DiD have become known for innovation, and the award at Cannes for F22 ADF represents their creativity and determination to push the boundaries. Whatever you think of the title, Wargasm is another genre bender destined for success.

The foundational premises are twofold: an interactive multiplayer universe, and the ability to prosecute the war from any perspective you choose. The tactical dimension will likely be a drawing card for some; others will want to take the soldiers perspective and see how long they can survive!

Bridging the gap between first person combat, vehicle and helicopter simulation, Wargasm lets you fight from the air, on foot or in a tank. Each has its merits; each has it drawbacks, dependent on the terrain and enemy forces.

At E3 I witnessed over half an hour of combat first hand. DiD is using their new 3Dream engine for Wargasm, taking the level of detail and interactivity well beyond the F22 ADF Universe. The goal is to create a believable and immersive environment that is independent of perspective. If you are a soldier terrain detail must be extremely high, and real world physics must apply. If you are in the cockpit of a Comanche, you need your own level of world interaction.

The vehicles will feature a fairly high level of detailing, with virtual cockpit in the helicopters and realistic weapons modeling. But the goal for systems is more streamlined that F22 ADF, since interaction and battle is the name of the game. Look for some awesome effects, with complete light source shading, dynamic lighting, and perhaps even dynamic reflections.

Wargasm features both strategic and tactical control of your forces. You can choose to play from the Commanders view, a top down gods eye perspective, and then jump in and drive the assault in your MBT. If you prefer the strategic game play you might never take that first person perspective and still enjoy the game. Like the F22 ADF AWACS interface, control of assets is via a mouse driven interface but the player is also afforded the real time tactical view.

Force feedback is supported as are stereo glasses. If the inheritors of the VFX1 technology are on schedule perhaps we will even see headtracking and stereoscopic vision on the new VFX3d headset.

Multiplayer support has been a core design feature since early concept, and Wargasm is squarely aimed at the Internet multiplayer market. When we talked to DiD President Martin Kenwright he was uncertain whether there would be a Theatre Commander mode where two players could direct assets while others fight, but it was at least a possibility.

The last news we heard was that Wargasm would be available before Christmas this year, and indications are that DiD is on target. In fact F22 Total Air War has mastered and is set for an October release.