Developer: NetDevil
Publisher: NCSoft
Genre: MMORPG
Release Date: Spring 2006

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Auto Assault takes a new spin on the MMORPG genre: forgoing dragons and wizards for a Mad Max world of the future. Driving around a post apoplectic wasteland in a tricked out vehicle to destroy your enemies sounds like my idea of fun. Along with a zombie invasion this is the next big challenge `80s movies have prepared me for.

After a mutant outbreak caused by a meteor shower the human elite escaped underground and tried to cleanse the surface with fire. A hundred of years later they resurface to find that not only have the mutants survived but the biomek warriors they left behind had as well. Of course each race hates each other and their differences can only be solved by fighting! With cars!

The 3 races—Biomek, Mutant and Human—each have their own abilities and environment which they call home. While each area is a vast wasteland they have their own look and challenges. Even the story telling from each race's point of view are widely different. Each has up to 4 vehicles to choose, from your basic tanker to healer classes. They all start off with a turret mounted on top of your ride that can be aimed with your mouse. The driving controls work off the keyboard (game pad also supported) and feature a hard and soft turn to aid those keyboard users in the fine art of driving.


As you progress you gain XP to level up to unlock new abilities. The game has an interesting mix of skill points, crafting and a skill tree to make an almost limitless combination of combat attributes. If that was not enough each class can toggle one of three combat modes that change your vehicle's skill set. These combat modes include stealth and higher damage resistance, at a cost of rate of fire or accuracy of your weapons. Almost all buildings and debris are destroyable and some will gain you items that can be crafted.

Battles are fast and can span over some of the most twisted terrain you will ever see. This is not for the 'click-a-few-commands-and-get-a-cup-of-coffee-while-the-battle-rages-on' types. This will take all your attention to stay alive and keep your vehicle on the road. Even going from one mission to the next is like a quick game of Trackmania as you jump toxic waters or avoid insects the size of bears.

The game is in beta testing stages right now so expect to see it on shelves soon. If you’re lucky you can get in on the beta testing. Check out their official site at www.autoassault.com.

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