We see a demo of the game, which is mostly the same one we saw at E3. Star runs down the reasons that Tabula Rasa might appeal to someone who didn’t enjoy other MMOs, like the ability to solo, the cloning system that works essentially as a Save Game feature, and of course the hallmark of any Garriott game, the rich and rewarding story. We’re then given a good long look at the fast-paced combat of Tabula Rasa, which is so different from other MMOs. In other MMOs, you click on an enemy and wait for the fight to unfold, but in Tabula Rasa, you’re constantly moving, and using your surroundings to your advantage as you lay the smack down on your enemies. The combat is fast and exciting, more like a shooter than an MMO. And now it’s time to get on the bus and head to the construction site to check out those strange objects Richard found.
Except one of the buses is dead.
Sigh.
Half of us are shuttled to the dig site, then stand around and wait some more while the rest are fetched from Britannia Manor. Garriott fills the time by telling us a bit about the plans for his new house (underground garage here, moat there), but it’s late, it’s hot, and patience is beginning to wear thin. You can practically hear the collective sigh of relief when the other bus arrives and we begin to pick our way through the construction site. As we gingerly step over gravel and through puddles, we see the artifacts unearthed in the dig. Someone behind me mutters something about “being brought all the way out here to look at props.”
We’re corralled into another tent, and then shut in with Caution tape. We’re looking at the bowling-pin tower discovered at the site, and the reflecting ball sphere is hovering nearby. Some members of the audience are called up to touch the ball, which gives off some impressive sparks. But if we concentrate hard enough, and if we untap the power of our minds, a fairy might get its wings…oh, and maybe something spectacular will happen. More sparks, some lights, (the feeling of being at Universal Studios returns with force) and the bowling pin tower lights up. It’s supposed to be a Tabula Rasa control point, and we’ve just activated it, yeah, yeah, can we go now, Richard? We’re tired.
And then it happens.
A holographic projection of a Bane shows up to tell us how stupid we are. Activating the tower just made it easier for the Bane to find us. Sirens sound. Lights flash. The canvas roof is ripped off of our tent, and an angry red light focuses down on us. A Bane soldier comes lumbering into view, enormous gun at the ready. Fortunately, a squadron of soldiers quickly follows and takes aim, protecting us from the alien. The Men in Black even show up to do their part in the fire fight. The Bane escapes into the construction site, taking cover behind half-built walls. Explosions rock what will become Britannia Manor Mark 3, as flames shoot thirty feet in the air. We recoil from the heat, which is searing even so far away. Another red searchlight pinpoints our location as the soldiers shoot it out with our enemy. A helicopter swings into view to provide cover from above. More explosions. More fire. Sparks and shots are flying everywhere, coming from every direction. Then finally, thankfully, the fight is over. We have won. We are safe. For now.
The lights go up, the actors take their bows, and Richard Garriott returns to the stage once more to announce that Tabula Rasa will be available on October 19th. Celebratory fireworks fill the air as we collect our cell phones and pile back onto the one functioning bus. We’re still tired and hot, but now also a bit giddy about having survived our first fight against the Bane. But definitely not our last.
