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Too Human video serves up co-op 'serving'
Serving, it's not just for restaurants any more. As Too Human's Denis Dyack describes it, 'serving' is a gameplay component of co-op found in Silicon Knights' nearly complete mythical opus, whereby one player knocks opponents skyward while the other makes with a mid-air smack down. Think of it as juggling -- with style.It all looks interesting, though like so much of Too Human, we don't think it comes across quite as cool or inspired as it must look through Dyack's eyes. Feel free to check out the video below and let us know if you feel the same way, or if, like Dyack, you think that this makes Too Human feel "very different" from other action RPGs sitting on your shelf.
Video: Too Human classes trailer
We're trying really hard to stop harping on Too Human for its lack of four player co-op. Silicon Knights, it seems, is doing its best to make it as hard as possible for us to do that. You see, in this video, studio head Dennis Dyack talks about the various classes in Too Human and how they can complement one another. For example, the Bio-Engineer class has a healing buff that constantly heals himself and other party members. Oh wait, party member. See, that's where that stinging pain sets in. It's when Dyack uses words like "group" and "combinations" that the two player co-op reality crashes down.Of course, it's still valid, and certain classes will complement others, but we can't help but think of how dynamic it might have been.
Sega says Crucible not its Silicon Knights title
And another company responds to the massive Intellisponse information leak. This time its Sega commenting on the video of a game called Crucible: The Evil Within, allegedly a title under development by Silicon Knights with Sega as publisher. According to Sega representative Steve Groll, who was speaking with MTV's Multiplayer, the video leaked earlier this week is not a video of the game Silicon Knights is developing for Sega. "That video is not the game that Silicon Knights is creating for us. I have no idea if it is a game they are working on for someone else, but it's definitely not the project that Silicon Knights and SEGA are producing," said Groll, adding that the name of the Sega project is not The Crucible either.Joystiq notes that Sega did file a software trademark for "The Crucible: Evil Within" in April of 2007. It was allegedly an action horror game, which certainly fits Silicon Knights' modus operandi. Looks like we'll have to wait and see what becomes of The Crucible.[Via Joystiq]
Sega: leaked 'Crucible' video not our Silicon Knights game
Sega has swiftly denied the assumed identity of a leaked video thought to be the publisher's Silicon Knights collaboration, possibly titled, The Crucible: Evil Within. "That video is not the game that Silicon Knights is creating for us," Sega's Steve Groll told MTV Multiplayer. "I can't reveal any info about the game we currently have in development, but I can tell you that it is not titled The Crucible."It's worth noting that Sega owns a software trademark (filed April 2007) for "The Crucible: Evil Within," which has been rumored to be the title of a Silicon Knights' horror game, previously known as "The Box" and in development for several years. In December 2006, Sega issued a survey describing an action-horror game involving an "ancient chest." Recipients were asked to choose a title from the list: The Box, The Gift, The Sacrament, or Crucible.
Rumor: First video of Silicon Knight's Crucible: The Evil Within
Also uncovered during the great marketing leak of ought-eight was the above video for a game said to be The Crucible, which leads us to assume it's Sega's The Crucible: The Evil Within, a horror game rumored to be developed by Silicon Knights. Though not officially announced, the title has been in development as early as 2006. Though it's unclear which platforms the game is for, it was supposedly in development for next-gen platforms (think 360/PS3). If true, it sounds like Sega's got quite the E3 lineup: Obsidian's Alpha Protocol, Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines, of course the Platinum Games ... games, and now this.
Too Human completion "likely just days away"
Yes, you read that correctly. A game that began its life waaaaaay back on the original Playstation is finally nearing completion. According to a developer blog entry from Silicon Knights guru Dennis Dyack, Too Human is "likely just days away" from being sent to certification, where it will reach the hallowed 'gold' status that all games must attain before release. Dyack throws a few more tidbits into the update, noting that gamers can expect to earn at least 600 achievement points on their first runs through the game. Furthermore, he states that it would be difficult for anyone to comprehend the complexity of the game after playing only a short demo (a point we concede), and assures everyone that press will get their review copies "well in advance of the release date."Really? Does that mean we can have ours right now? We've got a serious desire to build a new tank (we guess Joystiq can be our healer ... maybe).[Via Joystiq]
Too Human 'just days away' from done
Silicon Knight's controversy-fuelled Too Human is nearly finished, as company president Denis Dyack confirms on his IGN blog that the game "is likely just days away" from being completed. Writes Dyack, the team is currently working to squelch a pair of "rare crash bugs" before sending the long-in-development sci-fi Norse action game off for final approval. The exec also notes that "there will be plenty of time for press to critique Too Human as they will receive evaluation copies well in advance of the release date." This means that when scores come rolling in this August they should not be based on rushed play throughs to meet unrealistic deadlines, at least that's the theory. We admit that part of us will miss the roller coaster ride that has been Too Human's road to retail, though we can't help but wonder what Dyack will be up to next.
Video: the battlecries of Too Human
A new Too Human video has been released, this time discussing the game's battlecries (game developers can make two words into one now?). For those unfamiliar with the game, battlecries are essentially part of the game's magic system. When activated, battlecries bestow positive effects on players, including co-op partners. Some examples in the video (as explained by studio head Dennis Dyack) are a battlecry that makes all hits critical hits, giving players the ability to deal twice as much damage (pretty handy in a fight) and an ice shield that freezes enemies when they attack (also useful). Now, if we could just find the battlecry that makes it August right now.
Score new armor with Too Human pre-order offer
Chris from the Gamerscore Blog just sent us an update (and the fancy schmancy video embedded above) regarding Too Human and a new pre-order program they're running in North America. How it's planned, when you pre-order Too Human at any participating retailer, you'll receive five sets of exclusive in-game armor (one for each character class) that not only maximizes each class' abilities and sport two slots for customization, but they also look totally badass. Especially the Bioengineer ... total badassery. So, if you're cool with two player co-op instead of four and support Mr. Dyack, then go get your pre-order on before August 19th to score some new armor duds. Also, feel free to look over the five sets of pre-order armor goodness in the gallery below.%Gallery-24530%
Too Human video: Thor smash!
GameTrailers has posted a new trailer from the upcoming Silicon Knights hack and slash, Too Human. There is no gameplay feature. However, what it lacks in gameplay, it makes for it with Thor. As the Norse god of thunder, Thor has something of a temper, which is fairly evident in the video. Watch as Baldur and Thor search for the doorway to the serpent's lair. We hate to spoil it for anyone, but let's just say that if you're the god Thor and you carry a giant hammer, you can make doors.
Too Human: Two player co-op "the right thing to do"
Speaking to Gamerscore Blog, Silicon Knights head Dennis Dyack spoke to the recent revelation that Too Human would support two players in co-op. As the game was originally touted to have four player cooperative play, the news was upsetting to many would be fans. When asked what prompted the decision, Dyack noted, "it really came down to the gameplay and what's the best experience we could possibly make for the gamer." He added further that four players was "really chaotic" and that the team decided that limiting co-op to two players was "just the right thing to do" when it came to balancing the game and making it fun.We're sure that this explanation won't dull the pain of those who were looking forward to hacking and slashing with three friends, but hopefully Too Human will be a better game as a result.
Too Human dev diary: new details, more goblin man
The latest Too Human developer diary has been released (according to DCEMU, it should be on Xbox Live sometime today). This episode focuses on the game's two player co-op mode. Of particular note are the loot sharing options and skill manipulation. Co-op play offers three different options for divvying up the loot found during play. Loot can be distributed randomly, free-for-all and round robin. The first two are self-explanatory (with free-for-all being the best options for the ultra competitive), but round robin is a little different. Round robin alternately gives each item to a different player. In other words, player one gets the first item, player two gets the next item, player one gets the next, etc.The second revelation in the video is that players will be able to reorganize their entire skill tree at any time. It costs a certain amount of in-game currency, but it also means that you won't have to create a new character if you're unhappy with the skills you've chosen. Not only that, but it will allow players to customize their character based on a given situation (like choosing new skills that compliment your co-op partner, for examply).Finally, the video continues The Goblin Man of Norway, the fake documentary that began in the previous developer diary. We are again reminded of Halo 3's Believe ad campaign, which is by no means a bad thing. Check out the (very long) video after the break.
2008 Yearbook: Microsoft Game Studios
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/2008_Yearbook_Microsoft_Game_Studios'; After a solid year for the Xbox 360 in 2007 many thought the system could never showcase the same amount of quality exclusives in a single year.In the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook, we've compiled a list of this year's graduating class with a detailed account of each title's current status and the stories surrounding them.From heartbreaking cancellations, surprise feature announcements and expected sequels, the 2008 MGS Yearbook is filled with fun facts and information on your soon-to-be favorite titles. Also included in the yearbook are special joke awards given to each title that releases in 2008 that poke fun at the details most commonly argued about in the comments.From Ninja Gaiden II to Alan Wake, the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook will have something for everyone.Ladies and gentlemen allow us to introduce the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios graduating class ...
Dyack may step down as Silicon Knights lead [update]
In an interview with GameDaily, Silicon Knights top-dog Dennis Dyack hints that at the possibility of stepping down from his role as head of the studio. Citing a passion to focus on creating original IPs as the possible reason, Dyack admits it would be "weird," but prefers someone else to take over the business side of the company.Since the notorious E3 2006 showing of Too Human, Dyack has been thrust into the spotlight with comments regarding the state of gaming journalism (specifically the validity of game previews) as Silicon Knights announced numerous delays for the first title in its Too Human trilogy. Could a new business director help shorten production times? Well, it's the old sports manager idea. Fire the coach all you want but it's the players who are losing the games.Update: Dyack has told GameSpot: "I was as surprised to see this as everyone else. I am not stepping down." His original quote to GameDaily was as follows: "So, in the end as the company grows, for my role I'll probably hire someone to be my boss and help run the company, which is kind of a weird thing, and I actually won't run the company while I continue to work at what is the company's bread and butter, which is original IPs with great stories and game concepts that are provocative to gamers."[via Joystiq]
X3F Impressions - Too Human
Too Human is a strange beast. The futuristic Norse dungeon crawler is planned to have a massive story with trilogy spanning themes and complexities. In listening to Dennis Dyack talk at the event, he seemed genuinely enthusiastic as he discussed his favorite pop culture sci-fi and fantasy sagas (he's a big Battlestar Galactica fan).While the game's potential quality without the vaunted four-player co-op is debatable, the underlying mechanics really aren't. Too Human's ability to feed the player with loot while keeping them engaged and responding to the battle conditions and leveling up is well-tuned and feels similar to the Dreamcast's Phantasy Star Online games.
Dyack: 'Strong chance' of Eternal Darkness sequel
Alright, this isn't officially Xbox 360 news, but given Silicon Knights' current relationship with Microsoft, we're fairly confident that it could be. Speaking to TVG at Microsoft's Spring Showcase, Silicon Knights head Dennis Dyack had some hopeful things to say regarding an Eternal Darkness sequel. After noting that Silicon Knights doesn't want to be "pigeon-holed" into any specific genres, he admitted, "There's a strong chance we'll return to it, but there's no announcements yet." This marks the best news we've heard about a possible sequel since 2006. That joyous yet vaguely disturbing sound you just heard was a worldwide nerd-splosion of the highest order.[Via Joystiq]
Dyack may step down as head of Silicon Knights [update]
GameDaily has an interview with Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack where he talks about stepping down as head of the studio. He won't leave the company, but merely let someone else take over the business side while he focuses on creative. He admits it'll be a little "weird," but as the company continues to grow, he'd like to stay focused on making new IPs.Dyack having a boss could be just what the company needs. Silicon Knights has notoriously slow development cycles and having an "evil" business director cracking the whip might help. We can only imagine what other projects the studio could have been working on had Too Human come out years ago as planned; instead of stumbling in this August.Update: Dyack told GameSpot, "I was as surprised to see this as everyone else. I am not stepping down." The original quote Dyack gave to GameDaily: "So, in the end as the company grows, for my role I'll probably hire someone to be my boss and help run the company, which is kind of a weird thing, and I actually won't run the company while I continue to work at what is the company's bread and butter, which is original IPs with great stories and game concepts that are provocative to gamers."
'Strong chance' Eternal Darkness will return, but will it be for Wii?
One of our most favorite GameCube games is Eternal Darkness. Even though the combat isn't that great, the game just did a wonderful job of screwing with our mind. When a game screws with you to the point that you believe it when it tells you that the memory card inserted into your console has no data on it, causing you to reboot the system and access the memory card directly, its experiences stick with you. At least, it stuck with us.Now, Silicon Knights' Dennis Dyack has commented that there is a pretty good chance his company will be returning to the IP for another title. "There is a chance; we love all the games we work on," he commented. "We don't want to be pigeon-holed [into a genre], we want to be known for strong content...There's a strong chance we'll return to it, but there's no announcements yet." So, good news for fans of the first title, however this is likely going to be a sore spot for some of you. Even though they remain open to developing a game for the Wii, with their work on the Too Human trilogy, the likelihood of that happening is probably pretty slim right now.Who else would do despicable, disgusting things to play an Eternal Darkness sequel on the Wii?[Via Go Nintendo]
Too many Too Human screens (and a video!)
You got a taste of Too Human this morning with those leaked screenshots, but now we've got the mother lode of media straight from Microsoft's Gamer's Day. There are a few screenshots below and we've got the above video showing off co-op action in the game.Now that we have an official date and so much more information, we're finding it progressively harder to contain our Too Human excitement. What about you?%Gallery-22750%
Too Human gets August release and co-op too [update]
Update: Embedded the new Too Human co-op trailer above.The unthinkable and the unimaginable has actually come true. Microsoft and Silicon Knights have settled on a Too Human release date and we've also confirmed that pigs can indeed fly.Microsoft just announced that the ever so delayed Too Human will storm North America retailers this August 19th. And that's a guarantee! It was also revealed that Too Human will feature two player Xbox Live co-op gaming all the way through the entire campaign. So, enjoy the newly released screenshots below and the comforting knowledge that even though it had a rocky road into existence, we'll finally be able to experience Too Human this August. Joy!%Gallery-22738%
