While classifying EverQuest: Omens of War as a sequel to the Gates of Discord expansion released earlier this year would only be so accurate, the storyline that started in the Gates of Discord is continued in this newest expansion. One of the biggest additions to the game with Omens of War is the addition of about 15 new zones on the world of Discord (first introduced in Gates of Discord, obviously). However, for power players that might consider themselves at the EverQuest "end-game," there are new challenges, including the addition of what is generally being referred to as Epic 2.0 quests and the raising of the maximum level a player character can achieve from 65 to 70.

The new zones looked pretty good from the brief look I had at the maybe half-dozen we toured, but unless a player's character is up over at least 45th level, they won't really have a chance to check out any of the new zones. In fact, some zones are of a power level that would need a group of characters at level 65 or above to have any chance of hunting success. Zones ranged from indoor to outdoor zones, and they ran the gamut from colorful to desert to structurally-interesting buildings.

As with other expansions, player characters will have the opportunity to gain new items, new spells and new quests. High-level characters will also have the ability to complete new epic quests for "specialized, hand-tailored" epic weapons through the completion of any of 16 quests. According to SOE, each weapon will be unique in design and will have specialized attributes. The tribute system has also been enhanced, and according to SOE, it will allow player characters to turn in loot for favor points, the benefit of which will be felt by the entire guild.