PlanetSide ships

Sony Online has announced that PlanetSide is now shipping to retail stores in the US and Canada. The first-person game will let thousands of players battle it out in a persistent online war between three factions, with players' characters gaining experience and access to new skills and weaponry along the way. The first new features that will be added to the game following the initial release will include three new vehicles--a bomber, an airborne vehicle transport, and a four-wheeled antiaircraft buggy--and new game options like the ability to group squadrons of 10 players into a larger platoon, the ability to strike at previously untouchable bases, and competitions that pit squads against one another.

"PlanetSide provides an awesome action-filled adrenaline rush as players experience the game's vast online world and deep gameplay that is unlike anything ever seen before," said Michael Lustenberger, director of product marketing at Sony Online. "With dozens of specialties, vehicles, and weapons and 10 continents to explore and conquer, PlanetSide is the game for anyone who enjoys action games."

PlanetSide will have a suggested retail price of $49.99 and will include a 30-day free trial for the online service required to play the game. After the first month, there's a monthly subscription fee of $12.99. As alternatives to the standard monthly subscription, Game Cards are available in retail stores, and there's also the new All Access service, which provides access to all Sony Online games for $21.99.