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SDCC 2010: A SWTOR Managing Editor who doesn't solve problems by killing all the kittens
We all know that know that story is the fourth pillar for The Old Republic. We also know BioWare has the reputation for having some of the most compelling stories in the gaming industry. In fact, story is written into its mission statement: "BioWare's vision is to deliver the best story-driven games in the world." So it is no surprise at all that when the team came to Comic-Con this past weekend, it consisted of mostly writers. Massively's Dan O'Halloran nabbed the Managing Editor on SWTOR, Alexander Freed, for a conversation. Freed has scribed much of the story and dialogue for this epic MMO, as well as been the writer for the exciting adventures of Teneb Kel in The Blood of the Empire webcomic. Continue on after the break to catch Alexander Freed's insight into what the different types of quests will be available in SWTOR, what compelling choices players have to make, and what it takes to write for a project of this magnitude.
Test Drive Unlimited 2 director reveals plans for beta and bikes
There's a lot of news on Eden Studios' sequel, Test Drive Unlimited 2, coming out of Spain today. VG247 attended the event and spoke to the game's director, Alain Jarniou -- he had a lot of new information to impart. First, players will no longer find themselves bound by their automobiles. In the sequel, it will be possible to run around on foot and interact with the game world "in specific places." An example given by Jarniou is the pre-race: in the first game, there was simply a lobby for players to interact in before they got down to business. In the sequel, it's an in-game place where avatars stand around and interact. He also revealed that plans are underway to offer an open Test Drive Unlimited 2 beta. "Right now, the plan is to have an open beta of TDU2. The difficulty of having a demo for a game like this is the fact it's a huge island, and a huge amount of data. It's not the best way to show the game. So yeah, for now the plan's an open beta." Finally, Jarniou promised bikes will be available in the game -- just "not for the day one version." He says that the developer rebuilt the way cars handle from scratch, as Eden Studios wasn't totally pleased with how that worked in the first game. "So we decided to start from the beginning," he said, "and we now have a new handling for the cars, and we want to, of course, [do the same] for the bikes."
Test Drive Unlimited 2 feels like Home in this new trailer
If you clicked on the video above before reading this, you're probably a little confused. Yes, it looks like you've somehow pulled up footage from PlayStation Home. If you stick with it for a bit, though, you'll see that it isn't. It really is footage from Test Drive Unlimited 2. Like we said in our preview last month, the game is essentially an MMO, incorporating player avatars and various places for folks to hang out when not racing. That's what you're seeing. Crazy, right? The video provides you with a pretty good look at this aspect of the game; thankfully, it also contains a decent amount of actual racing, specifically highlighting TDU2's day/night cycle, weather effects and off-road driving. You know -- the other stuff you'll be experiencing when not shopping for clothes, getting cosmetic surgery or chilling in a jacuzzi on-board your yacht. (Actually, the MMO stuff is pretty cool ... )
Alone in the Dark gets new subtitle for PS3: Inferno
So, apparently the PS3 version of Alone in the Dark is so radically different from the 360 version, that it merits a brand new title. Eden Studios has tried its best to appease critics of the original release by taking their feedback and rolling it into this new premium PS3 edition. Alone in the Dark: Inferno, as it will be called when it finally launches on PS3, is the definitive version of the game. Not only will it have better controls, but it will even have additional gameplay in the form of an extra chapter.We have preview code waiting for us back in the US. Once we get our hands on it, you'll certainly find out if Eden Studios was successful. Trailer is embedded after the break. (You must be 18 or older to watch -- it's an M rated game, y'know.)%Gallery-3898%
PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Alone in the Dark
During a recent Atari-sponsored hands-on event, Alone in the Dark designer Emile Morel licked his lips, opened his mouth, and closed it. He smiled and leaned back in his chair, spread his hands, then let them drop into his lap. "When the Alone in the Dark released in June, we were... we were kind of disappointed by some of the reviews," he finally said with a laugh."Disappointed" does appropriately articulate the feeling of many critics and consumers toward developer Eden Studios' action-horror title. Plagued by cumbersome controls, a camera that didn't believe in personal space, confusing inventory management, and treating the slaughter of enemies as a chore instead of a delight, Eden is approaching the PS3 release of Alone in the Dark as a second chance, an opportunity to show gamers that they care enough about their product to correct what was indisputably a painful release.
Alone in the Dark's 'enhanced' PS3 version at Leipzig
Sure, the PS3 version of Alone in the Dark is coming in November, but that's really quite a long time from now. The earliest chance for you to get your grubby hands on the title is this August 21-24 when Games Convention 2008 kicks off in Leipzig, Germany. It'll be the first time for the public to try out the newly "enhanced" PS3 version.These enhancements, however, can't possibly mean too much considering Atari remains mum on the details. Supposedly, bugs found from the already-released versions of the game (out now on every other major system) should be fixed and "a number of gameplay enhancements" are to be added. In all fairness, perhaps Leipzig will be the time when these new "enhancements" will be fully fleshed out.%Gallery-3898%
Joystiq hands-on: Alone in the Dark (360)
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/Hands_on_Alone_in_the_Dark'; With some trepidation, I walked into Atari's offices today to check out the newest (and quite possibly final) build of Alone in the Dark. With controller in hand, I started a fresh save file ... only to have three hours blur by and be bombarded with a never-ending series of cinematic, adrenaline-pumping sequences. I was totally unprepared for Eden Studios' bold reimagining of the franchise. This is not your father's Alone in the Dark.A key point that the Atari representative reiterated throughout my play session was the influence of serialized television in the design of the game. The game is broken up into a series of "episodes," each ending on a cliffhanger. Players are able to select levels and sequences via a menu that resembles something you'd find on a DVD. Not only can players jump to any level they want, but they can skip to specific "chapters" within each episode, as well. Each episode ends with credits, and each new episode starts with a very cute "Previously on Alone in the Dark" recap. (Interestingly, all the episodes are unlocked when a player starts the game. This means if you get stuck at a certain point, you can simply skip to the next chapter and use the recap to see what you missed. The reasoning behind this? Eden wants everyone to finish this game, no matter how challenging the puzzles may get.)These trivial changes to the presentation are amusing, but the TV inspiration runs much deeper. One season of a great television show has a clear beginning, middle and end. However, each episode usually focuses on one specific issue in an overarching story arc. Alone in the Dark fully embraces the serialized narrative, and uses it to create stunning set pieces in every chapter of every episode we've had an opportunity to play. Alone in the Dark isn't survival horror like we've seen in Silent Hill and Resident Evil. No, it's also about platforming. It's about puzzle solving, first person shooting ... and even driving. Alone in the Dark really is a great season of 24, albeit one with a supernatural twist.%Gallery-14429%
Video: Alone in the Dark trailer and achievements
Cinematic. That's the one word we use to describe the new Alone in the Dark trailer because that's actually what it's called, "Cinematic Trailer". How very original. Name aside, the trailer is a pretty decent look at what the game has to offer, complete with man slapping, rope climbing, dangerous taxi driving and some interesting music. Also, after you've completed your trailer viewing, hop on over to X360A to view the recently released Alone in the Dark achievements. Though, we must say that the recycled achievement artwork makes the devs look a bit lazy.Read - Alone in the Dark cinematic trailerRead - Alone in the Dark achievements
Alone in the Dark on PS3 by Autumn, possibly with episodic content
If you were miffed by the formerly vague "sometime in 2008" release schedule for Alone in the Dark, then take comfort in the new "Autumn 2008" forecast. Brilliant. A whole season has finally been pinned down for the PS3 version. While the game has endured delays in the past, it looks like all other versions of the game (excluding the PS3) will be released on June 24. On the bright side of things, there is an incentive for PS3 gamers looking to get lonely in the dark several months behind their console cousins. The PS3 version won't be a simple cut-n-paste port, but will be a specially adapted game with the possibility of episodic content. Worth it? That remains to be seen. Let's stay positive and hope so.
Alone in the Dark website is intentionally unsettling
Central Park is a place full of creepy things and pervs. At least, that's what the Alone in the Dark website would have you believe. Before yesterday, CentralDark was just a teaser site. In order to promote its upcoming game, though, Atari has recently added some rather disturbing stories about Central Park to the game's official website. The site is scheduled to be updated with articles every two weeks until the game's release in May.Also, on a personal note: This blogger grew up relatively close to Central Park, and it's a pretty nice place. Hear that, potential visitors? Don't let this marketing scare you. (This post was paid for by the New York Department of Tourism.*)*Not really.%Gallery-10200%
Rumor: Test Drive Unlimited 2 under development?
GRY Online, a Polish game publication states that Eden Studios is working on a sequel to Test Drive Unlimited, with March 2008 as their target release window. Their trusted source also divulged other useful tidbits of information, such as Test Drive Unlimited 2 featuring over 2400 km of roads, off-road racing capabilities and dynamic weather. So, have you played the first TDU? Did you enjoy your Hawaiian vacation? We'll be sure to bring you more news should this prove true.
Alone in the Dark isn't survival horror, actually...
According to Eden Studios, the term "survival-horror" needs to be replaced with story-driven action. At least for Alone in the Dark, which is shaping up to be very, very cool looking. Why? It takes player immersion to the next level with the inventory pocket system -- the main character has a gun in one pocket, and the other pocket(s?) hold all the items you pick up. The game moves forward by allowing the use of cars, making it intuitive and easy to move to the passenger seat, back seats, etc in order to avoid attacks or get a good shot off. A bunch of fantastic effects were shown in a technical demo, as the screen clearly illustrates. A story surrounding conspiracy theories about Central Park in New York City really brings the story to life, as opposed to a fictional setting.Finally, the episodic release idea. Imagine the game more like a television series: you can buy the first piece of the "series" in stores (since it's not a complete game, let's hope it's not a complete price...) and then download future episodes from the internet. If the downloads are free, then a complete price may be worthwhile. Maybe. You might also be able to buy the "complete season" in stores. It's up in the air. This game looks awesome. Look for it on the PS3, PC, and Xbox 360 next year.
Alone in the Dark to bite TV formula
Eden Games has decided to adopt an episodic format for its next-gen horror sequel, Alone in the Dark. The game will be chopped into episodes, each containing 30–40 minutes of gameplay that ends with a cliffhanger and a preview of things to come. In addition, each episode will be preceded by a brief video summary of previous events. Eden is hoping that this format, popularized by TV dramas, will get players "permanently hooked."Rather than digitally distribute each episode, the entire "season" with be packaged onto one disk. Players are free to play through multiple episodes in one sitting, but the idea is to approach the game in short bouts, as if following a weekly television series.It's different than what we've seen in most contemporary adventure games, which tend to mimic feature films, but Alone in the Dark is still biting from an established format. With that said, does the game industry need to stop holding the hands of the film and television industries and step, alone, into the dark?
