I took my kids to see Monsters vs. Aliens (go see it, it’s worth it) and like I always do, made an effort to see the previews. As a single mom this is my personal torture – I get to see all of what I won’t get to see in the theater. The geek in me got all kinds of excited when the preview for the newest Star Trek film showed… ooh. I’m watching and I see a young Kirk doing a burn-in. The uber-geek in me says (out loud, no less) Section 8! I really need to get out more.

Last year in Austin, I spent a cold, rainy afternoon listening to the developers while watching a video that made me want to play the game now now now. If you haven’t read up on that experience, you may want to as I’m only going to give a brief overview here. The goal of the title is to make the first-person shooter well, fun again. You can disagree with me but dying, spawning 15 seconds later, running and running and dying, spawning 15 seconds later, ad infinitum is just not fun in my opinion.

By allowing the player to burn-in (wearing powered armor you get to drop from a ship in space), to anywhere on the map below - subtly changing your target as you do so - and doing so immediately, every time you die, Section 8 promises a different experience from changing one play mechanic. Add to that the ability to change your load-out (your current armor/weapons) at will with each burn-in, making burn-ins a voluntary option, turning capture points into bonuses that can defend itself, and well… read the other article! This isn’t just going to be a unique multiplayer experience.

I missed it the first time around but in the video included last year, Creative Lead Phillip Morales says, “We haven’t even thrown in the curve balls, yet.” Huh. I should watch those videos before I post them on the site.

At GDC this year, we got to play a bit of the game – still in multiplayer – but I also had the opportunity to learn a bit about the single player campaign. As a person who prefers a reason for why she’s shooting at things I was particularly interested. Producer Robert Siwiak took me through the paces of the universe of Section 8, as it is a fully fleshed-out universe. Meet the U.S. Empire (yes, we finally got our empire, yeah us *rolls eyes*).

The U.S. has gone out into the galaxy and settled colonies throughout. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy with the way things are run and a faction known as the Arm of Orion forms. Initially, the Empire doesn’t see them as an issue as disagreeing is well… allowed, and they’re not really bothering anyone. Then they start conquering established settlements. Not so keen on that whole “violent colonization” thing, the Empire sends in Section 8 to liberate New Madrid from the Arm of Orion and so starts our story.

As new member Alex Corde of Section 8 (based on the all-volunteer Texas 101st Airborne), you’ll work to liberate New Madrid during which time you'll become familiar with the characters of your Flag as well as the Empire. I asked Siwiak just how complete this universe is: Is there an encyclopedia of the characters in the office? Not only are the characters for this title complete but so is the universe; their hope is not to tell just this story but many within this same universe. Yeah! A shooter for the rest of us.

Curve balls… So, I’ve done my burn-in and landed, leaving impact fractures on the ground (cool). This may be the future but everything – ok, minus the whole burn-in feature – is low-tech. We have bullets, not lasers and though my power armor may have some shielding it still takes damage – I know, I can see it. If I’m smart, I’ll requisition parts from the ship; just make a call and the parts, first aid kit, or vehicle I need will drop in. That is assuming it’s not taken out before it lands. Just like when I drop-in, my requisitions can be seen.

Powered armor has its advantages. As I start to run I keep an eye on my “overdrive” meter. Whoosh, I run like the wind. That’s before I get my jetpack. Powered armor, a jetpack and a gun is freaking fun! If you’re a geometry and physics dweeb (yes, geek all the way) like I am you’ll appreciate the grenades. You’ll have the ability to see their trajectory as well as what they’ll bounce of. Thankfully, they’ll bounce off friendlies.

When playing multi-player you’ll need not wait for a full complement to get a game going (if you want live players at all for those of us who’d like a little practice on the maps). Any map can be started with bots that are simply replaced as new players arrive. While you’re waiting for a few live bodies you do have the option to take on mini-missions. The example given was a sniper who gets bored and could spawn a mission to take a choke point. If successful, your team will earn points but be aware that the other side will also receive a sub-mission.

Scheduled for the end of this year on Games for Windows and Xbox 360, Section 8 is shaping up to be something different. Anything that shakes up the same tired gameplay in multiplayer shooters is a welcome reprieve. A new universe to play in that requires a bit of skill, has just enough authenticity to allow for suspension of disbelief, and is fun… Sign me up!