The most anticipated upcoming MMOs

March 25, 12:56 PMGames ExaminerDaniel Nations

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While Age of Conan and Warhammer:Online were both anticipated MMOs in 2008, it didn't take long for both of them to fizzle out. But at least 2008 had a couple of really anticipated MMOs. The pickings for 2009 are a bit slim with the really anticipated MMOs like Star Wars: The Old Republic and Blizzard's new MMO being slated for 2010 at the earliest.

But there are a few good offerings available, and I've included both the MMOs due out sometime this year and the ones that will probably come sometime in 2010.

In order to rank these MMOs as the most anticipated, I've used Compete.com's tracking of monthly website visitors. While certainly far from perfect, this at least gives us a better idea of who's keeping up with the games and might be a better gauge than a voting system. Please note that Compete.com only tracks US Internet traffic, so we won't be seeing the most anticipated MMOs for China on the list.

The Most Anticipated Upcoming MMOs

• Star Wars: The Old Republic
• http://www.swtor.com/
• 53,277 monthly visitors

It's no surprise that Star Wars: The Old Republic tops this list. Not only does it invoke the Star Wars name, but it is being developed by Bioware, makers of the popular Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic game. This one is definitely the most anticipated upcoming MMO, but don't expect it to be released anytime soon. It's more than likely a 2010 release. Check out a gameplay video.

• Aion: The Tower of Eternity
• http://www.aiononline.com/us/
• 22,740 monthly visitors

Aion has already been released in Korea and the US version is slated to be released in the Fall of 2009. One of the things that sets Aion apart from the pack is that every character will gain the ability to fly relatively early in the game, which will add aerial combat to the excitement.

• Champions Online
• http://champions-online.com/
• 21,116 monthly visitors

Developed by Cryptic Studios, who brought us City of Heroes, Champions Online promises to be a much more action-oriented MMO that won't rely so heavily on the mission-based instances found in City of Heroes. Based on the popular pen-and-paper game, Champions Online breaks from the class and archetype system by allowing players to pick the powers they want. Check out the developer interview.

• Star Trek Online
• http://www.startrekonline.com/
• 18,724 monthly visitors

Another MMO being developed by Cryptic Studios, Star Trek Online promises to bring the same level of customization found in City of Heroes to the Star Trek universe. Not only will players have a great deal of control over their avatars, they'll be able to design very unique ships as well. Read more about ship customization.

• Stargate Worlds
• http://www.stargateworlds.com/
• 13,771 monthly visitors

Stargate SG-1 is a setting that really begged for an MMO. Due to an emphasis on long-range combat, the game will play as much like a first-person shooter as an RPG, and characters will have a variety of 'classes' to choose from like Scientist, Soldier, Archeologist, Jaffa, Asgard, and even Goa'uld.

• The Chronicles of Spellborn
• http://spellborn.acclaim.com/
• 12,379 monthly visitors

Chronicles of Spellborn looks to bring action-packed gameplay and manual aiming to the fantasy genre by going in a completely different direction than most MMOs. The game also puts a big emphasis on story and custom character creation. If you are tired of the same-old same-old in MMOs, this is one to look into.

• DC Online
• http://dcuo.station.sony.com/
• 6,959 monthly visitors

With the popularity of superheroes in film, it is a surprise that it has taken so long for MMO developers to jump on the City of Heroes bandwagon. While I can't say I'm a DC Comics fan (I'm more of a Marvel guy), I can say that DC Online sounds like my type of superhero game. Rather than go the pure PvE route or the PvP-lite route, DC Online looks to inject a healthy dose of PvP and combine it with PvE. This will be done by putting the emphasis on public quests where both sides can duke it out similar to some of the action found in Warhammer Online. Now that sounds pretty cool.

• Fallen Earth
• http://www.fallenearth.com/
• 6,806 monthly visitors

As the name suggests, Fallen Earth is set in a post-apocalyptic world after a series of natural disasters, a virus and a nuclear conflict all but wipe out the human race. The gameplay will take place around the Hoover Dam, where characters will begin exploring a ruined world.

• Mortal Online
• http://www.mortalonline.com/
• 6,728 monthly visitors

The theme of Mortal Online is to skip the character progression and go right to the end game. While Mortal Online has a skill-based system where you can gain and advance different skills, you'll be competitive from day one. Mortal Online can be thought of as a "hardcore" PvP MMO where player skill will have more to do with winning than character skill. Most of the world will feature open PvP, corpses will be fully lootable, and siege warfare will play a big part in the game.

• Jumpgate Evolution
• http://www.jumpgateevolution.com/
• 6,381 monthly visitors

A faster-paced Eve, Jumpgate Evolution might very well be called the "Elite" MMO -- for those that remember the classic space combat and trading game. A sequel to Jumpgate: The Reconstruction Initiative, PvP plays a big role in the game as players are able to get into dogfights with other players or engage in huge space battles. For those that love games like Freespace, this one could be a real winner.

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