Earthrise on the horizon
New details about the sci-fi themed MMOEarthrise have emerged, thanks to MMOCrunch's recent interview with Atanas Atanasov, the CEO of Masthead Studios.
Gameplay in Earthrise is chiefly skill-based and Atanasov explained in detail the limitations of the skill system, or more accurately -- the lack of limitations. The game mechanics will not limit the skills available to a player character, regardless of faction chosen. However, many skills will only come into play through the use of equipment that utilizes them.
As a skill-intensive game,Earthrise will not rank characters by level. A character's gameplay optionsare kept in check by their physical attributes (Physique and Intellect) and their genetic code. Gene modification is available at a cost and will allow players to tweak their potential, opening up new possibilities. This is in keeping with Earthrise's system of character customization, which they've stated is largely free of class restrictions.
Atanasov stressed that Earthrise is PvP-centric, but this shouldn't necessarily be a major hurdle to new players who want, or need, to face off against older characters with more varied skillsets. As characters advance in Earthrise, the number of skills acquired will of course increase, but Atanasov implied that the strength of those skills will not automatically make veteran players unbeatable by newbies. He stressed the advantage of using the proper combinations of abilities to defeat opponents, and that a lack of foresight on a veteran player's part could mean losing to a newer player.
Earthrise will not necessarily require players to spend large blocks of time in-game to progress. Offline career advancement will be built into the game, providing some modicum of factional standings increases and the rewards that come with them, as well as additional income.
Territorial control will be another key feature of Earthrise, and an area of great concern for guilds. Gaining territory will provide wealth through tapping its resources, but holding on to it is another matter entirely -- both NPC's and rival guilds will vie for control over such territories. Earthrise is also slated to have a war declaration system that will tie in with territorial struggles, according to the game's website.
Atanasov's comments confirm that Earthrise is shaping up to be one of the more interesting titles among the upcoming science-fiction MMOs. Earthrise is due to be released in 2009.
