MMORPGs based on pre-existing intellectual properties are a tricky business, and for every Lord of the Rings Online -- which at least makes an attempt at remaining faithful to its source material -- there's a Star Wars Galaxies or a Star Trek Online that sacrifices canonical authenticity on the altar of gameplay.
Then there's Otherland, gamigo's ambitious MMO based on Tad Williams' famous sci-fi cycle. A new interview with gamigo CEO Patrick Streppel sheds a bit of light on the title's timeline and canon and teases fans with glimpses of what they'll see and do when they plug in to what amounts to a virtual world set in a virtual world.
"Tad [Williams] has been very involved in the project from the beginning and provided lots of input to the development team on top of the source material. He is truly passionate about his vision being turned into a game," Streppel says. How will the game present that vision? It is "essentially a sequel" to the novels, and as a result of the dramatic conclusion at the end of the fourth and final book, it will now "be up to the players to get [Otherland] back online." The interview also delves briefly into gameplay topics, character creation, and more, so head to MPOGD.com to have a look.
Reader Comments (6)
Posted: Oct 6th 2011 4:52PM real65rcncom said
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oKQchgCzb4&feature=related
Just watched the video trailer of this game.
Now it makes me want to go read the novel. I like it as a different concept in mmos, good to see a game thinking outside of the "Elf Box" for a change.
Hope it does well... :)
Just watched the video trailer of this game.
Now it makes me want to go read the novel. I like it as a different concept in mmos, good to see a game thinking outside of the "Elf Box" for a change.
Hope it does well... :)
Posted: Oct 6th 2011 8:41PM Nepentheia said
@real65rcncom
"Elf Box"
*gigglefits* What a perfect description! x-D
Reply
"Elf Box"
*gigglefits* What a perfect description! x-D
Posted: Oct 6th 2011 4:59PM Papaspud said
Read the books quite a few years ago, this could be very interesting. It would add an Alice in Wonderland feel to gaming. Could be great, could be a stinker, but free to play, doesn't cost anything to give it a try.
Posted: Oct 6th 2011 7:00PM (Unverified) said
"...not everyone can visit your MyLand, but only those who have the portal address. Then again, there are hackers out there..."
I wonder if this means they have system for players to hack into other player's MyLand or if its just NPC attacks. Either way very cool.
I wonder if this means they have system for players to hack into other player's MyLand or if its just NPC attacks. Either way very cool.
Posted: Oct 7th 2011 6:41AM nevin said
I've had the books for years unread in a box somewhere..I need to dig them out.
The combat is the one element that worries me a little bit. Will be interesting to see it in action for myself.
The combat is the one element that worries me a little bit. Will be interesting to see it in action for myself.







