WAR takes shape, chainsaw maniacs rejoice

Update: Whoops, guess this was either leaked info or just plain speculation — THQ is denouncing both the launch date and these details.

Typically, studios developing new MMOs have a certain, extremely structured way of releasing new information.  Usually it comes in drips and dribbles, because that gets more headlines and more publicity.  Once in a while you see a big announcement covering, say, an entire aspect of the game, which will arrive with big fanfare.

THQ and Vigil are going a different way with Warhammer 40K, it seems.  Not only did the studio announce a release date for March 31, 2013 already — which is really unheard of this far in advance — but today they just sent a number of sites a huge amount of features and details in a semi-comprehensive bullet point list without much fanfare.  It’s kind of like, “Oh hey, here’s our game, check it out, get back to us.”

For those of us who follow MMOs, it’s almost disconcerting.  I have no idea why they aren’t spreading these announcements out more, unless they either have more specific plans for future PR or are extremely confident in their product and aren’t that concerned with being “proper.”

Some of the more interesting points include:

• A level cap of 60
• Team size of 5
• Raids of 50 (thus far)
• Space Marine (Order and Chaos variants) class’ specialties: Tactical, Heavy, Assault
• Other classes: Assassin, Demon Host, Psyker, Techpriest, Nob, Mekboy, Runt Herda, Mad Dok, Scorpion, Avenger, Warlock, Reaper
• Hero classes around level 40: Grey Knight, Chaos Sorcerer, ‘Ard boy or Weird boy, Farseer
• Tau and Dark Eldar’s are slated for later expansions
• Dual-wield ranged and melee weapons.  Left and right mouse buttons control these weapons.

All in all, it looks like a Gears of War-style game, which is great for those who like a bit more twitch, but it might not go over well with hotbar lovers.  What I’m taking away from this is that the team is really getting into the Warhammer 40K universe and trying to provide as much of that experience as possible.  I’m really impressed with the class list (in progress), and hero classes have me intrigued.

Will this be the Warhammer game to rule them all?  Will disheartened WAR fans find a new love with the scifi version?  Only time shall tell!

• Posted in: Warhammer 40K