GDC 2008: Jumpgate Evolution
Ever since I was given a peek at Jumpgate Evolution at GDC in San Francisco, I have been mulling it over in the back of my head the best way to describe what I saw. |  |
 | Jumpgate Evolution is an upcoming MMO that has not yet begun its alpha stage. NetDevil is not releasing information on when it expects to begin alpha, stating only “as soon as possible”. The latest information we have on that is “the second half of 2008.” However, there is already quite a buzz about it. This is not surprising, considering that the Jumpgate title is not new. Originally released in 2001, Jumpgate: the Reconstruction Initiative was an innovator in the space-themed MMOs, and has enjoyed a successful course over the years. Jumpgate Evolution is the sequel to the original title, and will feature a new graphics engine and improved game play. Scott was extremely excited to share with us the beautiful graphics of Jumpgate Evolution, and rightfully so. If you ever wondered what looking into the galaxy with your own two eyes was like, this will answer that question once and for all. Not only are the colors so vibrant that at one point I almost had to look away, but the world is visually immense, as well. As you travel through space and pass other ships or planets, you will definitely be awed by their size – and yours. This is no fly-by-night model… no pun intended. Jumpgate is poised to bring the universe to your desktop in a real fashion. |
One of the key questions on our minds during this interview was just how NetDevil planned to avoid the mess that was Auto Assault. Sad but true, yet whenever a developer has a title that fails the community is naturally concerned for any future titles. At least until the developer proves its mettle once again. So of course we asked Scott what was the biggest lesson learned from Auto Assault. His response? “Polish early.” In other words, get the game polished and worth playing before focusing on anything else. And, considering what I was looking at as he was saying this, I think they’ve succeeded. The vibrant colors, the smooth detail, and the immersion overall – even on a laptop in the back room of a restaurant in a quick show-n-tell before another meeting – showed me that NetDevil is living the lesson.
| The term “jumpgate” means literally what it says; gates around the game world that you use to “jump” to other sectors. As you gain levels, you will open access to new gates to sectors within the world. At launch, NetDevil is anticipating having 120 to 125 sectors available for adventurers. Players will also be able to solo from start to finish, according to Scott Brown. So you can just log in, play for a bit, and log out. If this is true, then Jumpgate will be a major success for certain. One thing missing in most MMOs today is the soloability aspect for the casual gamer. And while I believe most developers are aware of that and working toward a solution, most players probably roll their eyes and say “Yeah, right” when they hear this. However, I certainly hope that Jumpgate can produce it. There is far too much potential here to let the opportunity slip away. All in all, I think that players will be very pleasantly surprised with Jumpgate Evolution. There is eye candy, detail, immersion. The missions are based on the actions of the players, so you can not only drive your game… but also have several different experiences depending on what choices you make with different characters. This allows for greater immersion into the story as a whole, and thus a more satisfactory game play environment. |  |
Be sure to take a look at Jumpgate Evolution. Beta signups are currently being taken, and I encourage you to check it out. You never know… you might decide that space is where you belong, rather than on some plot of land surrounded by water, fighting orcs or gnomes.
Ryan "Draknorr" Bohmann
Director of Content