Lego Universe is an upcoming massively multiplayer online game being developed by NetDevil. It is planned be released in the second half of 2010. It is delayed from original estimates of 2009, late November 2008, and mid-2008. This is the first Lego computer game sold in which players can connect and play online. The game is currently in the Closed Beta stage of testing.
Gameplay
LEGO has confirmed that LEGO Universe will be cooperatively played with others to accomplish in-game tasks rather than PvP (player versus player) gameplay. For example, as shown in a walkthrough video taken at CES 2010, there are some special “gold bricks” within LEGO Universe, which, at times, can only be obtained with the help of friends.
Quick Build
Another gameplay feature is Quick Build, which allows a user to quickly build an item. This can be used to make turrets, vehicles (only shown in early concept video, and not quite confirmed as of now), and other useful objects. In some video walkthroughs, it ca be found that destroyed Darklings can be turned into other helpful objects, such as turrets, with the use of Quick Build.
Properties
In yet another CES 2010 video, it was confirmed and shown that a player will have his/her own Property, in which they can use bricks collected from battles, shops, and other locations to build houses and other models. (All models are approved before public availability, of course.) As of the Closed Beta Phase, it is reported on some sources that a user can use up to 80,000 bricks.
Animation Capabilities
One other feature of properties (shown in the same CES 2010 video) reveals that a user will be able to animate objects and/or pets within their property, using a block-programming system similar to the one used with the Mindstorms robotic models. A user can have an animal or object do certain things upon nearing them, saying a keyword, as well as many other possibilities. The user can then adjust the numerical value of each property of the programming, to create a truly unique animation.
Cost
LEGO Universe will be available on DVD at some stores, as well as online, by download. Instead of purchasing the whole game on one set price, a user will be required to pay a certain subscription amount. As of now, no one is certain of whether it will be run on monthly costs, yearly costs, or both, but it appears as though a monthly cost will be implimented with the Live 1 release.
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