Funcom just sent us a press release to announce the release of a new expansion for Anarchy Online, called Alien Invasion. Here is a part of the press release:

- Prepare for the MMORPG sci-fi experience of the year -

Oslo, Norway - February 12, 2004

Following the critically acclaimed and award-winning 'Anarchy Online -
Shadowlands', Funcom today announces 'Anarchy Online - Alien Invasion'.
Set for release this summer, the next chapter in the Anarchy Online
odyssey, further strengthens the sci-fi aspects of Anarchy Online,
making the game even more unique compared to current and forthcoming
offerings within the Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game
(MMORPG) genre.

In 'Anarchy Online - Alien Invasion' Funcom once again offers a game
full of innovative features and fun gameplay elements. Not only will the
social aspects be greatly improved, with players being able to construct
their own towns, set up unique shops and build impressive organisation
headquarters, they also get their action quota filled when they come
face to face with aliens wielding superior technology.

The new alien menace threatens all of the citizens of Rubi-Ka as the
planet is suddenly invaded. A massive call to arms is sounded across the
planet as the players rally to defend their own cities against the alien
hordes. The players can also fight their way into the heart of invading
spaceships, gaining riches, fame and power.

"With 'Anarchy Online - Alien Invasion' we continue our focus on fun and
fast-paced gameplay within a sci-fi setting",  says Game Director Marius
Enge, and continues: "While Anarchy Online is already considered to be
one of the best MMORPG's on the market, we believe that the exciting new
features in Alien Invasion will take it to a whole new level"

Additionally, a new line of flying vehicles will be made available, as
well as new items, weapons, armour, social clothes and quests.

Feature Highlights

- Defend your cities against invading aliens
- Get access to alien perks and new special abilities
- Board and attack alien spaceships
- Build impressive looking organisation headquarters
- Construct a wide variety of player-made houses
- Build your own towns with distinct looks
- Create your own shops
- Benefit by owning houses, shops, towns and organisation headquarters.
- Get access to a completely new trade skill interface
- Own a new line of personal flying vehicles
- Obtain new weapons, armour, social clothes, items and quests
- And more...

You can keep an eye on the Alien Invasion official website which will be updated with news and updates. Looks like AO is very much alive and kicking, and continues to be better than ever!