EverQuest II: Kingdom of Sky Ships to Retail

Sony Online Entertainment issued a press release earlier today announcing that their EverQuest II: Kingdom of Sky expansion pack has officially shipped to retail stores.

EverQuest(R)II Kingdom of Sky(TM) Ships to Retail

Latest Addition Introduces New Content, Evil Dragons in Conjunction With Player vs. Player Combat to the EverQuest II Saga

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a global leader in the online games industry, announced that EverQuest®II Kingdom of Sky(TM), the second expansion for EverQuest II, is shipping to retail stores in North America and can also be purchased via digital download. The retail version of the game contains the full version of EverQuest II, as well as the all new Kingdom of Sky expansion, a full-color poster sized map, a limited-edition collectible EverQuest II coin, and a special in-game item, a carnivorous plant that will reward players with items for feeding it. The digital download includes the new expansion only, and can be purchased through the SOE Station Store. Purchasers of both the retail and digital download will also receive a free Arena Champion character that can be used in Player vs. Player (PvP) combat.

“Whether you’re an MMO newbie or experienced veteran, there’s never been a better time to play EverQuest II,” says Laura Naviaux, senior brand manager, Sony Online Entertainment. “First-time players can get an all-in-one experience — not just the expansion, but also the base EverQuest II game with an enhanced character progression system, empowering them immediately and getting them into the action much faster. For the seasoned EverQuest II player, the addition of new content above level 20 and a new storyline full of dangerous new enemies timed to coincide with the introduction of PvP combat will extend the benchmarks for adventure and excitement in the world of Norrath.”

EverQuest II Kingdom of Sky pushes the boundaries of character development and adventure to new heights. An entirely new form of advancement introduces a structured Achievement system starting at level 20, in which players can earn skills and abilities to further specialize and individualize characters, while level caps for adventurers, artisans and guilds have been increased. 13 new adventure zones (from lush jungles to temples of unimaginable splendor), 25 new enemies and troves full of new treasures all open up fresh game play and visual experiences within the online world of EverQuest II.

With the launch of EverQuest II Kingdom of Sky, Player vs. Player (PvP) combat will be simultaneously introduced into the game for all EQII subscribers. PvP is a highly anticipated addition to the game, allowing players to challenge each other in combat. PvP features good versus evil faction-based combat, pitting citizens of the two rival cities of Qeynos and Freeport against each other. Players will earn items, titles, fame and experience while engaged in combat with other online gamers around the globe. Combat will happen in the wild or within the gates of your opponent’s city. PvP will be activated on new servers and players will be able battle each other from the very start. Players will also be able to earn bragging rights competing on the all-new leader boards offered via Station Players.

About Kingdom of Sky

The Kingdom of Sky floats high above the mightiest peaks of Norrath. Known as the Overrealm, this area is made up of enormous islands suspended in the air and is a constant battleground for the dragon lords who rule it. Driven by their lust for power, religious zealotry, and all-consuming rage, the most ancient of this world’s creatures have found a common cause in the destruction of Norrath. Against this new backdrop of dragon-men, aviaks, and other new creatures never before seen in EverQuest II, all eyes turn toward this new realm to prevent this new evil from achieving its terrible goal.

Features:

* Higher level advancement — now reach level 70 as an adventurer or artisan
* All-new Achievement system to further enhance and specialize your character’s abilities
* Guild advancement expanded to level 50
* Four new arena champions and two new arenas
* All new Heritage Quests allow players to gain amazingly powerful items, personal status, adventure experience and even a reward made famous in the original EverQuest
* Signature Quests which reward large experience bonuses, new items, and advance the lore of EverQuest II
* Over 30 new Collections expand upon one of the most popular features exclusive to EverQuest II. Find them all and earn all new rewards
* Challenging new zones, from floating islands to menacing dungeons
* 25 new enemies to fight
* Brand new pieces of armor, such as Profession Hats, Helmets and Pauldrons, will make your character look more distinct
* Over 30 new items to put in your player house
* All new player titles

EverQuest II Kingdom of Sky is rated “T” (Teen) by the ESRB and both the retail and digital versions sell for the recommended price of $29.99. For more information, visit http://www.kingdomofsky.com.

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 hundreds of thousands of subscribers 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 and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends(TM), and PlanetSide®, 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 additional development studios in Austin, TX, Seattle, WA, and Taiwan, 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. Untold Legends is a trademark of Sony Online Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.