Auto Assault Interview

The folks at Gameinatrix have published a three-page interview with NetDevil's Christine Brownell about their upcoming vehicular MMORPG, Auto Assault. An excerpt to follow:
Q: Will there be different races/classes to play as? Can you tell us a little about them?

A: Humans are just beginning to emerge from underground and are in the process of rebuilding a civilization on the surface. They view themselves as the only pure race and the rightful (owners) of the planet, and are still firm in their belief that the other races should be eliminated from the earth. Human society is structured under the control of a large corporation that now serves as the governmental organization as well. Humans are skilled in energy manipulation, which they have used to develop effective shielding technology. All humans and vehicles are equipped with several types of shielding, as keeping contamination in all forms under complete control is their most pressing concern.

The Biomeks began as a small group of the bio-mechanically altered humans that survived the apocalypse. Other survivors were actively recruited to receive mechanical enhancements, and over time, their numbers began to grow. Biomeks have become skilled in corrosive and radioactive damage types, things that are generally hazardous to the other two races. Efficiency is of the utmost importance to a Biomek, and most organic life is only seen from the viewpoint of its imperfections. Everything organic can be (improved) upon.

Mutants believe that they are the chosen ones; that the mutations that occurred due to the alien corruption were sent by a higher power. They have completely accepted their status as (The Changed,) and have formed their own set of values and beliefs based on this. Mutants have an intense connection to the environment and use their abilities to control and use the contamination in many forms, and they encourage it to spread whenever possible.

There are four class archetypes per race to choose from, with each race having a different take on each role, for a total of twelve unique character classes. Each race has a class which can be classified as a tank, meant to deal and soak up damage; a combat specialist. The second is support/repair, what would be normally known as a healer in most other MMOGs. This class will be the only class able to repair themselves and others while in combat without additional consumable items. The third is support/command, able to summon reinforcements and/or pets to fight, as well as augment other party members with status buffs. The last is best compared to a rogue in other games. This class is fast and maneuverable, and has abilities like stealth to make hit and run tactics their specialty.