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Main Menu Main Page News Archive Poll Archives Submit News Submit Pictures Forums Downloads FAQ Gallery Glossary Previews Reviews Sections Game Links Game Lists Web Links Link to GR! Recommend Us! Mail List Now you can get the news in your email, join today! subscribe      unsubscribe Flashbacks On This Day In Gaming History... 2001, Star Wars: Galaxies announces expansion to follow within six months of release with Starships. Donation Fund Show your support for this site, donate to the cause! Learn more. Adverts Cool Places

Previews: JumpGate JumpGate Starship travelling in space. JumpGate Developer: NetDevil Publisher: 3DO NetDevil, EU Mighty Games Genre: Sci-Fi Released: 09/25/01 Advancement System: Equipment Player vs. Player Combat: Yes Competitors: Earth and Beyond, Eve: The Second Genesis, StarWars: Galaxies, Traveller Online. "Welcome to YOUR new life!" It is a dark time. A massive cataclysm has left the universe in shambles and only the 3 factions of the Reconstruction Initiative can bring order and stability to the cosmos. Unsteady alliances form--but the threat of the alien Conflux hangs heavy in the air. As an intrepid adventurer you must pick your faction--then outfit and upgrade your ship and and hone your fighter pilot skills to join with other real-life friends (and foes) in an exciting unscripted outer space adventure where you are the story! The first true massive multi-player online game set in the depths of space, with an entire universe to expore in a real time space combat sim. You control the ship as the pilot charting your path into the dark recesses of space as you interact with squadron members and wayward travelers, struggle to stay on course in the face of solar storms, and battle mysterious adversaries (both human and alien). Starship under attack. The four systems had prospered greatly within the balance that only peaceful coexistence could bring. Each of the known systems had something to offer the others, who were all eager to receive. The ancient axes which had been ground for millennia between the traditionalists of the Octavian empire and the rebellious commonwealth of Solrain had long since been buried. The vicious, seemingly eternal struggles between Quantar and Hyperial forces had been peacefully resolved. Then occurred the unthinkable... an event of religious armageddon for some, an event of impossible chaotic chance for others. The Universe in under the governing body of 'The Reconstruction Initiative' a guiding force within the galaxy set on rebuilding the universe to it's former glory, but it is a galaxy divided and players choose to be part of one of three factions out of five to start thier careers in space. Each faction is similar to nation states. Each has a distinct culture and history, and differing general attitudes towards each others. With over 120 sectors, 15 different stations, and several new constructions to explore the game universe consists of potentially limitless navigational areas that are interconnected by a series of jumpgates. These jumpgates allow a spacecraft to "jump" to another area using extra-dimensional means. Some areas contain only jumpgates, while others contain space stations, asteroids, space cities under construction, often hostile alien life, and debris of ancient structures. Jumpgates, which are formed around spatial anomalies, can be found throughout known space and their locations are random in nature. Spacecraft must therefore travel between various gates in each area by conventional thrust means. View from the cockpit. A multitude of spacecraft, from the entry model scout craft to mid-sized freighters to advanced fighters, each customizable from roughly 50 different gun and missile payloads of different capabilities. These include light to heavy lasers, ion beam cannons, long range mortars, dual and single barrel rapid fire munitions, and dumbfire, guided, and fire and forget intelligent missiles. In addition, there are defense systems such as stealth anti-radar equipment, tactical missile defense systems, and FlashFire turbo boosts for quick getaways. Every major ship system is very customizable and upgradeable from engines, shields, sensors, targeting computers, electronic countermeasures, and of course weapons. Choose your course, make a difference in the universe, fight for a faction against alien invaders (or other players), or be a merchant plying the spacelanes in trade. The Universe is open for you to decide. Expansions: None Currently. Comments: JumpGate is the first massive multi-player game to take place in space, being the first does not mean they are the best. But, these guys at NetDevil have a great looking game and it was about time someone went to another genre then the tried and true fantasy market. Originally published by 3DO the rights reverted back to NetDevil who maintains the U.S. servers, and offers the game as a free download. To handle billing, they have set up a PayPal billing system. Docked in a starport. 3DO is most likely kicking themselves for letting what could be a huge market slip through their fingers. They've done it with other games in the past, so it's not a huge surprise. Meanwhile, across the pond MightyGames picked up the title for that market and they have an impressive grasp of making this game great. While there are issues with the game, the team is constantly working to resolve them, adding in-depth storylines and creating an ongoing universe shaped by the players. The basic premise behind JumpGate is that you have a ship, a great expanse of space, you farm for items, complete missions etc., all in the name of your faction. To get from one place in the universe to another, you use jump gates. One thinks that control of the jump gates would be akin to Gate Camping. So, the need for grouping is a must. As you compete against others, you gain credits for cash and can upgrade various components of your ship. Those with the best ships and group tactics will no doubt dominate. If your worried about being a 'newb' in game, and getting destroyed at the start, they have made it so that your safe to start, by having protected area's. There is a lot more to this game, and it's worth playing at least to familiarize yourself with games of this genre. It will be interesting to see how the game holds up with the mass-market competition that is going to be released in the following year. Take advantage of the trial period, you may like it. Discuss: In space, no one can hear you scream...

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