Earth & Beyond Test Patch

Westwood Studios has released a major patch for the current public test of its upcoming MMO title, Earth and Beyond. Including new grouping features, an upgraded skill system, and an improved chat interface, Earth and Beyond testers can begin playing around with the new features listed here:

Improvements to the grouping and formation systems, including the addition of the basic functionality of a guild system
Improvements to the in-game monsters, including damage effects, combat attributes, and behavior patterns
Upgraded interiors in several star bases
Improved chat interface, allowing players to more easily initiate a chat channel and to also find friends in-game
Upgraded skill system, including new skills, improvements to existing skills, and new visual effects
Enhancements to existing sectors, including new sounds and art
Improvements to the in-game music, including the addition of new music in space and inside starbases
New animations for many avatars, and improvements to existing avatar movements
More options during character creation
An upgraded and expanded star map, so players can more easily find their way around the game universe
Improvements and bug fixes to many random and scripted missions
Improvements and bug fixes in the warp system
Upgraded vendor terminals, allowing players to more easily buy, sell and compare goods
An updated look and functionality of the manufacturing and vault terminals

Westwood stated that thousands of new testers will be selected this month to help with the beta excitement. Would-be space blokes should hit the official page for more details on how to get in on the action. Read more in the official press release here.

News source: GameSpyDaily