I’ve been following this game’s progress for some time now and every time I hear something new it gets my blood pumping.  Recently at PAX 2008, IGN had a chance to jump into the pilot seat and get a first look at the gameplay, also if you click the link there’s a brand new trailer for the game, go watch I’ll wait. (goes to get a cup of coffee)  Looks pretty kick ass right? Now not to knock Eve Online, but the combat sucks big donkey balls.  I grew up playing games like X-Wing, Tie Fighter, Freespace and Wing Commander and am a huge fan of space combat sims.  Which is one of the big reasons I never got into Eve Online, that and the fact that its learning curve is steep enough that only the few truely dedicated will make it, it’s almost like a rites of passage.

Anyway, I’m getting side tracked.  Jumpgate Evolution not only looks bad ass, but has a lot of features that I want in my MMO.  PvP is a must, which it has and is integrating with leveling, so if you’re not big on quests, you can level by enjoying some good old PvP.  Traveling is also not as tedious as it is with other games as you just jump (hence the name Jumpgate) from one area to the next, although I’m sure there will be some restrictions with that.   There will also be a leader board system that shows things stats like “Most kills”, “Most money earned” etc, which is pretty cool and will fuel PvP even more.

Aside from Warhammer Online, Jumpgate Evolution is probably the game I’m looking towards the most.  Currently they’re accepting beta signups, so if you haven’t already, go sign up.  The game is currently scheduled for release sometime in the Spring of 2009.