Origin is building up gamers' anticipation for the first episodes of its free Wing Commander: Secret Ops by letting players log on to its official site starting today and experiencing the story that will set the stage for the episodic game, which will be available this Thursday.

　　"Delivering this kind of experience to players in an episodic fashion has never been done before in the software entertainment business," says Neil Young, Origin's general manager. "We're developing a new type of gaming with Secret Ops. Our loyal Wing Commander fans will get to sample this innovative experience first, and for this series, at no charge."

　　If you haven't heard about the game, Secret Ops will continue the storyline that began in Wing Commander: Prophecy. Origin will make new episodes available every Thursday for the next seven weeks after the initial download. If you haven't upgraded your Internet access or know someone with a T1, you may want to make some calls… the full startup kit for Secret Ops weighs in at a heavy 114MB. Screen shots released on the official Secret Ops do make the game worth its hefty download, so we have a feeling the space simulator will prove popular.

　　- Secret Ops Basic Startup Kit: The required startup kit consisting of the Secret Ops executable file, graphics, music, and episode 1 (four missions). Approximate size: 63MB

　　- Secret Ops Speech Kit: An optional speech pack download (requires Basic Startup Kit) that includes in-flight communications and mission briefing audio. Approximate size: 51MB

　　- Secret Ops Full Startup Kit: The Basic Startup Kit and Speech Kit combined. Approximate size: 114MB