Uncharted Waters Online E3 2005 Preshow Reports

Although Uncharted Waters hasn't been a well-known gaming series for a long time (the last entry appeared way back on the Super Nintendo), KOEI seems intent on reviving the franchise, so it's bringing Uncharted Waters Online to North America. The sailing MMO lets players team up to explore the globe. Here's our first look at it from E3 2005.

In Uncharted Waters Online, you'll initially start out by picking one of three classes. The adventurer profession seems like it'll be focused on exploring and puzzle-solving, which can apparently help earn players a virtual reputation in the game, the benefits of which are unknown. Merchants are intent on making a profit in the game, presumably by buying trade items at low prices and transporting them where they'll sell high, enabling you to reenact the glory days of the East India Trading Company from the comforts of your own home. Lastly, Soldiers are going to be the enforcerers of the game, shipping out to either protect merchants and adventurers from rogue pirates that roam the seas or become pirates themselves to raid other players. KOEI reports that these are just the initial occupations, however. As you accumulate more experience, more than 50 additional occupations will become unlocked for play.

Uncharted Waters Online may let players re-create the age of sail, but it's rooted in the real world, as you'll have to choose from among a number of powerful seafaring empires, including India, Portugal, and Spain. No matter where you begin, you'll find yourself accepting quests from the various trade guilds in your home country in an attempt to spread its influence throughout the world. As your country gains prestige, you'll be able to open up more friendly ports in neighboring countries. In addition, real landmarks are also going to be re-created in the game, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Parthenon, and the Egyptian Pyramids.

Although Uncharted Waters doesn't have a release date yet, we should have more details on it from KOEI's booth at E3 when the show starts.