The Ship ready to take off

It's full Steam ahead for The Ship. The new "massively mysterious" multiplayer-focused game, set aboard a grand 1920s-era luxury cruise ship, is ready for preload through Valve Software's digital distribution program. The Ship--which started out as a downloadable mod to the original Half-Life--is available for preload for $14.95. After its release on July 11, the price will bump up $5 to $19.95. Developer Outerlight also plans to release a retail version in the United States in 2007. Although The Ship centers on its multiplayer modes, Outerlight says it will include an offline, single-player mode that mimics the feel of online play. "With the inclusion of a player-needs system, plus elements of exploration and stealth gameplay, The Ship is very different than other first-person titles," said Outerlight's Chris Peck. For more information, visit the game's detailed Web site.