September 13^th, 2002 (12:00am) - To begin, I know what you are thinking: "True Fantasy Live Online?" I already don’t want to play it.

Well, don’t fret over the naming, it’s a tenative title.

Level-5 Inc. and Microsoft are developing a new MMORPG (massive multiplayer online RPG, for the "unl33t") tentatively titled “True Fantasy Live Online." If Level-5 rings any bells, it should; they are the developers of Dark Cloud, the generally well accepted PS2 Action-RPG (often accused of being a "Zelda-Ripoff"), and the upcoming, Cel-Shaded, Dark Cloud 2.

From the Press Release:

"True Fantasy Live Online" takes place in a world filled with fantastical characters such as high-flying broomstick-riding wizards and armies of armored knights working together to vanquish evil creatures that threaten the innocent. Numerous players will work and play together in one of the largest massively multiplayer online role- playing games created for Xbox Live.

In the "True Fantasy Live Online" world, players can create their own unique alter egos for themselves, tailoring their in-game avatars to fit their playing style and personal preferences. And with the voice chat feature, chatting with others becomes as natural and as easy as talking to friends on the phone ... a far cry from bulky keyboards that require putting down the controller.

Hmm, sounds pretty much like every other MMORPG at this moment. "TFLO" will make an appearance at the Tokyo Game Show 2002 (starting on September 20, 2002,) so keep your eyes peeled for more details at that time.

In the meantime, check out these screenshots of "True Fantasy Live Online," courtesy of NewTechnix:

*I’m guessing that’s Japanese for "We’re screwed!"
*Shocking.
*Mr. Rivers objects to the passing of an ordinance passed at the town meeting to ban V-Neck t-shirts.
*"He’s staring at my breasts again, isn’t he?!"

Heh, I don’t think some of our readers (even some of our staff, for that matter) will be too pleased about the Cel-Shading.