Post-Apocalyptic Earthrise MMORPG to Release February 4

Heads up, MMO fans: the genre is set to go apocalyptic in a big way.

Post-apocalyptic, that is.

Independent MMO developer Masthead Studios announced Tuesday that its heavily-anticipated MMORPG Earthrise is set to release on February 4, 2011. The new online game — set in a distant future time — will release entirely through digital distribution, and will feature a “one server to rule them all” approach to simultaneously cover all of the game’s service regions on a global scale.

As Earthrise procucer and Masthead Studios director Atanas Atanasov says, “The Masthead team is thrilled for the fans who have been following Earthrise closely to now be able to play the game that they have been so eagerly awaiting.”

Atanasov adds: “We have worked incredibly hard to make Earthrise the best sandbox MMORPG on the market, and we can’t wait for players to fully experience all of our hard work and become immersed in Enterra.”

Major features of the game — beyond the single, globally hosted master server — include sandbox-style play that affects the game as a whole; distinctive futuristic tech; casual friendly, yet challenging gameplay; a large variety of crafting options; and sophisticated third-person combat — including a player vs. player component — complete with dynamic targeting, customizable armor and a wide variety of weapons. Numerous destiny-shaping story options, player-driven economics and a full skill-based player advancement system round out the gameplay elements.

Additional information is available on the game’s official website at www.play-earthrise.com. The full press release follows:

Masthead Studios Announces Earthrise Digital Release Date

Highly anticipated MMORPG to hit computers February 2011

SOFIA, BULGARIA – December 28, 2010 – Masthead Studios, a leading independent developer of MMOs, announced today that the highly anticipated MMORPG Earthrise will be available through digital distribution on February 4, 2011.
“The Masthead team is thrilled for the fans who have been following Earthrise closely to now be able to play the game that they have been so eagerly awaiting,” said Atanas Atanasov, producer of Earthrise and director of Masthead Studios.  “We have worked incredibly hard to make Earthrise the best sandbox MMORPG on the market, and we can’t wait for players to fully experience all of our hard work and become immersed in Enterra.”

Earthrise is a post-apocalyptic, sci-fi MMORPG set in the distant future. Featuring a unique skill-based advancement system and player-driven economy, as well as extensive, meaningful player-vs.-player combat, Earthrise gives players countless options to forge their destiny through its sandbox-style game mechanics. Whether a noble soldier in the raging conflict between the Continoma and the Noir, a criminal hiding from the law, or a world-renowned engineer whose power extends into intricate trade and politics, players’ actions will echo throughout the game world. Visit www.play-earthrise.com to learn more.

Top Earthrise features include :

• Unique sandbox environment, allowing players’ actions to influence the entire game world.
• Distinctive, high-tech post-apocalyptic setting.
• Sophisticated Player vs. Player (PvP) mechanics.
• Dynamic third-person combat featuring dynamic targeting, customizable power armor and hundreds of high-tech weapons.
• Deep crafting mechanics that allow players to design and manufacture unique items from blueprints and raw resources.
• Friendly to casual players, with challenges designed for the hardcore audience.
• Single, massive world. Earthrise will run on one server for players in all regions.

Minimum Requirements:
OS: Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista SP1, Windows 7
Free hard drive space: 20 GB
CPU: 2.4+ GHz Single Core Processor
RAM: 2 GB
Video Card: NVIDIA 7800GT+ or ATI Radeon 9800 SE 256-bit
High bandwidth internet connection (DSL, Cable)

About Masthead Studios
Masthead Studios is an independent game development studio focusing on innovative, next-generation MMORPGs. The company is currently developing Earthrise, a next-generation post-apocalyptic, sci-fi MMORPG, integrating its own proprietary engine technology that is specifically designed to handle dynamic, persistent online worlds while providing top-notch graphics and realistic physics. Masthead Studios is located in the emerging technology hub of Sofia, Bulgaria, enabling the studio to leverage local and international talent. For more information please visit  www.mastheadstudios.com.