Microsoft's first turn-based strategy online multiplayer is up and running on the Zone. UltraCorps, developed by VR-1, is Microsoft's second pay-to-play online title (its first one being Fighter Ace). Curious gamers can sign up for a two-week free trial period, and if gamers want to continue playing, they can sign up for either US$9.95 a month or pay for three months at the cost of two months.

　　The game can be played in two formats: a daily or twice-daily cycle. At the completion of each cycle, the effects of your player's actions are calculated, and the outcome is presented onscreen.

　　UltraCorps centers on the player who chooses one of 14 alien races that sets off to develop new technology and weapons. With this new tech, the alien race sends fleets off to other planets in the hopes of conquering and colonizing. Since other races are trying to do exactly the same thing,players must expand and strengthen their empires.

　　"UltraCorps' size and scope make it a perfect addition to the Internet Gaming Zone," said Ed Fries, general manager for the games group at Microsoft. "UltraCorps is the ultimate game for turn-based strategy fans because it mixes strategy, combat, diplomacy, resource management, and player interaction."

　　Players get to play on scalable maps with high-resolution graphics and detailed military unit data. Detailed with a complex economic system and building fleets from over 30 different vehicles, the game should prove to be challenging. The game also focuses on building a community by allowing gamers to build alliances, sign treaties, or taunt their enemies. Newsgroups, in-game e-mail, player directories, and player ranking help in unifying gamers of like skill or in aiding players to find new challenges.

　　If you're looking for a new way to play turn-based strategy, UltraCorps might be a good solution. Since gamers have a two-weeks-for-free option, there isn't much to lose.