Looking Ahead to 2008
MMOs and MMORPGs, Continued The Chronicles of Spellborn is one of many new MMORPG properties set to make the scene in 2009 The Chronicles of Spellborn, developed by the aptly-named Spellborn Interactive and published by Frogster Interactive, is an MMORPG set in a fresh fantasy universe. Currently poised for a first quarter go-live, the game is set to go up against some heavy competition in 2008. Without an existing license to bring in fans, the odds are stacked against the game. Previews have pegged the game as derivative, though interesting combat and armor systems (which emphasize skill advancement over gear) have the potential to separate the game from the masses. The familiar Warhammer universe is making its way to the massively multiplayer front courtesy of EA Mythic, who as Mythic Entertainment gifted the world with Dark Age of Camelot, the mildly successful MMORPG released in 2001. Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning - published by Electronic Arts - builds on the successful Warhammer franchise and brings the popular fantasy license online. Tentatively scheduled for a second-quarter release, Warhammer Online's development is being assisted by Games Workshop, creators of the Warhammer fantasy realm. The game has a career-based skill advancement system, and pits two realms ("Armies" in Warhammer parlance) - each with three sub-armies - against each other. Regardless of the details, Warhammer Online has an established fan base and the resources of Electronic Arts behind it, so expect the release to be a big one.
A couple of MMOs don't yet have definitive release dates, but listed by their respective publishers as coming in 2008. Sony Online Entertainment clearly believes in the profit potential of online gaming, and the company's diverse portfolio of MMOs is a testament to that assertion. Their upcoming The Agency, a shooter-based MMO, is light on RPG elements but steeped in combat. Mission-based solo gameplay will be complemented with team-based objectives, and players will have the opportunity to form up in ad-hoc groups to complete certain missions. The emphasis in on the solo experience, however, and with a simultaneous release on the PC and Playstation 3, it appears that Sony is looking to corner the wide-open console online market. Round out the top MMO titles of 2008 is Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach - Forsaken Lands (rolls off the tongue, no?), published (until their doors are closed for good, at least) by Atari and developed by MMORPG specialist Turbine. Not much information is available on the expansion, and recent executive turnover at Turbine brings into question the direction of Turbines current projects. Turbine has reiterated their commitment to the popular online game, and if past success is any indication, Forsaken Lands will be a worthy expansion.
OK, time for a break. We've covered the strategy and MMO releases for 2008, but the list of PC games is far from complete. Take a few moments for a beverage refill and a trip to the restroom, and when you return we'll tackle the upcoming RPG and FPS releases.
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