Terra (computer game)

Infobox VG
title = Terra: Battle For Outlands
developer = (Originally Kaon Interactive) Currently: Jenga, Beast, Terminox
released = "Terra": 1996
genre = Shooting MMOG
modes = Multiplayer
platforms = Microsoft Windows
media = Web interface
input = Joystick,Keyboard, Mouse
website = http://www.terracorps.com/

Terra (also known as Terra: 2120 or Terra: Battle for the Outland) was the original Massively multiplayer online role-playing game, debuting in early 1996 from Kaon interactive.

Overview

Terra is a virtual world played from the first-person perspective with one of several vehicles, originally limited to a medium tank (Rhino), light scout vehicle (Goat), or a heavy long-range self-propelled howitzer (Buffalo). A light attack helicopter (Shrike) was added sometime in 1997 and several other vehicle types have been added since, including a heavy tank (Armadillo) and fast laser-armed recon vehicles both land (Scarab) and air (Phoenix). Also, stationary fort defenses which existed from the start of the game (Thugs) as AI's have been made player-usable.

The game has some role-playing aspects to it as each player makes a character whose statistics are tracked continuously. Each player aligns themselves with a clan, and all players start in one of two clans called the "Desert Rats" or "AMOK". Players move from these two beginner/introductory clans by either pledging to existing primary clans or by forming their own clans. While many players do form their own clans most shortly wind up with established large clans since the Terra environment tends to not be friendly to such independent-minded players.

Terra is one of the few on-line games still playable by older computers and modems. In battle areas, where there is heavy vehicle traffic and weapons fire, the slowdowns are apparent but the game is still playable.

History

Eventually Kaon chose to pursue other directions and allowed the game to stagnate and die. Then along came gaming group Jacked-In, who added several variations on the Goat as well as a heavy tank (Armadillo) and the failed jet-pack (JOE). Their involvement ended less than pleasantly and Terra went off-line sometime in 2003. That wasn't the end of it, however. After several months, a player named "Rooster" worked out an arrangement with Kaon to bring the game back where it ran another two years. During this third incarnation, the a majority of the Jacked-In changes (second incarnation) were removed and the game took a new direction, including adding watercraft (Barracuda). In early 2005 this arrangement also ended rather abruptly, much to the dismay of the loyal player base. But in November of 2005, Terra was brought back once again by "Terminox" under a contractual arrangement with Kaon, "Jenga" and "Beast" invited to return to the fold as developers. With help from the "JKR", "Deft" and other long time players the game was quickly brought back on-line and has been running continuously since. The game's graphics have received several significant facelifts, further development is ongoing, and the player base has continued to expand.

The game is run by volunteers and from donations. It is a free game to this day.

Community

Terra players represent a wide range of nationalities and ages. Most players speak English to some extent or Brazilian Portuguese and manuals are available in several languages. International participation is encouraged and volunteers have translated the manuals as needed. A set of official forums created by Terra programmers is available to players on the Terra Corps website. On the forums, players are able to participate in game discussions and interact with the community. Many of the players are people living with disabilities and spend much of their time in this virtual world.

Ranks

Players are given rank status for the kill ratios they have attained. Higher rank means more privileges, although some of that is controlled by the clan leader for clan security reasons. Higher rank also allows the ability to create ones own clan, build forts and associated defences.

Current vehicles

Vehicles available to players as of the 6 June 2007 are as follows: the Buffalo M-3149C (main artillery unit), the Armadillo M-6225 (heavy tank), the Bloodbat R-47 (air to ground combat vehicle), the Phoenix R-81 (air to air combat vehicle), the Goat M-416W (a light attack vehicle) and its variant, the Goat R-416W (which replaces the heat seeking missile package with user aimed smart rockets), the Rhino M-74125 (the most flexible vehicle in Terra), the Shrike R-2155Y (an attack helicopter of dubious value and acceptance), the Scarab (a high speed, low armour attack vehicle) and the Barracuda (an armed attack boat).

External links

* [http://www.terraoutlands.com TerraOutlands] - Terra: Battle for the Outland website.
* [http://www.unknownsoldier.nl UnknownSoldier] - UnknownSoldier Clan site.