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Catan gets a release month (it's May!)
Board game lovers rejoice! Catan has received a new release month! Even better, that month is in fact next month. Yes, Catan is now scheduled to drop onto Xbox Live Arcade in May. The official Catan web page has been updated with the new month as well as a breakdown of the features and achievements for the game. The website also contains wallpapers, buddy icons, and even MP3 downloads of the game's soundtrack. Eager Catan fans should definitely check it out. While we would love an official release date, we take comfort in the fact that Catan is a maximum of 38 days away.[Via Joystiq]
Joystiq interviews BHG, Catan in March
In Joystiq's Off the Grid feature, Scott Jon Siegel recently interviewed Brian Reynolds of Big Huge Games. Big Huge Games, as 360 Fanboy readers know, is the developer of the upcoming Xbox Live Arcade title, Catan. The interview focuses on the challenges of bringing the classic board game to Xbox Live Arcade (and the process of computerizing it in general). Reynolds speaks about creating challenging AI and streamlining the interface so that players aren't drowning in information. The last tidbit, probably the one most of you will be looking for, is that Big Huge Games recently sent what they hope to be the final build of Catan to Microsoft. Assuming it makes it through the Dreaded Certification Process®, we could be playing Catan in mid-to-late March. Hit the "read" link for the full interview (including lots of development photos).
Elder Scrolls lead designer joins Big Huge Games, developing "console RPG"
Big Huge Games (Rise of Nations) has lured acclaimed designer Ken Rolston out of retirement for one last RPG. Rolston was set to call it quits after his stint at Bethesda, which spawned Morrowind and Oblivion, but instead, the 25-year vet has moved on to another Maryland-based developer, known for its RTS games. "We remain committed to creating real-time strategy games," said BHG President Tim Train, adding, "At the same time, we've explored developing a role-playing game for several years now. Ken is a fantastic fit for us on every level, and gives us the leadership we need to be confident of success in our new venture.""I had planned to retire and rest on my laurels after Oblivion, but Tim and his army of visionary charmers came along with a strikingly original and cunning concept for a console RPG," said Rolston. Further details have yet to be revealed.
Ken Rolston creating RPG with Big Huge Games
Ken Rolston, the lead designer behind both Morrowind and Oblivion, has come out of retirement. Having announced his retirement last May, Rolston has been pulled back into the industry by Big Huge Games. Big Huge Games, as 360 Fanboy readers will know, is currently developing the Xbox Live Arcade title, Catan. Rolston said of the decision, "A chance to work on a Big Huge Game with Big Huge Games? Who could resist?" He added, "I had planned to retire and rest on my laurels after Oblivion, but Tim and his army of visionary charmers came along with a strikingly original and cunning concept for a console RPG...so now I'm back in the harness and chomping at the bit!"We won't delve into Big Huge Games' practice of putting harnesses on their designers, but the announcement is sure to excite western RPG fans everywhere. Platform designations for the upcoming game have not yet been announced (though it is noted as a console RPG), but considering Big Huge Games has been busy familiarizing themselves with the 360, we're optimistic. [Thanks, J. Goodwin]
Rise of Legends tourney announced
Intel, ATI, and Logitech will be sponsoring a Rise of Legends tournament that includes $100k in prize money. Qualifying events will be held between September and November, and the top eight combatants will be invited to the final round in January to determine the "ultimate champion". Visit the official site for details.Professional gaming has been a frequent topic of discussion in recent months: Gaming at the Olympics? It could happen Pizza Hut to sponsor cyberathletes Guild Wars Factions Championship update
Metareview - Rise of Legends
The double-edged sword of success must have weighed heavily on the minds of Brian Reynolds and his creative team at Big Huge Games. In developing Rise of Legends, they were faced with the challenging, yet unenviable task of following up the game's hit predecessor, Rise of Nations. So what do you do for an encore? First, retain Nations' user-friendly interface, and then overcompensate for some poor audio choices by introducing three oddly original, and exceptionally balanced races. Those looking for a unique twist on traditional RTS civilizations will appreciate Legends' blend of classic fantasy, myth, and technology, as well as the visual quality Big Huge has become known for. 1UP (90/100) gives kudos for balance and diversity among the Vinci, Alin, and Coutl races: "Whereas Rise of Nations had a bunch of historic civilizations with relatively minor distinctions in their units and technology, Rise of Legends throws only three races into the fury, but they're both unique and incredibly well balanced." IGN (82/100) likes a good fight in campaign mode: "The AI is generally very good. The enemy knows how to use its hero units and, though it still suffers from the trickle tactics of most RTS' AI, it can still manage to put together a sizable enough force to make you break a sweat. If the challenge level isn't just right, you can actually adjust the game's difficultly at any point during the campaign." Gamespot (76/100) warns of a potentially difficult transition from standard RTS fare: "Each of the civilizations is so offbeat that there are no reference points, no similarities to RTS conventions that you can latch onto and use to dip a toe into the weirdness. The story in the campaign is decidedly convoluted, as well." [via Metacritic]
New Rise of Legends trailer available
A few years ago, Big Huge Games scored a hit in the RTS genre with Rise of Nations, and they are currently finishing up its successor, Rise of Legends. IGN has an updated trailer that shows off some of the sequel's impressive cinematics and gameplay.Unlike the first game, Legends abandons planet Earth for an original sci-fi/fantasy setting where magic and technology collide. In addition to three new playable races, look for an improved multiplayer experience. Rise of Legends is due next month, and you can check out the game's official site for more information.
