Before diving into this review, or while you're reading, you might want to check out our previous MAG converage which includes video and developer commentary from CES 2010, Developer Q&A from E3 2009, and CES 2010 Impressions of MAG. -SGM The idea of 256 simultaneous players in an online FPS sounds like something you would only find on PC, but SCEA and Zipper Interactive have created this unique experience solely for the PS3. Massive Action Game, better known as MAG, has been out in the wild for almost a week now with thousands of players populating its servers and taking part in the ever changing Shadow War between three private military contractors. Nathan and I have spent a lot of time in combat over the past week, and are pleased to say it's been a hell of a good time.

At E3 we had the opportunity to go behind the scenes and away from the crowd to talk MAG with some Zipper developers. Thanks to our insane schedule we weren't able to ask all the questions we wanted, especially some from viewers, so Zipper and SCEA obliged in helping us wrap up the Q/A. So enjoy even more information about what is destined to become the new way to play online first-person shooters. Oh, and before we get into it, we'd like to thank Appo for help getting these questions together. We love our readers and we love when they get involved.  The best experts we have are the fans and we love hearing from you all. Thanks again, Appo! (Answers provided by Andy Beaudoin, Lead Designer on MAG)

We haven't yet gotten to spend a great deal of time with MAG, but we were able to ask one of the lead devs from Zipper Interactive some questions about that game today. We received a few requests for info on this game, let me go ahead and post these responses and points in bullet form, but first the exclusive news we received directly from Zipper: There is an additional map in development that is similar to that of the Panama Canal. Red and Blue forces will be fighting on opposite sides a large body of water with ships passing up and down the canal. Players are able to get onto these ships as well. Now for the other points: -The network code for this game has been under development for over five years, before MAG development began. It's built from the ground up for massive online play. -There will be a driveable tank and other vehicles via DLC (Humvees and ATVs) at launch. -No balance between the teams is forced; i.e., if one team has a vehicle, the other team has the option to also get the vehicle but doesn't have to. -Other modes include 64 player simultaneous training...

The originals of some of these were as large as 100 MB (!!).  Anyhow, here are some considerably more reasonably-sized versions for your viewing pleasure.  Click the image to your right, or check out the Extra Images tab above.