While taking a look at some
of the goods being offered up by LucasArts, who are no doubt hoping to
make up for that hideous pod-racer game, a PR person approached and
told me I could slip next door and see a sneak-peak at an upcoming
title. Being an adventurer by trade, I sallied forth.
Sitting down in a cramped room, a large screen in
front of me, a few programmers--after telling me not to tape anything
or shoot pictures--said they were debuting a new RPG title, Star Wars:
Knights of the Old Republic. This game, teaming the Star Wars name
with the RPG guys over at Bioware, will make tons of money, regardless
of the quality of play.
I say this because after a short demo and four
questions from the audience, three of them asked by me, I still know
very little. But I do know the power of the Star Wars trademark. Here
is what I was able to glean about the game itself.
- The action takes place in the Star Wars universe
4000 years prior to the films. This allows for more Jedi Knights
and Sith Warriors and hence more lightsaber combat. Also, none of
the main film storylines need to be compromised.
- An in-house-developed 3D engine featuring
real-time combat and a fixed third-person perspective (although
the demo did allow the camera to zoom). This was an early E3 build
and so the graphics and tile sets looked pretty plain. I expect it
will look better by its 2003 release.
- Three playable races and six classes, including
the Han Solo styled Scoundrel (a smooth-talking
jack-of-all-trades), Bounty Hunter, and Jedi Knight. Unclear was
what type of RPG system was to be used, but they did say to expect
over 100 different types of skills/feats and 50+ force powers.
- Mini-games like speeder racing and space combat.
I did not see any of this, however.
There really isnt much more to say as I didnt
get to ask many questions. They did tell me that they were into level
creation, but that sounds odd with at 2003 release. Its too early
for high hopes about this new Star Wars installment, and Id get
ready for a more serious peek at next years E3.
Matt
Blackburn |