Don't be fooled ... this isn't a totally new game mechanic. Early in the PlayStation 2's life cycle a game was released that offered players a unique take on FPS action. A mechanic dubbed "Geo Mod" (aka geometry modification) was used in a game called Red Faction and was aimed at revolutionizing the first person shooter genre.

Using the typical array of FPS weapons a player was able to alter the game environment and attack enemies with various new techniques. Using a rocket launcher, for example, you could drill holes through rock or concrete so as to attack hidden enemies or collapse a ceiling to take out groups of foot-soldiers. The original Red Faction, not the crappy sequel, was revolutionary in it's presentation. It's amazing to me that a solid sequel never arrive.

Enter LucasArts' new IP Fracture.

Fracture advances players to the year 2161, where ecological and seismological disasters have radically altered the planet's landscape, and a clash in ideologies places society on the threshold of war. Players set foot on the frontlines of this epic conflict in the role of Mason Briggs, a demolitions expert fighting for the Atlantic Alliance, the side that relies upon cybernetic enhancement. Pitted against the genetically enhanced soldiers of the Pacifican army, players will experience a revolution in 22nd-century warfare. In utilizing the core gameplay mechanic of Fracture, a destructive next-generation technology known as Terrain Deformation, players are equipped with an arsenal of futuristic weaponry to strategically reshape their surroundings on the fly.

While "Terrain Deformation" appears to be a bit different from the original "Geo Mod" used in Red Faction it's hard not to draw comparisons (even Joystiq does). There's certainly something unique going on and though it may not be a natural extension of the "Geo Mod" mechanic it could certainly be a ton of fun.

Check out the trailer below for more and take a peak at the LucasArts press release detailing Fracture. Fracture will be available on PLAYSTATION 3 and XBox360 and has a release date sometime in the summer of 2008. Keep an eye on LucasArts' official Fracture page for more.