14 DAY TRIAL // R.A. Salvatore, the author best known for creating the series of Dungeons & Dragons books built around the character of Drizzt Do’Urden, has said that even at this stage in the development process, Copernicus, the MMO from 38 Studios, is looking better than many high-profile video games that are out at the moment.
The writer stated, “This game is much further along than is being reported – I wish I could show you some if it – and the environments, the animations and the game-play would blow you away.”
He added, “Truth is, most of what you’ve seen is rough compared to what we have. We had zones in WHITE BOX that were prettier than many you’ll find in running, completed, published games. And the combat and animation…super…top-notch all the way around.”
R.A. Salvatore has been working with 38 Studios on Copernicus since 2006 and was tasked with putting together the narrative and the lore elements that hold the game world together.
He also created the core outline for the story of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, which some reviewers praised for introducing a number of new elements to the traditional fantasy space.
The author has also praised the music of Copernicus, saying that the team - made up of Aubrey Hodges, Duncan Watt and Gene Rozenberg - has changed the way sound was used in the MMO genre.
He refused to offer more clear details on the 39 Studios MMO project, fearing lawsuits if he disclosed more, but suggested that the game would have been a serious contender if it had ever been launched.
The initial plans for Copernicus were for R.A. Salvatore to create the core lore of the MMO and then expand on it in a series of novels. The development team at Studios would then have implemented the major world events in the MMO itself, pushing the story forward.
Following financial problems, 38 Studios laid off all its staff last week.