Sony Online Entertainment Announces Innovative Adventure Packs for EverQuest(R) II

Sony Online Entertainment Announces Innovative Adventure Packs for EverQuest(R) II - New Content Model to Complement Existing Expansion Strategy - SAN DIEGO, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online (MMO) gaming, today announced the forthcoming Adventure Packs for EverQuest II, a content release strategy intended to give players access to new content between traditional game expansions. The first Adventure Pack is scheduled for digital release in March 2005 for $4.99. "Today we're announcing a new content strategy for EverQuest II that presents online games in an entirely new manner, like that of a television series, or serial movies," said John Smedley, president, Sony Online Entertainment. "Players will be able to unlock ongoing storylines that appeal to them, while enabling us to deliver more content than ever before." The planned content release strategy involves a mixture of purchasable bi-annual expansion packs along with periodic releases of story-driven Adventure Packs adding new content and gameplay elements to the world of Norrath, in addition to continued updates to the game at no additional charge. The first Adventure Pack will be centered on the Dark Elves of Neriak and an unbridled evil in the tombs below the surface of Norrath. The US version of the Adventure Pack will be available to European players as well at release in English, followed by localized versions. Adventure Packs will feature new quests, zones, storylines and story arcs that will allow players to further immerse themselves in the shattered lands of Norrath. All players will have access to certain levels of the Adventure Packs; however in order to complete the content, players will need to purchase the Adventure Packs for a small fee. Additional details on the first Adventure Pack will be revealed in the coming weeks. EverQuest II carries a monthly subscription fee of $14.99 for continuing access to the game world. Players can subscribe using a credit card, or purchase 30-day and 90-day SOE Game Cards, which open the new world of Norrath to those who choose not to use a credit card. Additionally, Adventure Packs will be included as part of the Station Access subscription at no additional charge for those accounts that have been subscribed to Station Access for at least the prior 60 days at the time of release of the Adventure Pack. Station Access includes all SOE-published games for $21.99 per month. About EverQuest II EverQuest II is the next generation of massively multiplayer gaming, a huge online world where thousands of players come together for adventure and community. Featuring breathtaking graphics and a vast, beautiful game world to explore, as well as voices for almost all non-player characters, EverQuest II sets new standards in gameplay and immersion. EverQuest II brings players into its world with a powerful epic storyline and gives them the power to be the hero or villain in their personal adventure. Players enter this world by creating their own unique character, choosing from 16 races and 24 classes. Players will encounter hundreds of creatures as they travel across majestic landscapes of rolling hills, barren deserts, dense forests, and bustling cities. Thousands of items, hundreds of spells, and unlimited adventure await all who enter the world of EverQuest II. EverQuest II also features: * A new, massive online world for thousands of players to explore, filled with danger, adventure and mystery * Voices for most non-player characters (NPCs) in the game, a huge project encompassing more than 70,000 lines and 130 hours of dialog * Unparalleled character customization capabilities. In addition to thousands of armor, weapons and items users can equip, players will be able to customize their character's facial appearance to an incredible level of detail and personalization * 16 races, dozens of levels and 24 classes with a branching system that allows players to choose their class as they advance * Character-owned real estate (such as apartments, homes, and guild houses) * No race/class combination limitations, allowing players to truly choose who they want to be in game * New user friendly game mechanics with reduced learning curve for both new and seasoned players * More than 160 unique creature types, from Orcs and Goblins to huge dragons and menacing Living Statues * Incentives for current EverQuest subscribers * A state-of-the-art, cinematic quality 3D graphics engine capable of improving as hardware technology advances * State-of-the art combat, spell and skill systems * Trade skills available to all player classes About Sony Online Entertainment Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Digital Inc., is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with a subscriber base of over 750,000 active accounts around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises, EverQuest(R), EverQuest(R) II and PlanetSide(R), as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies(TM): An Empire Divided(TM), SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with an additional development studio in Austin, TX, SOE has an array of cutting-edge online games in development. EverQuest is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. SOE, the SOE logo and PlanetSide are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners. Source: Sony Online Entertainment Inc. CONTACT: Sean Kauppinen, +1-858-577-3387, skauppinen@soe.sony.com, or Tamara Sanderson, +1-858-577-3362, tsanderson@soe.sony.com, both of Sony Online Entertainment Web site: http://www.station.com/ ------- Profile: International Entertainment