The pre-launch server (101) is popular and going strong, with still many players to come! Meridian 59 has not seen this much attention on a single server since the early 3DO days.

Players are gradually building up strength and participating in all the old activities, ranging from node runs to shrine dedications and Justicar elections to guild wars.

"I'm quite pleased, really. We've been happily surprised by the response, and are glad to see our old friends and a number of new players," said Near Death Studios co-owner Brian 'Psychochild' Green when asked how he felt about the apparent success of Server 101, "It's vindicating to see the success the relaunch of our historic game has seen so far. It's good to see the community willing to come back to our game. It's a good sign because it means that we will be able to make an update for the game in the future."

The server population is growing at a somewhat alarming rate; some like the bustling activity of Server 101, and some others are begging for a new server to be opened to harbor more players as they arrive. However, most are content and enjoying the game.

"I'm really enjoying getting back into the game. Overcrowding is somewhat of an issue, but much better than what we had on 108 at the end; nothing like logging on and being the only one on the server," Meridian 59 veteran The Grey Mouser said, "Definitely better than any server I've played on since 108. I don't have to worry about god builts or blatant cheating. Finally, it's great to see all of my old friends again!"

"Q and PC have done an excellent job preparing for the influx of new players by increasing spawn rates in relation to the number of players on the screen. They have been attentive to most requests, and the server has been stable and fast. I couldn't have asked for a better 'Welcome home' than that," said another longtime Meridian 59 player, Shangra Kai.

"Welcome home," indeed. The consensus is in: if pre-launch Server 101 is a sign of things to come with Near Death Studios' re-release of Meridian 59, then we've got some good times ahead of us.

Featured below is a screenshot that delivers a good concept of Server 101's success.