Massively multiplayer online video games are usually more concerned with magic and dragons than driving and modern weaponry, but NC Soft's new MMO video game Auto Assault is cut from a different cloth. In fact, this game more closely follows Mad Max than J.R.R. Tolkien.

Auto Assault is set in a post-apocalyptic future where armored vehicles are the main means of transport and combat. You can choose between three creatures: humans, genetic mutants, or cyborgs known as biomeks. In addition, you choose a specific class to play, ranging from a human engineer to a mutant shaman. Each has their own pros and cons, but it doesn't matter much when you start out because you'll be spending most of your time behind the wheel.

Instead of just leveling up your character as with MMO role-playing video games, in Auto Assault, you also improve your vehicle, adding weapons, defensive capabilities, and additional accessories like turbo boosts. Earn items by completing quests or defeating enemies, or when you destroy certain buildings or other objects. It provides plenty of incentive to lay waste to any areas you encounter.

The game is surprisingly easy to pick up--we were zipping around the wastelands at top speed in no time--and it looks and sounds great, from the burnt-orange sky to the variety of mutant creatures wandering the landscape.

There are areas of the video game where you can just concentrate on completing missions and building up your character and vehicle. Then there are player vs. player arenas where you can take your car and see how you stack up against other players. There are no death penalties in any area of the game; if you get destroyed, you just pick up where you left off.

As with other MMO video games, there's a monthly fee associated with Auto Assault. You'll need to shell out $15 a month to continue to play. While this may preclude a lot of players from staying with the game, it also provides incentive for the developers to continue to make improvements and add new features.

If you're tired of the fantasy role-playing setting of most online video games, Auto Assault and its post-apocalyptic dystopia may be just what you've been holding out for.


Pro: Deep and involving, fast and fun
Con: Monthly fee