The Otherland is being rebooted: After the transition of the project from now defunct studio RealU, development of the MMORPG is back on track.

In Otherland, based on the bestseller novels by Tad Williams, players explore a series of virtual worlds, each with highly diverse graphics but connected via an overarching storyline: The fantasy world “Eight Squared”, the cyber-punk inspired “Bad Sector”, the Asian “Five Isles” and the SciFi planet “Mars”. The “Lambda Mall” functions as the central hub for players to socialize, complete with Bars, shops and personal player apartments.

Thanks to its setting, Otherland features several innovations for MMOs, among them the eDNA of NPCs, Avatars and Items as well as the “MyLand”-system for clans...

Otherland features a gear diversity matching the extensive character customization choices. Each simulation offers distinctive looking gear fitting the setting of the particular game world. On top of that, vendors in the major social hub called Lambda Mall offer additional looks and tons of vanity outfits.
Gear can also be crafted using SOMAforges and various gear can have sockets to be outfitted with a wide range of mods allowing players to further customize their gear’s stats. To craft items, players use various types of a resource named SOMA. SOMA can either be gathered or players can add SOMA Labs to their U|Spaces to grow SOMA on their own.

Development of Otherland moves at a rapid pace towards the anticipated release this year. Reason enough to shed some further light on some of the new features that have been recently added:

Crafting

The first version is now implemented, allowing to craft weapons and armor based on SOMA, items as well as eDNA. eDNA? Yes, as the name suggests all items in Otherland have their unique virtual identity. Instead of finding recipes in loot drop or buying them at vendors, players extract eDNA fragments from enemies they killed and – once the eDNA strain is complete – craft items characteristic for that NPC. That’s where SOMA – the central game resource – comes into play as crafting requires multiple types of SOMA in various quantities. Further adding variety, items will be created with 1 to 3 sockets. In turn, these may be filled with 3 types of crystals to improve various stats. Lucjan Mikociak, CEO of DRAGO Entertainment, explains why on the other hand the developer decided against crafting professions: “We want to offer our players the chance to create their own, perfect armor at any time without restrictions.”

U|Space

After a complete remake, U|Space – the housing system and fan-favorite in Otherland – is now both better-looking and more user friendly. It includes a hub to easily jump between the many rooms and allows the option of item storage. But be aware: other players may raid the apartment and randomly steal one of the player’s items. Only the U|Cache, based in Lambda Mall, can safely store the most valuable items – for a fee.

Mail System

In order to use the advantages of the crafting system in a most efficient way the Mail System has been totally reworked. It is now possible to send and receive mails with items attached among friends or trading partners.

Auction House

Most often requested by beta participants, the Auction House has finally been integrated and now allows all the classical functions to safely trade items.

The next beta test is scheduled for February and will allow an expanded audience to explore the five diverse virtual worlds and solve new quests!

Otherland features four distinctively different classes each being able to take on two different roles.

• The Warrior: The Warrior is a heavy melee combat class. Large two-handed weapons, massive armours and a specialised set of abilities allow the Warrior to not only dish out damage all around, but also take significant of damage.
• The Assassin: The Assassin is a light melee combat class. Assassins specialise in sneaking in the shadows and attacking opponents when least expected. A wide range of abilities and attacks support a fast combat pace to control the fight and finish opponents before the assassin can be harmed.
• The Marksman: The Marksman is a ranged class specialising in using a wide range of rifles and bows to deliver targeted damage from far away. The Marksman is also equipped with skills to keep enemies at bay by planting traps and knocking back approaching threats.
• The Energizer: The Energizer is a ranged class specializing in energy manipulation. Their weapons perform the dual function of both healing other players and delivering high damage to enemies. The Energizer has the ability to convert their own health to healing energy and skills to tag multiple targets allowing for both group heals and non-targeted damage.

Key Features:

• Otherland Multiverse: Otherland is a network of virtual worlds with completely different styles! This allows for an incredible variety in landscapes, NPCs, outfits and weapons.
• Breathtaking Graphics: Visually stunning landscapes, gorgeous environments, smooth effects and incredible characters all delivered by the Unreal Engine.
• Non-Targeting Combat: Combat in Otherland feels more like an action game than a classic MMORPG as you aim directly and use your mouse to look and control direction.
• Character Customization: Otherland boasts an astonishing wide variety of character customization. From tiny to huge, thin to muscular, and the ability to wear anything and everything you find – you will truly be able to find your unique look in the Multiverse.
• Player Housing & PvP: Collect eDNA from creatures and clone them in your own personal housing: the UISpace. Choose to donate it to your clan’s own world: the Clan|Space. Expand your Clan|Space, explore and defend it!