As a follow-up to her hands-on time with EverQuest II's new Rise of Kunark expansion, Community Manager Laura Genender took part in a recent guided tour of the expansion's new zone. Today, she shares her experience.

After viewing the world of EverQuest II: Rise of Kunark over Akil “Lyndro” Hooper’s shoulder at the SOE Step into Fall event, I was excited for this past Wednesday’s beta tour. As the name suggests, this expansion is set on the continent of Kunark, previously explored as the first expansion of EverQuest I. And EQ veterans won’t be disappointed – Rise of Kunark is home to many familiar areas, dungeons, and even creatures.

There are differences from the original Kunark, though, and this was first exhibited to me in the character selection screen. This expansion allows EQII players access to yet another new player race, the Sarnak; these draconian beings are tall and lanky (and rather evil), with vibrant colors and various shapes of horn. As a male Sarnak I had many options, from scale color and pattern to horn type. I was also able to play with individual horns along my Sarnak’s brow, cheek, chin and jaw – very cool. The ladies (who are, might I add, taller) have fewer options. There are no facial horns, only the large ones on the back of the head.

Read it all here.

The more and more I read, the harder it makes it to wait!

I just hope the fires let up and the devs can get back to their lives and of course, working on the game so RoK releases on schedule! ;)

i can see that they put alot of effort to it.

I guess I hadn't read as much as I thought I had about RoK.  I didn't realize it was going to be almost all high lvl content.  I just made lvl 50 but by the sounds of it I will only be able to explore one zone (TD).  Disappointing, but I guess it's something to look forward to...someday.

That preview sounds really nice, almost makes me wanna reactivate my account. Well let's see when it's finally out :)

If I could port my EQ1 char into EQ2, I'd re-up my EQ2 account in a heartbeat. I have some EQ2 chars, but my first EQ1 char will always be my favorite.

yeah i wanna get this, so im resubbng soon once i get my new job.  this expansion looks good.