Digital Extremes
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Dark Sector 'entitlements' revealed; plan your attack
Instead of making some sort of accomplishment system that can later be integrated into Home, Digital Extremes created a system of "entitlements" for the PS3 version of Dark Sector that amount to nothing more than in-game pats on the back. More or less what we have in Uncharted and Devil May Cry 4, really, except with no plans to bring them forward into Home. Still, if you can pull off the whole list of things to accomplish, it's something to be proud of. If you want to figure the entitlements out on your own, we've tucked the list away after the jump so as to not spoil it for you. Everyone else, enjoy the list after the jump.
X3F TV -- Dark Sector hands-on
In the latest episode of X3F TV, we take a hands-on look at Dark Sector. In the video, we discuss the game's interesting mechanics, the single player campaign and also touch on Dark Sector's unique multiplayer mode. Overall, Dark Sector is shaping up to be a decent and, perhaps more importantly, different third person shooter. Check out the video and share your feedback in the comments.[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in Zune Marketplace (MP3).[RSS] Add the Xbox 360 Fanboy Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4v directly.
Dark Sector's multi-player modes are meager
Today, we've got some info on Dark Sector's two multi-player modes and we're not that impressed. The first mode is dubbed "infection" while the second takes on the equally viral-toned "epidemic." PS3 multi-player games can be played either on the PlayStation Network or by LAN. Unfortunately, unlike the Xbox 360 version that has all the following options, the PS3 version lacks Quick game, Custom game, and Ranked game options. Why? Beats us.As for individual mode details, infection is basically a game of survival where one player is the game's protagonist, Hayden, while the others are Lasrian soldiers hunting him down. When Hayden is taken out, the soldier who dealt the lethal blow takes Hayden's place as the "infected" target for the next round. Epidemic is the standard team vs. team war, but each team has a leader (represented by Hayden) that must be taken out to end rounds. In both modes, players who play as Hayden have access to all his Evolution Powers, Glaive, and elemental powers. Both modes are also playable on five maps and can support up to ten players. Friendly fire is not allowed in either mode. Now how about the prospect of future DLC? Nothing mentioned, but we'd expect there should be a lot because these modes really need more content in order to compete with other games and their offerings.
Details on Dark Sector's multiplayer modes, including 360 and PS3 differences
Dark Sector's two unique multiplayer modes have recently been detailed, along with some notes regarding the key differences between the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions. Gamers keeping score will be interested to know that the 360 wins this round with slightly better ranking and matching options, although both versions appear robust in the online department.The game's "Infection" multiplayer mode pits one "infected" player against a legion of troopers, with a trooper taking over the role upon killing the target (similar to Halo's Juggernaut mode). The "Epidemic" mode is a standard team battle affair, except that teams only earn points by killing the opposing team's leader.Both the 360 and PS3 versions of Dark Sector offer these mutiplayer modes via online play or LAN, and both support up to ten players per match with five maps to choose from. Leadersboards are present for both games, although the 360 version will use Microsoft's TrueSkill ranking system. Also included in the 360 version are Quick Game, Custom Game, and Ranked Game options, while PS3 users can only create, join, or search for multiplayer games. The game is scheduled for a spring 2008 release, although further delays certainly wouldn't be surprising.
Dark Sector Multiplayer Details and Screens
Originally on of the very first "next-gen" titles unveiled, Dark Sector is finally gearing up for release, and is shaping up to be a solid (if late to the party) title. The game's multiplayer was recently shown to a handful of news outlets, and the impressions and details coming out of them are rather promising. The third-person action game will have a host of multiplayer options, with gametypes such as Infection (similar to Juggernaut), and "Epidemic" (similar to VIP). Not only are there many gametype options, but the other features for the game are rather robust as well, with a full leaderboard (complete with so-called TrueSkill), as well as bot support. Funnily enough, only us 360 gamers will be getting the more advanced matchmaking features such as quick, custom and ranked games. Whether this is because Microsoft aided in the multiplayer side of things is unknown, but we undoubtedly got the better deal here. Dark Sector releases on the twenty-fifth, until then, check the multiplayer gallery below.%Gallery-17062%
Dark Sector had some trouble running on PS3
We mean exactly what we said. Dark Sector was having some of the usual PS3 development issues. Josh Austin, producer for Digital Extreme's title, said these words: "So, yeah, this is the PS3 version, umm... it looks just as good as the 360 version, which we're very happy about. Towards the end we started having some serious conversations about what we were gonna do, uh, but we ended up pulling it off, so we're very proud of that." When asked for clarification, he said "It was just not running as well as the 360."Hardly confirmation for proposed any sort of proposed cancellation, but it does lead one to believe there were some major issues with the PS3 version -- as usual. Everyone's got to get that first hot wing down before they can start eating the rest. If they spit it out, they'll never be able to handle the sauce. Who said food analogies were silly?
Canada funds new Silicon Knights, Digital Extremes projects
While Silicon Knights continues to divide its forces between the long-in-development Too Human and the legal mosh pit that is its relationship with Epic Games, the company has apparently marshaled enough energy to begin work on another game, as both it and fellow Canadian dev Digital Extremes have been given a combined $1 million in funding to begin work on a pair of development projects. The investment, awarded by the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), serves as part of the agency's Video Game Prototype Initiative, which looks to help companies create prototypes of video game concepts in order to attract potential publishers.While Pariah dev Digital Extreme's game is described as a third-person "old school" horror game for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, Silicon Knights, which recently expanded its Canadian ops, is apparently using the funds for something a bit farther out, promising a third person action/psychological thriller for release sometime in 2010 for unspecified "next-generation systems" -- which by that time may actually be an accurate moniker.
New videos shed light on Dark Sector
Some fresh videos of Dark Sector have popped up at GameVideos. The videos are particularly illuminating concerning the game's storyline, which involves an operative being transformed by an alien infection. The video embedded above lays out the game's prologue, complete with Gordon-Freeman-style helicopter take down, infectious alien stabbing, and villainous monologue. The villainous monologue in particular is well done and gives us hope that the game's plot could be pretty interesting (or well presented at the very least). There are a handful of other gameplay videos too. Our favorite showcases the ability to control the main character's frisbee-knife thing in midair. Nice. Check it out after the break.
Dark Sector details reveal: no health or ammo bars, just you
We promised you before we had some more news about Dark Sector coming, so here we are dishing out the information fed to us through an official press release. Instead of narrating the darn thing, we thought we'd give you a fun summary of the information in our patented, copyrighted, unique list form. We're kidding! Lists are used in like, three other places. It's a new IP! Not many games can say that. It's also boasting a great, cinematic story. There is no HUD -- that is, a health bar or ammo count. No little menus on the screen to distract you from looking at the actual game. From the press release: "As the character takes damage he will begin to physically show it, ammunition levels will be displayed on guns, available weapons and inventory will be displayed on the character – all serving to keep the player focused on the character and the gameplay." We personally think this is a great move. The controls are guaranteed to be simple and intuitive so you can master any skills fairly easily. If you tried to play Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes on the GameCube, you know how pesky an awkward controller setup can be. The camera, as previously mentioned, is over-the-shoulder so you can not only make better movements, but will be "showing full visual of Hayden allowing for the player to make a connection with the character." A connection? Right. Upgradeable weapons, stupendous AI, and a main character slightly reminiscent of Kratos in so much that he's cold-blooded and ruthless, gives no excuse for his actions, but as the story progresses, we start to understand him and see how the events of the game change him. Or something. What's more, below, we've got a gallery of screenshots for you to check out. They're magically delicious and want your attention. We'll keep updating you on this game until it arrives early in 2008. Hopefully, Digital Extremes will have the foresight to give people a demo to play over the PSN before then!%Gallery-3217%
Dark Sector may be the mutiplatform Gears of War
We've taken our jabs at Dark Sector before, but when it all comes down to it, we've gotten the impression from other people's hands-on with the game that it's actually something to look out for. In fact, it's been likened to Gears of War, which was apparently some game for the 360. We kid, we know what it is. IGN had a hands-on of the game and said "Digital Extremes, really, really likes Gears of War. Dark Sector plays and feels almost exactly like it -- right down to its cinematic storytelling, control scheme and visual style." There's even a context-sensitive action that controls the cover mechanics, as well as a shaky-cam when you bust into a sprint. Another major influence, both PSU and IGN report, is the similarity to Resident Evil 4's over-the-shoulder camera and aiming system.While you get a small arsenal of weaponry, the Glaive is what sets the game apart from the ones it draws influence from. Not only can it destroy enemies in quick, painful stylings, not only can it get powered up by a bevy of elements, not only does it have a built-in light source and solve puzzles, but it can ... wait, that's about it. It's awesome, though. Every other weapon you pick up can be upgraded, a la Resident Evil 4. Your main character can also be powered up, a la KOTOR, with new abilities and powers.Enemy AI? Brilliant, says IGN and brilliant at times says PSU. Graphics? Well, the game is being built on the PS3 as the primary platform and ported elsewhere, so we know we'll be getting the best game we can get as far as multiplatform titles go. What's more, is we've got some more info about this game coming to us later tonight. Stay tuned, as we'll give you some more details you might just find intriguing.[Thanks, Justin!]
Dark Sector goes dark until 2008
Playstation Universe reports that Dark Sector, the space-espionage thriller turned Eastern-European alien invasion action game, has been delayed. Originally billed as the first next-gen (now current-gen) game, Dark Sector has been pushed back to 2008. Why? According to Tamara Sanderson, a representative of D3Publisher, the game has been delayed in order to avoid this year's packed holiday season. Considering the oncoming deluge of holiday titles -- Alone in the Dark 5, Assassin's Creed, and of course GTAIV and Halo 3 -- we can't exactly find fault with D3's logic.Let's just hope Dark Sector makes it out before the next development shift hits and someone turns it into a goofy kart racer.
Watch Dark Sector video, our head a splode
Team Xbox has a new video for Dark Sector, and it looks oh, so sweet. It has commentary from a Digital Extremes developer, and the game looks gorgeous, and the gameplay interesting. It's got a very dark and moody atmosphere, and the circular blade you have is badass. The gunplay comes complete with a (gasp!) cover system, and stealth kills when you're up close and personal. It kind of reminds us of a modern Prince of Persia: Warrior Within, almost. Does it look amazing to you too, or do we need our eyes checked?
New developer wants to work on PSP
Indie developers just love downloadable and mobile games, so it makes sense when a new developer forms and ventures into these less risky waters. According to gamesindustry.biz another new developer has expressed interest in creating mobile games and most importantly, wants to work on PSP. OneNine is the name of the new outfit and they are comprised of former employees of Activision, Vicarious Visions, Gameloft, Digital Extremes, and Kush Games. The company had this to say about their focus, "OneNine is dedicated to making great games for both casual and hardcore markets, on all possible platforms. We are looking to expand into DS and PSP development as well as games for the web.downloadable and Xbox Live Arcade markets." The article did not mention any game specifics in regards to the PSP, so we'll all have to wait to see what OneNine has up their sleeves. Just in case they need help coming up with a PSP game idea, I'm going to go call OneNine to pitch that geriatric Rascal racer I've always dreamed of.
Dark Sector borrows from RE4
There is a new gameplay montage of Dark Sector floating around the web today. For those who don't remember, Dark Sector was originally a high tech stealth action game set in space. It has since become an alien tech stealth action game set in Eastern Europe. About the only thing we really know about the game thus far is that the main character has been dispatched on a mission and becomes infected with an alien, um, something. This particular infection is okay, though, because it gives him nifty super powers. Much better than your garden variety Earth viruses we'd say. The montage released today focuses mostly on the Krull blade you see our hero wielding above. It looks like you can endow the blade with elemental properties -- fire, lightning, etc. -- to help you in certain situations. The game also shares more than a passing resemblance to Resident Evil 4, right down to the perspective and laser sight aiming system. Check out the video after the break.
Dark Sector faces the ch, ch, changes
Dark Sector has undergone some significant changes over the years. Way back in 2004, Dark Sector was revealed as the "first" next gen game. It was going to blow our minds whenever the mysterious "Xbox 2" finally showed up. A trailer for the game was released, featuring a man in a cybernetic ninja suit performing sneaking around on a space station. Later trailers revealed that the game was about man reaching the outer edges of our solar system, or "the dark sector." A new trailer is now available on Marketplace, and it's, shall we say, different. It looks like the developers have dropped the space theme altogether, opting instead for Eastern Europe. We know, we know ... space, Eastern Europe, what's the difference, right? Makes perfect sense. Oh, and apparently Dark Sector has something to do with the Cold War now. Oh, oh, and our hero no longer has a cybernetic ninja suit, but is instead infected by something that grants him special powers. He does have a new badass blade thing, though, and that counts for something.For posterity's sake, we have embedded both the old and new trailers after the break. Watch them both and see how much a game can change in two years.
After two years, info on Dark Sector emerges from the shadows
Digital Extremes released news of the next-gen title Dark Sector way back in 2004 and since then, we've heard very, very little except for the fact it will be on the PS3 and the XBox 360. Something wicked this way comes! What is it? Why, it's news! Seems a bit of the game has been changed on a conceptual level, even. Initially a futuristic setting, now it appears the game will be in contemporary (maybe slightly futuristic) Russia, behind the eyes of an American FBI agent. In a kinda-sorta similar vein to Farcry, our FBI agent is assaulted and wakes up with a sort of parasite giving him super-duper powers and a bionic arm. Does this sound like Bionic Commando 2?! No, no... it's Dark Sector. Is it Nero from Devil May Cry 4, with a crazy death-dealing arm parasite thingy? No, no... it's Dark Sector, and you know what? Forget the comparisons, this sounds pretty cool.So what else is new about this game otherwise? This is about the actual gameplay -- it takes the third-person view, a la Resident Evil 4 or Gears of War. This makes it more of an action game, not an FPS, which is extremely relieving. The game is scheduled for a Fall 2007 launch and at this rate... we'll get a giant truck of info right before launch. Keep your eyes and ears open!
