A LEGO-themed online game? A possible new FPS set in the Command & Conquer universe? The first online game to use the CryENGINE 2? Paint me spectacle, since this is the news segment that chronicles all the week’s new PC game announcements.
NetDevil and LEGO announced plans for a LEGO-themed MMORPG, and have launched a splash site for the game. Other details were not announced, other than a vague release date of 2008. With the tremendous success of Traveller’s Tales’ LEGO Star Wars game franchise, it was only a matter of time until more LEGO-based games were announced. NetDevil currently has a few ongoing MMORPGs, including Auto Assault and Jumpgate: The Reconstruction Initiative. It is also currently developing an FPS, titled Warmonger.
Danish developer Zeitguys Game Development showcased a new FPS that will utilize the Unreal Engine 3 at this year’s GDC Games Connection. Titled Urban Mysteries, the game will be heading to PC and unspecified next-gen consoles. Zeitguys was formed by former IO Interactive team member Morten Iversen, scriptwriter for the Hitman series and Freedom Fighters. Urban Mysteries will take place across alternate timelines and your character will be able to travel through time.
According to a blog post on Media Feet Underground, an unnamed employee suggested that there may be plans for EALA to pursue a new Command & Conquer-themed FPS. The Crysis engine–CRYEngine 2–may be used for the game. While this is strictly a rumor, it’s unknown if this game will be a true sequel to C&C: Renegade or simply a new standalone IP.
Rapid Reality Studios announced its first MMOFPS this week. Titled Phylon, the game’s impending release date of April 6 beckons the launch of a closed beta, taking place from now until March 21. An open beta will launch soon thereafter, from March 21 until the game’s release. Some of the game’s features include comic-style visuals, standard FPS-style combat, and a web-based rank system.
Crytek, developer of Far Cry and Crysis, announced that Avatar Reality Inc. has licensed CRYEngine 2 for an upcoming MMVW (massively multiplayer virtual world). The game is currently without a title, but it will take place on a terraformed Mars. Players will form their own virtual lives on the red planet.
Funcom, developer of Age of Conan, The Longest Journey series, and Anarchy Online, has revealed a new MMOG that was presented to publishers during GDC. Other than the targeted platforms of PC and Xbox 360, that it will employ the Age of Conan engine and the game’s setting will be present day Earth, no other information or details have been revealed.
