Neocron is the world's first and only MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game) that combines a dense, Cyberpunk atmosphere with the look, feel, and ease of use of a 3D first person shooter. Play with (and against) thousands of players online in the post apocalyptic world of the 28th century. You become a citizen of one of the last mega cities on Earth (Neocron) and it is up to you whether you want to experience exciting adventures or just lead a normal life in this virtual world. The upcoming addon Beyond Dome of York adds another city to the gameworld, as well as the HackNet, a virtual cyberspace world where the physically rather weak Hackers reign. Other important new features are an updated engine, much improved player character models, an extended skill system, player shops, customizable player apartments, new vehicles, monsters and of course lots of new items. 1.1 3D Engine The 3D-rendering of the "Tekktonic - Virtual Worlds Engine" gets a major overhaul to take advantage of today's 3D hardware generation's features. Thanks to an upgrade to Direct X 9, the engine will support the nowadays common features like higher texture resolutions, higher polygon counts, and several new shading technologies. This will raise the overall quality of the graphics by quite a bit (real-time bump-mapping, realistic lighting and shadows, photorealistic water etc.). As the 3D graphics cards will be responsible for the majority of the rendering process, the CPU will be considerably relieved compared to the current situation. So the update will even improve the performance in addition to the better graphics. 1.2 Dome of York The city "Dome of York" will be integrated into the world of Neocron and will increase the game world by approximately 40 new maps, locations and dungeons. That makes Dome of York about the same size as Neocron City. During the design of Dome of York we have taken advantage of the new engine features. All the factions opposing Neocron's government will be banned from the city and will find a new home in Dome of York. 1.3 Gameplay Reorientation The current faction system is being revised. Right now the clan's interests usually come first and then the faction's interests. After the release of NC:BDOY, the main focus will shift towards the conflict between the two empires Dome of York and Neocron. The revised faction sympathy system will reflect that. Of course clan-political interests will remain important and conflicts within a city's factions will remain possible. However, the Empire with the strongest factions and clans will always be the more powerful one. Adding a second city (Dome of York) will expand the complexity Neocron currently offers by another dimension; a complex political system, that nevertheless allows the quick integration of an individual. 1.4 Neocron Downtown Update As the newly developed city of Dome of York benefits significantly from the updated engine, it inevitably looked better than Neocron City. To provide the players with an incentive to stay in Neocron City, all frequently visited areas in Neocron Downtown (Plaza, Pepper Park etc.) are getting a major graphical overhaul, using the features of the updated engine. So there will be no noticeable difference between the levels of detail of both cities. In addition to the graphical updates, we are adding new locations that are well worth seeing as well as features like flying Hover Cabs in downtown that can be used as transportation. 1.5 Cyberspace and HackNet The HackNet is a kind of matrix, a three-dimensional virtual cyber-net that allows Runners to, among other things, hack into security systems. Hackers can enter this cyberspace via the GenRep system. Their virtual representation will be able to fight security programs, viruses or other hackers with special weapons. They may even work their way through to their enemies' servers and then use their GenReps to rematerialize inside the enemy city in order to infiltrate and spy. The role of the Spy, especially the Hacker profession will be significantly more important in the world of Neocron. There will be a number of new content elements (e.g. bypassing security systems, stealing construction plans and other data) accessible only through the HackNet. 1.6 NPC Vendors for Players Trade among players will become easier in the future, especially for Constructors. By opening your own shop you will save a lot of time as special NPCs will offer your items for sale around the clock. That way the cash keeps flowing even if you are busy doing something else or even if you are offline. 1.7 New Epic Runs We will add another six new, varied runs to the existing Epic Runs: All anti-government factions will finally receive own runs specially tailored for the faction, including new faction-specific rewards. 1.8 Wastelands Upgrade In order to make the Wastelands more lively and interesting, we are adding a lot more locations like camps, oases and ruins. New quests will provide an incentive to explore the Wastelands anew. Additionally the general atmosphere will be strongly improved by graphics updates like new sky textures, realistic lighting and shadows, water- and weather effects. 1.9 New Player Character Models A completely new character creation system will allow a much more individual character customization. You can finally create a fitting avatar by choosing from a series of heads, haircuts, beards, cloth etc. After the character has been created, you can still change cloth at the outfitter or get a new haircut at the hairdresser. Additionally you can change appearance with items like armor parts, helms, hats, sunglasses or the much requested cigarette. Of course the new character models will take advantage of the updated engine. 1.10 Improved Newbie Experience The introduction of newcomers to the game will be completely redesigned. After creating a character, you will be taken through a (skippable) tutorial. The tutorial explains all of the game's important functions and introduces you to the world of Neocron. At the end of the tutorial, the character is taken prisoner by Copbots and, after being brainwashed, wakes up in Area MC5. During the course of the game the player will receive several emails that will provide him with (for example) information about his new skills or tips on how to develop his skills for his profession etc. If a player decides to change his character's direction later on, it will be possible to adjust his profession in his character profile and the game will provide him with the appropriate help emails. 1.11 Customizable Player Apartments The player apartments can finally be arranged individually, so you will not only be able to choose from different apartment types, but you can arrange them with furniture according to your tastes and bank account. Besides the existing furniture there will be over 100 new items from different style sets that can be bought to redesign your apartment. In addition to completely furnished apartments (for beginners), you will be able to buy empty apartments that you may furnish from scratch. 1.12 New Mobs and Creatures The number of enemies/monsters will be increased and some of the existing creatures will be adapted to the standard of performance of the new 3D engine, or be exchanged for higher detail models. 1.13 Integration of new Vehicles In addition to the existing land based vehicles, airborne vehicles will also be added. The different models range from scouts to bombers. The gliders will i.e. enrich the Outpost fights with excitement and new strategic elements. 1.14 More Sex Neocron was nominated sixth sexiest game of all time in the August/03 issue of PC Gamer, USA. Unfortunately the striptease dancers in Neocron's red light district (Pepper Park) would be more fittingly described as cubic rather than sexy due to the low polygon count. As a result, all strippers in the game will be replaced by higher detail models with complex motion-capturing animations. This is also true for the peep-shows, bar dancers etc. Of course will there be no shortage of nice ladies in Dome of York either. 1.15 GUI - Graphical User Interface The start menu, including character generation, will be revised. Additionally the in-game user interface will be completely rebuilt and graphically enhanced. This will not only be based on aesthetics, but also ergonomic considerations. 1.16 StockX 2.0 - The stock exchange of Neocron The StockX stock exchange of Neocron will undergo a massive overhaul. The storyline will have a larger effect on the stock prices. Among the features is, for example, a representation of the stock prices on a website, to allow players to stay up to date on their depot value. 1.17 Wisdom of Ceres Skills The Wisdom of Ceres (WoC) Skills can only be attained by capped players. E.g. If a tank has reached strength 100, he can continue to gain XP. To reach the first level of WoC-strength, he will not only have to gain a lot of XP, but also find a certain artifact, as well as an NPC that will train him. WoC skills will give you access to a diversity of powerful items like weapons and tools. 2 Miscellaneous new features in Neocron - Beyond Dome of York Besides the already mentioned new features, there will be a number of smaller improvements in the game world, among other things, the integration of a new subway (HoverCab), extension of the possibilities and significance of factions (e.g. administration of faction taxes by the faction council), higher detailed sky, snowfall, and integration of city gliders, which will improve the city's looks. Most of the features listed above will be presented and discussed in our Development Peeks at RPGVault and Neocron.com over the next weeks and months. 3 Release "Neocron: Beyond Dome of York" will be released in three languages (english, german and french) during the second Quarter 2004. Additional details about price and availability will be announced during the next months. Preorders will be available exclusively on Neocron.com starting March 15 2004.