Tabula Rasa Preview

The editors at GameShark have put together an extensive four-page preview of Tabula Rasa, after attending a press event for the game at Richard Garriott's Britannia Manor.
We're corralled into another tent, and then shut in with Caution tape. We're looking at the bowling-pin tower discovered at the site, and the reflecting ball sphere is hovering nearby. Some members of the audience are called up to touch the ball, which gives off some impressive sparks. But if we concentrate hard enough, and if we untap the power of our minds, a fairy might get its wings.oh, and maybe something spectacular will happen. More sparks, some lights, (the feeling of being at Universal Studios returns with force) and the bowling pin tower lights up. It's supposed to be a Tabula Rasa control point, and we've just activated it, yeah, yeah, can we go now, Richard? We're tired.

And then it happens.

A holographic projection of a Bane shows up to tell us how stupid we are. Activating the tower just made it easier for the Bane to find us. Sirens sound. Lights flash. The canvas roof is ripped off of our tent, and an angry red light focuses down on us. A Bane soldier comes lumbering into view, enormous gun at the ready. Fortunately, a squadron of soldiers quickly follows and takes aim, protecting us from the alien. The Men in Black even show up to do their part in the fire fight. The Bane escapes into the construction site, taking cover behind half-built walls. Explosions rock what will become Britannia Manor Mark 3, as flames shoot thirty feet in the air. We recoil from the heat, which is searing even so far away. Another red searchlight pinpoints our location as the soldiers shoot it out with our enemy. A helicopter swings into view to provide cover from above. More explosions. More fire. Sparks and shots are flying everywhere, coming from every direction. Then finally, thankfully, the fight is over. We have won. We are safe. For now.