Earthrise interview details mechas, game environments and tactics
by James Egan 
Sep 21st 2009 at 7:00PM
Filed under: Sci-fi, Game mechanics, Interviews, New titles, Earthrise
Among the independent game studios out there working on something a bit different for the MMO scene is Masthead Studios in Bulgaria. The studio is developing Earthrise, a post-apocalyptic MMO with a setting that's more far future sci-fi than the near-future burned out world of a title like Fallen Earth.
While the game's launch is still off on the horizon, Masthead Studios has been keeping Earthrise's fans informed about various aspects of the game, either in Question of the Week installments on their official site, or through interviews with the gaming press. The latest Earthrise interview is from GameSNAFU, who recently spoke with Atanas Atanasov, CEO of Masthead Studios.
Atanasov explains the advantages and drawbacks of using mechas in Earthrise, not the least of which is having your mecha stolen by other players. He states that vehicles can be placed in a 'pocketable' state when not in use, but can also be left in a persistent state (while unattended) for a window of time. It's that window that other players may try to use to boost it. Atanasov also discusses how the environments in Earthrise will come into play with PvP, and the importance of tactics and strategy. He tells GameSNAFU, "Player killers should not only consider how to approach the enemy, but also the fastest route of avoiding the involvement of the AI-controlled security squad. Environments in Earthrise are complex and often require a lot of logistical planning when it comes to ambushes, escapes and such."
The interview also hits on PvE in the game, and how it won't shut solo players out from most of this content. Atanasov says it's only when a character reaches "the upper end of the mid-game to end-game spectrum" that the PvE content will be too difficult to solo. Still, in a sandbox game that will (presumably) allow for espionage and betrayal, trust will be important. Some players, Masthead expects, will opt to run solo if they don't feel they can trust others in their group and the developers want to keep the game accessible to these players.
The interview also drops more details on harvesting resources, factions, and storyline. Check out the GameSNAFU interview with Atanas Atanasov for more on what to expect from Earthrise.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chimpo said on 7:59PM 9-21-2009
Gotta say, this game looks to be promising. I should be following up on it, but with its release date not for a bit, I'm to lazy.
Reply
Satn said on 11:56PM 9-21-2009
So it's a free-for-all PvP game?
Sigh, another one off the list.
Reply
EQ said on 9:36AM 9-22-2009
seems like eve online on foot.... though, isn't that Dust 514? - I dunno, maybe it will be ok.... Its a shame that they dont allow straight pve play though.
Reply
Harabeck said on 5:04PM 10-10-2009
Dust is nothing like Eve. It's just an FPS tied to Eve, you just go to planets and fight a match. All of the strategic stuff like building up territories is in Eve, not Dust. I suggest you read up on ER a bit more.
Equillian said on 9:14AM 10-12-2009
I suggest you look at when posts are posted. Before fanfest we knew almost nothing about it, so please, come down off your pedestal and start paying attention.
Reply
Harabeck said on 1:52PM 10-22-2009
Maybe you should have been paying attention back when Dust 514 was announced.
http://www.edge-online.com/news/eve-online-dev-unveils-console-mmo-dust-514
http://www.eveonline.com/pressreleases/default.asp?pressReleaseID=60
It was never, ever described as anything even remotely like Earthrise except that both have shooter elements and are sci-fi. Every description of Dust 514, even before fanfest, was that of a game focusing on shooter action and made absolutely no mention of a player driven economy, construction of bases (or even direct control of territory), or any of the other elements that make Earthrise a complete MMORPG. In fact, it was even stated that it would not be Eve on the ground on the day it was announced:"Instead of doing EVE Online for consoles,” says Petursson, “we looked hard at what people want to do when they're playing in their living room as opposed to sitting in front of a PC." (first link above) That sounds like the complete opposite of what Earthrise is aiming for.
Further, my previous post was not made to correct you (as this one is) but to simply set the record straight for anyone else curious about Earthrise who happens to read the comments.