As you explore the vast game world you'll encounter creatures fighting each other because they are natural enemies. TR's constant state of flux, attention to detail, and dynamic combat creates a living, breathing world. Exploring goes hand in hand with hunting for Logos symbols (a few thousand currently exist, with more on the way). Some symbols can be found in the open, others deep inside caves, while some reside within enemy bases. Logos powers can be general (i.e., lighting or sprint) or class specific (call up reinforcements, degrade armor or cast a variety of poisons). Often a player must possess a combination of symbols in order to unlock doors (called Logos Gates) or special abilities (i.e., using "Reinforcement" requires the symbols for "Summon," "Friend" and "Here"). Teammates can even combine abilities. For example, one player can use "Rage" to deal double damage while another lowers an attacker's armor, creating four times the normal damage. Symbols appear on a player's tablet (blank slate) and gamers can view them any time. Why? TR's history has been ingeniously etched into the very environment itself. As players collect the symbols a pictographic language forms that they can use to decipher these hieroglyphics.

Combat occurs in real time and mixes aspects of first person shooters with role-playing elements. Fortunately, TR features a sticky targeting reticule that doesn't require pinpoint accuracy. Behind the scenes "dice rolling" determines damage based on real-time factors like the type of weapon, ammo, stance, cover and movement. No other MMO does this. Furthermore, extended bouts of combat grant XP bonuses and boosts experience as much as six times. But it won't be as easy. The enemy artificial intelligence takes full advantage of the terrain, attempts to outflank and outmaneuver you, and use its superior numbers to its advantage.

A weapon is a soldier's best friend, and always being locked and loaded is Rule #1. There are hundreds of different weapons to fit all styles of play, ranging from melee staffs and blades to EMP (electromagnetic pulse) guns, lasers, net projectors, propellant guns (flamethrower, cryogenic and virulent), polarity guns and leech guns (which damages a target's health while simultaneously restoring your health). Each one takes a specific type of ammunition, which isn't cheap - so use it sparingly.

One "small" thing: every item degrades with use over time. Use a shotgun too much and it can overheat or jam. Get into a protracted firefight without taking cover and your armor will become damaged. Each item has its own attributes, strengths and weaknesses (some armor regenerates at a faster rate or resists physical attacks better then others). Fortunately, gamers can repair items and upgrade them (for a fee) by visiting the shops located within AFS bases (which are always buzzing with activity and come with some hilarious loudspeaker announcements).

Each enemy killed drops salvage used in crafting items. Some pieces may be worthless while others can be combined (or are required in a recipe) to build upgrades, enhancements and other goodies. If you can't find an ingredient it can be bought from a Supply Sergeant at the crafting stations. Additionally, some of the most powerful in-game items have a Logos requirement. While the Logos won't be built-in, gamers will need it to complete the recipe.