ECTS: Legends of Might and Magic

Legends of Might and Magic ties in thematically with New World Computing's famous role-playing series, but shares little in common otherwise: It's a team-based first-person multiplayer game reminiscent of shooters such as Team Fortress Classic. The game's six different character classes provide supporting roles for one another and each class is most effective attacking at a particular range - short, medium, or long - and will have different weaponry and magical attacks.

The game will allow for eight players per team, and you can choose to fight for either the path of good or the path of evil. Depending on your decision, there will be three types of characters that you can play: The crusader, the druid, and the sorceress on the good side; and the warrior, the cleric, and the archer on the evil side. While the two sides do roughly correspond with each other, their specific abilities and weapons will differ.

Legends of Might and Magic uses the latest version of Monolith's LithTech engine for its fully polygonal 3D graphics. The game has a fast pacing and graphical style similar to other first-person shooters, although the fantasy setting sets it apart. While the game does let you practice against computer-controlled enemies, it's designed to be played with and against human opponents. To this end, New World Computing designed a number of variations on familiar multiplayer game types, such as sword in the stone, which is similar to capture the flag; slay the dragon, where teams compete to be the first to kill a mighty target; and escort the king, where one player designated king must be defended against his enemies. The battles take place in environments inspired by different settings in the Might and Magic games.

New World Computing's first multiplayer action game still needs some polish, but it's not scheduled for release until the first quarter of next year. Until then, stay tuned for additional information, and have a look at these new screenshots detailing the game's 3D characters and environments.