Savage 2 enters beta

S2 Games has said Savage 2: A Tortured Soul is now being beta tested, and edging ever closer to launch.

Currently only those who have pre-ordered the game will be able to try out the unfinished version, helping iron out various niggles so that it can be let loose on the rest of us.

Savage 2 is a team-based online multiplayer game set in a fantasy world. It is similar to a real-time strategy in that one player takes the role of Commander, builds and expands base, then orders units around. But it also resembles a first-person action title, because the units you order around are real people.

However, you might say it fits into a role-playing area, too, because you can gain up to 10 levels in each game, as well as level up your account - although this will act as a guide to how good your are, rather than affect anything.

Savage 2 will look better than the first game, and offer lots more unique characters to play as. You will also be able to make use of more RPG elements this time, like drops, buffs, debuffs and more in-depth player progression.

It should also be more accessible; you will be able to download the game client for free, to watch other battles, play through tutorials, challenge your friends to LAN matches or head online for three hours-worth of free play.

Then, if you like what you see, you can splash out USD 24.99 (GBP 12 / EUR 18) to unlock the full online banana. No publisher is linked to the game this time, either, so your client comes straight from the official website.

Savage: The Battle for Newerth was released in 2004 and marked itself out as fresh and original. Coupled with the right people and the right attitude, we believed it was one of the finest multiplayer offerings around.

Head over to our Savage: The Battle for Newerth review to see why.

Or pop over to the official Savage 2: A Tortured Soul website for more information.