Yup, we've gone back to 1999.

Suckers for punishment, a few of us have set up shop again in EverQuest. This time though, it's EQ from 1999. How is this possible? Project 1999. This server has reverted back to the way things were at EQ's launch. And it's done very well. The game feels very much like it did in '99. All the old quests, mobs and mechanics have returned. It's truly a great thing.

It's surprising how addictive the game still is in that form. Ok, if you're an MMOG youngin' and WoW was your first MMO game, you're probably not going to have much fun. If you're like us though, and have been playing these games for a decade (or longer), this iteration is a real treat. Levels finally mean something again. You need to work with others to progress, or even level up for the most part. What you earn is an achievement and memorable, not some lame ass purple reward you got from just logging on.

The community's pretty good. People are, for the most part, respectful and helpful. PUGs abound and the players in them are good. Community is important as is keeping your reputation in tact.

I didn't know if I'd be able to play it again for long when we started up. But I'll tell you, this game is far more addictive than anything else I've played in the last six years, and I've played a lot. This is a return to a game with actual challenge and not some online Karaoke game where everyone hits the same macros at the same time and /cheers after 30 minutes because they beat the "epic" content.

I know that last comment is probably gonna get some of yas insulted a bit, but c'mon. You all remember those days. It was a hard life, but it was fun, and it was much more rewarding.

Anyway, if you're looking for some retro fun and a hell of a good time, check it out. It will take more of your time than today's MMOGs, so beware. Agony's End has been formed on the new server, so look us up.