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Simon and Schuster's Deep Space Nine: The Fallen has reached beta status, and as predicted a huge flood of previews, screen shots, movies and interviews has hit the web. Read on for details on this Mac and PC 3rd-person action/adventure.

Yet another preview of DS9 has been posted by GameSpot. They have also added quite a few new screen shots and some large movies of in-game action. This preview is more of a description of the way the game runs and how the characters correspond to the 'Trek' feel. This third-person shooter/action game will not play like Tomb Raider, but it certainly has a lot of great features and some really astounding visuals that capture the 'Trek' aesthetic. Here is a clip from their preview on how you maneuver your character:

When you near a ledge, the characters will automatically kneel down, grab the edge of the platform, and swing themselves over the side. Climbing ladders is just as easy, as Kira, Worf, and Sisko will automatically hold on to the correct side of ladder as you approach it, which avoids the frustration of finding yourself underneath the platform or ledge that you were supposed to climb. All three characters will also go into a fighting stance whenever they're weaponless and in close proximity to an enemy. While this feature might seem insignificant, it's just one example of the extent that The Collective has taken to ensure that the characters in the Fallen not only control with ease but behave realistically onscreen as well.

Gamers.com has also posted a new preview of the title. This time around they compare their current beta with the previous, noting many positive changes. Again, they also have new screen shots with large or small movies clips.

Stomped has posted the second of three interviews with members of The Collective, developers of this title. This time they spoke to Dan Mycha, an artist working on The Fallen. They will release their two other interviews in the next few days. In the piece, he discusses how the Collective faced a few restrictions on the content of the game. Mycha describes them in this excerpt:

Stomped: How much input do you receive from Paramount Studios about your design work on the game?

Mycha: Actually not that much. Paramount has been very hands-off in the pre-production and conceptualization phases. All of our designs and ideas had to be approved but we've developed a great working relationship. Our attention to detail and quality of art has resulted in a very license-faithful game. The Paramount Production Staff doesn't want to make the game for you, they want to make sure you don't derail the design vision of the Trek Universe. If you love what you do, it come across in the look of the game. Then Paramount is happy, you are happy, and ultimately, the fans will be happy.

Stomped Interviews Dan Mycha

DS9: The Fallen

The Collective

DS9: The Fallen Preview @ Gamers.com

DS9: The Fallen Preview @ GameSpot

Simon & Schuster (add to watch list)

The Collective (add to watch list)

DS9: The Fallen (add to watch list)

Buy DS9: The Fallen

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