1. First, how do you guys feel about the way the first two PC Serious
Sam games have been received by gamers and reviewers?
The first 2
games were really well received by gamers and press alike. I think it
shows that, however more complex and involved games get, there will
always be a side of people that want to get back to basics. There's a
reason why people like classic games such as Ms. Pacman and there's a
reason why people still get a kick out of fast, pure shooters....it's
the solid gameplay.
2. When and why was the decision made to create a Serious Sam game
for the
Xbox?
We always
wanted to bring Sam to a console. The gameplay's intensity is something
that translates so well to the platform. Sam is such a console friendly
character. XBox was the perfect beginning because, technically, it is
the closest to the PC and with its extended set of features it's allowed
us to take Sam to the next level. It was a great match.
3. You decided to combine both PC Serious Sam games into the Xbox
version. How hard was it to get both games into one Xbox version and
make it look like a seamless whole?
Serious Sams
1st and 2nd Encounter were always 2 parts of the same story. So the
transition was easy and completely seamless. New players to Sam won't
even see the break between the 1st and 2nd encounter.
4. First person shooters games sometimes have problems with their
controllers. How have you created the Xbox Serious Sam game to work well
with the Xbox controller?
Croteam
focused on this aspect more than anything. Before they started
with the technology and fine tuning, they just worked on controls. I
think you can really tell when a shooter has been specifically designed
for console and we totally reengineered the control mechanics from the
ground up. We certainly looked at other titles and saw that some had
been more successful than others.
5. What other changes from the PC games did you have to do to make
SeriousSam work for the Xbox?
We actually
made a lot of design changes that we felt would complement Sam's
transition to console. Croteam redesigned the HUD, created an upgraded
Sam model, redesigned all the menus and netricsa. We tweaked the
gameplay, added auto-targeting (can be turned off for the hardcore
fans). The whole thing got a nice shiny makeover.
6. You are putting in higher resolution textures and character models
for the Xbox Serious Sam game. How do they compare with their PC
counterparts and how hard was it to put these elements in the game?
Its as simple
as building the models and textures and dropping them in. All it took
was time, patience and the creative artistry of well caffeinated Croats.
We think they look outstanding by the way. However Red Bull supplies in
Croatia suffered irreparable damage in the process. ;-)
7. The Serious Sam games are known for having tons of characters
attacking the player at any one time. Has than experienced been kept for
the Xbox version?
It wouldn't
be a Serious Sam game if it didn't have hundreds of enemies on screen at
once, all screaming and ranting and raging and charging eager for a
piece of Sam. Yes, we kept this aspect and it feels even more
overwhelming when played on a big screen.
8. What other new content will be in the Xbox version of Serious Sam
that was not available in the first two PC games?
We've added
new Death Match levels, new weapons models and the graphics makeover.
Best of all are the cut scenes. You have to see them to understand
that Croatians have the craziest sense of humor. The cut-scenes
alone are worth the price of admission.
9. What can you tell us about multiplayer options for the Serious Sam
Xbox version?
2 player co-op play with split screen or over system link.
Deathmatch up to 4 players on single console or via system link.
10. The PC versions are known for their funny secrets while playing
the game. Will there be any new secrets in the Xbox version?
Lots of cool new secrets. We added treasure items and a whole
new scoring system to add lives.
11. How do you like working with the Xbox hardware in developing the
game?
It's great. We LOVE it!
12. At the moment, what is the current status of the development of
the Serious Sam Xbox game and when will it be in stores?
It will be in stores very soon. Next Tuesday! [Yesterday -- Ed.]
13. Finally, there are rumors that Croteam is already developing a new
Serious Sam game for both PC and Xbox. What can you tell us about your
future plans at this stage?
Of course we would love to tell you all about that but why spoil it for
you?