As CCP Games rolls out the most significant expansion for EVE Online to date, Apocrypha, players should prepare themselves for an extended 13-hour downtime, lasting from 03:00 GMT to (est.) 16:00 GMT on Tuesday, March 10th. Storyline updates in the form of news reports will continue throughout downtime, kicking off the backstory of the Apocrypha expansion. Massively has a solid overview of Apocrypha for you, most recently a visual tour of the expansion and a hands-on with the developers, explaining EVE's new features. Patch Notes for this 10th EVE expansion are up as well. Updates to the patch notes will be made in green, and you can follow the highlighted links to all of the relevant dev blogs explaining the various facets of Apocrypha. We've covered much of this content at Massively, but two recent dev blogs from CCP explain how the new exploration system will work and what exactly makes the Sleeper NPC race's AI so formidable.

Fans of 'sandbox' massively multiplayer online titles where gamers can largely play how they choose to might be interested in Earthrise, a post-apocalyptic MMO in development at Masthead Studios. Although there's no solid estimate on the game's release date, Masthead Studios is getting the word out about Earthrise in preparation for beta testing. The most recent interview they've done can be found over at GameSNAFU. Michael G. Koshgarian from GameSNAFU interviewed Masthead Studios CEO Atanas Atanasov, who dished out some info on the storyline quests for the warring Continoma and Noir factions. Of particular interest is the fact that players will be able to shift their allegiances and defect to a rival faction, but at the risk of being branded a traitor.

Our friends across the pond at GameSource.it recently had the chance to sit down and chat with Kim Tae Gon, the lead producer on Atlantica Online, and ask him some questions about what made Atlantica so special in the MMO market. Kim gladly laid out his enthusiasm for the game's main selling point, the turn-based strategic combat system. Atlantica uses a turn-based system, rather than the standard real-time systems found in almost all MMOs, to let combat progress with the player making decisions with his character and other units, rather than simply their own character. The system's history is complex, being originally derived from Luminary: The Rise of the GoonZu, Tae Gon's previous title, and ideas presented in the Korean game Gersang. Out of both of these titles, and with a renewed emphasis on combat rather than strategic control of territories, came Atlantica's combat system.

With the MMO world all abuzz about BioWare's upcoming MMORPG, Star Wars: The Old Republic, it's not too terribly surprising to hear that they're considering other MMO projects down the line. Gamers have already shown they're very receptive to BioWare joining the MMO fray, at least if the comments here are any indication. With the potential of making more money than just the initial box sales, having a successful MMO in the fold has to be an attractive proposition for game companies in today's market - even with the risks. Of course, while we're not surprised they jumped in on PC MMO gaming, we were a bit surprised to once again hear MMOs and consoles come into the discussion.

Paragus is back with another mini Darkfall review over at MMORPG.com. This time he's talking about mounts and politics. Mounts in Darkfall are quite a bit different than you'll find in other MMORPGs. The biggest difference is that you don't purchase them from vendors; they come from crafters who learn the "taming" skill. Mounts aren't just vehicles to get you from point A to B either; they can swim and attack (kicking and biting). They can also be stolen by other players, killed, and healed. The controls for mounts are excellent and you can actually attack other players with a one-handed weapon from the saddle.

Play against the computer, a friend or your entire family

Over 1,000 new survey questions

Customizable characters feature lets you create your own family

For the first time, you play as both good and evil as you battle your way through the game

The Playable Heroes: SpongeBob, Jimmy Neutron, Danny Phantom, Zim and Tak

The Playable Villains: Plankton, Professor Calamitous, Technus, Dib and Tlaloc

An all-new, slime-soaked story full of massive adventure, twists, turns and challenges

Maximum combo-play with gadgets and amplified abilities based on teamwork

Travel to 8 diverse environments from Geonosis to the Wookiee home planet of Kashyyyk in 14 deadly missions

Innovative squad combat utilizing intuitive and accessible smart squad command system featuring squad markers and stances

Challenging combat with incredible enemies - Super Battle Droids, Droidekas, Geonosian Warriors and Elites, Trandoshan Slavers and Mercenaries

Access more than 12 weapons from the Star Wars films -- from a standard DC-17 rifle to the Trandoshan Slaver Shotgun and Geonosian Elite Beam Weapon

Multiplayer action with up to 16 players - deathmatch, team deathmatch and capture the flag

Help Freddi Fish and Luther to catch the culprit! (Ages 3 - 8)

Explore ancient ruins, play games at a fulfilled carnival and even discover a sunken airplane

Meet Rosy Pearl, the Tailor and Nadine the Narwhal

Piece the clues together and figure out who's responsible for this underwater caper!

[Windows 3.1/95/98/Me/XP, Macintosh]

32 stunning and surprising levels

115 dream pieces to find throughout the game

18 chapters featuring unique puzzles and activities

8 beautiful dream jewels to complete

One major mystery that you will have to solve