Dark-Void
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Capcom delays Dark Void into 2010, avoids 'crowded fall game season' - that's it, we quit
You know, when you're stuck in traffic and you think about changing lanes, but decide not to, reasoning with yourself that everyone else will and you're better off staying put? The lane to the left keeps moving and yet you stand still. So you go left and, what happens? Yup, you're stuck, while the right lane starts moving. Briskly. Capcom finds itself in just such a position today, as it announces the delay of Dark Void into 2010 "in order to get the game out of the crowded fall game season," the company's Chris Kramer tells Joystiq. The Airtight Games-developed jetpack-'em-up will find a new home in Capcom's fiscal fourth quarter ... which is the increasingly crowded Q1 2010 calendar period, which ends in March. Precisely what competition could Capcom be so afraid of? GameStop (of course, never an accurate reflection of actual release dates) listed Dark Void as touching down on September 22 ... the same September 22 in which Halo 3 ODST finally stops preparing, and just drops. When asked about the delay, Kramer said, "The move will be great for the game and for gamers: less competition in the market (curse you, Halo!), more time for polish." So, just to make sure we've got this right: Capcom avoided releasing Dark Void in the relatively open September '09 period to avoid a "crowded" gaming season, opting instead for 2010 ... the same 2010 that now houses release dates for the similarly delayed Splinter Cell: Conviction, Bioshock 2, Singularity, Bayonetta, Red Steel 2, and probably Mafia II and Red Dead Redemption. Oh, as well as the already planned God of War 3, Heavy Rain, MAG, Darksiders, Aliens vs. Predator, Alan Wake, Dante's Inferno, Mass Effect 2, Sin & Punishment 2, White Knight Chronicles, Split/Second, and Capcom's own Dead Rising 2 and Lost Planet 2. ... boy, that right lane is looking awfully appealing again.%Gallery-24248%
Dark Void figure lights up our eyes
Dark Void looks like a pretty good video game or whatever, but its real contribution to the world is this figurine. Sold at Capcom's Comic-Con booth, the figure depicts protagonist Will taking off on his totally sweet jetpack. One detail that probably netted Capcom a few impulse buys: both the helmet and the flames light up.Capcom-Unity says to "stay tuned for more info on these guys," suggesting that there will be some way to obtain one outside of the Comic-Con setting. Either that or the site will offer more info about how awesome it is, which could honestly fill a few additional blog posts.It has lights.
Another video game soundtrack to suffer Bear attack
Listen, we don't have a dude-crush on Battlestar Galactica and Dark Void compose Bear McCreary -- rather, we have an ear-crush on his musical creations. Once you finally get your hands on Capcom's jetpack-infused action title, you'll understand why -- though during a recent interview with Examiner, McCreary revealed that those who suffer from unbearable jetpackphobia might be able to hear his work on yet another video game in the near future.In the Examiner interview, McCreary revealed he's "doing another video game this summer," as well as "a couple other non-science fiction projects [he] can't announce just yet." We hope one of those projects is following us around, composing live musical accompanyment for our every action. We'd just love to hear some sweeping violins as we enjoy our daily bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios, you know?
Dark Void dev diary takes flight
Airtight Games' upcoming Dark Void is a title on many a gamer's radar, not only because Airtight is comprised of some of the developers responsible for Crimson Skies, one of the original Xbox's gems, but because flying around with a jetpack is really awesome. You don't have to take our word for it, though, as this developer diary does a good job of showing what makes jetpacking around so fun (hint: it's the jetting). Disney, we hope you're taking notes for that inevitable The Rocketeer reboot!
E3 2009 highlights: The Xbox roundup
E3 was brütal! If you blinked, for a split/second, you missed something. Even if you were trine to keep up, it was a blur -- staying a.wake like that, you only pushed yourself to the brink of your own dark void. That's where Joystiq comes in; to crackdown on the madness; to reach out ... with conviction -- phew! Crysis averted. We've scoured the dark corners and survived the inferno to piece together this roundup of all things Xbox at E3. Why? Just 'cause we love you. So, draw nier and shift your eyes past the break.
Hands-on: Dark Void
There's not much we can say about our latest hands-on session with Dark Void that we haven't said five times before. The jetpackery? Still breathtaking. The vertical cover system? Still brilliant. The visual presentation -- well, you get the picture. Needless to say, Capcom hasn't taken any of the previously seen awesome stuff out of the build we just played -- but they've added more than a few subtle differences that caught our eye and quickened our pulses.The most important difference we noticed? The build of Dark Void we just played featured a helmetless Will, so perhaps it's time to cut out all the "toasterhead" jabs. Dude's got feelings, too.
Overheard@E3: Dark Void knows its roots, but it's better
"Dark Void coming this fall, better than the Rocketeer" -- Capcom rep. on the show floor getting people to play the game.
Bear McCreary's Dark Void soundtrack getting separate release
We understand you're currently wandering through a maelstrom of exciting megaton announcements, but we want you to take a moment to soak in this wonderful, albeit non-major announcement: Capcom senior producer Morgan Gray confirmed that Bear McCreary's incredible-so-far Dark Void soundtrack will be getting a standalone CD release.NO! WAIT! Rein in your narrow attention span for just a bit longer. See, McCreary had been trying to get the fans he acquired during his work on Battlestar Galactica to ask Capcom to release the original Dark Void score on CD -- it seems Capcom got the message. Gray explained that Capcom had actually paid McCreary more for his Dark Void score than Galactica ever did, so why wouldn't they want to put it on CD? That's sound logic -- not to mention sound economics. We're already planning on buying a few dozen copies.
Dark Void dev diary explains it all
Capcom has released a new developer diary for Dark Void. Lest you've missed our numerous hands-on sessions with the game, the video pretty much explains everything you need to know about the game. Everything from the game's story to its design to its use of vertical combat is laid down, all complemented by some nice, moody lighting. We're also required by gamer law to inform you that the video includes robots, explosions, a jetpack and the Bermuda Triangle.
Future Capcom titles hitting Steam day and date with retail; more RE5 DLC considered
Capcom's business and strategy VP Christian Svensson mentioned in a recent interview that the company plans to release future titles on Steam day and date with retail. ButtonBasher, following up on information provided in a recent Rock Paper Shotgun interview, discussed the topic of PC digital distribution and Svensson noted that Dark Void and Bionic Commando will be available on Steam at the same time as retail. The executive also noted that Capcom's western offices take digital distribution "very seriously."Svensson added that the company is "considering" more DLC for Resident Evil 5. He notes that "there's nothing to announce by any stretch," but that a request for DLC suggestions on the company forums created a thread that's "hundreds of posts long." That's not really shocking, considering fans are passionate enough to give their blood for RE swag.[Thanks, Jono]
Joystiq hands-on: Dark Void
click to enlarge This isn't the first time we've played Dark Void, having gotten a chance both at last year's E3 and this year's CES. But, when a game is about flying with a jetpack, we really can't resist playing more. Rest assured, Dark Void seems to get better and better.Capcom could have scrapped the compelling plot and simply released "Jetpack: The Game," and we'd have been satisfied. Seriously, the flying is that solid. You're not just leaping into the air like a rocket-propelled Superman, you're an aerodynamic missile who has to bank, roll, loop, carefully navigate turns and constantly be aware of your surroundings. You can easily forget that there's humanity to save once you hit the boost button and send the hero, Will, soaring through the air, weaving around the game world. The level we demoed this time is set well into the game, with Will having already mastered his jetpack. The current objective is to take out the Watchers' anti-aircraft guns and to gain access to one of their bases, which serves as an internment camp for human slaves. It's located deep inside a canyon filled with sharp, stone fingers that poke into the air. As you fly around, you'll be under fire from both AA guns and enemies ... in flying saucers. Yep, just the sort of wake up call to shake us out of flying around with that big dopey grin on our face.%Gallery-24248%
Joystiq interviews: Dark Void producer Morgan Gray
At a recent media event, Joystiq sat down with Capcom's Morgan Gray, senior producer of Dark Void. Gray fielded our questions on jetpack gameplay, multiplayer, DLC (confirmed!), and much more, including the frightening revelation that the helmet design could be confused with -- oh, let's not even go there ... Continue on for the full interview, and stay tuned for our latest hands-on preview coming soon.
For centuries we have waited: New Dark Void trailer, screens
Alright, perhaps "centuries" is a minor exaggeration, but waiting patiently for new media is no easy task when the game in question -- Capcom's Dark Void -- contains all of the following: Jetpacks Lasers Robots Jetpacks UFOs Gateways between worlds Dimensions ruled by fear Jetpacks You'll find further glimpses of the third-person shooter slash aerial dog fighter (referring to the jetpack-propelled combat, not the presence of antagonistic flying canines) embedded after the break.%Gallery-51291%
CAPTIVATE09 takes place in Monte Carlo, new game announcements imminent
In an effort to reach out to its fans in the Western European version of CAPTIVATE08's setting, Capcom announced details (via Capcom-Unity) this week about its "totally not a gamer's day" event, unironically titled CAPTIVATE09. Taking place in Monte Carlo, Monaco, the company says it's announcing "new games" at the event (emphasis on the "s" at the end there) -- an especially interesting statement to make considering Capcom's Chris Kramer said this week on the Giant Bombcast, "We are announcing at least two titles at E3." How many games are in development at Capcom right now that we don't know about?!Other items of note are new looks at Spyborgs (the "actually a game" game for Wii) and Resident Evil The Darkside Chronicles. If you're one of the lucky few already chosen from the Capcommunity (see what we did there?) to attend, make sure to bring your jewel-encrusted Wiimote and blood-spattered Tricell messenger bag, so you don't look out of place. And send us tips!
MI6: Dark Void impressions
We'll admit it -- we kinda have a crush on Capcom and Airtight Games' Dark Void. It started back at E3 '08, and only got stronger when we had a brief rendevous at CES earlier this year. So, when we saw the game being demo'd at yesterday's MI6 Game Marketing summit, we were both excited and confused. After all, what was the game doing there, of all events? Truth be told, we're not sure even Capcom knew why, but we weren't going to look a gift demo in the mouth. The game's associate producer, Shana Bryant, took us through a small area from a day-old build of the game, explaining that it was intended to give a better indication of the sort of scenic variety we could expect from the finished product. Where earlier builds focused on more "Earth-like" settings, she said, the new area was definitely not of this world.We got to see the game's hero, Will, assisting other airborne friendlies in taking down Watcher UFOs in a battle we were told would lead to the infiltration of an underground complex. One of our biggest fears about the game -- the framerate -- was squashed, as everything ran silky smooth, complimented by subtle effects such as Will's pants rustling as he flew. Oh, how we yearn to take our relationship with this game to the next level at E3. %Gallery-24248%
Battlestar Galactica composer previews music for Dark Void
Hey, guy -- what's the matter? We've noticed you've been looking positively sullen these past few weeks. Has the series departure of Battlestar Galactica got you down in the frakking dumps? There's not much we can do about that, though your spirits may be lifted by checking out a recent blog post from Battlestar composer Bear McCreary, the recently revealed songsmith behind the score of Dark Void. His blog contains a video (posted after the jump) previewing a few clips from the game's soundtrack, which is shaping up to sound just as awesome as the title looks.If soaring orchestral tunes aren't really your thing, you might still want to check out the preview for a few new Dark Void gameplay clips. Then again, if you've yet to be swept off your feet (and propelled hundreds of feet into the air) by Capcom's jet pack-centric action title, you may be entertained by McCreary's declaration of love for Mega Man -- any composer who creates 8-bit versions of their pieces then saves them on hard drives named after Robot Masters is okay in our books.
Dark Void scored by Battlestar Galactica's Bear McCreary
Capcom has outed TV's Battlestar Galactica composer Bear McCreary as a sign-on ... for third-person jetpack-em-up, Dark Void. McCreary will create the soundtrack for the Airtight Studios-developed shooter, which is slated to launch on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC later this year. "I have been looking for the opportunity to compose a game score for a long time, but I've been waiting for the right one," said McCreary, who is held in high regards by fans of the recently departed syfy sci-fi show. He noted that Dark Void's "epic story and unique gameplay" drew him in, a somewhat generic admission that only serves to highlight a terrible injustice. Not only will he score Dark Void, but he'll probably score an early copy too.
Capcom: Dead Rising 2 and Lost Planet 2 coming 'next year'
Capcom has plenty of big titles in the coming months (Dark Void and Bionic Commando, to name a couple), but it looks like its fiscal year stands to get even more packed. On Major Nelson's most recent podcast, Capcom spokesman Chris Kramer mentioned "big titles for next year, Lost Planet 2 and Dead Rising 2," to the Xbox Live programming boss.Kramer told us he was talking about the next fiscal year, which begins on April 1, 2009 and goes to March 31, 2010. Whenever they arrive we're sure it won't be soon enough, but, in the interim, if you've really got a zombie bloodlust, we're certain you can find other channels for it.[Via D-Pad]
Latest Dark Void trailer establishes story
Capcom has provided us with a very brief trailer that elaborates on the backstory of Dark Void (as if we needed it). Last time we checked, the game had jetpacks in it. As long as that's still the case, consider our interest piqued and the rest of this merely icing on the cake ... which is shaped like The Rocketeer. You can do your own piquing (and peeking!) above.
New Dark Void videos are jet-packed with action
Recently, MonsterVine.com posted four gameplay videos of Airtight Games' Dark Void and, truth be told, we think it's high time that jet-propelled transportation became the norm.You can view all four aerial combat videos after the fold. The footage is full of nifty 180-degree turns, mounting sequences that add a welcome bit of variety, and plenty of technological evil to destroy. That said, we would really like to see an expanded color palette, because as much as we like gray and blue, visual variety is always a good thing.[Via Capcom Blog]
