JumpGate Preview
We get to try out a beta version of the upcoming massively multiplayer space sim from NetDevil and 3DO.
Massively multiplayer games have been coming under fire of late, as recently released games have had very rocky launches. The quality of online games can be unpredictable, and developers must struggle to fix any problems on the fly, after their products have already arrived on store shelves--resulting in a series of updates and headaches for fans of the game. Recognizing the problem, Net Devil and its recently announced US publisher 3DO have been taking their time with JumpGate, a massively multiplayer space simulation set within the deep reaches of space. The game has been in development for about two years, and extensive beta testing for the US version of JumpGate has been ongoing for well over a year. During the beta testing, Net Devil and 3DO schedule different events to test the game as well as the servers' capacity. For example, each Friday has become a stress-test day, where all of the beta testers attempt to log on at once, enter into a single environment, and watch how the game deals with having a huge number of ships in a single area. Of course, beta testing and an actual release are two different beasts, and unaccounted for problems could crop up after release. But even in its current state, JumpGate's gameplay is solid and offers as many features and customization options as any typical massively multiplayer RPG.
After going through the registration process, you're immediately launched into one of JumpGate's space station screens where you begin the process of constructing your first ship. Once your ship is ready, you have to choose from one of the three factions in the game, and unlike other massively multiplayer games that somewhat dismiss the role of factions, JumpGate's factions are in constant competition with each other. They also have advantages and disadvantages that come into play almost immediately. The first of the three factions is the Solrain, which is probably the most balanced of all the factions because of their ability to engage in just about any form of activity within the JumpGate universe. Solrain ships have larger cargo bays for undertaking missions that require you to retrieve items or to engage in trade with other players, and they also have impressive shielding technology that gives them a defense boost that players in other factions aren't going to have. The Octavius faction seems to be the exact opposite of the Solrain faction. Considered to be the mercenaries in the JumpGate universe, the Octavius faction has all sorts of internal political problems, which can make voyaging to new territories difficult since your political standing with the native faction may not be high enough to warrant passage through the area. But to counteract their political instability, the Octavius have access to an impressive array of weaponry, making it an excellent choice if you want to get off to a quick start and engage in combat right away. The last faction to choose from, the Quantar, have a major skill bonus that the other factions don't have: speed. Every Quantar ship is initially outfitted with an advanced engine that can reach higher speeds than any other faction can, and though that may not seem incredibly beneficial at first, you see how useful a fast ship can be after undertaking one of the game's first missions, which can involve one of the two NPC factions.
Jumpgate: The Reconstruction Initiative Quick Links
Summary | Reviews | News | Previews & Features | Images | Videos | Answers | Hints & Cheats | Forum
- 3DO
- NetDevil
- Space Combat Sim
- Release: Sep 23, 2001
- ESRB: Everyone
Games you may like…
-
Evochron Renegades
(PC) -
Independence War 2
(PC) -
Galactic Command ES
(PC) -
Spaceforce Rogue Uni.
(PC) -
Battlecruiser Millennium Gold
(PC)
Users who looked at content for this game also looked at these games.
See More Similar Games
1 Comments