Albion Online is an upcoming free-to-play MMO game that hopes to create an entirely new MMO sandbox experience for a genre that has become all too stagnant. Developed and published by independent German developers, Sandbox Interactive, the game is currently in early development with a slated release for some time next year.

One of the first mechanics that will capture the imagination of the sandbox audience is the in-depth approach to a night/day cycle. Unlike other MMORPG games this is not a simple change in shadows and light, it actually influences the game world and its inhabitants. Much like the affects in Minecraft players can expect the night time to be far more dangerous, with deadly enemies and demons spawning on a regular basis. You'll have to keep your wits about you as you defend your village from a seemingly unstoppable onslaught of enemies.

Albion Online will not use a typical leveling based progression system. Instead a players power levels will be determined by what they control. This includes land, weapons and armor. The weapons and equipment system is also highly unique as it doubles up to complete the games unique combat feature with the addition of spells and abilities, unique skills that can be assigned to a piece of equipment; allowing players to completely change their approach to combat by simply changing gear.

Another highly interesting feature of Albion Online is that of the teleportation mechanics, or rather the lack of. Albion Online will not allow players to simple traverse massive distances instantly via teleportation or other means, instead they must use merchant roads and highways. This means that transporting goods or rare materials will actually be a valuable mechanic, not a simple abuse of a trade or auction house system. This feature is rarely seen in MMO games and is sure to create some truly intense PvP scenarios.