Too Human
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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 video explains co-op mode
Microsoft just sent out a press release stating that a video showcasing Too Human's co-op mode is now available on the Xbox Live Marketplace. Silicon Knights' president, Denis Dyack, and design director, Henry Sterchi, host the video and explain how the four-player two-player co-op will work.Of course, if you don't want to do the whole download thing, we've also conveniently placed the video after the break. Be prepared, it's almost 15 minutes long.
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.
Microsoft Game Studios' 2008 in Gaming: A Yearbook
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/2008_Yearbook_Microsoft_Game_Studios'; Interested in seeing what you'll be playing on your Xbox 360 in the coming months? X3F has compiled the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook for you, a list of this year's exclusive graduating class with a detailed account of each title's current status and the stories surrounding them.The 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook chronicles the graduates, like the soon-to-be released Ninja Gaiden II, and the titles that didn't make it to grad, like Alan Wake. Yep, he had to be held back for a semester or two. Or maybe three, we just don't know yet.Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios graduating class ...
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.
Xbox 360 Spring Showcase impressions roundup
Our friends at Xbox 360 Fanboy are having a ball at the Xbox 360 Spring Showcase, sending word of their hands-on experiences with the console's upcoming lineup. (Update: Now with more Human.) Check out their impressions below: Impressions: Ninja Gaiden IIIt's unapologetically hardcore, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Impressions: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & BoltsThere is good reason that Rare did not decide to title the game Banjo Threeie. It's something new. Impressions: Penny Arcade AdventuresOn the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness. Turns out the game is a meld of Japanese RPG and old-school adventure.
Would You Rather ... Demo Edition
In our continuing effort to bring you fresh and interesting content, X3F presents Would You Rather ... a weekly feature that asks you the hard questions. The point? If you had to choose one or the other, which would you go for?This week in WUR we're taking a different approach. With so many demos playable at Mircosoft's press event for upcoming Xbox 360 titles, we wanted to know which one you craved the most.If Microsoft was to release only one demo today for you to play, which one would it be? Remember, this list only includes items that were playable at Microsoft's San Fransisco event so Gears of War 2 and Fable 2 aren't options. While Ninja Gaiden 2 might be the favorite, we wonder who out there is anticipating more hot Piñata action.Feel free to share the reasons for your vote in the comments. We'll share the results of the poll during the next edition of Would You Rather ... which hits X3F every Wednesday.Last weeks WUR results can be find after the jump ... take a look!
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."
Xbox 360 Spring Showcase screenshot roundup
If a picture's worth a thousand words, we'll spare you the copious blabber and lead your eyeballs right to the trailhead (just hop past the break to get started!). Be warned though, the path through Microsoft's Xbox 360 Spring Showcase is a long one (but thankfully smooth and well lit). Be sure to sit a few feet from the screen, rest your eyes between galleries and drink lots of water! Enjoy.
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%
Too Human dated August 19 for North America, Aug. 29 for Europe
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Too_Human_finally_gets_official_release_date'; The end of a decade long journey will finally come on August 19 this year as Too Human finally hits store shelves. Well, we mean, probably. It seems pretty concrete, but we're not ruling anything out with Too Human. We won't believe it's actually been released until we're a good two or three hours into playing the final disc.
New MS leak shows Too Human co-op
So, just how many leaks have sprung from the S.S. Microsoft Gamer's Day '08? Well, let's put it this way: A string quartet has started solemnly playing their final song and a person with priority issues has started rearranging the deck chairs. Yesterday it was Banjo Kazooie 3 and Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise, now, Shacknews has some new screens from Too Human.They appear to show some co-op gameplay from Denis Dyack's baby, which we imagine we'll be getting an earful of at the event (alongside a boatload of information about some of the other titles). Our anticipation has slacked a bit, what with all the leakage, but we're still dying to know what "Lips" is. Expect to hear more soon.
Mass Effect, Too Human devs justify their trilogies
Dear developer, does your game need to be a trilogy? MTV's Multiplayer blog decided to make two developers -- Too Human's Denis Dyack and Mass Effect's Ray Muzyka -- justify their trilogy ambitions. Dyack responds that their three-part epic is already mapped out, story-wise, and that each iteration has a specific theme: discovery, revenge and enlightenment, respectively.As for Mass Effect, BioWare co-founder Muzyka was more vague in his reasoning, citing how "great science fiction arcs often occur in trilogies" and that they allow for a different pacing. The feeling we get is that BioWare isn't as interested in the story aspect so much as it is in the building of a virtual world, akin to what Will Wright discussed at this year's GDC.
Too Human Diary contains fake documentary
The latest Too Human developer diary from Silicon Knights is something of ... a departure. After a few minutes discussing the game's RPG elements (hint: it's like Diablo), the video veers far, far away from Too Human and instead offers an excerpt from a "documentary" entitled The Goblin Man of Norway. The excerpt discusses a mechanical humanoid "goblin" that was discovered in a glacier in Norway. The crux of the film is that the goblin is thousands of years old and yet it appears to be more technologically advanced than even modern technology.The video also mentions the Norwegian Film Committee, whose website showcases the same excerpt (while two other excerpts are conveniently broken). We have to admit, the documentary took us in at first (it really is well done), but a quick bit of research reveals that the website for the Norwegian Film Committee is registered in Vancouver, British Columbia. That's quite a long distance from Norway, although not nearly as far from Silicon Knights' home base in Ontario. Of course, the real clue comes from a quote from the film itself: "I want this to be true. I sure do, but let's wait for some evidence." Remove the context of the film and replace it with the development saga of Too Human, and the quote makes perfect sense.Lord knows that Microsoft likes its viral campaigns. The only question now is whether or not this documentary will also come with an alternate reality game (ARG) similar to the Iris ARG that preceded Halo 3. Let's hope so, because ARGs make for a fun way to avoid working.
Gamestop's Too Human placeholder moved from May to August
When a game's development began sometime in the Nixon administration, does it really matter exactly what month it's going to be released? As gamers, you naturally know the answer to this question: Of course it does. It matters to the month, the day, possibly even the minute. It is in that spirit that we bring you this interesting tidbit: Too Human's placeholder release date on the Gamestop website has been moved from May to August. So, what does that mean? Well, we'd like to think it means a release date is firming up, but it could just as easily mean that Jimmy the Gamestop intern is tasked with moving the Too Human release date back every few months like he's pruning some sort of cybernetic topiary. So file this one under interesting, but not terribly helpful.
Dyack talks sales, delays and naysayers
In an interview with Gamasutra, Silicon Knights lead Dennis Dyack discussed his upcoming game Too Human and the overall direction of the industry. While Dyack has always been passionate about his work, he does admit that the company's success hitches on the response from gamers at retail for Too Human. "It would be really, really bad [if Too Human wasn't a commercial success]," Dyack explained, "in some sense ... Would it kill us? I don't know. We'd probably recover.""Miyamoto-san said it right a long time ago: "No one will remember a late game; everyone will remember a bad game," Dyack reminisces while discussing the reasons behind the nine-year wait since Too Human was first shown at E3 1999. "We believe in that strongly. We live and die by our last game. And, you know, you're only as good as your last game." With that in mind we, along with Dyack, wonder why Silicon Knights gets so much flak for their upcoming trilogy when their back catalog has been nothing but critical "darlings." Awards for Legacy of Kain and Eternal Darkness fill the glass cases of Silicon Knights' St. Catherines, Ontario, office. With such a history, Dyack wonders why people continue to doubt the company's latest piece."We have no skeletons in our closet. I wish everyone knew all about the stuff that we've done in the past, but you look at Legacy of Kain, you look at Eternal Darkness, you look at Metal Gear," Dyack proclaims. "Too Human is going to be another one. We wouldn't let it out until then. It's real tough, though. It's real tough. It's not an easy process."For more on Too Human and Dyack's thoughts on the direction of the industry, read the entire interview.
Phantom copies of Too Human in stock on Sears.com
Brand new day, sun-shining, new achievements under our belts and a piece of pure awesome drops in our lap letting us know that Sears has copies of Too Human in stock! Well, don't bust out the credit cards yet fanboys and girls because Silicon Knights' epic (no pun intended) first-installment into the action role-playing genre hasn't even gone gold -- let alone ship to a Sears near you.This tip made us chuckle a little for a few reasons but our favorite is the ESRB presence on this listing. For a game that Sears has in stock you'd think they'd know what the rating was especially considering the amount of ESRB love on the site -- shouldn't they maybe find out if they're going to push their commitment to parents? Oh, they can't! The game hasn't been rated because it isn't finished yet. Oh silly Sears, we still love ya![Thanks, Michael V.]
