EverQuest II Updated Preview

The guys at GameSpy have posted an updated preview of Sony's EverQuest II, based upon recent time with the game's beta testing. Check it out:
When we last saw the game, crafting wasn't implemented yet. In the current beta, however, it's up and running at a basic level so the designers can tweak and balance the gameplay. As you adventure you'll be able to find raw material in the environment. Right now items of interest will shimmer and sparkle if they can be harvested. You can then bring raw materials to some sort of crafting device -- a forge or a loom, for instance -- and start banging out any recipes you know. The process is quick (if you have the raw materials, they're filled in automatically for you as you select what you want to make). It's also an active process, almost like combat. As your character hammers away at the forge, sparks flying, a progress bar shows how your item is coming along. Although it's not implemented yet, random events will eventually happen requiring your attention, as well as giving you the opportunity to drastically improve (or totally ruin!) your item.