SBURBLESS ==>

In a universe where no video games have transcended virtual space, a hefty sum of people opted to play and enjoy them anyway. One of these games in particular stood out from the rest. This game was known as SBURBLESS BETA, and it was an instant hit, particularly among teenagers.

The game's mechanics couldn't be considered especially unique. A player could ban together with a set group of other players of their own choosing. Their numbers would be restricted to four or twelve, though certain game breaking techniques would allow for variances. Once the players in the same group had all agreed on a type of avatar, a human or a member of an alien species known as a troll, the game would commence, and certain predetermined values would be set based upon a short personality quiz. These values ranged from the avatar's class to its enemies and surroundings. The players would then progress through their own separate worlds within the confines of the game, climb the rungs of the leveling system, come together with their vast repertoire of newly acquired abilities, and theoretically, beat it.

That is the turning point. Though it has been officially confirmed to be possible, just difficult, no group of players have ever managed to reach the end of the game. Some have come incredibly close, and have approached the game with a variety of strategies, but they always fall short, one or several more of the avatars having met their demise as early as a few minutes in.

Five years have passed since its release. Outside and alongside the game, life goes on, undisturbed.