EverQuest II: Desert of Flames First Impressions

GameSpy has put together some first impressions of Sony Online's newly released EverQuest II: Desert of Flames expansion pack. A snippet to follow:
In any case, the central highlight of Maj'Dul (for one's first visit, anyway) is the arena. Located in the city center near the Sultan's palace, the arena is where EverQuest II's newly-added PvP elements get their play. One simple rule applies: you have to be level 20 in order to enter the fray as your own character. If you're not tall enough to ride, so to speak, worry not: the "Arena Champions" mode was designed with you in mind. Basically, Arena Champions allows you to experience the excitement of PvP combat on a level playing field. You simply have to purchase a "champion" (think of it as an EQ-flavored Pokemon) whose role you can assume during the matches you engage in, and you're good to go. The merchant/barker that stands outside the arena sells four starter champions for the bargain-bottom price of six silvers each, so unless you're hopelessly broke, you can have an assortment of forms at the ready for your first match.