Taking control over a team of four characters, gameplay is either single player co-operative or up to four player network. A deathmatch option is available and an internet version is also planned.
Project Eden enables players to switch instantly between 1st and 3rd person viewpoints (the 1st person viewpoint allows the character to see torso and feet as well as a realtime shadow). Whilst the player is only in direct control of one character at any time, other team members may be commanded to follow. The player may also switch instantly between the four characters, enabling them to be left to perform specific actions. Characters that the player is not directly controlling will defend themselves automatically and alert the player if they fall under attack. Unless characters are ordered to follow, they will not move from where the player leaves them. As such they may be set up in strategic positions.
The gameplay mechanic requires the player to consider each team members' specific attributes and capabilities, but the team must always work together to progress through increasingly sinister and complex environments. Characters share a collective energy resource and provided the team has enough energy, members may be individually regenerated upon their death. 'ReGen' points are situated throughout the maps and characters are regenerated from the last point they tagged. Only if the whole team dies or loses all of its energy does the game end. The same principle applies to equipment - items may be generated again and again, provided the team has sufficient energy (this eliminates the need for a large inventory). Players may investigate areas by generating items such as exploratory vehicles and fly-cams, they may also take control over remote equipment such as security cameras and gun emplacements.
Driven by all-new engines, Project Eden incorporates the latest advances in mapping technologies, character skinning, animation (including variable speed playback), realtime morphing and other dedicated effects. Gameplay is structured via a commanding script that leads the player through a world distorted by it's own evolution, where the inhabitants reflect an unnatural and often sinister vigilance...
The Project Eden website will launch late January:
www.projectedengame.com