  puuuuhhhleeeaasee...  i got a 2h that i like already.</blockquote>I can see this being an issue as I would prefer a 2H on my Battle Cleric INQ, so I have a feeling that some may not be pleased if they prefer one weapon over another and only are giving one choice.But, not to be a negative Nancy, the images shown are truly amazing. And I didn't even know you could actually see the Avatar versions in game of some of the Deities. Gheesh, I need to get into a guild to see these raids! Got burnt out of raiding in WoW, so have been avoiding it at all costs.

[Mustang8259]

I might have missed if anyone explained this further, but I noticed that it said there are adventurer AND <i><b>tradeskill</b></i> epics...  Exactly what are tradeskill epics? Are they items similar to what we saw in Fallen Dynasty, that make crafting easier?  Has there been any info released on the TS ones? or has it just been primarily the adventurer epics that are being showcased...  Any info is appreciated thanks! =)

[Valdaglerion]

<cite>Mustang8259 wrote:</cite><blockquote>I might have missed if anyone explained this further, but I noticed that it said there are adventurer AND <i><b>tradeskill</b></i> epics...  Exactly what are tradeskill epics? Are they items similar to what we saw in Fallen Dynasty, that make crafting easier?  Has there been any info released on the TS ones? or has it just been primarily the adventurer epics that are being showcased...  Any info is appreciated thanks! =)</blockquote>There arent tradeskill epics. The TS dev Domino has already addressed this in the TS forums. There is a "class" questline but you should read her notes and explanation for yourself in the TS forum.

[Gnobrin]

<p>Do not stare at the babbling gnome... he drools and speaks about himself in the 3rd person far too much.</p><p><img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src=" width="15" height="15" /></p><p>~Gnobrin!</p>

[CorpseGoddess]

Is there a time for the update going live?  I looked around and couldn't find one. But then again I'm on pain meds, so it might very well be on the front page somewhere...<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />

[Ravaan]

<p>an expansion? are you guys fricken out of your mind? you guys add one quest with weapons that actually have new models "OMG woot!" ... three new mob models and a mannequin set for our house and you think this is an expansion.</p><p>wheres guild hallswheres Kurns towerwheres new skeletal stuff</p><p>when the hell was our last update? the actual RoK expansion? so in how many months you guys put this out ... I mean i'm happy that the epics are FINALLY coming out but come on don't try to build this up to an expansion level. </p><p>I see what WoW gets every couple updates and think [Removed for Content] why can't we get updates like that.</p>

[Domino]

<cite>Gnobrin wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Do take note too <b>Artemiz, </b>the Senior Producer has mentioned in the past about Tradeskill Epic cloaks.  Domino may be calling them different at the time being, but if your boss calls them an Epic, it may indeed be so whether you wish to call them that or not.</p></blockquote>He's a sucker for a pretty face!  Or at least, an epically pretty cloak.  <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />However, there's more of the actual details in the tradeskill forum, for example <a href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?start=45&topic_id=405268#4539150" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>!

[Winter]

<cite>DominoDev wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Gnobrin wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Do take note too <b>Artemiz, </b>the Senior Producer has mentioned in the past about Tradeskill Epic cloaks.  Domino may be calling them different at the time being, but if your boss calls them an Epic, it may indeed be so whether you wish to call them that or not.</p></blockquote>He's a sucker for a pretty face!  Or at least, an epically pretty cloak.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" width="15" height="15" />However, there's more of the actual details in the tradeskill forum, for example <a rel="nofollow" href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?start=45&topic_id=405268#4539150" target="_blank">here</a>!</blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;color: #ff99ff;">I can hardly wait to see what you've cooked up!!!<img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></span>

[Hexus]

Be nice if they worked in a fix for melee mechanics and a fix for the broken arrows this patch, we'll probably see that in LU 53 after 250 rangers quit in a mass exodus because they're tired of looking for groups and guilds.-Hexus-

[Thunderthyze]

<cite>Jenova@Najena wrote:</cite><blockquote>Can these new gods be worshiped as a Diety? Or are they only the Avatars for raiding?!<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />Great update too!! Cannot wait!</blockquote>Well I can make you a nice altar so I guess you can worship them <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />

[Thunderthyze]

<cite>Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Sola wrote:</cite><blockquote>EQ2 is a fantastic game, but when competing with WoW</blockquote>Competing with WoW? That's like comparing the NFL to Nascar. Both, have their followings but usually have very different tastes in sports entertainment. WoW has a larger player base because it caters to people who have much lower standards for the depth, quality and challenge in their game play. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">And, I would prefer they stay there rather than migrate to EQ2 and become the majority voice when it comes to dumbing down our game.</span></b></blockquote><p>I don't think that ex-WoWers coming to EQ2 is going to dumb down the game. Unfortunately they're already here BECAUSE its dumbed down. As the old saying goes..."If you build it, THEY will come!" <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /></p><p><edit: Stupid keyboard/fingers/brain/etc></p>

[XeroXs84]

Doesnt look like its hitting today, at least now 30 min before the usuall downtime-time no notice for it.However, as we know sony likes to forget about that alot.. so we gonna see <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Jbrawn26]

I'm looking everywhere but I can't see where it was originally stated it would be Feb. 5th......  anyone know?

[Joywiz]

<p>Oh come on still no answer as to an ETA!  Everyone thought it was gonna be today.  Still no official comment anywhere and yes I have combed every place I can find.  You know this a major update so they to have it planned.  Why not let us know?  This is extremely aggravating!</p>

[Kel]

<cite>Jbrawn26 wrote:</cite><blockquote>I'm looking everywhere but I can't see where it was originally stated it would be Feb. 5th......  anyone know?</blockquote>It was on the french boards. One of the dev's or community folks posted that it was pushed back to today.Noone has stated on the US boards nor the network status page that this patch is going to happen anything other than 'soon'

[Hekynn]

are there shadowknight epic quests for us sks to work on? <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Catria]

<p>.... no update today?  /cry</p><p>Well, the Frostfell update went in on a Wednesday, I think (or perhaps it was Thursday), and there was no official post about downtime or anything that time around.  On the one hand I can understand if the devs want to "stealth" update so nobody gets a jump on the rest of the players, but on the other hand, most of us would appreciate being able to plan ahead for some extra gaming time on update days.  </p><p>Could a dev please let us know what day we can expect this update to go live?</p>

[Jbrawn26]

AH Ty Kel

[Rashaak]

<cite>Hekynn@Crushbone wrote:</cite><blockquote>are there shadowknight epic quests for us sks to work on? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" width="15" height="15" /></blockquote>All EPICS and Epic quest lines for ALL class's will be put in with this update...

[dalponis]

When, oh when will they create an update guild search feature?! This current one shows the top few guilds, that's it.

[Nelin]

<cite>Ravaan wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>an expansion? are you guys fricken out of your mind? you guys add one quest with weapons that actually have new models "OMG woot!" ... three new mob models and a mannequin set for our house and you think this is an expansion.</p><p>wheres guild hallswheres Kurns towerwheres new skeletal stuff</p><p>when the hell was our last update? the actual RoK expansion? so in how many months you guys put this out ... I mean i'm happy that the epics are FINALLY coming out but come on don't try to build this up to an expansion level. </p><p>I see what WoW gets every couple updates and think [I cannot control my vocabulary] why can't we get updates like that.</p></blockquote>I want to add to this and I completely agree.  Where is Shard of Hate raid zone?  Which was talked about months ago. 

[Soulforged_Unre]

<cite>RickAO76 wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>I like the LU and all - but if the Ranger Epic ends up being anything, but a BOW - I am just going to SCREAM !</p></blockquote>If the epic bow doesn't summon t8 arrows, or t8 arrows aren't introduced into the game, then any t8 bow will be worse than high end t7 bows.And about the tradeskill epics, who was it that said that all epics would be weapons?

[Wytie]

<p>Updates typicaly go out on last Wed of the month, last week they said it got pushed back a week so that puts at tom. but who knows......</p><p> It will get here when its ready, lets just hope that when it does get here, it goes smooth cause TBH im worried.</p><p> All this is soooo neww and kept tight, its bound to have a big bad bug or possiable exploit lurking, i would rather wait now for it to be done right, than rushed half (well ya know) and wait for next months patch...  </p>

[Kel]

Actually, they typically go out on Tuesday- Only in the last few have they been wednesdays, and not all of those, even.And when it was pushed back, it was posted that it was pushed back to the 5th, not the 6th. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[ZerkerDwarf]

Concerning the dressing room... what's the point of the manequins?

[Nibiinki]

<cite>ZerkerDwarf wrote:</cite><blockquote>Concerning the dressing room... what's the point of the manequins?</blockquote>From reading up on it, the manequins are not for the dressing room.  They are for your house to display items of your choice.  I am assuming, armor and things along that line.

[Mronin]

Bravo Soe.  Bravo for once again leaving your player base hanging, with no official word as to the when or why surrounding what is probably the most anticipated GU since eq2 was launched.  I'm going to save the angry sarcastic message that I was formulating in my head as I came to the boards searching for an answer as to why the servers are online and no update was performed.  I'm going to save it for two reasons, one because I'm done beating my head against that wall of that is attempting to try and make sense of Sony's "Customer Service".I think the lack of official word from someone who actually works at SoE on this subject is as clear a signal as is necessary that SoE is content to continue acting as if it only has to answer to a select few of it's player base which it has deemed worthy enough to gain an iota of their attention.  No offense to the those in the community attempt to relay information as best they can, but unless you're an SoE employee with access to time tables then regardless of how many times something has happened in the past that is no assurance that it will continue that way.  As such the information on the boards which is provided by non Sony employees regarding the release schedule of these things is conjecture.  Second reason I saved my original message is because I relied on that information as well, to make plans so that I could get this update downloaded and be able to make raid on time tonight.  That was my fault and not something I can blame Sony for.

[shadowgate]

Chill out! They will give us info once there is something concrete to give.  As many people have said, I would rather them take a bit more time and have things right then put things in they know have bugs....especially Epics. Sony knows how important these are and have been focusing on them for months and doing all the testing on them in-house. That is no small thing. Plus no one should ever expect installs to go smoothly as there are always last minute problem (some small and some large). I would never take off the day of an install expecting it to be in to play that day.

[Calthine]

<cite>Fudo@The Bazaar wrote:</cite><blockquote>Bravo Soe.  Bravo for once again leaving your player base hanging, with no official word as to the when or why surrounding what is probably the most anticipated GU since eq2 was launched.  I'm going to save the angry sarcastic message that I was formulating in my head as I came to the boards searching for an answer as to why the servers are online and no update was performed.  I'm going to save it for two reasons, one because I'm done beating my head against that wall of that is attempting to try and make sense of Sony's "Customer Service".I think the lack of official word from someone who actually works at SoE on this subject is as clear a signal as is necessary that SoE is content to continue acting as if it only has to answer to a select few of it's player base which it has deemed worthy enough to gain an iota of their attention.  No offense to the those in the community attempt to relay information as best they can, but unless you're an SoE employee with access to time tables then regardless of how many times something has happened in the past that is no assurance that it will continue that way.  As such the information on the boards which is provided by non Sony employees regarding the release schedule of these things is conjecture.  Second reason I saved my original message is because I relied on that information as well, to make plans so that I could get this update downloaded and be able to make raid on time tonight.  That was my fault and not something I can blame Sony for.</blockquote>You know, the only official word we had was "Early February".  Relax. 

[Jim737]

Where is Brigand nerf ffs ..... and power up Wizs.

[Spyderbite]

<cite>Fudo@The Bazaar wrote:</cite><blockquote>I relied on that information as well, to make plans so that I could get this update downloaded and be able to make raid on time tonight.</blockquote>Perhaps you should post your raid schedule so that in the future SOE could work LU's, GU's and Expansions around it. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />

[Mronin]

Hush rat boy, I haven't had lunch yet and deep fried ratonga sounds might tasty =P. /ambles off in a huff cus I just saw that berty's avatar is some how a freakin' undead ratonga.... [Removed for Content] is this world coming to.<cite>Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Fudo@The Bazaar wrote:</cite><blockquote>I relied on that information as well, to make plans so that I could get this update downloaded and be able to make raid on time tonight.</blockquote>Perhaps you should post your raid schedule so that in the future SOE could work LU's, GU's and Expansions around it. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /></blockquote>

[Eye4ni]

<cite>Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Fudo@The Bazaar wrote:</cite><blockquote>I relied on that information as well, to make plans so that I could get this update downloaded and be able to make raid on time tonight.</blockquote>Perhaps you should post your raid schedule so that in the future SOE could work LU's, GU's and Expansions around it. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /></blockquote><p>LOL! good stuff... Any concept art up yet of the Warden epic?</p>

[Suraklin]

<cite>Sola wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Powers wrote:</cite><blockquote>This looks to be a great update, but "almost an expansion unto itself"?  Not hardly.  =)For those of you wondering about the appearances of the Avatars of Decay and Justice, keep in mind that these are not the deities themselves, but manifestations of them exhibited through Norrathian beings.  Ratonga are among the Plaguebringer's most dedicated servants, so it makes sense he would use one of them as the basis for his avatar form.Powers  &8^]</blockquote><p>So glad you brought this up Powers.  Making a comment "almost an expansion unto itself" is quite derogatory.  They finally put together a real meat and bones update (though some of this was supposed to come with the release of RoK several months ago) and they want to blow it way out of proportion!!!  Need to look at how often WoW puts out content, fixes things, or revamps each class and then put such talk into context.</p><p><span style="color: #cc0033;">Another point WoW does I think EQ2 devs should look at doing for updates is revamp "x" amount of classes each month.  If they did this than maybe we could get balance between classes done and start pulling in more PvP types (though myself I don't pvp, but I do see where SOE has favored certain classes more than others and slow to fix classes they don't favor).</span></p><p>Beside this, Kudo's devs!!!  We players love when you show us attention and this patch 42 is a step in the right direction!!!</p></blockquote>It's kinda easier to revamp classes in WoW since they have so many fewer classes in WoW. They had the same problem with SWG with 32 Professions to try to balance and revamp. I'd never want to see an NGE happen to this game by getting rid of classes but there's only so many developers that work on this game. So, either you're going to have to have a lot of patience for the classes that need a lot of loving or you're going to be completely miserable. I'd love to see Bards and Brawlers and Shadowknights get revamped to be more fun myself.

[ToledoVex]

<p>looks great, </p><p>   but um whats with the lore spaning all the games? how many played adventuers online? or the other odd spin  off?  not i .</p><p> played EQ live and EQ2 my slef...at any rate im sure it will be interesting and challengeing.</p>