One of our favorite things to do here at MMORPG.com is give our readers a preview of some of the hotly anticipated games on the horizon. In our latest preview, we take a look at Salem. It's definitely a must read for fans of the genre.

In our MMORPGs we expect goblins, a few elves, and some pointy swords. In later years we've innovated, moved with the times, and maybe, just maybe, we can now accept a space ship or two - but we totally draw the line at Firefly class frigates: You've gotta' have rules. Indie-developers Seatribe however, are looking to mess with the status quo: their new game doesn't have an emphasis on stabbing things, nor will it feature quests, and there isn't even a mention of the Elder race - oh, and if you die, you're pretty, well, um, dead. There is devil's play amongst us.

Read more of Adam Tingle's Salem: We Cater to Normal People Too.

Awesome read. I have been following this game for about a year now. I am giddy with excitement for it.

But with all indie companies, I hope they can deliver on what they are saying. If they can, it may be the breakout hit of the year as long as it keeps getting attention from news sites.

The team has been working on this for years now and have promised a Haven and Hearth like gameplay, which means the sandboxers will be full of joy!

I just hope it at least feels like Haven and Hearth with its remoteness and hermit like life style + a little witch burning on the side.

Unfortunately, the size of their team is pretty small, so I don't think we can expect too many updates. This will probably be a great title in 5 year time, but for now, don't expect much. 

If the gameplay features what he claims, for once i can totally ignore the graphics.

What concerns me however is this:

"One half of its development team Björn Johannessen explains..."

Which would suggest two devs. Unless that's referring to pure programmers, which isn't so bad.

But basically, genius if it pulls it off.

this game will fail perma death is wanted by a very very very slim percentage of gamers, perma death alone will be teh downfall of this game.

Great because H&H is really a very good game, so i really can't wait to play it.

Sounds great, graphics are meaningless as long as its' fun.

Originally posted by zephermarkus

this game will fail perma death is wanted by a very very very slim percentage of gamers, perma death alone will be teh downfall of this game.

I think this studio is well aware of that, this isn't their first title like this.

If it is anything like Haven & Hearth, then death would only mean that you lose your character and a substantial amount of "progress" is lost; however, some "progress" can be saved through a heritage system or simply walking with a new character to your old home (since create a building/tools is a form of progress).

Do we have access to stocks and pillories?  Non-lethal ways to deal with criminals?

"We cater to normal people too" ? I thought exactly the opposite would be something special these days.

like the sound of this game, i can imagine it being fairly addictive once you start playing it

This game sounds amazing, everything i have been looking for besides not being able to build my own home (own home meaning the shape and size i want.)  

The graphics / setting seems a little foreign to me, but perhaps that is a good thing, and will turn out to be one of this games strong points

i like the sound of this, but im a bit of a graphics freak as well.. might check it out as its free... well when its released that is.

I've seen a pics and read a few posting about this game.

I just don't get it. I guess I give 'em credit for thinking outside the box, but this game just looks stupid.

Release: Q3 2012.

The phrase i'm thinking of rhymes with clucking bell.. :(

Originally posted by precious328

I've seen a pics and read a few posting about this game.

 

I just don't get it. I guess I give 'em credit for thinking outside the box, but this game just looks stupid.

 

It "looks" stupid or it "sounds" stupid? Cause personally I agree it looks pretty stupid, but so does minecraft. But it sounds pretty interesting.

It sounds like they actually thought some stuff through... interesting enough is the "no skill cap". At first it sounds like a terrible idea, but with perma-death this sort of thing will sort itself out. 

I originally wrote this game off as garbage, but its back on my radar again, good article.

like the ideas and concepts but really dont like the look of the game.

I wish I didn't read this though kind of...

Now I will be reminded it's trying to be like Ultima Online in more ways then one and that's probably something it will not accomplish based on that description/preview, heh..

I wouldn't play this game if you paid me, the barrier of entry is too high. But, I like that it exists. Much like popular games like Resident Evil and Catherine (as in, more games I'd never play), I enjoy reading about it and will enjoy reading/watching people's responses to the game, and I hope it's successful in giving that group of people that satisfying niche they've been looking for. I don't know how much staying power perma-death has, but it also doesn't sound like there's much to 'own' besides things you've built for a town or a home, so there's probably nothing to lose you couldn't easily get again.

I think everyone should have a game for them, and with sandboxers being mostly ignored - and very bitter about it - maybe games like this and Arch Age will give them somewhere to go. I'm also hoping the oddball theme and mechanics will show developers it's okay to try something new and take chances, even if that means shrinking your budget to more reasonable levels. I'd take a unique game made for a few million over something unoriginal for hundreds of millions any day.