View source for Neocron

{{Short description|2002 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Neocron
|image = Neocron - Box Front.jpg
|image_size = 256px
|caption = ''Neocron'' box artwork
|developer = Reakktor Media GmbH
|director = Martin J. Schwiezer
|publisher = [[CDV Software]]
|composer = Max Corbacho<br />[[Steve Roach (musician)|Steve Roach]]<br />[[Ian Boddy]]
|designer =
|engine =
|released = {{collapsible list|title=September 9, [[2002 in video gaming|2002]]|
{{Video game release|DEU|2002-09-09|UK|2002-10-30|US|2002-11-12|FRA|2003-01-30|AU|2003-12-20}}
}}
|genre = [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing game|MMORPG]]
|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]
}}

'''''Neocron''''' is a 2002 [[apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|post-apocalyptic]]<ref name="rpgvault_impressions">{{cite web|url=http://rpgvault.ign.com/articles/372/372263p1.html |title=Neocron Beta Impressions |last=Keeler |first=John |date=2002-09-26 |publisher=RPG Vault |accessdate=2008-09-01 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517170850/http://rpgvault.ign.com/articles/372/372263p1.html |archivedate=2008-05-17}}</ref> [[cyberpunk]]<ref name="spot_preview_feb02">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/neocron/news.html?sid=2844808|title=Neocron Preview|last=Ryan|first=Michael|date=2002-02-01|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2008-08-31}}</ref> [[massively multiplayer online role playing game]] (MMORPG) developed by Reakktor Media GmbH (based in [[Hannover]], [[Germany]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reakktor.com/?section=kontakt&lang=en|title=Contact information|publisher=Reakktor Media GmbH|accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref>) and published by [[cdv Software Entertainment]]. It is considered to be the first cyberpunk-genre MMORPG,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://play.tm/story/1085|title=Neocron|last=Gibson|first=Sam|date=2003-02-04|publisher=play.tm|accessdate=2008-09-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604144310/http://play.tm/story/1085|archive-date=2008-06-04|url-status=dead}}</ref> and is designed to integrate elements of [[first-person shooter]] games.<ref name="spot_preview_feb02" /> It has been called a [[massively multiplayer online first-person shooter|MMO first-person shooter]] (MMOFPS),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamersasylum.com/rev_reviews.asp?ID=63&AID=BLNU&AID=NEOCRON|title=Neocron|author=Sartori|publisher=GamersAsylum|accessdate=2008-09-01|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030407174646/http://www.gamersasylum.com/rev_reviews.asp?ID=63&AID=BLNU&AID=NEOCRON|archivedate=2003-04-07}}</ref> but most consider it a hybrid of MMORPG and first-person shooter.<ref name="spot_preview_feb02" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rpgvaultarchive.ign.com/features/previews/neocron.shtml |title=Neocron Preview |last=Aihoshi |first=Richard |date=2002-02-08 |publisher=RPG Vault |accessdate=2008-09-01 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006085138/http://rpgvaultarchive.ign.com/features/previews/neocron.shtml |archivedate=2008-10-06}}</ref>

== History ==

Although ''Neocron'' is often said to be the first MMOFPS, ''[[WWII Online]]'', released in 2001, holds the [[Guinness World Records|Guinness World Record]] as the first MMOFPS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/34/WWII-Online-Battleground-Europe.html|title=WWII Online: Battleground Europe (WWIIOBE)|publisher=MMORPG.com|accessdate=2013-10-26}}</ref>{{syn|date=July 2025}}

Its 2004 sequel, ''[[Neocron 2: Beyond Dome of York]]'', was originally slated to be an [[expansion pack]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/neocron/news.html?sid=2909526|title=Neocron add-on announced|last=Parker|first=Sam|date=2003-01-23|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2008-08-31}}</ref> and released separately under a new publisher, 10tacle Studios AG.<ref name="pcformat">{{cite journal|last=Bickham|first=Al|title=Neocron 2: Beyond The Dome Of York|date=February 2005|journal=PC Format|issue=171|url=http://www.pcformat.co.uk/reviews/default.asp?pagetypeid=2&articleid=35057&subsectionid=680|accessdate=2008-08-08}}</ref> Following a brief transitional period where ''Neocron'' players were encouraged to transfer their characters to ''Neocron 2'', the ''Neocron'' servers were closed while the ''Neocron 2'' servers continue to run to this day.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Olivetti|first1=Justin|title=The Game Archaeologist: Neocron and Neocron 2|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/08/07/the-game-archaeologist-neocron-and-neocron-2/|website=Engadget|accessdate=25 September 2017|date=7 August 2012}}</ref>

In 2016, an updated version of Neocron, renamed ''Neocron Evolution'', was released. This version was developed and maintained by a team of community volunteers known as the ''Neocron Support Team'' (NST). This new version introduced numerous enhancements, including extensive rework and redesign of many original game systems, with a particular focus on overhauling the weapons system.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-11-10 |title=Neocron Evolution to Launch on November 12th |url=https://www.mmorpg.com/news/neocron-evolution-to-launch-on-november-12th-2000092022 |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=MMORPG.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Olivetti |first=Justin |date=2016-11-11 |title=Neocron receives a massive 'evolution' this weekend {{!}} Massively Overpowered |url=https://massivelyop.com/2016/11/11/neocron-receives-a-massive-evolution-this-weekend/ |access-date=2025-04-08 |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Character development ==
The [[player character]] may be chosen from four distinct classes. Available are [[genetically engineered]] super soldiers, ("GenTank"), the slight, yet dexterous and intelligent "Spy", the [[psionics|psionically]] focused and physically underpowered "Psi Monk" as well as the "Private Eye" (PE), commonly referred to as a [[Jack of all trades, master of none|Jack of All Trades]] for its ability to use aspects of all the other classes.

Later the player may assign "skill points" (gained from experience) into specific abilities, e.g. Construction, Research, Droning and Rifles. Any character or class can use the most basic forms of these, but to master any one of them requires a large commitment in skill points. Jobs range from the notorious [[Hacker (computer security)|hacker]], who dives into the alternate reality of Hacknet, technicians who research or construct items and (especially) weapons, to the common grunt, who fights alongside his clan for the outposts, spread around the wastelands. Jobs are not physically imposed: they are a generalization taken from how skill points are distributed to attributes.

== Storyline ==
[[File:Neocron Viarosso hovercab station.jpg|thumb|left|A "Subway" station in Neocron city]]

The game takes place in a [[post-apocalyptic]] 28th century. In the mid-22nd century, tensions rose between an expanded Chinese Empire and a joint European/North American ''Federation of the Free World''. The unexplained apparent destruction of the first Chinese interstellar colony ship resulted in China launching devastating nuclear strikes with stealth missiles. In retaliation, the American president gave the command to counter strike with cold fusion long-range missiles. World War III started on February 17, 2143; it lasted less than 6 hours.

It took over three centuries for even the most rudimentary civilization to return. By the mid-26th century two great cities had risen from the ashes, thanks in large part to the "Ceres Project". Originally an [[MIT]] project in the early 21st century aimed at storing every aspect of human knowledge on holodisk, it had been taken over by the American military in response to the murder of the project leader.

500 years later, both cities are now but shadows of their former selves: Neocron is diminished thanks to a succession of coups d'état as well as a mass exodus to Irata III, a colony 80 light years away formed by the missing Chinese colony ship, and Dome of York suffers from losing a devastating war with Neocron.

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
<!-- Aggregators -->
| GR = 69%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/447245.asp?q=Neocron|title=Neocron Reviews|publisher=Game Rankings|accessdate=2008-09-04}}</ref>
| MC = 66/100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/neocron|title=Neocron|publisher=Metacritic|accessdate=2008-09-04}}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->
| GSpot = 6.6/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/neocron/index.html|title=Neocron for PC|date=17 May 2006 |publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2008-09-04}}</ref>
| GSpy = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/neocron/|title=Neocron (PC)|publisher=GameSpy|accessdate=2008-09-04}}</ref>
| GT = 7.4/10 (''Neocron'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/game/830.html|title=Neocron|publisher=Gametrailers|accessdate=2008-09-04}}</ref><br />6.7/10 (''Neocron 2'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/game/831.html|title=Neocron: Beyond Dome of York|publisher=Gametrailers|accessdate=2008-09-04}}</ref>
| IGN = 6.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/objects/016/016758.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020601134420/http://pc.ign.com/objects/016/016758.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 1, 2002|title=Neocron|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-09-04}}</ref>
| PCZone = 8.5/10 (''Neocron'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=84840|title=Neocron|last=Anderson|first=Chris|date=2002-12-29|publisher=PC Zone|accessdate=2008-08-31}}</ref><br />2.4/10 (''Neocron 2'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/reviews/reviews_story.php?id=118051|title=Neocron 2: Beyond Dome of York|last=Staff|date=2005-05-25|publisher=PC Zone|accessdate=2008-08-08}}</ref>
| XPlay = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0,24330,3418708,00.html|title='Neocron' (PC)|last=Bemis|first=Greg|date=2003-02-28|publisher=TechTV|accessdate=2008-09-01|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030304033603/http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0,24330,3418708,00.html|archivedate=2003-03-04}}</ref>
<!-- Custom Reviewers-->
| rev1 = Adrenaline Vault
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="avault">{{cite web|url=http://www.avault.com/reviews/review_temp.asp?game=neocron|title=Neocron|last=Leader|first=Richard|date=2003-01-24|publisher=Adrenaline Vault|accessdate=2008-08-08|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205021933/http://avault.com/reviews/review_temp.asp?game=neocron|archivedate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
| rev2 = VideoGamesLife
| rev2Score = 83/100<ref name="vgl">{{cite web|url=http://www.videogameslife.com/pages/article/rvw/221.htm|title=Neocron, Review|last=Sandbach|first=Darren|date=2003-09-28|publisher=Videogameslife|accessdate=2008-08-08|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040426214430/http://www.videogameslife.com/pages/article/rvw/221.htm|archivedate=2004-04-26}}</ref>
| rev3 = Gamers Europe
| rev3Score = 8/10<ref name="gamerseurope">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerseurope.com/articles/228|title=Neocron|last=Parry-Jones|first=Tom|date=2002-12-20|publisher=Gamers Europe|accessdate=2008-08-31|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040216022221/http://www.gamerseurope.com/articles/228|archivedate=2004-02-16}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[GameStar]]''
| rev4Score = 73/100 (''Neocron'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamestar.de/spiele/rollenspiele/37481/neocron.html|title=Neocron|publisher=GameStar|language=German|accessdate=2008-09-04}}</ref><br />67/100 (''Neocron 2'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamestar.de/spiele/rollenspiele/33610/neocron_2_beyond_dome_of_york_.html|title=Neocron 2: Beyond Dome of York|publisher=GameStar|language=German|accessdate=2008-09-04}}</ref>
}}

''Neocron'' received generally mixed reviews. While some reviewers praised the first-person shooter style interface as "intuitive"<ref name="avault" /> or "innovative",<ref name="gamerseurope" /> others describe combat in ''Neocron'' as being "dull"<ref name="gamergod">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamergod.com/review_display.cfm?reviewid=44|title=Neocron by Reakktor|author=Anubis|date=2003-01-12|publisher=GamerGod.com|accessdate=2008-08-31|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040630130149/http://www.gamergod.com/review_display.cfm?reviewid=44|archivedate=2004-06-30}}</ref> or not at all revolutionary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/380/380967p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021223093700/http://pc.ign.com/articles/380/380967p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 23, 2002|title=Neocron Review|last=Perlo|first=Michael|date=2002-12-20|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-08-31}}</ref>

== References ==

{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.neocron-game.com Neocron Evolution official website]
* [http://www.techhaven.org Tech Haven Network - official international English fansite]

[[Category:2002 video games]]
[[Category:CDV Software Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Cyberpunk video games]]
[[Category:Inactive massively multiplayer online games]]
[[Category:Massively multiplayer online first-person shooter games]]
[[Category:Massively multiplayer online role-playing games]]
[[Category:Post-apocalyptic video games]]
[[Category:Reakktor Studios games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Germany]]
[[Category:Video games set in the 28th century]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows-only games]]