The Y Project announced

Germany-based game developer Westka Interactive has announced The Y Project, its upcoming sci-fi action-adventure game built on Epic's Unreal technology. The game is set on an alien planet 200 years into the future, and it combines elements of action, adventure, role-playing, and strategy.

Players assume the role of a hero who must keep a genetically altered race of insects from destroying the human population. The game is set in and around a huge city infested with dozens of different kinds of insect enemies. Players can join a military faction and blast their way through the game using 16 different types of upgradeable weapons, or they can join a scientific faction and reason their way through the game by solving puzzles. Players can also freely switch factions at any point during the game.

The Y Project also features advanced graphics, visual effects, and animation. The game's detailed insect models feature up to 6,500 polygons, and the developers are using professional architects, set and costume designers, cameramen, and musicians to help create the game.

"We are very impressed with what Westka's development team has done so far with the latest Unreal Engine technology," said Mark Rein, Vice President of Epic Games. "When The Y-Project is released I expect that people will be blown away by its attention to detail and engrossed in its compelling story. This will definitely be a game to watch for."

The Y Project is scheduled for release in 2003. We've posted some screenshots from the game in the gallery above, and we'll post more information about the game as it becomes available.