Ubisoft Shanghai is developing a follow-up to real-time tactics game Tom Clancy's EndWar. EndWar Online is a free-to-play MMO that will be available through web browsers.
Tom Clancy's EndWar Online is set in the aftermath of World War 3. The major factions who waged the war are short of resources and money and find themselves on the brink of collapse. In this chaos, rogue warlords now control much of the world. The players take on the role of one of the last leaders of Europe or Russia and then try to rebuild their homelands. The third faction, the United States, will be introduced after the beta concludes.
EndWar Online is played through a Flash plug-in. As such, it should be playable on a wide range of computers. Both PC and Mac systems will be supported.
Players can sharpen their skills through a single-player campaign. There are ten chapters to the campaign, each with five missions. Through these missions they'll learn how to run their headquarter's economy, research and diplomacy. Additionally, they'll gain experience in managing the game's 10 unit types, which range from tanks to gunships to turrets. Players will also gain access to over 80 hero units that can level up and acquire new abilities.
Once you feel comfortable with the game, you can start challenging other players. Ubisoft was sort of vague in describing the battles but say they'll be "frantic three minute sessions tailored for browser play." As a result, there's a minimum of micromanagement.
The player-versus-player side of the game also has a wider metagame called Theater of War. In Theater of War, the two (and eventually three) factions will battle for control of territories across the world. Each faction's performance will presumably affect its individual players' strength in some way.
Like many free-to-play games, EndWar Online also offers optional microtransactions. Players can buy gold with real-world money in order to acquire convenience or cosmetic items. This gold can also supplement the resources you've acquired to build up your HQ. Ubisoft points out that all content in the game is available regardless of how much money you spend, though.
EndWar Online is currently in closed beta. If you're interested in testing the game, you can register at EndWarOnline.com. Ubisoft intends to have a Founders program to allow players to pay for guaranteed beta access along with other exclusive items. Exact details on the three Founder Packs will be announced at a later date.
