Micro Forte has created a proprietary engine for Big World. The engine will make easy work of things like graphics and sound. So the graphics for Big World are shaping up to look very tasty indeed. The combat system is rather unique at least for an online role playing game. You choose your opponent, how long to aim or prepare for each attack and just when to attack.
Characters can defend themselves from attacks automatically.
The design of this system is to help ensure that lag does not become an issue during what are usually periods of bandwidth stress. Player killing has been addressed and while it is not eliminated from the game it will only occur under very strict conditions. Duels can cause the death of a player but both parties need to agree to the duel. There are a couple of other conditions under which other players can kill your character, but as I mentioned earlier the terms must be agreed upon by those involved. Should you die however, whether by player killers or other means, you might hover near the brink of death allowing time for a companion to use medical skills or a special item to bring you back to life.