RuneScape 2

RuneScape 2 is one of the largest updates since the game's initial launch. It saw the introduction of a more powerful game engine, three-dimensional graphics, a new combat system, improved sound including the addition of music, and many other new features.

History
Jagex first announced the upcoming release "much faster 3D engine" on 11 June 2002. Over time, Jagex released graphical previews as well as progress reports and other information about the many upcoming changes.

The project was first referred to as "RuneScape 2" in an October 2003 news post (it was previously known as the "big 3D update" or the "new game engine"). It was also revealed that the beta would become available on 1 December.

Jagex originally did not want to create a Hallowe'en event for 2003, because they feared it would delay the planned release date of the beta. In one of their polls, they asked players if they would want a new Hallowe'en event but also delay the release of RuneScape 2 beta, or keep it on schedule and have a "pancake day" in February instead. 78% of voters wanted a 2003 Hallowe'en event. However, RuneScape 2 was still released on schedule, because the developers came in early and on weekends to do extra work..

The new combat system was explained in detail in a 24 November newspost.

Beta
All members had access to the first phase of RS2 Beta. Their characters and stats were copied over from the live game, but their items and quest history were not. This was deliberate, as Jagex wanted players to test all of their content. Initially, only the Free-to-play area was available with new areas and quests released gradually over the beta period. The Lumbridge Teleport spell was also deliberately broken so that it could be cast without runes even at level 1 Magic. This allowed players to escape to a safe area in the event they found themselves trapped by a glitch.

The second phase of beta began on 3 March 2004. Players again had their characters copied over from the live game (including items and quest status this time). The Lumbridge Teleport spell also had its level requirement and rune cost reinstated.

On 17 March, the final phase began. Characters were once again copied over from the live game. For this stage of testing, free players were given access to beta as well as members.

Release
RuneScape 2 was launched on 29 March 2004. Players' stats and quest history were copied over to RS2, which became known only as RuneScape to reflect its status as the main game, one last time. Several RuneScape 1 servers were also left online, and it was officially named "RuneScape Classic". Players were given the choice as to which game they wanted their items to be transferred to. Afterward, they became completely independent of each other (aside from sharing login information and the friends list).

The final piece of content, the Underground Pass quest, was added to RS2 on 15 April.

Features
RuneScape 2 dramatically impacted the gameplay experience. Some of the changes and additions include:


 * A new core engine, allowing Jagex to expand the game to levels not previously possible (paving the way for new content such as complex player vs player minigames, player-owned houses, and randomly generated scenarios, which would be added over the coming years).
 * Upgraded 3D graphics, along with animations.

Gallery
Runescape 2D