Earth and Beyond

Tired of the standard hack-and-slash massively multiplayer online RPG? Want to try something quite a bit different? EA and Westwood’s upcoming gem just might be exactly what you are looking for with their soon to be released MMORPG, "Earth and Beyond."

There factions of humans, each with highly different philosophies and hence tactics, inhabit the universe with a rich and deep history between them, and you get to be right in the thick of it. Players get to choose from three faction: the monetarily-sound Terrans, the proud but vicious Progen, and the enlightened yet still curious Jenquai, and three professions: Warrior ships, which all three factions have, Explorers, which both Progen and Jenquai have, and Traders, which are exclusive to the Terrans.

Now how does this game qualify to be an RPG? Westwood’s gem has an experience-driven level system, complete with skills that can be upgraded via points that you gain each time you get a level. You also must meet certain requirements, of course. The most interesting thing to note is there are three different level meters: one for combat, one for exploration, and one for trade. These play a large role in how your character develops and almost plays as large a goal in what skills you learn as what your character’s faction and profession is.

Earth and Beyond has been in development for years and is one of the friendliest MMORPGs out there today. For the masses who haven’t tried out the beta version of the game, take it from the few of us who have: this game is by far one of the most unique in the MMORPG genre, and should not be overlooked.

The full version of Earth and Beyond is currently scheduled to ship on September 17th.

This one is brought to us by the letters "UK."
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