Horizons: Empire of Istaria E3 2003 Preshow Report

Atari has released a little new information on Horizons: Empire of Istaria, a massively multiplayer online RPG currently in development at Artifact Entertainment that it acquired the publishing rights to earlier this year. The game's most intriguing feature, which we've covered previously, is that you'll be able to assume the role of a dragon if you wish, making for an entirely different gameplay experience than if you were to play as, for example, a human. Atari has today revealed that there will be a total of nine playable races in the game, including dwarves, elves, fiends, and the previously mentioned dragons and humans.

It's also been revealed today that when creating your character, you'll be able to select both a base adventuring school and a base crafting school for him or her, as well as customize his or her appearance. The adventuring schools mentioned in today's press release include warrior, healer, wizard, and scout, while the craft skills to be learned in the game will include blacksmith, gatherer, outfitter, and scholar.

For more information on Horizons: Empire of Istaria, which is currently scheduled for release this fall, check out our extensive preview coverage of the game.