NCsoft, the creators of such MMORPG games as City of Heroes, Lineage and Guild Wars have taken a different tune with its latest slew of games and have developed four games that will be available to gamers for no charge whatsoever. Gamers will be able to play any of the four new releases for free of charge but will be able to spend the extra coin for upgrades and extras that aren’t available in the basic service. Here’s a brief run down of each of three of the four games that will be available through the PlayNC service. The fourth game was announced as a tennis themed game called Smash Star, but very little else was let known about it other than it won’t be available until sometime in 2007. For now however, check out these awesome and diverse titles that Play NC is letting loose on the gaming world.

Dungeon Runners

In this free downloadable multiplayer RPG game, you will find yourself crawling through dungeons either alone or on a team using a character from three available classes. The game play is focused on being fun and fast so there are no penalties for death and travel to from places all around the vast world is instant and quick. There is no need to be trudging across a map for fifteen minutes at a time to reach a destination. Each time you pass through a portal to enter an action area; the zones are generated randomly and will be different each time to help keep the game from getting stale and old. Characters can play on any of the servers available, so you aren’t restricted to having your character bound to one server for the duration of its existence. There will be plenty of unique quests and phat loots to find as you level your character up through the course of the game. Dungeon Runners is absolutely free but you will be able to purchase items and additional content for a small fee. Look for Dungeon Runners to be available some time in the second half of 2006.

Exteel

Exteel is an online game that pits players against each other in PvP style survival deathmatches. Players create and control giant robots known as Mechanaughts that they can customize to their liking through the extensive creation tool. Designs range from the visual appearance the Mech will have, such as large, small or hulking; to the weapon payout the Mech will carry, such as dual electric swords or overwhelming siege cannons. The customization of the mechs has thousands of combinations and players will be able to create more than one. The Mechanaughts will be stored in a hangar when not used and can be pulled out and put into action whenever the need arises. Players will roam the online world looking for other players to challenge in various styles of game play. You can battle in either one on one or team battles and each confrontation will be recorded into the games detailed ranking system so that all players can see where they rank against everyone else. The game uses a modified Unreal 2 engine to provide the great looking graphics and effects and bring the industrial battle grounds to life. Continuing the Play NC format, Exteel will be a free game at the basic level and fees will be applicable for more advanced gaming. Look for Exteel to hit North America in the later part of 2006.

Soccer Fury

For those that like some martial arts mixed in with their sports, Soccer Fury is right up your alley. Soccer Fury is a mix of street style urban soccer and no holds barred fighting through various city and street settings. Players will get to create their character through a customization screen which allows you to alter everything from hair, clothes and even tattoos, as well as customize their own logos and home turf. Players can form squads and play 3 vs. 3 with other players and enter tournaments and compete in leagues. Players can use tricks and special moves as well as earn new ones as they get more advanced to get the upper hand on opponents. Combine brawling tactics with your soccer skills to defeat opponents in a way that no soccer game has ever allowed you to. The graphics are gorgeous and clean, with the characters looking unique and diverse, and the actions of both the soccer play and the fighting styles are motion captured for the most realistic and smooth animations possible. Random weather will play a factor in the game well and add a visual boost with rain, fog and even snow. With no release date specified as of yet other than being available in 2007, Soccer Fury will also be available for free with additional content to be offered after it is released to the public. - Jeff McAllister.