Looks like the boys over at Smiling Gator couldn't wait. The last few months have been long and drawn out for the fans, who initially were expecting to sink their teeths into a closed beta many months ago. A few server issues ended up being bigger than expected and the whole thing was pushed back. The reason I mention this is because it seems that the servers are still out of wack- which makes this prerelease a single player game only. Here's some details posted by the team on their website:
We are releasing a Preliminary version of Twilight War: After the Fall, which is a very early pre-order of the Official release. It is a single-player game with a pre-Beta multiplayer client. This Preliminary release can be ordered from GC via download for $34.95 per copy. This fee covers the development cost of packaging the single-player game and for the bandwidth to download. The game is ~15GB so it will take quite a long time to download. Development will continue on the game and everyone who buys a copy will receive free updates up to and including the Official release. They will also receive one free month's subscription when the Official game is launched. Monthly subscription for the Official release will be $14.95, but no subscription fees will be charged until the Official release is available. The first 100 to purchase the Preliminary game will receive an additional free month's subscription. A full multiplayer Beta will be held some time in the future, hopefully this summer or autumn, depending on the actual development progress. This preliminary release is still very far away from a mature multiplayer game, however, it will provide the community with an opportunity to actually follow and participate in the development progress. It is a significant step ahead to get us closer to the final game. The first 100 to buy the single-player game will be guaranteed a spot in Beta and everyone who buys it will be given priority for Beta. To order the Preliminary game, click the "Buy Now" button at the top of this page.
Recent comments following a merger deal between Activision and Blizzard has lead a stir in the MMO world. Vivendi's CEO, Robert Kotick has been melding a conglomerate of experiences between the existing strategy approach they have with Starcraft and the popular MMO blueprint of World of Warcraft- and filling a gap that has existed in the MMO market since its birth: A successful MMOFPS, or lack thereof.
Kotick feels that the future expansion of World of Warcraft holds meek interest in the market. Seriously now, it's been milked! Games like World of Warcraft are destined to be cultgaming products. Blizzards Starcraft already is.
The NoS is running low and it's time to move onto something bigger, better, and most importantly- more innovative. With an arsenal of talented developers and a resume that puts others to shame there is practically nothing these folks can't tackle.
There's nowhere else to aim but the skies. Kotick has stated that the only natural evolution of a series like Call of Duty is into a massively multiplayer environment. Maybe they’ll use their existing naming schema and pop out a Soldiercraft, or maybe Armscraft.
The name is the least of their worries. They have stated one of many objectives to examine first is how they will monetize something like this. Well, with Blizzards existing track record it would be safe to say that this won't be a problem. The real question is, how will you?
Valentines day is a day where we all take that extra time to show appreciation to our significant others. Well, if you're like me than your significant other just so happens to be Planetside. As always, Planetside has prepared a few updates to prepare for this special holiday. So log in and see what's been done. Here's the update note:
Game Update 3.13.11 - February 12th, 2008
It's Valentine's Day in PlanetSide, but what does that mean exactly? Here are a few things we have planned over the holiday:
Been through some bad relationships? Visit VR Training and get back at all the lovers that have jilted you in the past!
Anyone that logs in between now and Valentine's Day will be awarded with a special merit!
Several events will be run, including more Black Ops and a "Surgile" event!
