Space combat MMO action
Who remembers Privateer? Ok, I know it was almost a decade ago and Clive Owen has gone on to do some respectable films but Privateer, from the same guys that gave us the Wing Commander series, was the ultimate space-trading combat sim of the day. Yes, I know Elite was the first space trading game and the X-Wing series was brilliant for the combat but Privateer was the first to tie all that together with a sensible amount of FMV and a real sense of atmosphere.Anyway, ever since Privateer stopped working on my progressively faster PCs, I’ve been hankering for a decent trading/combat space sim. It looked like Freelancer might come up with the goods but sadly the multiplayer was limited to server based co-op missions with no persistent universe and ultimately was limited by the smallness of the universe itself.
So maybe it’s third time lucky as the Codemasters, along with NetDevil, are bringing us Jumpgate Evolution which promises to be the game I’ve been looking for if the press gumph is anything to go by:
“Jumpgate is the definitive space combat MMO allowing players to choose from one of three playable nations and engage in an intense action-packed universe. Embarking on an immersive and accessible space adventure players can trade valuable commodities, take part in dangerous outer-space raids, meet and play with friends and live out the dream to become an elite hero or infamous space pirate. The game features both a rich and varied universe to explore and has been designed for experienced and novice MMO players alike.”
They’ve just released a bunch of concept art shots and, as a special treat, there’s a few screenshots on the next pages too, just to get you hankering for being accepted for the BETA, which you can sign up for at www.jumpgateevolution.com.
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