Massively

Jumpgate Evolution

Keeping with the science fictionish element, I've chosen Jumpgate Evolution as the final upcoming MMO that could steal our attention. This one -- like Champions Online -- is slated for a Spring '09 release and could be pushed back, but I'd like to remain optimistic here. Assuming the game does indeed come out as scheduled, what's to be excited about?

Have you ever watched Battlestar Galactica and enjoyed those awesome space battles? Did you really want to play a game like that? Well then, you're probably going to dig JGE more than the average player. If you don't know the difference between a toaster and a skin-job, fret not. NetDevil has experience creating casual-friendly action-MMOs, starting with the original Jumpgate and continuing with the much lamented Auto Assault. Which was a game loaded with potential.

So with Jumpgate Evolution, they'll hopefully apply all of their previous experience to the game. I'm personally hoping to see very tight flight controls particularly for the keyboard and mouse. However, if you want to use a flight stick, you can. We've already seen some exceptionally cool battles again giant space stations and now rumors of capital ship battles are floating around. Just imagine it: You and several friends taking on a huge NPC ship surrounding by smaller ships, that's full of turrets and missile bays. You're weaving through the defensive fire, all Luke Skywalker (Or Kara "Starbuck" Thrace) style, blasting your enemies into space dust. Yes, victory! And ding, you leveled! Or, if you're more the merchant type you could go run some trade routes, taking the less traveled paths for more profit. Just be careful of pirates, which you'll either have to out-maneuver or out-gun. Yeah, that wouldn't eat up more of our precious gaming time. Not at all!

29/08/08