What are the different types of characters you can play in Earth & Beyond?

There are three races: Terrans, the masters of trade, Progen, the masters of combat, and Jenquai the masters of exploration. Players can then further customize their character by selecting a class. The best traders in the game will be the Terran Tradesman. The best fighters will be the Progen Warriors. The best explorers will be the Jenquai Explorers. Players can also choose to be hybrids and good at any two of the three.

Is there an inherent dependant relationship between all three character classes?

The three character classes all have different abilities that, together, create a powerful team. For example, the Progen are very good at fighting and inflicting sustained damage but the Jenquai are needed to find the targets, and the Terran have the ability to repair damaged ships. Each class will have unique and powerful abilities that will be appreciated and desired by other players. The best way to advance in Earth & Beyond is by working together. It’s certainly possible to play alone, but the path to success is best followed with others.

How much flexibility will players have in customizing their character? Will they be able to change skill paths in the middle of the game?

Characters in Earth & Beyond are strongly classed. When you pick a race and class, the skills and abilities of that selection are pre-determined. If the player chooses to become a powerful Tradesman, he will not be able to switch roles and become the best warrior in the game.

Players will, however, have a lot of flexibility in how they advance their character. Although the race and class dictate the character’s skills, advancement can take many different routes. Players will be able to specialize in different areas within their abilities and skills, and will therefore be quite different than other characters of the same level and race.

Will there be any non-player characters in Earth & Beyond?

Yes. NPCs will play a large role in the game. We are giving many of them voices and they will interact heavily with the players, such as becoming advisors, mentors, employers, etc. Players will also be able to get missions from non-player characters and will also be able to get news and information about what is going on in this massive virtual world.

What customization options will players have when creating or choosing their avatars and ships?

When the player first begins the game, his initial choice will be which race to play: the Progen, Terran, or the Jenquai. After that, he must decide what to specialize in: fighting, exploring or trading. When he begins the game, he will be given the basic ship of whatever race he chooses. The ship, along with the avatar, is completely customizable in the look, color and accessories. As players progress through the game and advance their characters, they will gain new abilities that will manifest in a larger ship, more weapons, cloaking devices, etc. The ship will grow and change and will be a visual representation of how advanced the character is.

The game's story »