Originally published in JIVE Magazine on 4 November 2002. 

The game Off-world Resource Base or O.R.B. has been in development for over 4 years and is now in the home stretch. The game promises to take Real time strategy to the next level, implementing an interface that is completely 3 dimensional, yet not so cumbersome to overwhelm the average player. With 4 years to work with, O.R.B. has an intensive physics system that features galaxies with correct planetary orbits as well as debris from destroyed ships that will stay around and can even be used for cover.

The game pits two races against each other that are offshoots of the same genetic source. The game feature two races that have evolved into entirely different beings, creating different strategies and technologies (yes, you can steal the opposing side’s technology) for each of them. From what has been released from Strategy First, the plot has been worked into an intriguing piece of science fiction. In addition to having a great plot and game engine, the design team is releasing all the tools required to make campaigns for the game, with the exceptions of model editors (3D studio max isn’t cheap, folks) and graphics editors (just open up MS Paint or Photoshop or Fireworks, you’re already set). Yes, this means that they’re releasing all the camera tools, event scripting and such to create your own cut scenes and create an entire galaxy designed by you.

JIVE got a hold of the very busy Paul Thibault, executive producer for O.R.B. and got even better news than we were expecting. (more…)

Originally published in JIVE Magazine on 7 August 2002.

One of the East Coast’s most beloved Hardcore DJs, Jare Fox said farewell to his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, last year and moved to Rochester, New York. Since then, he’s been on a whirlwind tour of Canada and throughout the US. Developing his own progressive style of Hardcore that his fans have dubbed Jarecore, he is currently on top of his game.

JIVE caught up with Jare for an interview: (more…)

Originally published in JIVE Magazine on 17 June 2002.

Fronted by Ronan Harris, and featuring Mark Jackson on percussion, VNV Nation has emerged in the past few years to become a powerhouse performer in the Electronic Dance scene. VNV Nation, which stands for “Victory Not Vengeance”, was originally formed in 1990 in London, England by Ronan. This pair of live performance artists have captured huge amounts of success and will continue to do so, as they finally start to get recognition from the more mainstream Electronic Music crowd, with their Trance Industrial sound. Hot from their successful FuturePerfect album, their US tour is currently on fire. JIVE caught up to Ronan and had a chat with the genius behind VNV Nation’s music and deeply meaningful lyrics. (more…)