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GRIN reflects on making licensed games, working with movie studios
From Total Recall to Superman Returns, there is a reason why movie-licensed games are looked down on with such contempt. While many of the problems with these sorts of games can be laid at the feet of the game publishers, it goes without saying that the film studios and property owners themselves are not without blame. Still, GRIN co-founder Ulf Anderson hopes that his studio's upcoming take on Wanted will curve the trajectory of our expectations, and in a recent Gamasutra interview, the exec noted that working with Universal had "been a lot better than I expected it to be."As to why, cooperation seems to be key. While most movie-to-game cashgrabs throw quality to the wind in order to release alongside a movie's theatrical release, GRIN opted to take its time with Wanted, a decision the exec described as a mutual choice between both the game studio and the film company. "We had a choice to do it," recalled Anderson, "but we decided together with Universal that we shouldn't, just to be able to focus on the game and make something special. We'll make something that actually plays and is actually a game." As pearls of wisdom go, Anderson just opened a jewelry store. One we hope other companies shop at going forward.
Telling stories: The next hurdle for story telling
As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.What's next for in-game story telling? In this, our final segment looking at video game narratives, our collective of industry professionals offer insight into what they believe is the next big challenge facing the evolution of story telling in the games we play.
Telling stories: The games that got it right
As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.It's rare that story tellers get all of the pieces of their narrative to fit together exactly right in any medium. But in this industry, where story shares a balance with gameplay and endings often get the short end of the development stick, weaving a complete and compelling tale must be a daunting task. Now, gifts unwrapped and bellies full, our panel of industry personalities sound off on those games that they feel were up to the challenge, delivering storytelling experiences above and beyond their peers.
Telling stories: How much is that ending in the window?
As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.Epic Games' Michael Capps recently caused quite an uproar among gamers with his suggestion to offer the conclusion to games as premium DLC rather than as part of the core experience. As the latest in our continuing week-long feature, we asked our panel of industry personalities what they thought of the proposal. Interestingly, much of the group was noticibly more tight-lipped in their responses than when answering other questions.
Telling stories: What's up with lame endings?
As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.While narrative has taken on a larger role, time and again we end up being left unsatisfied in the final moments with endings that fail to wrap up stories in interesting or compelling ways. In our continuing week-long feature, we asked our diverse collection of industry personalities why so many endings in the games we play leave us cold.
Telling stories: Balancing gameplay v. narrative
As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.How important are stories? How about endings? Over the next week this diverse group of personalities sounds off on these and other story-driven topics, starting today as we open up by asking whether or not narrative shares an equal burden as gameplay in carrying the video game experience.
Grapple new Bionic Commando multiplayer footage
GameTrailers has released a new interview with Frank Filice, product marketing manager for Bionic Commando, concerning the game's multiplayer mode. Filice, while making sure to use the word "mayhem" as much as possible, notes that the game features online multiplayer for up to 8 players in deathmatch, team deathmatch, or capture the flag. There will be maps made specifically for CTF, says Filice, noting that players can cover a lot of ground very quickly (bionic arms are good for that, you see). The game is scheduled to release in "winter," according to Filice. So, in other words, around February, maybe January.GameTrailers has also cobbled together some multiplayer footage, which you can find after the break. If you'll excuse us, we have the sudden urge to play Bionic Commando Rearmed.
Wanted: Weapons of Fate. Found: New in-game video
If Wanted: Weapons of Fate – the direct video game sequel to the Angelina Jolie action flick – looks a little like the love child of Dark Sector, Gears of War, and Stranglehold to you, it's not a coincidence. Developer GRIN (the same folks making Capcom's new Bionic Commando) studied all three of these games (and more) when drafting Wanted: WOF's design document.This first gameplay video is hugely self-explanatory. Cover is a big deal in the game (the camera pulls in closely to force you to stick your neck out) and, as anyone who's seen the movie could anticipate, the "curving" of shots is a central gameplay mechanic. As you can see in the footage, there's a curved line that switches from red to white; pressing shoulder button on the controller displays this when you've gained enough adrenaline. Moving the left stick changes the arc, and when you have a clear shot, it turns white. This is used frequently.The character animation and lighting are real stand-outs so far, although we're not exactly sure how keen we are on the quick-time-event style slo-mo sequences.%Gallery-38585%
Capcom shows us a Bionic figure we may never get
Today, Capcom decided to reveal the box art and this prototype figure for Bionic Commando through its community blog. Check out Nathan, all decked out in his Bionic logo tank-top and rad arm. Take a really good look though because Capcom hasn't decided if the figure will be made available let customers know when, how or if the product will be made available.Why would Capcom bother showing you then? Gauge customer interest of course! Looking to add another super solider to your wall of heroes? This might be the one you're missing.Let's say, for the sake of argument, that this six-inch tall prototype was included in a special edition of Bionic Commando priced to own for an extra $20. Interested now? What if we put Todd McFarlane's stamp of approval on it? Come on. Someone must want this thing kicking around.Ed. Note: This toy was not developed by McFarlane Toys. The reference was a joke.
Bionic Commando gets boxed up
This ain't your daddy's Bionic Commando. Actually, this really isn't even your Commando really, considering younger gamers have been reintroduced to the series with Bionic Commando Rearmed. Wait...who is this guy? The appropriately named action adventure features a dreaded-out Nathan Spencer as he battles a terrorist threat within the fictional Ascension City. Owners of Bionic Commando Rearmed also have the ability to play the game skinned as the original Nathan "Rad" Spencer using a code found within the game. Bionic Commando, from Swedish developer GRIN, is set to swing (pun!) into action this holiday season. Gallery: Bionic Commando
Bionic Commando Rearmed scores super first-week sales
Ben Judd, Capcom's Bionic Commando, er ... commander, reports in his latest blog entry that the PSN/XBLA/PC release, Bionic Commando Rearmed, saw combined first-week sales of 130,000 copies across the three platforms. The news prompted Judd to exclaim, "Holy fiddlesticks!" Judd qualified his excitement, saying, "That may not seem impressive compared to package titles that sell in the millions but compared to other digital titles that is a friggin juggernaut!" Seemingly very pleased with not only the reviews (which are averaging above 80%) and sales of his first game as producer, he made a point to let gamers know how they've impacted Capcom's digital strategy going forward. "Basically, we have set a standard in digital gaming," he said, adding, "The bar has been raised and you have let developers around the world know that if they invest the time, money, and heart into making (and remaking) some great games, you will support that initiative." We have a pretty good feeling that, following the success of BC:R, Judd's going to have a much easier time getting Capcom brass behind whatever project he chooses to tackle next.
BC Rearmed week one sales exceed 100K
Well good lord. After its first week of availability, Bionic Commando Rearmed has sold 130,000 copies. Capcom's own Ben Judd reported the news on the Bionic Commando blog with the appropriate fervor, saying, "Holy fiddlesticks!" He followed up his elation saying that while the sales pale in comparison to retail titles, 130,000 copies qualifies Rearmed as a "JUGGERNAUT." One of the important and overlooked elements of this story is that Rearmed was made available on Xbox Live Arcade, PSN and PC, so we're not sure exactly what percentage each service pulled. Regardless it's obvious that Rearmed has struck a chord and Judd notes that this proves that gamers do enjoy seeing the games of yesteryear made available again, so long as they are "done right" and for the right price. We couldn't agree more.
GC 2008: Grappling with Bionic Commando multiplayer
click to enlarge Capcom is showing the first multiplayer map from its next-gen current-gen Bionic Commando at Leipzig Games Convention, but isn't making with any screens of the mode. What you see above (and in the gallery below) are the latest screens from the solo campaign, which, oddly, isn't on display. Oh well.From our experience with it thus far, the multiplayer mode is sheer mayhem -- four players swinging every which way in a confined area featuring buildings of various heights, trees, and overhead pipes to grapple. There are set spawn points for several weapons, including a shotgun, sniper rifle, sub-machine gun, and (our favorite) a grenade launcher. Mostly it's a mad dash for the latter in every match, but there are some interesting touches, such as getting extra points for killing other players while they're airborne, and the fact that you can grapple onto an opponent, slowing them down as they drag you along.It's certainly one of the more unique multiplayer experiences we've tried, if just for the grapple and swing mechanic. As it stands, though, we're not convinced it will have (bionic) legs as a lasting experience on Xbox Live and PSN.%Gallery-30011%
Fanswag Weekly: Bionic Commando Rearmed [update]
[Update: This giveaway is now closed and the winners have been notified via email. Check your spam boxes, kids!] You know what? Bionic Commando Rearmed is just swell. It's a great game and it deserves a good home. With just a simple comment donation, it could be part of your home. What we're trying to say here is that we've got five (count 'em, five) download codes for Bionic Commando Rearmed to giveaway. What do you have to do to snag one for your very own? Simple, just follow these instructions: The key feature in Bionic Commando Rearmed is, obviously, the bionic claw. Leave a comment on this post telling us what you would do if you had your own bionic claw. Only one comment can be left per calendar day eastern time. Posters of multiple comments during the same calendar day will be disqualified. We'll accept entries until 12:00PM Noon eastern time, Friday, August 22, 2008. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec). On Friday, we'll pick five winners via a random drawing. Five winners will receive an Xbox Live redemption code to download Bionic Commando Rearmed, worth $10 each. Complete giveaway rules can be found here
PSN Thursday: Bionic Commando Rearmed, Street Fighter Alpha
This week's PSN update is just overflowing with machismo. We've got Bionic Commando Rearmed grappling against Hitler Master-D and the world warriors battling it out in Street Fighter Alpha. Just a note of warning, SFA does not support online play -- come to think of it, neither does Bionic Commando Rearmed. It's all old-school offline gaming up in this joint. There's plenty of new videos to check out this week and we're looking forward to seeing what this BioShock PS3 theme looks like. The grimps over at PS3 Fanboy have this week's European update hanging from a thread of silk over in their garden. Check out this week's NA PSN update after the break.
Bionic Commando Rearmed not on Steam tomorrow
Capcom's Christian Svensson informs on the company's site that Bionic Commando Rearmed won't be available tomorrow on Steam. Apparently, Capcom and Valve could not come to agreeable terms at "the last minute," meaning the game will have to be purchased through other outlets. BCR will be available tomorrow on Direct2Drive at 8AM Pacific and on other sites later in the day. Considering Steam has become many people's trusted go-to PC digital distribution source, it appears the group getting hurt most by Capcom and Valve's standoff is the consumer. It's worth pointing out that the game is available now and $5 cheaper on consoles ... just saying. [Thanks, AtomicPlayboy]
New Bionic Commando trailer really swings
We've been so busy playing Bionic Commando Rearmed that we'd nearly forgotten a full-fledged 3D remake heading our way. Fortunately, the marketing folks at Capcom made sure to include a trailer for the new Bionic Commando inside of the Rearmed database. GameTrailers has taken the liberty of posting that trailer and we have to say it looks pretty hot. It details the evolution of the series, from the NES version to Rearmed to the upcoming retail Bionic Commando. The trailer showcases some of the new moves available in Bionic Commando and all of them look pretty slick, particularly the 360 degree bionic arm whip near the end. Also, if you keep your eyes peeled, you'll see the unlockable Radd Spencer character skin, which actually looks pretty good.
Bionic Commando will have PSN exclusive challenge room
\ Ben Judd, a producer of Bionic Commando: Rearmed, has revealed to PlayStation.Blog the nature of the "VERY cool surprise" Capcom mentioned early last month for the PSN version of the game. It seems to be "an exclusive challenge room" that will "make for bragging rights" due to the difficult nature of the stage. The post also unveils another medal, called Faster than a Speeding Bullet. To achieve this medal, the player must block 100 projectiles using the Bionic Arm. Like the last medal revealed, these medals seem to correspond to this list of Achievements. Most likely, when the game is patched with Trophies, that list won't look too different. Finally, Capcom mentions that Street Fighter Alpha will also be available today on the PSN. For those of you who felt that this wasn't the Street Fighter surprise you were hoping for, there might be something else planned for us. "Some of you may be asking, 'Come on John D, was that's it?' Um, if I say more, the PR team will kick my a$$, so I'll leave it as a definitely, maybe." What could this mean? Oh, Capcom! You are such a tease!
Metareview -- Bionic Commando Rearmed (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Much like Cher, Bionic Commando Rearmed has taken something old and freshened it up with the help of modern technology -- but much of the same ol' game is still there, caked under the cosmetic changes. The reviews are swinging in about the XBLA nip/tuck version of the classic '80s platformer and it appears -- for those who can put up with the unrelenting difficulty -- all systems are go: The remake is competent and won't give us the desire to turn back time* and play the original again. (A warning for many of you: Despite being on Xbox LIVE, Bionic Commando Rearmed's cooperative and multiplayer modes are both offline-only leading some of us here at Joystiq to dub it Moronic Commando or Bionic Command'oh -- take your pick. Seriously, Capcom. That's a deal breaker for a lot of us right there.) IGN (94/100): "The best elements of the original are back, but have been upgraded to be better than before. The new bosses add a more interesting challenge and the final level is one for the ages. And, of course, the visuals are brilliant. The remastered soundtrack is fantastic as well. From top to bottom, Bionic Commando Rearmed is an incredible game that's well worth owning." OXM UK (80/100): "[BCR] is unapologetically old-skool, from the inability to jump right through to the spiked pits that bounce you back a few feet minus a huge chunk of your health. Bosses have attack patterns, health pick-ups have to be earned and each level has been designed around blind leaps of faith and tiny margins of error." EuroGamer (80/100): "Between the multiplayer modes and the Challenge Rooms, there's more than enough innovation to make up for the minor irritations of the retro controls. Far from perfect, Bionic Commando Rearmed is still a much more complete and robust package than either 1942 Joint Strike or Commando 3 and another impressive addition to Capcom's download library." OXM (70/100): "Rearmed quickly wears out its welcome and devolves into a series of frustrations. Precision platforming is required for almost everything, and failure often leads to death. The latter half of the game is especially unforgiving, although ironically, the end-level bosses aren't nearly as bad as the path you took to get to them. We recommend bringing a friend along in the excellent new co-op mode."
This Wednesday: Bionic Commando Rearmed, Fable 2's casino sidearm
Part 3 of the exciting five-part XBLAugust series, in which our heroes now throw aside their time warping abilities and receive an implanted bionic arm for swinging around and shooting non-Hitlers into oblivion. If you wish to enlist into Bionic Commando Rearmed on Xbox Live this Wednesday, you're going to have to shell out 800 MS points (US $10). PC and non-Euro PlayStation 3 owners will also get their BCR fix this week, although those who favor the keyboard and mouse will pay a $5 premium. Also coming out this week is Fable 2's XBLA gambling counterpart Pub Games, which will let you earn money now before the game's October 21 release. Entry fee to ye olde casino is 800 MS points (US $10), or free if you pre-order Fable 2 at a participating retailer. %Gallery-14181%
