There are quests, there are vast maps to explore and there is adventure.

The latest massively multiplayer online role-playing game has everything that gamers have come to expect, and it is all available through their next-generation console systems.

EverQuest Online Adventures Frontiers is the latest release form Sony Online Entertainment and is launched through broadband connection from the PlayStation 2.

There are some drawbacks to the connection of EQOA Frontiers. This is sometimes a laborious process, and during the recent holiday weekend, connecting proved too tough at times. But once in the world, players are treated to challenging game and looks, generally, very good.

To those familiar with the EverQuest series, this is like a duck taking to water. Much of what the PC title holds is here. You connect, pick a world to play on and then create a character from one of the 10 races available. Male or female, there is no real difference in abilities or strength issues. Many of the skill classes are race specific, but you can find the general classes represented for every race – that is magic, melee and missile. The elves have rangers, which are adept with the bow, but can wield a mean blade.

There are 15 skill classes in the game and as you level you can allocate points in eight attribute categories. Each race as a starting point, which is tailored for ease of early leveling.

Basically, from that point, you get minor quests, which will give you starting gear, and then you hunt to level your character. Each mob killed drops coins – which can help you purchase armor, weapons or spells – as well as treasure specific to that mob, hides, fangs, claws and the like.

In addition to hunting and leveling your combat skills, you can also work on tradeskills, which will enable you to create items.

The player interface is easy to access and navigate through. In fact, this game is rather easy to use with the PS2 controller. The only real problem occurs when trying to chat. If you use the controller, you get a keyboard that you have to navigate through with the thumbsticks or D-pad. Clearly the best option is to have a USB keyboard available. The keyboard will also work in conjunction with the controller to make all the game-control elements a much smoother experience.

Combat targeting is a breeze and you can cycle through the potential targets quickly. If overmatched, the game will tell you that. Dying merely recalls you to your bind spot without dropping inventory.

In addition to grouping for combat, pets are also available to players.

The game features huge maps, dungeons and cities all open for the adventurous to explore. You can even get a ride from one area to another. Hotbars help you key up spells and effects for quick access.

This is a game that has a short learning curve. The game manual does have some very valuable ideas and city maps, which help players navigate the areas. EQOA Frontiers is the type of game that is easy to jump into and play, and immersive enough that time flies past quickly.

Frontiers is a solid foray into the worlds of EverQuest, and while it certainly won’t replace the depth of its PC counterpart, is does a very nice job in reducing the game controls to a simple format while focusing on playing the game. If you are looking for a MMP title that is simple to learn, immersive, and looks good, this is worth checking out.

This game is rated Teen for violence, and there is a monthly fee to play.

Gameplay: 8.5

The maps are huge but there are some delays in loads and while you can recall to your bound areas, there is a bit of a delay in that. Connecting seems to highlight the problems. This is a game that takes a while to load up, and during busy holiday weekends, it was a challenge in and of itself to connect.

Graphics: 8

The animations are somewhat stilted in some of the mobs. They lack fluidity of natural movement when moving through the environments. The avatars themselves, though, move well enough. The environments are huge and lushly rendered though.

Sound: 7

Rather typical and average for the platform. The music can get rather tiresome.

Difficulty: Medium

This game will present a challenge to all gamers. The mobs are tough and unless you have a USB keyboard connected to your system, the in-game chat can prove to be a real slow process.

Concept: 8.5

This game does a very good job in presenting a playable game geared to the PS2 controller. The interface is easy to navigate and the game does feature a variety of quests for players to enjoy.

Multiplayer: 8

The community seems to be growing rapidly and while it is tough getting any questions answered, players do seem friendly enough. The game also features some nice grouping elements.

Overall: 8.4

This game is a welcomed change to online MMPs. The load times may be a little slow but the game does sport some very nice elements. EQOA Frontiers is a solid adventure for gamers who want the EverQuest experience in a console format. It is richly rendered and provides a solid entertainment experience.