American McGee's Oz revealed

Carbon6, a Hollywood-based studio founded by American McGee, has announced its first project: American McGee's Oz. Scheduled to ship for the PC and Xbox in 2004, the game is set in the world of L. Frank Baum's classic novels, but during an earlier, darker time.

Describing the new project, American McGee said, "Oz offers a diverse world and large range of characters to explore and meet. I'm really excited to be working with such rich material and amazing technology."

At the point portrayed in the game, the land of Oz is full of war and destruction, and the familiar races--the munchkins, the wizards, and the witches--all play a part in the battles that ravage the land. While some creatures, like the flying monkeys, may not seem so different in the game's setting, it's interesting to note that others show a very different side. The munchkins, for example, have built armies of horrific steam-powered war machines.

American McGee's Oz tells the story of a human savior sent for to prevent a final, great battle that could destroy all of Oz. Carbon6's announcement suggests that this newcomer becomes a wizard and that he is central character in the game.

A series of tie-ins is in place for the game. A line of toys will soon be released, and a book and film deal will be announced in the future. We'll have more on the game as details become available, but in the meantime, take a look at these first images from the game.