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{{Redirect|Progen|the single by The Shamen|Move Any Mountain}} {{Redirect|Progen|the single by The Shamen|Move Any Mountain}}
{{Infobox video game {{Infobox video game
|image = E&BBox.jpg | image = E&BBox.jpg
| developer = ]<ref name="GSpotAjami">{{Cite web |last=Ajami |first=Amer |date=2001-03-05 |title=Earth and Beyond unveiled |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/earth-and-beyond-unveiled/1100-2692721/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608203437/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/earth-and-beyond-unveiled/1100-2692721/ |archive-date=2021-06-08 |access-date=2017-04-09 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
|caption = PC Box art
⚫ | publisher = ]
|developer = ]<ref name=GSpotAjami>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/earth-and-beyond-unveiled/1100-2692721/ |title=Earth and Beyond unveiled |last=Ajami |first=Amer |date=March 5, 2001 |publisher=] |accessdate=April 9, 2017}}</ref>
⚫ | designer = ] <br /> ] <br /> ]
⚫ |publisher = ]
⚫ | producer = ]
⚫ |designer = ], ]
⚫ | artist = Jerry O'Flaherty
⚫ |producer = ]
⚫ | composer = ] <br /> ]
⚫ |artist = ]
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|24 September 2002<ref name=GSpotCalvert/>|UK|4 October 2002<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=September 30, 2002 |title=''Earth & Beyond'' hidden by EA |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-46763 |access-date=July 17, 2024 |website=]}}</ref>}}
⚫ |composer = ], ], ]
⚫ | genre = ]
|released = {{vgrelease|NA|September 24, 2002<ref name=GSpotCalvert/>}}
| modes = ]
⚫ |genre = ]
|modes = ] | platforms = ]
⚫ | engine = ]
|platforms = ]
}}
⚫ |engine = ]}}


'''''Earth & Beyond''''' was a ] ] (MMORPG) developed by ] and published by ] (EA). The game was released in September 2002 in the United States. EA shut down ''Earth & Beyond'' on September 22, 2004. It was the last game developed by Westwood Studios. '''''Earth & Beyond''''' was a ] ] (MMORPG) developed by ] and published by ] (EA). The game was released in September 2002 in the United States. EA shut down ''Earth & Beyond'' on 22 September 2004. It was the last game developed by Westwood Studios.


==History== ==History==
Development for ''Earth and Beyond''—originally designated as ''Project G''—began in 1997.<ref name=GSpotAjami/> By 2001, Westwood had created content for over 100 sectors of playable space.<ref name=GSpotAjami/> Public Beta for the game began on March 9, 2002, allowing up to 100,000 new players to roam the sectors and test content.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/earth-and-beyond-online-beta-test-to-grow/1100-2864944/ |title=Earth and Beyond Online beta test to grow |last=Walker |first=Trey |date=May 9, 2002 |publisher=GameSpot |accessdate=April 9, 2017}}</ref> The finished game launched on September 24, 2002. It was initially shipped in limited quantities to retailers to allow for smooth experience as new players sign on to the servers.<ref name=GSpotCalvert>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/earth-and-beyond-goes-gold/1100-2880188/ |title=Earth & Beyond goes gold |last=Calvert |first=Justin |date=September 13, 2002 |publisher=GameSpot |accessdate=April 9, 2017}}</ref> In January 2003, the main story line and accompanying events began. This required all players to download a patch and wait for servers to be upgraded. This was the first of regular monthly story driven updates designed to gradually change the game environment as the plot unfolded.<ref name=GSpotParker>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/earth-and-beyonds-story-starting-soon/1100-2909527/ |title=Earth & Beyond's story starting soon |last=Parker |first=Sam |date=January 23, 2003 |publisher=GameSpot |accessdate=April 9, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/first-monthly-earth-and-beyond-update/1100-2895258/ |title=First monthly Earth & Beyond Update |last=Parker |first=Sam |date=October 21, 2002 |publisher=GameSpot |accessdate=April 9, 2017}}</ref> In June that year, players met a new race - the Vrix. This was a substantial update to the online universe, adding many more missions for higher level players and improving the intelligence of all ]s in the game.<ref name=GSpotParker/> Development for ''Earth and Beyond'' – originally designated as ''Project G'' – began in 1997.<ref name=GSpotAjami/> By 2001, Westwood had created content for over 100 sectors of playable space.<ref name=GSpotAjami/> Public beta for the game began on 9 March 2002, allowing up to 100,000 new players to roam the sectors and test content.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Trey |date=2002-05-09 |title=Earth and Beyond Online beta test to grow |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/earth-and-beyond-online-beta-test-to-grow/1100-2864944/ |access-date=2017-04-09 |website=]}}</ref> The finished game was launched on September 24 the same year. It was initially shipped in limited quantities to retailers to allow for smooth experience as new players sign on to the servers.<ref name="GSpotCalvert">{{Cite web |last=Calvert |first=Justin |date=September 13, 2002|title=''Earth & Beyond'' goes gold |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/earth-and-beyond-goes-gold/1100-2880188/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513094231/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/earth-and-beyond-goes-gold/1100-2880188/ |archive-date=May 13, 2021|access-date=April 9, 2017|website=] |language=en}}</ref> In January 2003, the main story line and accompanying events began. This required all players to download a patch and wait for servers to be upgraded. This was the first of regular monthly story driven updates designed to gradually change the game environment as the plot unfolded.<ref name="GSpotParker">{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Sam |date=2003-01-23 |title=Earth & Beyond's story starting soon |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/earth-and-beyonds-story-starting-soon/1100-2909527/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523035649/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/earth-and-beyonds-story-starting-soon/1100-2909527/ |archive-date=2017-05-23 |access-date=2017-04-09 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Sam |date=2002-10-21 |title=First monthly Earth & Beyond Update |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/first-monthly-earth-and-beyond-update/1100-2895258/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513103246/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/first-monthly-earth-and-beyond-update/1100-2895258/ |archive-date=2021-05-13 |access-date=2017-04-09 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> In June that year, players met a new race called the Vrix. This was a substantial update to the online universe, adding many more missions for higher level players and improving the intelligence of all ]s in the game.<ref name=GSpotParker/>

⚫ ==Cancellation==
On March 17, 2004, ] announced that ''Earth and Beyond'' would be closing six months later on September 22 (known as the ''Earth and Beyond Sunset'').<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-end-of-earth-and-beyond-is-nigh/1100-6091609/ |title=The end of Earth & Beyond is nigh |last=Calvert |first=Justin |date=March 17, 2004 |publisher=GameSpot |accessdate=April 9, 2017}}</ref>


==Plot== ==Plot==
''Earth & Beyond'' was set some time around 2575 AD. It featured three races: the Progen, Jenquai and Terran. The Progen were a genetically-altered and advanced race. The Jenquai were philosophers who sought eternal life. The Terrans were the original humans. Each of the three races had descended from the human race on Earth. The game's storyline took place in the ]. The Progen, Terran and Jenquai were all uneasy of each other, but still managed to live together in peace. The Terrans were known for their extremely large corporations, such as Infiniti Corp. and GetCo. Infiniti Corp. was the manufacturer of the inter-system and inter-sector warp gates. The warp gates were originally created by the mysterious Ancients, an enigmatic and hyper-advanced race who had all but disappeared. ''Earth & Beyond'' was set some time around AD 2575. It featured three races: the Progen, Jenquai and Terran. The Progen were a genetically-altered and advanced race. The Jenquai were philosophers who sought eternal life. The Terrans were the original humans. Each of the three races had descended from the human race on Earth. The game's storyline took place in the ]. The Progen, Terran and Jenquai were all uneasy of each other, but still managed to live together in peace. The Terrans were known for their extremely large corporations, such as Infiniti Corp. and GetCo. Infiniti Corp. was the manufacturer of the inter-system and inter-sector warp gates. The warp gates were originally created by the mysterious Ancients, an enigmatic and hyper-advanced race who had all but disappeared.


⚫ After two centuries of conflict, Humankind's three races – the Progen, Terrans and Jenquai – had achieved an uneasy balance of power by dividing known space between them. The Terrans claimed Earth, headquarters to their massive trade corporations. The genetically engineered Progen, bred for perfection, commanded the wastes of Mars. The Jenquai, ever seeking knowledge, created great space stations to orbit the moons of Jupiter. Peace was shattered when the first stargate, an ancient artifact built by an unknown people, was discovered. Coveting its secrets for their own, the Jenquai hid the Gate from the other races, but their efforts were in vain; within months, a spy employed by the Terran conglomerate InfinitiCorp revealed the Gate's existence to the outraged Terrans and Progen. Humanity was suddenly thrust into conflict, an epic battle over control of the Gate.
===Back story===
⚫ After two centuries of conflict, Humankind's three races - the Progen, Terrans and Jenquai - had achieved an uneasy balance of power by dividing known space between them. The Terrans claimed Earth, headquarters to their massive trade corporations. The genetically engineered Progen, bred for perfection, commanded the wastes of Mars. And the Jenquai, ever seeking knowledge, created great space stations to orbit the moons of Jupiter. Peace was shattered when the first stargate, an ancient artifact built by an unknown people, was discovered. Coveting its secrets for their own, the Jenquai hid the Gate from the other races. But their efforts were in vain; within months, a spy employed by the Terran conglomerate InfinitiCorp revealed the Gate's existence to the outraged Terrans and Progen. Humanity was suddenly thrust into conflict, an epic battle over control of the Gate.


The three races fought a devastating nine-year war, dubbed the Gate War, using weapons far deadlier than any previously conceived. Millions of lives were lost, and millions more would have perished had the Terrans not surprised their foes with a sudden cease-fire proposal. After months of negotiations, the three civilizations agreed to share the Gate, and declared an uneasy peace. However, InfinitiCorp had plans of its own. Under utmost secrecy, its scientists had reverse-engineered the Gate's technology, and within a few years the mighty conglomerate announced to the astonished worlds the genesis of the Infinitigate. The three races fought a devastating nine-year war, dubbed the Gate War, using weapons far deadlier than any previously conceived. Millions of lives were lost, and millions more would have perished had the Terrans not surprised their foes with a sudden cease-fire proposal. After months of negotiations, the three civilizations agreed to share the Gate, and declared an uneasy peace, but InfinitiCorp had plans of its own. Under utmost secrecy, its scientists had reverse-engineered the Gate's technology, and within a few years the mighty conglomerate announced to the astonished worlds the genesis of the Infinitigate.


Fifty years have passed since the invention of the Infinitigate. Progen, Jenquai and Terrans alike have thrived, spreading their civilizations across a dozen star systems, exploiting their riches. However, though the races are at peace, acrimony remains. Tension and distrust govern galactic relations and every citizen fears the day when the spectre of war again raises its shadow. Fifty years have passed since the invention of the Infinitigate. Progen, Jenquai and Terrans alike have thrived, spreading their civilizations across a dozen star systems, exploiting their riches. Though the races are at peace, acrimony remains. Tension and distrust govern galactic relations and every citizen fears the day when the spectre of war again raises its shadow.


==Gameplay== ==Gameplay==
''Earth and Beyond'' is played by controlling either a humanoid or spaceship ] in the ]. Each ], or Universe, consists of 12 main star systems. Each system contains multiple sectors. Warp gates are used to travel from sector to sector, and system to system. ''Earth and Beyond'' was played by controlling either a humanoid or spaceship ] in the ]. Each ], or Universe, consisted of 12 main star systems. Each system contained multiple sectors. Warp gates were used to travel from sector to sector, and system to system.


Players create a character by choosing one of the three races, and one of three professions: Warrior, Trader or Explorer. Characters gain three types of experience: Combat experience is gained through fighting and completing combat jobs (being incapacitated results in "EXP Debt" and the character only receives half of the normal experience until the debt is repaid), Trade experience is gained from selling loot, by building items and by taking trade jobs, and Exploration experience is gained from visiting navigation points and exploration jobs. In general each system has a number of "nav points". Visiting a nav point for the first time gives a certain amount of exploration experience. After a nav point is visited, it appears on the "radar" when the player is in the system. Players created a character by choosing one of the three races, and one of three professions: Warrior, Trader or Explorer. Characters gained three types of experience: Combat experience was gained through fighting and completing combat jobs (being incapacitated resulted in "EXP Debt" and the character would only receive half of the normal experience until the debt was repaid), Trade experience was gained from selling loot, by building items and by taking trade jobs, and Exploration experience was gained from visiting navigation points and exploration jobs. In general each system had a number of "nav points". Visiting a nav point for the first time gave a certain amount of exploration experience. After a nav point was visited, it appeared on the "radar" when the player was in the system.


Player's ships are constructed from a reactor, shield and engine. Optionally, a ship may have weapons or other devices that may ] or debuff other ships. Ship equipment can be reverse-engineered, rebuilt and enhanced. Player-made items could have better stats than dropped or purchased items, depending on the skill of the builder. Player's ships were constructed from a reactor, shield and engine. Optionally, a ship could have weapons or other devices that may ] or debuff other ships. Ship equipment could be reverse-engineered, rebuilt and enhanced. Player-made items could have better stats than dropped or purchased items, depending on the skill of the builder.


There were several varieties of boss spawns: Some were activated after a certain number of lower level monsters were killed, while others were time-based. For example, the Crystal Daeva, which produced valuable loot, had a spawn time of 72 hours. Nearly all bosses carried valuable and rare loot, which could be sold for significant amounts of cash on the in-game market. There were several varieties of boss spawns: Some were activated after a certain number of lower level monsters were killed, while others were time-based. For example, the Crystal Daeva, which produced valuable loot, had a spawn time of 72 hours. Nearly all bosses carried valuable and rare loot, which could be sold for significant amounts of cash on the in-game market.


Some sectors had areas where "Invasions" were staged. Sectors like Aragoth Prime contained a heavily defended Red Dragon base that was surrounded by multiple layers of defense turrets, carriers, battle cruisers, and frigates. Invasions often involved a multitude of clans joined together to attack the base and a huge battle would ensue. Some sectors had areas where "Invasions" were staged. Sectors like Aragoth Prime contained a heavily defended Red Dragon base that was surrounded by multiple layers of defense turrets, carriers, battle cruisers, and frigates. Invasions often involved a multitude of clans joined to attack the base and a huge battle would ensue.


===New Player Zones=== ===New player zones===
Each race/class combination has its own starting sector. When a new character first logs onto the server they automatically appear in the appropriate sector to begin the tutorial. The tutorial guides players through the basics of navigation, exploration, combat, and trade. Once the first set of missions is complete, the tutorial guides the player to a warp gate connected to their race's home planetary sector. Now the player is ready to explore the universe at their own risk. Each race/class combination had its own starting sector. When a new character first logged onto the server they automatically appeared in the appropriate sector to begin the tutorial. The tutorial guided players through the basics of navigation, exploration, combat, and trade. Once the first set of missions was complete, the tutorial guided the player to a warp gate connected to their race's home planetary sector.


===Leveling Up=== ===Leveling up===
The maximum level in ''Earth and Beyond'' is 150. It can take many months, even a year for casual players, to reach the summit. To ''level'', a player must gain experience. Each successive level requires more and more experience points. There are three types of activities that reward experience points. The maximum level in ''Earth and Beyond'' was 150. It could take many months, even a year for casual players to reach the summit. To ''level'', a player must gain experience. Each successive level required more and more experience points. There were three types of activities that reward experience points.


Exploration experience is the first type players see after leaving their starting sector. Exploration experience is awarded by traveling to ''undiscovered'' navigation points on the map. The amount of experience gained from each Nav Point is capped, so lower level players receive the most benefit from exploring the universe. Exploration experience was the first type players saw after leaving their starting sector. Exploration experience is awarded by traveling to ''undiscovered'' navigation points on the map. The amount of experience gained from each Nav Point was capped, so lower level players received the most benefit from exploring the universe.


Combat experience is awarded by engaging ] in the game environment and defeating them. The amount of experience gained from each encounter is based on the player's level and the level of the NPC that was killed. Combat experience was awarded by engaging ] in the game environment and defeating them. The amount of experience gained from each encounter was based on the player's level and the level of the NPC that was killed.


When a player destroys an enemy NPC, ] is dropped. Players can pick up this loot and sell it to NPC vendors for Trade experience. Players can also earn Trade experience by ''learning'' how to build their own components and items. When a player destroyed an enemy NPC, ] was dropped. Players could pick up this loot and sell it to NPC vendors for Trade experience. Players could also earn Trade experience by ''learning'' how to build their own components and items.

⚫ ==Cancellation==
] closed ''Earth and Beyond'' servers on 22 September 2004 (known as the ''Earth and Beyond Sunset'').<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calvert |first=Justin |date=2004-03-17 |title=The end of Earth & Beyond is nigh |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-end-of-earth-and-beyond-is-nigh/1100-6091609/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615110706/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-end-of-earth-and-beyond-is-nigh/1100-6091609/ |archive-date=2021-06-15 |access-date=2017-04-09 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>


==Reception== ==Reception==
{{Video game reviews {{Video game reviews
| MC = 82/100<ref name=MC>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/earth-beyond |title=Earth & Beyond for PC Reviews |publisher=] |accessdate=April 9, 2017}}</ref> | MC = 82/100<ref name="MC">{{Cite web |title=Earth & Beyond for PC Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/earth-and-beyond/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608205439/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/earth-beyond |archive-date=2021-06-08 |access-date=2017-04-09 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
| CGW = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_223.pdf |title=Earth & Beyond |last=del Sol |first=Arcadian |magazine=] |issue=223 |date=February 2003 |pages=72–73 |accessdate=April 10, 2017}}</ref> | CGW = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=del Sol |first=Arcadian |date=February 2003 |title=Earth & Beyond |url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_223.pdf |url-status=live |magazine=] |issue=223 |pages=72–73 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204230243/http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_223.pdf |archive-date=2022-02-04 |access-date=2017-04-10 |lang=en}}</ref>
| GI = 9.25/10<ref>{{cite journal |title=Earth & Beyond |magazine=] |issue=116 |date=December 2002 |page=146}}</ref> | GI = 9.25/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=December 2002 |title=Earth & Beyond |magazine=] |issue=116 |page=146 |issn=1067-6392 |oclc=870151871 |lang=en}}</ref>
| GamePro = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/26706.shtml |title=Earth and Beyond Review for PC on GamePro.com |author=Dunjin Master |date=October 18, 2002 |publisher='']'' |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050212120230/http://gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/26706.shtml |archivedate=February 12, 2005 |deadurl=yes |accessdate=April 10, 2017}}</ref> | GamePro = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{Cite magazine |author=Dunjin Master |date=2002-10-18 |title=Earth and Beyond Review for PC on GamePro.com |url=http://gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/26706.shtml |url-status=dead |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050212120230/http://gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/26706.shtml |archive-date=2005-02-12 |access-date=2017-04-10}}</ref>
| GameRev = B+<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/earth-beyond |title=Earth & Beyond Review |last=Ferris |first=Duke |date=October 2002 |publisher=] |accessdate=April 9, 2017}}</ref> | GameRev = B+<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferris |first=Duke |date=October 2002 |title=Earth & Beyond Review |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/earth-beyond |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507095005/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/33039-earth-beyond-review |archive-date=2021-05-07 |access-date=2017-04-09 |publisher=] |language=en}}</ref>
| GSpot = 6.9/10<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/earth-and-beyond-review/1900-2885136/ |title=Earth & Beyond Review |last=Dulin |first=Ron |date=October 10, 2002 |publisher=GameSpot |accessdate=April 9, 2017}}</ref> | GSpot = 6.9/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dulin |first=Ron |date=2002-10-10 |title=Earth & Beyond Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/earth-and-beyond-review/1900-2885136/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608203437/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/earth-and-beyond-review/1900-2885136/ |archive-date=2021-06-08 |access-date=2017-04-09 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
| GSpy = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/earth-beyond/549503p1.html |title=GameSpy: Earth & Beyond |last=McConnaughy |first=Tim |date=October 16, 2002 |accessdate=April 10, 2017}}</ref> | GSpy = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=McConnaughy |first=Tim |date=2002-10-16 |title=GameSpy: Earth & Beyond |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/earth-beyond/549503p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608203437/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/earth-beyond/549503p1.html |archive-date=2021-06-08 |access-date=2017-04-10 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
| GameZone = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r18277.htm |title=Earth & Beyond Online Review |last=Lafferty |first=Michael |date=October 15, 2002 |publisher=GameZone |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322012707/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r18277.htm |archivedate=March 22, 2009 |deadurl=yes |accessdate=April 10, 2017}}</ref> | GameZone = 8/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lafferty |first=Michael |date=2002-10-15 |title=Earth & Beyond Online Review |url=http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r18277.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322012707/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r18277.htm |archive-date=2009-03-22 |access-date=2017-04-10 |publisher=GameZone |language=en}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.8/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/14/earth-and-beyond-review |title=Earth and Beyond Review |last=Conrad |first=Jeremy |date=October 14, 2002 |publisher=] |accessdate=April 9, 2017}}</ref> | IGN = 8.8/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Conrad |first=Jeremy |date=2002-10-14 |title=Earth and Beyond Review |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/14/earth-and-beyond-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512065858/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/14/earth-and-beyond-review |archive-date=2019-05-12 |access-date=2017-04-09 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 80%<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/07/earth_beyond.html |title=Earth & Beyond |last=Klett |first=Steve |magazine=] |date=December 25, 2002 |page=92 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315140808/http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/07/earth_beyond.html |archivedate=March 15, 2006 |deadurl=yes |accessdate=April 10, 2017}}</ref> | PCGUS = 80%<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Klett |first=Steve |date=2002-12-25 |title=Earth & Beyond |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/07/earth_beyond.html |url-status=dead |journal=] |page=92 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315140808/http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/07/earth_beyond.html |archive-date=2006-03-15 |access-date=2017-04-10}}</ref>
| XPlay = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0,24330,3400510,00.html |title='Earth & Beyond' (PC) Review |last=Jackson |first=Jonah |date=September 27, 2002 |publisher='']'' |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030212085518/http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0,24330,3400510,00.html |archivedate=February 12, 2003 |deadurl=yes |accessdate=April 10, 2017}}</ref> | XPlay = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Jonah |date=2002-09-27 |title='Earth & Beyond' (PC) Review |url=http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0,24330,3400510,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030212085518/http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0,24330,3400510,00.html |archive-date=2003-02-12 |access-date=2017-04-10 |publisher=]}}</ref>
| rev1 = '']'' | rev1 = '']''
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite news |url=http://cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/121002_holiday.html |title=Action, intrigue propel holiday game releases |last=Saltzman |first=Marc |date=December 10, 2002 |newspaper=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103105702/http://cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/121002_holiday.html |archivedate=November 3, 2007 |deadurl=yes |accessdate=April 9, 2017}}</ref> | rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Saltzman |first=Marc |date=2002-12-10 |title=Action, intrigue propel holiday game releases |work=] |url=http://cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/121002_holiday.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2017-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103105702/http://cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/121002_holiday.html |archive-date=2007-11-03}}</ref>
| rev2 = '']'' | rev2 = '']''
| rev2Score = A−<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://ew.com/article/2002/10/25/earth-beyond/ |title=Earth & Beyond |last=Brooks |first=Mark |magazine=] |issue=679 |date=October 25, 2002 |page=83 |accessdate=April 9, 2017}}</ref> | rev2Score = A−<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Brooks |first=Mark |date=2002-10-25 |title=Earth & Beyond |url=http://ew.com/article/2002/10/25/earth-beyond/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |issue=679 |page=83 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608203441/https://ew.com/article/2002/10/25/earth-beyond/ |archive-date=2021-06-08 |access-date=2017-04-09}}</ref>
}} }}


At the time of its release, the game received "favorable" reviews according to the ] website ].<ref name=MC/> At the time of its release, the game received "favorable" reviews according to the ] website ].<ref name=MC/>


''Earth & Beyond'' was a nominee for '']''{{'}}s "2002 Best Massively Multiplayer Game" award, which ultimately went to '']''.<ref name=pcgamerusawards2003>{{cite journal |date=March 2003 | title=The Ninth Annual ''PC Gamer'' Awards | volume=10 | number=3 | pages=48–50, 54, 58, 60, 66, 68, 70 | journal=] | author=Staff }}</ref> ''Earth & Beyond'' was a nominee for '']''{{'}}s "2002 Best Massively Multiplayer Game" award, which ultimately went to '']''.<ref name=pcgamerusawards2003>{{Cite journal |date=March 2003 |title=The Ninth Annual ''PC Gamer'' Awards |journal=] |volume=10 |pages=48–50, 54, 58, 60, 66, 68, 70 |issn=1080-4471 |oclc=1229169030 |number=3 |language=en}}</ref> It was a runner-up for '']''{{'}}s 2002 "Most Disappointing Game on PC" award, losing to '']''.<ref name="bestworst2002">{{Cite web |date=2002-12-30 |title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Best and Worst of 2002 |url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030207155400/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ |archive-date=2003-02-07 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>

{{clear}}


==References== ==References==
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Latest revision as of 15:10, 21 November 2024

"Earth and Beyond" redirects here. For the series of Doctor Who audios, see Earth and Beyond (Doctor Who). "Progen" redirects here. For the single by The Shamen, see Move Any Mountain. 2002 video game
Earth & Beyond
Developer(s)Westwood Studios
Publisher(s)Electronic Arts
Producer(s)Eric Wang
Designer(s)Brett Sperry
Louis Castle
Jim Walls
Artist(s)Jerry O'Flaherty
Composer(s)Frank Klepacki
David Arkenstone
EngineW3D (Westwood 3D) engine
Platform(s)Windows
Release
  • NA: 24 September 2002
  • UK: 4 October 2002
Genre(s)Massively multiplayer online role-playing game
Mode(s)Multiplayer

Earth & Beyond was a science fiction massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Westwood Studios and published by Electronic Arts (EA). The game was released in September 2002 in the United States. EA shut down Earth & Beyond on 22 September 2004. It was the last game developed by Westwood Studios.

History

Development for Earth and Beyond – originally designated as Project G – began in 1997. By 2001, Westwood had created content for over 100 sectors of playable space. Public beta for the game began on 9 March 2002, allowing up to 100,000 new players to roam the sectors and test content. The finished game was launched on September 24 the same year. It was initially shipped in limited quantities to retailers to allow for smooth experience as new players sign on to the servers. In January 2003, the main story line and accompanying events began. This required all players to download a patch and wait for servers to be upgraded. This was the first of regular monthly story driven updates designed to gradually change the game environment as the plot unfolded. In June that year, players met a new race called the Vrix. This was a substantial update to the online universe, adding many more missions for higher level players and improving the intelligence of all NPCs in the game.

Plot

Earth & Beyond was set some time around AD 2575. It featured three races: the Progen, Jenquai and Terran. The Progen were a genetically-altered and advanced race. The Jenquai were philosophers who sought eternal life. The Terrans were the original humans. Each of the three races had descended from the human race on Earth. The game's storyline took place in the Milky Way Galaxy. The Progen, Terran and Jenquai were all uneasy of each other, but still managed to live together in peace. The Terrans were known for their extremely large corporations, such as Infiniti Corp. and GetCo. Infiniti Corp. was the manufacturer of the inter-system and inter-sector warp gates. The warp gates were originally created by the mysterious Ancients, an enigmatic and hyper-advanced race who had all but disappeared.

After two centuries of conflict, Humankind's three races – the Progen, Terrans and Jenquai – had achieved an uneasy balance of power by dividing known space between them. The Terrans claimed Earth, headquarters to their massive trade corporations. The genetically engineered Progen, bred for perfection, commanded the wastes of Mars. The Jenquai, ever seeking knowledge, created great space stations to orbit the moons of Jupiter. Peace was shattered when the first stargate, an ancient artifact built by an unknown people, was discovered. Coveting its secrets for their own, the Jenquai hid the Gate from the other races, but their efforts were in vain; within months, a spy employed by the Terran conglomerate InfinitiCorp revealed the Gate's existence to the outraged Terrans and Progen. Humanity was suddenly thrust into conflict, an epic battle over control of the Gate.

The three races fought a devastating nine-year war, dubbed the Gate War, using weapons far deadlier than any previously conceived. Millions of lives were lost, and millions more would have perished had the Terrans not surprised their foes with a sudden cease-fire proposal. After months of negotiations, the three civilizations agreed to share the Gate, and declared an uneasy peace, but InfinitiCorp had plans of its own. Under utmost secrecy, its scientists had reverse-engineered the Gate's technology, and within a few years the mighty conglomerate announced to the astonished worlds the genesis of the Infinitigate.

Fifty years have passed since the invention of the Infinitigate. Progen, Jenquai and Terrans alike have thrived, spreading their civilizations across a dozen star systems, exploiting their riches. Though the races are at peace, acrimony remains. Tension and distrust govern galactic relations and every citizen fears the day when the spectre of war again raises its shadow.

Gameplay

Earth and Beyond was played by controlling either a humanoid or spaceship avatar in the third-person. Each game server, or Universe, consisted of 12 main star systems. Each system contained multiple sectors. Warp gates were used to travel from sector to sector, and system to system.

Players created a character by choosing one of the three races, and one of three professions: Warrior, Trader or Explorer. Characters gained three types of experience: Combat experience was gained through fighting and completing combat jobs (being incapacitated resulted in "EXP Debt" and the character would only receive half of the normal experience until the debt was repaid), Trade experience was gained from selling loot, by building items and by taking trade jobs, and Exploration experience was gained from visiting navigation points and exploration jobs. In general each system had a number of "nav points". Visiting a nav point for the first time gave a certain amount of exploration experience. After a nav point was visited, it appeared on the "radar" when the player was in the system.

Player's ships were constructed from a reactor, shield and engine. Optionally, a ship could have weapons or other devices that may buff or debuff other ships. Ship equipment could be reverse-engineered, rebuilt and enhanced. Player-made items could have better stats than dropped or purchased items, depending on the skill of the builder.

There were several varieties of boss spawns: Some were activated after a certain number of lower level monsters were killed, while others were time-based. For example, the Crystal Daeva, which produced valuable loot, had a spawn time of 72 hours. Nearly all bosses carried valuable and rare loot, which could be sold for significant amounts of cash on the in-game market.

Some sectors had areas where "Invasions" were staged. Sectors like Aragoth Prime contained a heavily defended Red Dragon base that was surrounded by multiple layers of defense turrets, carriers, battle cruisers, and frigates. Invasions often involved a multitude of clans joined to attack the base and a huge battle would ensue.

New player zones

Each race/class combination had its own starting sector. When a new character first logged onto the server they automatically appeared in the appropriate sector to begin the tutorial. The tutorial guided players through the basics of navigation, exploration, combat, and trade. Once the first set of missions was complete, the tutorial guided the player to a warp gate connected to their race's home planetary sector.

Leveling up

The maximum level in Earth and Beyond was 150. It could take many months, even a year for casual players to reach the summit. To level, a player must gain experience. Each successive level required more and more experience points. There were three types of activities that reward experience points.

Exploration experience was the first type players saw after leaving their starting sector. Exploration experience is awarded by traveling to undiscovered navigation points on the map. The amount of experience gained from each Nav Point was capped, so lower level players received the most benefit from exploring the universe.

Combat experience was awarded by engaging NPCs in the game environment and defeating them. The amount of experience gained from each encounter was based on the player's level and the level of the NPC that was killed.

When a player destroyed an enemy NPC, loot was dropped. Players could pick up this loot and sell it to NPC vendors for Trade experience. Players could also earn Trade experience by learning how to build their own components and items.

Cancellation

Electronic Arts closed Earth and Beyond servers on 22 September 2004 (known as the Earth and Beyond Sunset).

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic82/100
Review scores
PublicationScore
Computer Gaming World
Game Informer9.25/10
GamePro
GameRevolutionB+
GameSpot6.9/10
GameSpy
GameZone8/10
IGN8.8/10
PC Gamer (US)80%
X-Play
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Entertainment WeeklyA−

At the time of its release, the game received "favorable" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.

Earth & Beyond was a nominee for PC Gamer US's "2002 Best Massively Multiplayer Game" award, which ultimately went to Asheron's Call 2: Fallen Kings. It was a runner-up for GameSpot's 2002 "Most Disappointing Game on PC" award, losing to Civilization III: Play the World.

References

  1. Bramwell, Tom (September 30, 2002). "Earth & Beyond hidden by EA". Eurogamer. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  2. ^ Calvert, Justin (September 13, 2002). "Earth & Beyond goes gold". GameSpot. Archived from the original on May 13, 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
  3. ^ Ajami, Amer (2001-03-05). "Earth and Beyond unveiled". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2021-06-08. Retrieved 2017-04-09.
  4. Walker, Trey (2002-05-09). "Earth and Beyond Online beta test to grow [date mislabeled as 2006-05-17]". GameSpot. Retrieved 2017-04-09.
  5. ^ Parker, Sam (2003-01-23). "Earth & Beyond's story starting soon". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2017-05-23. Retrieved 2017-04-09.
  6. Parker, Sam (2002-10-21). "First monthly Earth & Beyond Update". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2021-05-13. Retrieved 2017-04-09.
  7. Calvert, Justin (2004-03-17). "The end of Earth & Beyond is nigh". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2021-06-15. Retrieved 2017-04-09.
  8. ^ "Earth & Beyond for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 2021-06-08. Retrieved 2017-04-09.
  9. del Sol, Arcadian (February 2003). "Earth & Beyond" (PDF). Computer Gaming World. No. 223. pp. 72–73. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-02-04. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  10. "Earth & Beyond". Game Informer. No. 116. December 2002. p. 146. ISSN 1067-6392. OCLC 870151871.
  11. Dunjin Master (2002-10-18). "Earth and Beyond Review for PC on GamePro.com". GamePro. Archived from the original on 2005-02-12. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  12. Ferris, Duke (October 2002). "Earth & Beyond Review". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on 2021-05-07. Retrieved 2017-04-09.
  13. Dulin, Ron (2002-10-10). "Earth & Beyond Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2021-06-08. Retrieved 2017-04-09.
  14. McConnaughy, Tim (2002-10-16). "GameSpy: Earth & Beyond". GameSpy. Archived from the original on 2021-06-08. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  15. Lafferty, Michael (2002-10-15). "Earth & Beyond Online [sic] Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on 2009-03-22. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  16. Conrad, Jeremy (2002-10-14). "Earth and Beyond Review". IGN. Archived from the original on 2019-05-12. Retrieved 2017-04-09.
  17. Klett, Steve (2002-12-25). "Earth & Beyond". PC Gamer: 92. Archived from the original on 2006-03-15. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  18. Jackson, Jonah (2002-09-27). "'Earth & Beyond' (PC) Review". X-Play. Archived from the original on 2003-02-12. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  19. Saltzman, Marc (2002-12-10). "Action, intrigue propel holiday game releases". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Archived from the original on 2007-11-03. Retrieved 2017-04-09.
  20. Brooks, Mark (2002-10-25). "Earth & Beyond". Entertainment Weekly. No. 679. p. 83. Archived from the original on 2021-06-08. Retrieved 2017-04-09.
  21. "The Ninth Annual PC Gamer Awards". PC Gamer US. 10 (3): 48–50, 54, 58, 60, 66, 68, 70. March 2003. ISSN 1080-4471. OCLC 1229169030.
  22. "GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002". GameSpot. 2002-12-30. Archived from the original on 2003-02-07.

External links

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