E3'03: Geist Impressions Preview

One of the few genuine surprises to be found at Nintendo this year was a FPS going under the guise of Geist. Currently in development at n-Space (Duke Nukem: Time to Kill, Mary-Kate and Ashley Sweet 16), the GameCube exclusive title features numerous novel ideas and could possibly be one of the most exciting games currently in development on the Cube.<br><br>In the week leading up to E3, rumours suggested that Nintendo were set to unveil a number of new game ideas, which would display their change in strategy and try to appeal to a wider audience. The most interesting of these related to a game known as ‘Fear’, which according to Japanese reports from claims by Shigeru Miyamoto, focussed on a young boy as he struggles to overcome his fears.<br><br>Whilst ‘Fear’ failed to make an appearance at E3, Nintendo chose to unveil ‘Geist’ which according to the developers web site was initially known as ‘Fear’. Although we wouldn’t like to say for certain, Geist certainly doesn’t seem to be about a young boy overcoming his fears from what we’ve seen at present.<br><br>In an excellent twist to the FPS, players assume the role of a ghost or Geist who has the ability to possess characters that you’ll see within the game. This occurs via a rather impressive scene in which you target the chosen inhabitant and reappear in their body complete with suitably shocked hand animations – it’s an idea that perfectly suits the FPS genre, and leaves us questioning why nobody has tried this before.<br><br>Whilst specific details are hard to come by at present we’ve managed to unearth some, which if true, could make Geist one of the most interesting GameCube games scheduled for release.<br><br>At present it’s believed that around 12 different characters are on offer to possess, however we’re expecting this figure to jump as development progresses. Early talk has suggested that the range of characters offer a variety of different skills and attributes that you’ll need to progress through the game; so guards come automatically equipped with guns, - it’s even been mentioned that players will have to possess dog and mice like creatures in a bizarre twist to the games proceedings!!!<br><br>Further talk reveals some very exciting prospects that we hope will actually make it into the final game. It’s been claimed that characters memories will actually play an integral part to progress in the game, for example you may need to possess a certain character to gain the code for a locked door, or hopefully progress the games storyline by finding out details from those involved.<br><br>Whilst you’ll spend a large amount of time in other people’s bodies, you’re free to roam the level in your spiritual form. Whilst hovering about you’ll be invisible to characters within the game, and be able to slip through cracks, interfere with electronics and get up to some ghostly mischief and put the spooks up any of the game characters by slamming doors shut or throwing objects around.<br><br>The various screenshots and video demonstrations suggest that an alien race are fighting against humanity; hopefully it won’t take too long before more specific plot details are announced and we can actually get a better understanding of why you play as a ghost.<br><br>The E3 unveiling already showed the games impressive split-screen 4P mode, in which players must use a balance of firepower and spiritual prowess to emerge the victor. <br><br>Further evidence gained from the demonstration suggests that the game will be more of a ‘thinking mans’ shooter then other games in the genre. One section saw the player dabbling with lift elevators and keycode panels, whilst it’s noithing revolutionary we’re certainly hoping this is more then just a ‘shoot at anything that moves’ type of game.<br><br>Whilst it’s not the most visually impressive title we’ve ever seen, it’s certainly no slouch and looks good amongst the weak competition on offer. Character models, texturing and animation all show off neat little touches, whilst there’s a range of visual effects such as texture manipulation to really give the game a distinct look. Chuck in a silky smooth 60FPS and you’ve certainly got an accomplished looking title that will attract attention.