TORN Update

PC.ign nicely summarizes the E3 coverage of Black Isle Studios in-development RPG offshoot, TORN which borrows rules from the Fallout universe yet remains a 3D fantasy RPG. They were able to talk to the developers to get the latest info, from which I pulled this snip:

Dave briefly showed off and talked about various aspects of the game that are familiar to fans who have been following the game. It will include six races ranging from humans to hulking ogres and lithe sidhe (pronounced shee) plus elves dwarves and halflings. Character development will be skill-based using a variation of the SPECIAL system developed at Interplay for the original Fallout. Character customization will be possible in a number of ways including custom portraits and sounds. The game will be party-based, with the player character and up to five AI-controlled NPC companions depending on the main character’s charisma. The action will take place in pausable real time, and multiplayer will be enabled for up to six players. The point of view will be isometric, with players having a limited degree of control over zoom and circling. And the projected release date remains as late this year.