Jagex lets out a small bit of information on their upcoming title, Mechscape
by Seraphina Brennan 
Aug 7th 2009 at 9:00AM
Filed under: At a glance, Sci-fi, Game mechanics, New titles, Browser, Mechscape
While Gillen's Rock, Paper, Shotgun piece centered mostly on Jagex's newest website, FunOrb, and their dedication to retro gaming, he was able to sneak in a few questions and learn a few key facts about Jagex's next browser-based MMO. Mechscape is not Runescape in space, but more of an evolution of "How can we avoid past mistakes?" One of the mistakes that many developers make is putting fantasy MMO mechanics into a sci-fi setting according to Henrique Olifiers, the head of Mechscape.
"The reason why many Sci-fi MMOs haven't worked is because they're fantasy games dressed up to look like Sci-fi games," said Olifiers to Gillen.
To this end, Mechscape has turned to sci-fi titles such as Ascendancy and Masters of Orion for inspiration in regards to their game mechanics. In addition, Mechscape will not be featuring experience points or levels, much like another game we just talked about.
Olifiers has stated that Mechscape is in the final polishing phases of development, but he will not put a date down on the game just yet, citing the age-old, "It will be done when it's done."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
THAC0 said on 10:17AM 8-07-2009
I cant find a screenshot anywhere, I just went to thier forums and there isnt a ton of info thats easy to find. Will it just have some nice concept art and then be completely pointless like the recent Legends of Zork game?
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DeathMutant said on 10:29AM 8-07-2009
Sorry for the off-topic comment but, THAC0, how do you get a cool (non-WoW) avatar when posting comments on Massively?
Jack said on 10:30AM 8-07-2009
If Jagex's next browser-based MMO. Mechscape fail every one will be smiling about his comments. BTW Runescape is one of the worst mmo I ever played!
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THAC0 said on 10:33AM 8-07-2009
Click on your name which brings you to your "profile" > then click "edit picture" i think. I did it ages ago.
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Hypester said on 12:14PM 8-07-2009
"The reason why many Sci-fi MMOs haven't worked is because they're fantasy games dressed up to look like Sci-fi games,"
^ SO true, but only part of the puzzle. We'll see how this plays out.
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Psychotic Storm said on 12:54PM 8-07-2009
Ascendancy? honestly I loved this game, too bad I cannot make it run on new machines.
oh the memories.
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Cody Kline said on 1:11PM 8-08-2009
Hey, check out www.runevault.net
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Bruceongames said on 2:57AM 8-18-2009
More Mechscape info in this latest Andrew Gower interview: http://www.bruceongames.com/2009/08/18/exclusive-andrew-gower-interview/
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