Showcasing a pre-alpha build of Battlestar Galactica Online, Big Point wants to take the world by surprise with the space-based MMO that is in collaboration with Universal Studios and Creative Director Ron Moore for the project. Based around the second season of the hit television show on the Syfy Channel, the MMO has potential to be Big Point’s landmark debut into the U.S. market after dominating the European scene for so long.
Built with the Unity 3D platform, Battlestar Galactica Online is browser-based and entirely in 3D for the entire free-to-play experience. Showing off a Cylon Raider in space, the combat wasn’t exactly the most exciting thing on display at E3, but it did show off that players are able to freely travel the galaxy shooting down enemy ships rather than pointing and clicking on a predetermined area and stopping at the location.
As a browser-based title, it’s safe to say that I was impressed with the graphics that don’t necessarily scream free or cheap. The lighting, animations and effects all look professionally done with care taken towards the Battlestar Galactica franchise. The core of the game is space combat, so players expecting land environments and colorful worlds are going to be disappointed.
Playing as a human or cylon, players begin with a Viper or Raider for each side and will continue to level up to earn better ships. There are 18 ships in total currently in production, so the replay value of Battlestar Galactica Online isn’t limited to playing as one ship for the entire game. If impatient players can’t wait to level up and gain access to new ships, they can always spend a little dough to use them within the game.
Scheduled for a launch at the end of the year, Battlestar Galactica Online is said to have a beta in the fall. Fans of the television show will have to wait until Comic Con to hear about the characters that make their appearance known throughout the title.
