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E3'03: Geist Impressions Preview
Chris Leyton
03/06/2003
TVG takes a close look at an impressive FPS exclusive to the GameCube...
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.
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 āFearā, which according to Japanese reports from claims by Shigeru Miyamoto, focussed on a young boy as he struggles to overcome his fears.
Whilst āFearā failed to make an appearance at E3, Nintendo chose to unveil āGeistā which according to the developers web site was initially known as āFearā. Although we wouldnāt like to say for certain, Geist certainly doesnāt seem to be about a young boy overcoming his fears from what weāve seen at present.
In an excellent twist to the FPS, players assume the role of a ghost or Geist who has the ability to possess characters that youāll 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 ā“ itās an idea that perfectly suits the FPS genre, and leaves us questioning why nobody has tried this before.
Whilst specific details are hard to come by at present weāve managed to unearth some, which if true, could make Geist one of the most interesting GameCube games scheduled for release.
At present itās believed that around 12 different characters are on offer to possess, however weāre 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 youāll need to progress through the game; so guards come automatically equipped with guns, - itās even been mentioned that players will have to possess dog and mice like creatures in a bizarre twist to the games proceedings!!!
Further talk reveals some very exciting prospects that we hope will actually make it into the final game. Itās 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.
Whilst youāll spend a large amount of time in other peopleās bodies, youāre free to roam the level in your spiritual form. Whilst hovering about youāll 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.
The various screenshots and video demonstrations suggest that an alien race are fighting against humanity; hopefully it wonāt 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.
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.
Further evidence gained from the demonstration suggests that the game will be more of a āthinking mansā shooter then other games in the genre. One section saw the player dabbling with lift elevators and keycode panels, whilst itās noithing revolutionary weāre certainly hoping this is more then just a āshoot at anything that movesā type of game.
Whilst itās not the most visually impressive title weāve ever seen, itās certainly no slouch and looks good amongst the weak competition on offer. Character models, texturing and animation all show off neat little touches, whilst thereās a range of visual effects such as texture manipulation to really give the game a distinct look. Chuck in a silky smooth 60FPS and youāve certainly got an accomplished looking title that will attract attention.
