Way back in 1999, when Turbine's Asheron's Call released for the PC, it wasn't the best-looking or even best-playing MMO. In terms of graphics, combat, and monster variety, Everquest bested it in just about every category, but even though it wasn't the prettiest or strongest game on the market it had an addictive quality because its world is so incredibly massive. It managed to attract a pretty good number of fans, so much so that a few expansions were released and we're about to get another one with Asheron's Call 2: Legions, a game that's pumped so full of content your PC tower may explode.

Asheron's Call 2: Legions is the expansion to Asheron's Call 2: Fallen Kings. The world of Dereth is being consumed by a mysterious and evil force, and you basically set out upon an epic quest to save the land, and believe me when I tell you that there's going to be A LOT of ground to cover. If you thought Dereth was large before, wait until you set foot upon Knorr, the new continent that's so massive it actually makes the game more than 30% bigger! This includes over 20 dungeons that are home to more than 10 monster types including the menacing Olthoi insect Queen, but all of the baddies should be of moderate concern to you since Legions includes over 40 new weapons as well as 300 plus skills and abilities to master, and all of this stuff is spread out among the game's various races, of which there is a new one: the long lost Empyreans. Apparently they were cast out of Dereth for what Turbine says was for their own protection, as the deadly Olthoi were tearing them apart. Now, after 1,000 years of hiding they're back, looking to restore their power in Dereth, and you actually have the opportunity to help them out, but you also have the option to just go and do your own thing. The game comes with over (I love how every new feature in this game needs to be preceded by the words more than, over, and plus) 100 new quests, and Turbine's designed them so no matter what class you are you can enjoy them.

Dereth's a huge world that features a myriad of different environments to explore, all of which are distinct and look amazing. Fallen Kings' graphics engine was no slouch, but Turbine's made some improvements to it for Legions, none of which seem to have seriously bumped up the visuals, but were implemented to make the game run faster, but don't fret that this expansion isn't going to rock your monitor like Doom 3 or Half-Life 2. Asheron's Call 2: Legion is a very attractive game full of jungle, Asian-influenced, and even spooky locales laced with fog, and the character models, while not insanely detailed, sport a high level of polish. Warriors in the game range from nimble females with short-ranged weapons to large brutes brandishing maces, and keeping in tradition with the entire series, the sky is just a joy to look at. I recall seeing one screen shot where the sun's going down and the entire sky is absolutely littered with stars.

As for monsters (because seriously, who doesn't love monsters), the ones that I've seen look like bugs...giant bugs with pincers and multiple arms. Then there are these little lizard guys called the Kallikan. These impish beings are more of a nuisance than anything else, so if you see them just stay away. Also, there are these flying green goblin guys with sharp teeth. Bottom line, if it looks evil beat the unholy hell out of it!

Lastly, and as a side note, if you preorder the game you'll gain access to yet another race called The Drudge. A rather ugly-looking bunch of creatures (I certainly hope no Drudges are reading this article), they're sickly, messy, and for the most part cowardly creatures, but they're extremely proud of their race, and they're apparently quite a handful. Hunchbacked, they scour the ground in search of delicious bugs, and when in combat they're able to use swords and nail weapons but thankfully not shields, so if you ever encounter one, swing away! Lastly, for some reason The Drudge love to train rabbits and keep them as warrior pets. Supposedly, the furry critters pledge their lives to their owners and charge into battle. Hmm...bunnies...who knew?

As you know, expansions are supposed to add to a game and breathe new life into it, but Asheron's Call 2: Legions is a very special case in that it doesn't just breathe life but rather pumps Fallen Kings so full of air that it's going to explode all over your PC. There are so many things to do and places to explore that it will keep you busy for quite some time, especially since you don't actually need to own Fallen Kings in order to enjoy Legions since the previous game comes with this expansion! Plus, the fact that Turbine has taken measures to make sure that its game runs as smoothly as possible means that you'll be hopefully be treated to a quality gameplay experience. Releasing May 5, don't hesitate to give Asheron's Call 2: Legions a go. I have a feeling that neither of us will be disappointed.