This is the game I am most looking forward to. It is released in 2009 which is a ways off, but it is good to have the heads up. This is a MMO coming out first for the PC then for other consoles. It is very similar to Grand Theft Auto in that it is open ended game play and an enforcers vs criminals environment. The creator David Jones is actually the creator of the original Grand Theft Auto and wants to get Rockstar Games who publishes the GTA series to buy this game and change the name to Grand Theft Auto Online. This would ensure the name recognition and boost sales.

The game is very different from most MMO’s which are based on leveling and buying/finding the best armor and weapons. This video game is a third person shooter where there is no leveling per say. As a criminal or gangster you gain turf for your gang and respect or rank for yourself. You can get better weapons, but you can loose them as well. The lower ‘respected’ criminals have to rob convenience stores and do small bit crimes. The higher ranking criminals rob banks and have ‘grand scheme’ plans. I should also mention that there is fighting between rival gangs.

As for the cops, they patrol the streets looking for these gangsters and can have shoot outs with them in high speed pursuits. The police system works similar in that the more crimes you stop, the higher ranking and more equipment you are allocated by the Police Force.

A unique aspect is that you can do simultaneous missions. For example the gangsters could be doing a drug deal while the cops are sent out to bust it up. Whoever completes the mission wins more money to buy better weapons. Now that’s real mmo competition! There is also the fact that you can jump in and play this game and not feel like you have to stay for long amounts of time. There is no grind where you work on leveling your character for most of the game. It is more similar to a shooter game where you jump in and play and can leave at any time without remorse. It is also a cool game for hardcore gamers and easy going gamers in that respect. They will also have character and vehicle customization which is always interesting and keeps the in-game world from looking replicated.

It uses the Unreal Engine 3.0, and from the game clips I’ve seen it looks quite impressive. So whether your into Grand Theft Auto, shooter games, turf games or cops vs robbers games, this is the game for you.