Tabula Rasa: PAUs Invade with Deployment 16

Soon-to-be closed MMO Tabula Rasa is getting some major toys in the next update, finally allowing players to own and operate one of the fabled PAU mechs!

Tabula Rasa developers unveiled the entire roster with screenshots and details for each PAU unit today within the Feedback Friday feature:

Did Somebody Say "Mechs" or "PAU" ? And What's the Difference?

With D16 we will be releasing finalized Mechs and PAUs. The difference is simple. Mechs will be entered from a mech pad in a captured Control Point similar to what is found on D15 Earth and Edmund Range maps. PAUs, however, will be formed around the player when called upon by a usable. PAUs can be used only by the highest level of Receptive and certain skill requirements must be met.

The Angel PAU

A PAU that can only be used by the Specialist class due to a requirement of Tools 1. With the likeness of a Commando, while suited in the Angel PAU, the Specialist receptive is capable of providing superior resists to their allies and battle field resuscitating any fallen troops.

The Vulcan PAU

A PAU that can only be used by the Soldier class due to a requirement of Rage 1. With the likeness of a Commando, while suited in the Vulcan PAU, the Soldier receptive is capable of providing superior damage buffs to their allies and laying waste to their enemies via their massive grenade launcher.

The AFS Mech

The standard AFS Mech has been outfitted with more functionality. Much like a Ranger, the AFS Mech can now bring further destruction to the battlefield by calling down napalm strikes. Their rockets have been upgraded for range at the sacrifice of splash damage giving them long range superiority.

The Orson Mech

The Orson brings a new element to Mech combat with its superior power plant. Much like a Sapper, it is capable of unleashing charged electrical attacks as well as extending a shield around itself and nearby allies. The Orson can also summon turrets to aid its assault.

The Grendel Mech

This imposing battlefield juggernaut can bring down the mightiest of base defenses. It has been given superior defensive and offensive features making it the undisputed king of the battlefield.

Don't forget to join Tabula Rasa's fans on January 10, 2009 for a farewell free-for-all access and experience the game until February 28!

Source: Tabula Rasa Feedback Friday

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Like someone noted on PlanetTR, "if only they've released these awesome PAUs 6 months ago" =/

Plus, if you're still wondering how to join the free play, just follow these steps:

We realize it's been less than obvious how to do this....so here's how to do this...

Tabula Rasa: Now with more FREE play!

We've released all new content - Earth, PvP Wargames, Epic Caves of Donn and more, and we want to remind you that Tabula Rasa is free to play, right now!

If you're a former player looking to return and check out the new content, just log into your PlayNC master account at www.plaync.com and visit Account Management to reactivate your account. It's easy as clicking a button!

If you're a new player who has never tried Tabula Rasa, you can get a Tabula Rasa Serial Code by visiting http://www.plaync.com/us/support/login.html and submitting a request for a new code. Use that code at www.plaync.com to create a new account! You'll need to activate your new account with a credit card, but don't worry - that's just so we know who you are. We won't ever be charging the card for Tabula Rasa gameplay.

Once your account is activated (or re-activated!), visit ftp://ftp.playtr.com/setup_data_files/install_tabula_rasa_1.11.6.0.exe to download the game client. Install and you're ready to go. We look forward to seeing you in the game!

Seems like Free Play period might've already started!

EDIT: Free play did start, unofficially! Start downloading!