First round battle in the MMORPG Showdown series. 

The Match-Up

Before these two highly-anticipated MMOs launched about the same time in late 2004, there was a question over which one would prove to be more popular. Both were extensions of proven PC franchises and both sported superior graphics to any other MMO at the time. Individually, EverQuest 2 was the considerably better looking sequel to the incredibly popular EverQuest aka EverCrack while World of Warcraft offered more cartoony graphics and was made by a company known for high quality, very addictive PC games. However, the question over which one would be more popular was answered almost immediately after they were both launched. World of Warcraft has surpassed EverQuest 2, and any other MMO for that matter, in terms of popularity and has not looked backed yet. 

Nevertheless, not all MMORPGers play or even like World of Warcraft. Besides the fact that WoW is pay-to-play, many players have been turned off by a lack of community, gold farmers,  

Tale of the Tape

World of Warcraft

• The world's most popular MMORPG.
• Awaiting its first expansion. 
• Each major update reworks a class based on a class review by Blizzard.
• PvP is currently a long grind, but offers an extended life for characters that have reached 60.
• Raid content continues to grow.
• Auction houses simplify character trading.

Versus 

EverQuest 2

• Stellar graphics.

• Sequel to one of the MMO pioneers.

• Offers a free trial.

• Can play 16 races and 24 classes. 

• Heritage system between EQ 1 and EQ 2.

• PvP is not a major focus but has been implemented after a long wait.

• Has had 3 expansions.

Select Comments For World of Warcraft (Edited for Presentation)

Rating: 10
Author: nevarine
Comment: Better than EQ. More fun to play period. No matter whether party gameplay, solo,  or even PvP WoW has it all.

Rating: 0
Author: Wowstinks
Comment: World of warcraft focuses too much around "groups" doing instances and stuff while leaving the solo players with nothing.

Rating: 9
Author: Banger
Comment: Best MMO ever. Simple to play while EQ2 feels strained.

Rating: 10
Author: WowMan
Comment: Played several other MMORPGs but none have come close to WoW in constantly bringing me back for more.

Select Comments for EverQuest 2 (Edited for Presentation)

Rating: 10
Author: Wowstinks
Comment: Better than WoW, hope this game wins

Rating: 10
Author: ogikarma
Comment: Much better than WoW in every way. Graphics are beautiful and gameplay is awesome. WoW on the other hand is not fun and looks like my 3 year old daughter made it.

Rating: 6
Author: mmomeister
Comment: EQ2 is ok, but not as good as its graphics would make you think it would be

The Voting

World of Warcraft received a total score of 6.5

Everquest 2 received a total score of 5.2

The Result

World of Warcraft Wins!