The showstopper is definitely the Unreal Engine 3 powered Otherland. Singapore studio RealU has been hard at work adapting the sci-fi virtual reality universe of Tad Williams’ novel series into an MMORPG, and from the first gameplay footage I’d say they’re on their way to redefining the free-to-play genre with the game’s gorgeously diverse multiverse world design.

Grimlands is gamigo’s other MMO project. Drago Entertainment is developing this post-apocalyptic, third-person RPG shooter, which takes place on Earth 20 years after cataclysmic earthquakes have ravaged the planet. Mutants, marauders and psychopaths now roam the land, fighting simply to survive. The gameplay shown is only from the alpha build so the game still looks a bit rough around the edges, but I totally see some potential for an online world inspired by Fallout or Rage.

Based on Tad Williams’ virtual reality novel series of the same name, Otherland is an upcoming multiverse MMORPG from gamigo and dtp entertainment.

Otherland has been in development on the Unreal 3 engine since 2006, but will finally be available in free-to-play format across Europe and North America next year. Beta testing is set to begin Q1 2012. Register for an invite today at Otherland-Game.com.

More about Otherland:

Otherland features lush landscapes, highly-detailed character models and top-notch effects thanks to the state-of-the-art technology of the Unreal Engine 3. The developers had a wealth of material to draw upon when creating the highly-varied mulitverses. There is little to limit the imagination in virtual reality, making an endless variety of settings imaginable. “Eight Squared” is a classic medieval world with fairy-tale castles and massive chess pieces floating the air. Mars is hardly a red wasteland but instead boasts impressive Oriental buildings. Additional worlds are already in development.

The “non-targeting system” makes fighting in Otherland focused on the action. The game features long-range weapons such as bows or guns as well as weapons designed for melee combat such as clubs, swords and lances. Attacks are not aimed at a specific target, so sweeping blows or mighty swings will hit all enemies within range! Position and separate targeting are important aspects of battles, making them far more dynamic and intuitive.

Socializing plays a huge role in Otherland. In the colorful neon gorges of the “Lambda Mall”, players can make plans to meet up for a chat in one of the many bars to unwind from the hubbub of battle. They can also take part in a variety of mini-games such as dancing competitions or aerial combat. The Lambda Mall is a central meeting place, a shopping center and a place for relaxation, all rolled into one.

Those who prefer to have their own private place to relax can create their own little realm in “MyLand”. Throughout the multiverse, players can gather what is known as “eDNA” from opponents. After collecting enough eDNA, they will be able to place, among other things, creatures to protect them in the MyLand.