Now it is only natural to compare this game with others of its genre, so here goes. The closest relations out there currently (not to mention the one with the largest player base) is Everquest, and from where I sit, this one has EverQuest beat hands down. First of all, the game is far more attractive visually. Gone are the polygonal, square-headed characters from EverQuest. The folks at Mythic have given their players a smoother, rounded look making them appear far more realistic. This goes a long way to making the game more immersive. Instead of flat green surfaces where grass should be, Dark Age of Camelot has grass that looks realistic. The skies, sun, and moon look wonderful and the spell effects are as entertaining to watch as they are to cast. Simply stated: the graphics are just plain better.

      The interface is also very easy to manage, and the game is supported with nice sounds and sights to keep the players entertained and happy.

      Now, if you have read any of my reviews, things like sound and graphics are expected. For me, the real telling feature of any game is how it plays, and is it entertaining.

      Dark Age of Camelot plays very well. The interface is easy to understand and use, though there are two things I have issue with. First off, there are far too many keyboard commands that could just as easily have been given mouse icons. The constant switching from mouse to keyboard grows tiresome and often confusing. Secondly, there are a ton of "/" commands.  For instance, if I want to talk to someone in particular, I have to type "/send <name> <text>".  If I want to emote something, I have to type /e <text>... you see my meaning. There are literally dozens of "/" commands and it gets decidedly confusing to keep up with them all. Mythic has included a solution where by these common "/" commands can be created as a button and placed in the character's quick slot area. This is a nice fix and certainly makes it easier to deal with. Common phrases can be also be 'macroed' onto this quick slot area. This can be a God-send when the game mechanics require you to say the same thing over and over (which does happen, and more often than you might think).

      As with any online game, there are some bugs to be worked out. For instance, when you move from one 'zone' to another (say, entering or exiting a dungeon) you lose any protective spells (called buffs) that you might have cast on yourself. If you are in a party, your party is automatically disbanded when you change zones. These are a pain, and it would be nice to see Mythic address these things in the future. Now, that being said, the game plays much better than the other MMORPGs did when they were first released. Mythic seems to be taking its role as developers very seriously, which is nice to see.

      Another nice feature is that the monsters that you fight early on are many and varied. In EverQuest, for instance, you fight rats, snakes, bats, and an assortment of other rather boring and mundane monsters in order to gain your first few levels. In DAoC, there are ghostly visions, evil NPC's and a host of other monsters to fight. Your first few levels are not boring at all, thanks to this diversity.

      Another very important feature that not only adds to your in-game pocket book, but to the defense of your realm as well, is the artisan crafting skills that are available. You can be a fletcher, armor crafter, weapon crafter, tailor... the list goes on. Making these items gives you the advantage of not only selling to other inhabitants of the realm, but to give you the upper hand against another player using items purchased from an NPC. The crafted items are of better quality, and will do more/absorb more damage. This adds a very practical application to the game, and ensures that you will never have a dull moment.

      Overall this game looks to be a hit. Each time I have logged on during prime time since the game was released, there have been roughly 8 - 12 thousand others playing as well. By itself that would seem to indicate the success that this came has already attained.

      I do plan on writing a follow up to this review in a few months, after my character gains a few more levels. This will give me time to see more of the world, and Mythic time to stay true to the promise they have made with the release of this game, that they will continue to provide quality support.

      All I can say right now is well done Mythic, and keep up the good work! After all, I have a realm to defend!

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