“We waited until now to make our first public announcement about Irth Online because we wanted to deliver early content to players rather than just plans and promises,” said Dennis Robinson, Lead Developer. “Players are encouraged to apply for our Beta test and help improve not only the future of Irth Online civilizations, but the quality of the game itself, which is our highest priority.”
Irth Online is a virtual world in which players role play characters in a free form, fantasy-based storyline. Players join Irth’s history at a period when a fragile truce exists among the far flung civilizations of the snowy Arcadians in the north, the southeastern swamps and marshes of Morbus, and the southwestern tropical region of Mezoteks – and determine the course of history for each civilization.
The persistent world environment of Irth Online features an open ended skill system. Players may learn any skill offered in the game without facing limitations of race or class. Irth Online's advancement system has a unique skill-over-time feature, allowing all characters to enjoy adventures together, regardless of experience level.
Player battle and fighting include PvE (Player vs. Environment) and PvP (Player vs. Player). Also included either at launch (or shortly thereafter) will be instance-based thievery, looting, and justice, as well as the ability to fully explore, travel, or wage war on the ground, on the sea, and in the air. Opportunities for non-warfare gameplay are also offered, along with safe areas for peaceable players.
Magic Hat Software’s in-house created engine uses the very latest technology in terms of DirectX9 effect files and vertex and pixel shaders (which include per-pixel lighting and bump/specular environment maps); allows creation of highly detailed characters with animation blending; extended visibility for the player (up to 10 miles in every direction); and unlimited, changeable terrain size with seamless background resource loading.