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SOE unveils PlanetSide 2

PlanetSide Next evolves.

Sony Online entertainment has unveiled PlanetSide 2, once known as PlanetSide Next.

The massively multiplayer first-person shooter sequel was announced during SOE's Fan Faire, which kicked off last night in Las Vegas.

In its description of the game SOE mentions an online persistent world, diverse combat roles and deep skill trees. Several classic roles from PlanetSide return.

The three factions you can choose from are the Terran Republic, New Conglomerate and Vanu Sovereignty.

The Terran Republic's an authoritarian government that leverages military might to maintain strict control over the colonial citizens. The New Conglomerate are rebels opposed to the Terran Republic. And the Vanu Sovereignty are obsessed with technology.

We're promised vehicle-based combat, and a beta. "We will ensure that PlanetSide players will be among the first in," SOE said.

A business model is yet to be announced. Will PlanetSide 2 be free-to-play?