Exclusive: NARC Q&A Feature

Ahead of its European release on the Playstation2 and Xbox, TVG recently had the opportunity to speak with Wayne Cline Producer Midway about the forthcoming remake of a 1988 classic; but can what was popular back then still find success today, we discover the improvements and changes that Midway have made to hopefully do so.

TVG: Narc is a brought up to date for the console version from the 1988 classic coin op arcade title. What elements of the game do you believe makes Narc such a classic game and kind of source and reference material have you used from the coin op and as the storyline and most of the content of the game stay pretty much the same and what new additions in terms of the storyline has been added to?

We wanted to keep some aspects of the arcade game but create a grittier and more current game. In a nod to the arcade game, the main characters Jack Forzenski and Marcus hill will join the Narc Squad to stop the mysterious figure known as Mr. Big, head of the KRAK cartel. Mr. Big has created a new drug called Liquid Soul, that causes feelings of euphoria when taken in small doses. But take too much and it can turn the junkie into a near-unstoppable nightmare.

TVG: The player can switch between Hitman and Max Force â?“ how does this work and what unique skills does each character possess?

The charactersâ?? names have actually been changed to Jack Forzenski and Marcus Hill to help with the gameâ??s grittier feel. Each character has a bit of a specialty. For example, Marcus is more the brawler, so his hand-to-hand moves do more damage and he can knock people off their feet as he sprints. Jack is more stealthy and his weapons do more damage.

TVG: What kind of moves and actions can you undertake and if you had to pick one move/action that is pretty innovative or exciting what would it be?

The game has a pretty robust fighting and grappling system. The player must apprehend and bust criminals, so you can punch, trip, kick, grab, struggle, throw and bust criminals. Thereâ??s also a move called the â??super bustâ?, where, after storing up a proper amount of energy, you can automatically bust a criminal in one dramatic bone-crunching move.

TVG: Too many action games present too much cannon fodder and not enough deep challenge. Does Narc offer plenty of subtly, stealth and guile, and how sophisticated is the games AI?

While Narc will have its share of all-out gunfights, there are also parts to missions where the player must observe and record drug deals or talks, either through photographing them or recording them. At times, the player must although stealthily follow behind suspects that will lead them to drugs labs or other important locations.

TVG: What kind of weapons are on offer and is there a progression to getting some of the more serious ones and tell us about one of your favourites?

Each character has their own base weapon with unlimited ammo. Jack has a 9mm automatic while Marcus packs a revolver. They can also buy or be given other weapons, such as a machine pistol, assault rifle, shotgun, grenade lobber, rocket launcher or even a flame-thrower. My favourite is probably the machine-pistol, because when you fire it, it just sounds like itâ??s dealing a ton of lead. It just sounds awesome.

TVG: If you had to highlight one event in the game that really sums up the action and intensity of the game what would it be? (Please details this for the readers)

There is a gunfight in an abandoned church-turned drugs lab where the player will be attacked by many enemies. The player will have to make good use of cover and gunfight tactics to survive and succeed.

TVG: How diverse are the missions and locations within Narc and are there many incidents that are applicable to where you are situated?

The missions take place in three locales. Rockland, USA, Kowloon City, China, and Mr. Bigâ??s Island. The two cityâ??s are urban environments with many pedestrians, thugs, and crimes occurring throughout the cityâ??s. Players will be given a variety of missions including photographing evidence, recording criminalsâ?? conversations, and infiltrating drugs labs.

TVG: How linear is the route through the game, are there many random factors and ways to achieve success and is this a important area to get right?

While the storyline is linear, the player can use various strategies and methods to get through the missions. The player can also spend time in the sandbox (non-mission) mode to raise their badge rating, make money, buy better weapons, etc. Some missions will also offer the player good cop/bad cop choices.

TVG: How is injury and killing worked in the game. Is it usually one hit to kill?

Typically, weâ??re not going with the one hit/one kill philosophy. The character will have a health bar and can pick up health throughout the game. Enemies will vary on their difficulty and toughness and the character will have to use a variety of weapons and methods to defeat them.

TVG: Sum up the game in one sentence?

NARC is an in-depth, third person action/shooter video game set against a stylized modern-day backdrop of the War on Drugs.

NARC is scheduled for release on the Playstation2 and Xbox towards the end of May; weâ??ll have a closer look soon.