Tribes 2
You wouldn't think a 3DFX-only and multiplayer-only game would catch the interest of gamers these days, but StarSiege: Tribes is an example of just such a game.  Released in late 1998, the original game is still popular among hardcore multiplayer fans who enjoy its team-based aspects and large outdoor combat areas.   This fall, Sierra plans to re-visit the Tribes universe with Tribes 2, a hugely anticipated title just about to enter beta.  

Tribes 2 has been in development for quite some time and the development team continues to tweak major parts of the game even this late in development.  As evidence, this week at the ECTS show in London, it was revealed that the developers have recently re-done the 3D renderer in order to improve the visuals.  But technology aside, Tribes 2 promises major additions to the game universe including three new weapons and vehicles (such as a scout buggy and three-man assault vehicle).

What excites us the most about Tribes 2 are the planned single-player missions, which will hopefully help this game break through to the mainstream.   The Tribes team has originally planned to release a single-player product called Tribes: Extreme last fall, but it was unceremoniously cancelled only a few weeks before release so the team could fully concentrate on Tribes 2's single and multiplayer features.

That being said, if Tribes 2 can add enough features to keep the hard core satisfied while at the same time adding compelling single player to attract a wider segment of the gaming audience, it could be one of 2000's best games. 

More Tribes 2 on GameSlice:
Interview with the team