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Auto Assault

Platform(s): PC
Genre: Online Multiplayer
Publisher: NCSoft
Developer: NetDevil

About Rainier

PC gamer, WorthPlaying EIC, globe-trotting couch potato, patriot, '80s headbanger, movie watcher, music lover, foodie and man in black -- squirrel!

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'Auto Assault' Developer Q&A

by Rainier on June 15, 2005 @ 1:36 a.m. PDT

Combine fast-paced vehicular combat with high-tech, futuristic weaponry and hundreds of intense skills and you get Auto Assault – a unique departure from traditional Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs). Hop in your own customized cars, semis, and motorcycles and prepare to fight the mutated creatures and bandits of Auto Assault's post-apocalyptic world. Battle other players both in arenas and in epic race vs. race wars for control of the regions in a devastated Earth. Auto Assault uses the power of the Havok physics engine to let you make insane jumps, send obstacles flying and even blast bridges, buildings, fences and trees with your car-mounted rockets. Anything you can hit, you can destroy!

WP: How does this compare to other MMORPGs?

A: Auto Assault is the fastest, most destructive MMO ever! It takes everything you expect from a full-featured, deep MMORPG - long term character development, exploration, missions, crafting, and lots of players on-line playing together. Auto Assault then adds some of the most exciting and spectacular elements of action and shooter games. Auto Assault is the only MMORPG to feature a high-end physics engine that renders dynamic, fully destructible environments, rag-doll character deaths and more. Additionally, Auto Assault is fast and exciting - tire-shredding, mobile combat, quick grouping and fast movement around the world. There's definitely no more running for an age to get to your next quest. Auto Assault also features an incredible loot system and unparalleled PvP that's truly global in scale.

WP: Do I have to have an Internet connection?

A: Yes, 56K modem minimum, but broadband recommended.

WP: Will there be a monthly subscription fee? How much will it cost?

A: Yes, Auto Assault requires a monthly subscription fee that can be paid for either by credit card or by buying game time cards from your game store. The cost for subscription has not been determined yet, but it will be competitive with other MMORPG products.

WP: What about Auto Assault would appeal to the action gamer?

A: How about driving a heavily-armed, blazing fast vehicle customized by you into an enemy base swarming with opponents on-foot and in vehicles, then laying waste to everything...seeing bodies flying into the air, explosions demolishing buildings...carnage that you've created. To add to the fun, you've got built-in voice-chat, so you can call in your friends for back up and then coordinate your attacks. These are the staples of a top of the line action game and just a very tiny example of what you can do in Auto Assault; they're available in a true MMO world for the very first time.

WP: What makes Auto Assault an MMORPG?

A: Auto Assault is not just an action game with some RPG elements thrown in. It is a fully-featured MMORPG with character creation and advancement, the ability to grow in experience and gain 'levels', the ability to select and modify attributes and skills, and so on. You create the hero that you want to play. Auto Assault also features a fun and rewarding crafting system that gives you the chance create unique items by not only crafting in the traditional sense, but by reverse engineering as well. That means that there could be people willing to pay good in-game money (known as 'clink') to buy it from you and this will be supported by a full in-game buying and selling system.

Additionally, Auto Assault features the ability to form guilds (known as 'clans' in Auto Assault), allowing you to band together to share loot, strategy and a common goal. If you're looking for something a little less permanent, you can head out onto the highway and form a 'convoy' where individuals team up to take on powerful enemies.

Auto Assault features 'instances' where you or you and your friends enter a part of the world that is private to you and cannot be entered by other uninvited players. This allows you to take on enemies without fear of being disturbed. The cool thing is that the havoc you unleash and the damage you cause will stay there. When you return on a new mission, you'll see the buildings you destroyed still lying in a heap of rubble.

WP: You say your combat is fast paced, can you explain what combat is like in Auto Assault?

A: Most other MMORPGs will see you enter combat in a very slow manner where you're likely to stand in front of your one opponent swinging away with your weapon or blasting away with a gun that auto-aims. In Auto Assault, you'll need to keep moving. A moving target is harder to hit, but more rewarding when you do! You'll aim at your opponent by keeping them locked inside your TacArc, this is represented on-screen by a pie-wedge shape, which broadens out from your weapon(s). If your opponent is inside the area of the TacArc, you can hit him. The actual amount of damage you do and if you score a critical hit is determined by the stats of your weapons, your skills and your attributes. These elements combine with what is essentially a roll of the dice to keep combat true to its role-playing roots.

WP: What about PvP in Auto Assault?

A: Auto Assault will feature PvP (player versus player). The first way you'll be able to enjoy PvP is through the fully consensual arenas. The arenas will actually exist outside of the server you play on meaning that your bragging rights aren't limited to being the best on any one server, but throughout all servers - on a truly global scale! Arenas will feature multiple combat types and results will be monitored and updated in real time via our web-based stats and rankings system. You'll be able to see just how well you or your guild is doing. Beyond arenas, there will be 'open' PvP in the wastelands - areas of the game world not under the control of any one faction, where your choice of race will determine who's got your back and who's out to get you.

WP: Is there an advantage to one class or race over the others?

A: No. They are balanced so that all classes and races can play efficiently either solo or in a group. Your choice of race and class will reflect how you want to play, enjoy and experience the game.

WP: Can I pre-order Auto Assault? What are the benefits to pre-ordering?

A: Yes, you can pre-order Auto Assault from your favorite games store. Those who pre-order the game will receive a special pack that contains some unique screens and game information, but more importantly give you priority access to Beta testing, a guaranteed head-start in playing the full game days before those that don't pre-order, and an in-game weapon to mount on your vehicle that will not be available to those who don't pre-order. Finally, the included pre-registration key will ensure that you get a very special bonus on loot drops - again only available to those that pre-order. Pre-ordering the game will cost you $10, but that money goes directly to the cost of the full game, so pre-ordering actually costs you nothing


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