Icarus Studios News

World of Warcraft changed the way people look at MMORPGs when it launched on November 23rd, 2004. Since that time, according to our game list, 174 new MMOs have been launched and survive to this day. Of those launched prior to World of Warcraft, only 63 continue operation. Sure, there are other games we have not listed yet (we’re working on it) and quite a few games have launches and died (I’m looking at you Tabula Rasa). I’m also suffering from some North American bias and only counting the games on this side of the pond. Still, that’s a fantastic number of games in only five years that have either made it or – worst case – not died since WoW launched. Yet, despite the 174 new entries, not one has even flirted with a fraction of WoW’s success, let alone matched it critically or commercially.

Ever since I grew tired of "World of Warcraft" I've been trying to latch on to another online role-playing game, but so far, none have held my interest for very long.

"Aion," the latest fantasy-themed online title, debuted late last month but has been working through its share of problems. I'm not quite sure I want to test those waters yet.

But a funny thing happened around the time of "Aion's" launch: a little indie game called "Fallen Earth" (PC, $15 monthly fee; rated Mature) slipped in under the radar.

It's unlike anything currently on the market, both in theme and gameplay.

"Fallen Earth" is set in a post-apocalyptic America in the year 2156. You and other players comprise a population of scientifically-engineered clones living in and around the Grand Canyon.

If you've played any of the "Fallout" games (or have watched a "Mad Max" film), you already have a good idea of what to expect from "Fallen Earth," at least in terms of visual style and tone.