Funcom, the creators of the popular MMORPG Anarchy Online, had a solid showing at E3. They showed off a bit of the new Anarchy Online Expansion (Lost Eden). Due to the expansion’s recent announcement, there was not much to see yet.
After all these years it seemed odd to be seeing Anarchy Online: Lost Eden. The first thing that jumped out about this expansion was the new terrain textures – they are far better than they have been previously. Other textures in the environment also looked more crisp.
First and foremost, this expansion is targeted at PvP gamers. While the developers did say that there would be elements for the PvE gamer, the main focus of the expansion will be the new side vs. side battles. PvP will now be a battle between Omni and clan as opposed to battles between guilds. The PvE elements being added will mainly involve raids on the ships of the aliens that have been attacking the world since the Alien Invasion expansion.
Funcom developers also have plans to have a system for PvP that allows players of all levels to participate. Instead of throwing a level 200 character against a level 50, you’ll be matched up with those around your level. Equipment also won’t be a factor as there will be ways to borrow equipment to level out the playing field. This will serve to make PvP more accessible to those who don’t have tons of time to dedicate to the game.
One of the coolest features being implemented in the Lost Eden expansion will be the militaristic aspects. After awhile, you will be able to earn the ability to call in air strikes on your opponent and also control a mech in what was referred to as mounted combat. The implementation of these elements really fit with the ideas that the developers have for this expansion.
Another interesting element involves the ability to contribute to your side’s research. By dedicating a portion of your XP to your faction, they will be able to research new technologies that could give you an edge in PvP combat. The aliens will also be researching new technologies – if the players don’t keep up, they could end up at a disadvantage. The developers have said that they won’t let this disadvantage get out of hand, however. If players choose not to do the research, they will still be at a disadvantage but it won’t be enough to make them completely ineffective.
Also mentioned were the added character advancement methods. At this point in time, many of the ways to improve your character involve the gaining of new active abilities. With this expansion, though, there will be more of a focus on passive improvements to your character. Actual abilities, however, were not revealed.
Years after it's initial release, they still add new content with each successive expansion. Kudos to them.
Hi. My name is Brian. I am a video game addict.
Of course, I actually do things other than game. Currently, I’m a full time college student at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where I am majoring in Mass Communications with a Journalism focus.
I’ve served as Managing Editor on my school’s paper and also written various editorials. I pride myself on my academics and work hard towards earning good grades – a few years of hard work will be worth it in the long run.
I’ve been gaming ever since my parents bought me an NES in 1985 (I was born in 1981). My favorite game of all time is probably the original Legend of Zelda but my currently played favorite game is a tossup between Madden 2005 and MVP 2005.
While I play a lot of sports games (which happens when you live with two baseball players), I also enjoy RPGs and RTSes. The first I’m actually good at and the second I’m not. I am also known to play the occasional FPS but will rarely make it all the way through one.
I’m also not a competitive gamer. I definitely prefer games that include co-op modes along with the normal competitive modes. Some of my favorite games in that regard are Legend of Zelda: Four Swords for the Game Cube and Fianl Fantasy Crystal Chronicles.
