Black Isle Studios to be responsible for this new 3D RPG

Fellow gamers wondering what Black Isle will be up to next can take solace in knowing they've already got a new project in the works. Interplay announced yesterday that Black Isle will be responsible for creating for creating a new 3D RPG, Torn. It's set to utilize the LithTech 3.0 engine and should see a fourth quarter 2001 release.

In terms of gameplay Torn will include many elements found in Black Isle's Fallout series. Here's more game details straight from the press release:

"TORN contains a skill-based character system that allows for innumerable approaches to any problem in the game, whether through combat, guile, or diplomacy. Utilizing items of the player's own creation, four different realms of magic, and enough specializations and abilities to make every character unique, TORN will take the player through a twisting, epic tale of noble allies, vile treachery, vengeful tyrants and maddened gods that will set the precedent for fantasy and adventure games to come.

Utilizing the LithTech(TM) Development System Version 3.0, TORN operates on a real-time version of the rule system behind the Fallout series and allows players to pause the game at anytime to issue commands and control companions. Pre-generated characters will be provided for those who do not wish to indulge in the detailed character creation process. TORN will include new Perks (Pyromancer: the character's effectiveness with explosive fire-based magic is increased) Traits (Lone Wolf: the character gains bonuses when working without companions), skills (Fortitude: increases a character's Hit Points), and even new races such as the sidhe and ogres in addition to humans, dwarves, halflings, and elves. The non-linear features of the game such as customized character creation, multiple story arcs and NPC reactivity greatly enhance replayability. TORN can be played as either a single-player or multiplayer game, supporting up to six separate players."

More and more 3D RPGs are showing up on the PC, just as they are on console systems!