Icarus Studios' new MMORPG, Fallen Earth, employs a new platform for online, multiplayer gaming. In addition to changing the format of combat to reticule-based first-person or third-person combat, the game also contains vehicles, a new kind of skill system and a few unique factions to join.
Mad Max Meets Tabula Rasa
The debut trailer for Fallen Earth came onto the scene during E3 in a big way; basically it let gamers know that this was not going to be an elf-loving, mage blasting, spell-casting medieval MMORPG. In fact, the debut trailer went so far as to say that Fallen Earth “ain’t your daddy’s MMO”.
So what makes Fallen Earth an MMO that’s different from the rest? Well, primarily it’s not set within the fantasy medieval universe that most online RPGS are known for using as their base themes. Instead, Fallen Earth is a science-fiction, futuristic, post-apocalyptic MMORPG adventure that delves players into a world inhabited by mutants, monsters and other unsightly beasts.
What is Fallen Earth?
Fallen Earth might best be described as a mix between Mad Max, Starship Troopers and the now-defunct Tabula Rasa. The setting is centered throughout the Western landmark of the Grand Canyon, where the game’s story-arc takes prime focus. After nuclear fallout and lots of war, the only safe places for people to live are around the Hoover Dam area and the Grand Canyon, which has been occupied by the mega-corporation, GlobalTech. Because as we all know, what would any futuristic, post-apocalyptic game be like without a mega-corporation sitting at the center of world chaos? A boring wasteland.
Choosing Sides Becomes Fun Again
The game will see players venturing about in zoneless areas with a massive 7,000 square-kilometer playfield to be interacted with. Outside of the initial safe-zones are six warring factions, each with their own agendas, beliefs, look, vehicles and weapons. The factions include Enforcers, Children of the Apocalypse, Vistas, Techs, Lightbearers and Travelers. Like any good MMORPG, Fallen Earth will allow players to join either of the various factions for progressing the story or to simply have a place in which to yield one’s allegiance.
Six Different Factions
The faction concept is rather interesting and takes a bit from the Funcom playbook of Anarchy Online, insofar that there are rivalries, allies and branching stories attached to each faction. The six factions each have their own arch-nemesis, two allies and sub-groups within the clan that sometimes have their own agendas. Now this particular feature isn’t entirely original, but the fact that each group designates itself to the advancement of certain skills, weapons, armor, vehicles, science and items, makes the subtext of a faction controlling more or less of the game world will ultimately dictate a lot of how other players will engage each other, form alliances, and will even decide which technologies will control the major play areas.