When Xbox Live debuted back in November 2001, it was a pretty safe bet that there would be a solid array of first-person shooters, racers and sports games to play as the service evolved. However, certain genres have, as of yet, been unexplored or untested in the on-line realm. In particular, fighting games have been few and far between for Xbox Live gamers, with the exception of Capcom Vs. SNK: EO. While some gamers will find solace in the upcoming DOA: Ultimate or MK: Deception, Developer InterServ International also wants to bring a fighting game to the on-line realm and then push the envelope a bit further. The result of their efforts will be one of the first 3D fighting games to grace Xbox Live, as well as the first ever 16 player on-line fighter.

Entitled Iron Phoenix, which may or may not be a small rib towards fellow fighting game Soul Calibur, this fully Xbox Live 3.0 supported title will look to do what Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow did for it’s genre… well, it actually created one. Just as SC: PA pioneered stealth gaming on-line, but with a hint of action and first-person shooting, Iron Phoenix will look to borrow elements from FPS games (16 players, tactical combat, large maps w/ varied design, etc.) and merge it with a 3D fighter.

The developers have stated on many occasions that this genre has been "untapped" up until now, and they would be correct. However, there may be reasons why other developers have steered clear of such an ambitious game design. Notwithstanding the technical feats required to stage such a game on-line (graphics, solid connection for 16 players to fight at once), making this type of experience work will be quite a challenge seeing as so many styles of gameplay are being combined. Most people are used to one-on-one combo fests, they aren’t accustomed to the full onslaught of 15 other competitors all brandishing dangerous looking weapons. About the only person I can think of who could withstand that assault would be Lando Calrissian, provided he employed some of his manoeuvres from the battle of Tanaab.

Although maybe InterServ International understands all too well the need for manoeuvres, as you’ll have plenty of them when fighting in Iron Phoenix. However, the twist is that these moves and attacks will be based on whatever weapon you are holding at the time. In a nod to the Ninja Gaiden style, it won’t be what character you pick that makes the difference, but instead your weapon will dictate your attack style and move set. This should definitely provide for some dynamic battles, as you’ll not only be fending off swarms of fighters all attacking in various styles, but you’ll also be searching for specific weapons to properly finish off these very same pesky foes. The weapons will be similar to those in other weapon-based fighters, and include swords, hammers, axes and maces. Predictably, there will be trade-offs for the weapons, as a hammer might provide crushing power, but it will be slower in terms of its speed and combo attacks.

Iron Phoenix will also have a limited power-up and "magic" system. The power-ups will be a basic array of defensive and offensive enhancing "consumables," but the "magic" system will be a meter-based affair called "chi." Your "chi" – insert jokes now – will refill when it is not being used against foes, and use it you will as it can deliver various weapon-charging hits and explosive spells that repel attacking enemies. This should definitely add a strategic element to fighting as you could presumably mix up the pace or turn the tables of a fight by activating a devastating "chi" attack.

Like many other recent Xbox games, Iron Phoenix will primarily focus on the multiplayer component, but it will have a single-player campaign as well. The multiplayer modes will be standard deathmatch and team deathmatch, but have there has also been talk of including CTF and VIP options as well. As stated earlier, Xbox Live 3.0 features are being added right now (this is why the game has been pushed back a couple of months), so you will be able to take advantage of advanced clan and statistical tracking and presumably some improved messaging and tournament features. The off-line component will be a cut and dry quest, pegging you with the challenge of finding all of the 9 weapons forged from a fallen meteor. While most people don’t usually play fighting games for their stories, hopefully Iron Phoenix can borrow a page out of Soul Calibur’s book and provide an entertaining story with varied endings and a sense intrigue.