Sony today announced that the sequel to the long-standing massively multiplayer online role-playing game EverQuest has shipped to North American stores. EverQuest II expands on its predecessor, challenging gamers to cooperate online to defeat foes and undertake quests through the fictional (although all-too real for some) world of Norrath.

　　EverQuest II should have no shortage of players for its launch, as the game has already received more than 100,000 preorders. The game just ended its beta period Friday, and at least one representative extended his gratitude to participants with help finding bugs and refining the gameplay. In addition to graphical enhancements, EverQuest II will have 1,700 voice actors--including celebrities Christopher Lee and Heather Graham--who will recite more than 70,000 lines of dialogue. To make characters more lifelike, they will age and be able to have families. Another realistic touch is weather and day/night cycles, which can have positive or negative effects on characters, depending on their class or face.

　　EverQuest II is available in three formats: a standard version on either CD or DVD, and a Collector's Edition that features an exclusive art book, a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes footage and game trailers, the game's soundtrack, and other EverQuest-related extras. Both standard versions of the game have an SRP of $49.99, and the extremely limited Collector's Edition will sell for $89.99. Monthly subscription prices for EverQuest II are set at $14.99. EverQuest II is also part of Sony's Station Access service, which serves as an online community for Sony Online's titles and allows players to access statistics, player profiles, and more, on the Web. Station Access can be purchased for $21.99 for all SOE titles and services, or $2.99 for all EverQuest II services, and $.99 for select EverQuest II services. EverQuest II is rated "T" for Teen.