A couple of days ago, we mentioned that developer NetDevil, creator of Auto Assault, is making a new game for a major toy company. Moments after that, the rumor spread like crazy among MMORPG enthusiasts and some even speculated that the new game could be Transformers.

When you really think about it, Transformers fit the previous requirements pretty well. First, the Autobots and Decepticons were created by Hasbro - definitely a major U.S. toy company. Also, the previous reports also mentioned in-game crafting and designing for the general public. Lastly, there's a new movie about it coming up. Puzzle solved? Sorry, but not really.

In a recent interview, NetDevil CEO Scott Brown reiterated, with a straight face if we may add, that the new game is not Transformers. After that he wouldn't divulge anything more about the game and moved on with other topics. The official then freely spoke about their FPS title in the works for the PC. He revealed that they've been wanting to do this ever since Auto Assault. Epic's Unreal Engine 3 graphics engine and the AGEIA physics processor have continued to fascinate him and his company, he added.

Mr. Brown also hinted that they are also planning to enter the console arena. He admitted that there have been serious talks about this course of action but they are not planning to leave the PC platform entirely. He promised, finally, that everything will become clear later in 2007.

And so the guessing game for this mysterious MMO continues. But we honestly hoped it was Transformers...

There is still no word as to when Fallen Earth will be released. Developer Icarus Studios has always maintained that it will be due out when it is done. To tell you the truth, it is quite refreshing to see a company taking time perfecting its craft, instead of dumping half-baked games into the market. But with a storyline like Fallen Earth, everybody's curious regarding the game's whatabouts.

It was a good thing that no less than Christophe Watkins himself, the studios' VP for Business Development, was at hand during this year's GDC to provide new information and preview of their company's first offering. To start things off, Watkins stresses that strength lies in a believable storyline. Unlike most fantasy MMOs out there, Fallen Earth is very much reflective of our society's current situation: terror, pollution, global warming, mutating viruses and genetic manipulation. Sounds eerily familiar, we know.

Of course, how can a game be believable if not for outstanding graphics and real-like environment? It is not a problem with Fallen Earth as it features a full physics system based on the AGEIA PhysX Processor. Also, audio plays a very crucial component in this game. Watkins proudly shares that a noise meter is attached to every player that may tip off an NPC to their location.

A vast selection for character customization is available, ranging from normal skin and hair to body tattoos and piercings. Also,
players will be able to attach weapons to different parts of their bodies, such as the hips, back, arms and legs. Watkins then pointed out to watch out for the amazing Day/Night and season system that makes the world truly lifelike.

And just when you think Fallen Earth could improve no further, the aspect of genetic manipulation and mutation will make you well, think again. According to Watkins, th game does not use classes to define players’ abilities. Instead, players will be awarded allocation points (AP) to increase whatever abilities they choose. Genetic manipulation increases power and establish individuality and status as well. The game also allows players to join socio-political factions that best meet their play style, skills, and personal philosophies.

Finally, while Fallen Earth focuses on PvE, PVP is also available in select areas. There, what more can we say? With all these ideas outside the box, maybe it would be wise to remain patient and let Icarus Studios work its magic. It will be due out when it's done, they say. We say, we'll be waiting and will get ready for Fallen Earth.

 

The recent turn of events at Entropia Universe is surprising to say the least. Just one week ago, we had this article detailing the various updates done to Project Entropia including the addition of AGEIA's PhysX engine. Today, residents of Planet Calypso threaten to stage a mass protest to express disappointment over these "updates."

Marco (aka AlphaGeek) is calling everyone - and he means everyone - to once again wear their Standard Issue colonist uniforms and storm (peacefully though) the Imperial Government through Mr. Berman, Trob Tedser, or any other Government agent.

Accordingly, the updates has left players frustrated, unable to even to do the basics of running/walking properly. Furthermore, Marco added that these protests were already lodged in public to their government. To their dismay, people in power had deftly dodged the the complaints.

All ubers and noobs who feel the same sentiments are requested to attend. The mass protest is scheduled on Saturday, September 30 from 08:00 local time to 23:59 Calypso time.

Some of you might have heard of the somewhat controversial Entropia Universe, the continuation of the game known as Project Entropia. It's the world where your virtual self and your real self can carry just as much weight, simply because you can actually earn real-life money through effective play and earning virtual cash.

Well, Entropia Universe has received a couple of upgrades as a result of its new patch. Now at version 8.6.1, they've enhanced and tweaked both visual and gameplay aspects.

One of the main additions to the new version is the implementation of PhysX">AGEIA's PhysX engine. This engine should allow for advanced physics to play out within the game as a result of content additions.

They've also added additional items to buy for the numerous jobs you can find yourself doing. Gameplay-wise, they've made some changes to creature AI and also cleaned up the interface so as not to annoy players.

If you'd like to find out more about the new additions with the upgrade, don't hesitate. Check out the notes after the jump (click on the Full Article link below).