News

By: Daniel Cox Jun 25, 2007

Jumpgate Evolves

The next chapter to the cult MMO, Jumpgate, has been released: Jumpgate Evolution.

Jumpgate Evolution is the latest iteration of NetDevil's MMO and is a substantial update to the previous game. Evolution features updates to the game in almost every area, a complete graphics update, the integration of advanced AI features, and some tweaks and changes to the gameplay to make it as appealing as possible to as many people as possible while, of course, not putting off the existing fanbase.

"Jumpgate Evolution offers fun, intuitive game play that is thoroughly engrossing, while the new AI encourages players to immerse themselves in various roles available in the universe," said Scott Brown, President of NetDevil. "The game has undergone a complete graphics overhaul and has been vastly expanded to offer more weapons, and greater focus on PvE targets, making roles more refined in the process. Advanced social aspects of the MMO are available as well, including player-owned stations, complete with controllable economy, updated player statistics and rankings, and the ability for players to create squads with customizable web pages for each. The overall experience is a vital improvement in terms of playability, accessibility, as well as the overall look and feel. We think it's a great example of just how far you can transform an existing IP."

Some of the features added in Evolution are :-

New rendering engine scaling from fixed function to pixel shaders for maximum market reach.
Engaging and responsive AI, creating the feeling of a living, changing universe.
Several new missions across multiple types including: combat, patrols, mining, and delivery.
A real supply and demand economy - responsive to player trading activity.
Engaging PvP system with factional peace and war rating, significantly affecting game dynamics.
New user interface to make the game more engaging and accessible.

Hermann Peterscheck, Lead Producer on Jumpgate Evolution, added: "We saw a unique opportunity to expand the existing IP and integrate vast technical and game play improvements to breathe new life into the game. AI controlled cargo haulers can now respond to station supply requests and pirates can actively plunder these ships while being hunted by computer controlled defenders. All these interactions create a series of unpredictable episodes so that players stay completely engaged, immersed, and entertained."

Jumpgate is one of those games that not many people seem to have played, but in the increasingly cut throat MMO field has still managed to hold its own. Let’s hope Evolution gives it a new lease of life... maybe it's time to take a look for myself!

For more details, head on over to http://www.jumpgate-evolution.com/.

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