A Massive Online Multiplayer That Can Appeal To Everyone
When you hear the term Massive Online Multiplayer, what is the first thing to pop in your head? Usually, that term means an RPG of some sort. Actually, with a few exceptions, that is what it means. To some, the term is a constant reminder that their need of an action game, fighting alongside countless allies, is something they just cannot have.
Like I said before, there have been other games to feed our need, most notably Planetside, but seldom has there been a title to quench our thirst for the carnage of the massive multiplayer. Webzen is about to change all of that with this summer’s Huxley. Huxley will be available on both the PC and Xbox 360, but alas there will be no cross platforming of the title. Of course, this can be a good thing since there are still a lot of players of the PC that do not like sharing their games with console lovers.
The story, originally thought to be relevant to the book Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, will center on a near future apocalyptic world. The Nuclearites bombard the world, causing destructive earthquakes, massive tidal waves, and even dramatic climate changes all across the globe. The continents have become isolated, and the human race is wrought in chaos and war. The survivors of these waves of destruction dream of peace, but the appearance of horrid mutants ravaging the world send the human race further into a disarray of unrest. The growing shadows of racism and oppression spark the fires of war that divides the landscape into two opposing powers, The Sapiens, which is the human race, and The Alternative mutant race that has been exposed to the Lunarite. The Lunarite, a new power source, is the main focal point of desire in the war, created by a scientist that is possibly the savior named Huxley.
The Alternatives are just like the Sapiens, except that they are taller and more muscular. The angst pours from the Alternatives since the Sapiens treat them like nothing more than slaves. In the trailers for Huxley, the Alternatives carry unique weapons and have vehicles that have limited machine gun capabilities and even mortar abilities. Also, the drop ship deployed jetbikes look extremely fast, although the weapons seemed to be limited. The armor for the Alternatives and Sapiens will be presented uniquely and will differ between the races. There will be weapons, apparent in the trailer, that all races will be able to use, fortunately. It will be up to the player to choose between these two races to fight against one another including an additional race known as the Hybrids.
Customization will play a big part in the game. With a title totting as high a level of player interaction as this, it should come as no surprise the levels of customizations. Players will also be able to choose their colors to wear. Of course, individual clans will be able to choose from a different assorted colors list and eventually be able to create their own logos. In addition to the character customizations, players will be able to select from a plethora of weapons to further distinguish themselves from other players. There will be nine categories of weapons to choose from and different styles of weapons to choose from as well. You will be able to carry up to four different types of weapons into the battlefields, so you will have to decide which weapons you bring. This will add an interesting aspect each time you play.
Adding even further to the already impressive character capabilities of Huxley, you will also be able to choose the battle style your character has. The different styles are Enforcer, which will be your heavy weaponry and armor; Avengers, the medium to average solider; Phantoms which will operate as scouts or snipers. On top of this, you will gain different skills and armor from sprinting and double jumping to infrared vision and headshot prevention. These upgrades will become available as you progress through the ranks of soldier. Most of the skills will be armor implants that you can add. Each faction will also have specific unlockable skills.
Since this is going to be a massive online player game, how impressive will it be. Well, the gameplay might feel close to World of Warcraft as far as sheer numbers. This aspect might turn away some players that are looking for something a little more intimate in their carnage seeking hearts. To appeal to those who are intimidated by the overwhelming numbers of games like WoW, Webzen is also including player vs. player battlefields. There will also be several missions for the single player in the storyline game, but for some of these it will be more beneficial to bring along a crew of your most trusted allies. There will also be traditional four member squad modes to play as well, with certain commands only being available as long as you are close to your squad.
Blending the elements of a compelling story and brazen chaos, Huxley is shaping up to be an experience that none of us can pass on. If you haven’t bought an Xbox 360 yet, this could be the reason you’ve been waiting for, especially if you like all of the characterization and customization of a well thought out RPG, with a nice healthy dose of unrelenting shooter action. Add this one to your most anticipated titles of ’07, tell all of your friends, and prepare to wage war.
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