Starsiege

The Hype

Starsiege was originally known as Earthsiege 3, the third game in the popular and compelling Earthsiege series (both previous games achieved Classic' status).

In an attempt to compete with the massive BattleTech/MechWarrior universe, the developers have changed the name and expanded the game world to include two other titles that share the same universe (one a multiplayer version of Starsiege known as Starsiege: Tribes, the other a real-time strategy game, Homeworld).

Starsiege will have comprehensive Net play and multiplayer options and will undoubtedly have Quake-d out deathmatchers chomping at the bit for a piece of the latest online action. So far, the technology is impressive, as are the game options. You can pilot more than 30 different customisable vehicles, including air-skimmers, tanks and Hercs, and really go to town on how you plan your missions.

The Reality

Like MechWarrior III, the third instalment in the Earthsiege series is long overdue. The technology demo is comparable with the other 'Mech games that are due to hit the shelves at the same time, and the developers claim it's moved on a fair bit since the demo was stuck on the Net. Let's hope it's worth the wait.