Recently, Sony Online Entertainment announced that EverQuest II will be moving to a hybrid free to play revenue model on December 6th and that Age of Discovery, the game's latest expansion, would be launching near then as well. We recently had the opportunity to check out the Age of Discovery, including a look at Game Update 62 "Freeport Reborn" and the new Beastmaster. Check it out and then leave us your reaction in the comments.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit in on a call and play the beta version of Everquest 2’s upcoming Age of Discovery Expansion. Attending for the SOE folks were EQ2’s Producer Dave Georgeson, Community Manager Jennifer Bridges, and Public Relations Manager Amelia Lukiman. On the gamer side sat Kotaku’s Mike Fahey and I. Scheduled to launch in unison with the Age of Discovery is Game Update 62 which brings a host of improvements to players along with the visual and gameplay overhaul of the city of Freeport. Mike and I had the chance to taste a bit of everything EQ2’s December has in store: from the Beastlord to the New Freeport, Mercenaries, and the Dungeon Maker to boot.

Read more of Bill Murphy's EverQuest II: Age of Discovery & Freeport Reborn Preview.