Saga of Ryzom: First Look

Saga of Ryzom could very well be the biggest massively multiplayer online role-playing game that you haven't heard of, and there's a reason for that. Paris-based developer Nevrax has been working on the project for more than three years, with an impressive $15 million project, but publisher Wanadoo didn't do a lot to promote the game. However, Nevrax had a falling out with Wanadoo and split off on its own. Now that the company is nearing completion of the game, it is beginning to aggressively market it to its US and European audiences.

Unlike most online role-playing games, which have a high fantasy setting, Saga of Ryzom will feature a multigenre setting encompassing both fantasy and science fiction. This means that in addition to the traditional fantasy elements of swords and sorcery, there will also be powerful sci-fi weapons such as rocket launchers. While that may sound like it would unbalance the game, it won't, because Saga of Ryzom will address these issues. For instance, a player toting a rocket launcher will move much slower than other players and will also have to worry about finding ammunition for the rocket launcher. (If their crafting skill is high enough, they could also create their own.)

The skill system is based on the idea that you'll evolve your character as you play the game. That means you won't begin the game selecting a traditional role-playing class, but rather, you'll slowly gain proficiency in certain skills as you play the game. So if you constantly use a single-edged sword in battle, you'll gain proficiency with that weapon. But if you switch to a blunt weapon, you'll lose whatever sword bonuses you've accumulated. The crafting and magic system will be based on modules, which will allow you to combine any number of characteristics into a weapon or spell. For instance, you could give a sword extra accuracy or improved critical hit damage. You'll also be able to use modules to create special combat moves that your player can execute.

In keeping with the science fiction elements of the game, there will be Starship Troopers-like battles between groups of players and hordes of alien insects. The game uses what's called RAID, or Real-Time Army Invasion Engine. RAID will allow the server to throw waves upon waves of monsters at a group of players. There can be up to 255 monsters attacking in a wave, and they can all be displayed on the screen at the same time. So players with rocket launchers and spellcasters will launch devastating ranged attacks on the enemy, while the fighters up front will fend off survivors using melee weapons.

There's a ton of depth and complexity layered into the game. Nevrax promises a completely dynamic world; in fact, the game will evolve differently on each server depending on the actions and decisions made by the players. There are four races in the game, each with tons of background and history. And the world itself will feel alive, as the ecosystem has been fleshed out to incredible detail. For example, creatures will travel in packs and exhibit pack behavior. If they run into predators, the pack will scatter, and if the predators make any kills they'll stop and devour their prey.

Shadow of Ryzom is currently in closed beta, but Nevrax plans to hold an open beta in early April. Plans are to launch the game in June, with simultaneous launches in the US, Britain, France, and Germany. The company will establish US-based servers to improve performance for American gamers.