The Precursors Interview, Part One

RPG Vault was able to track down Deep Shadows' Dmitry Lysenko and Irina Snisarenko for a multi-part interview about their FPS/RPG/space simulation hybrid, The Precursors.
Jonric: What elements will RPG fans relate to, and how important are they within the overall game design and scope of play?

Irina Snisarenko: This is a real RPG in terms of its structure. We have firearms instead of swords, bionic weapons rather than magic, and spaceships and robots in place of mounts. All the other elements are true to the classical features - quests, leveling and upgrades, trade and relations with NPCs and factions, etc. They are parts of a larger structure, so they can all be viewed as core elements, and very important for player.

Also, true RPG fans are free to play any role; they can be good, evil or neutral, and the choice will affect the gameplay in a variety of ways.