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Stephen Leyton
06/11/2002
Billed as the first Cel-Shaded FPS, that will engage gamers in an epic conspiracy....
When you initially see screenshots of this first person shooter (FPS) title you wonder if you are looking at some early concept design images. Billed as the first Cel-Shaded FPS, that will engage gamers in an epic conspiracy, you look further for some interesting specifications on the game. The fact it is being released on nearly every format is one of the many plus points. When you do find out more about what looks like a very, unique and intriguing title you want to discover even more. Here we have a classic game that you really need to see up and running - āliveā - to appreciate all its finer points.
The concern initially for XIII comes from EA, which also boasted of 'cel shaded' presentation, along with innovative ideas, called Cell Damage, which did not do a thing and looked shabby and ill designed. XIII has got a lot more going for it as Derek dela Fuente found out when he spoke to the producer, Julien Bares.
In response to my negativity towards the style of graphics, Julien put his side: "First, there is more to the game than just cel shading. Indeed, in the game you have what we call the 'comics rendering' (the team love American comics!), which comes complete with not only SFX but 'words' that appear on screen. Most importantly this is used because we want that the graphics to be linked to the game play. We didn't choose a different graphics style just to say 'hey look we're different'. No the graphics are different but it brings something new in game play terms. The lead character, for example, has a 'Sixth Sense' created with a system called 'commando game play', that allows you to detect the enemies' presence (like radar) which is displayed as āTap, Tap, Tapā that appears on screen." There are many other ideas and innovations that give XIII a unique quality.
Inspired by a number of people, and subject matter, the list was condensed down to Frank Miller (From Sin City to Dark Knight), Tim Sale and Jeph Loeb, Mignola for the American people and Tardy, Matz and all the Judge Dredd artists. The team further described and made statements pertaining to XIII as a new type of gaming experience, with specifically chosen elements like cel-shaded graphics and the next-generation Unreal technology to create a mood that closely mirrors the comic book style.
The background story plot revolves around a conspiracy of epic proportions, and players have to unravel clues behind the story's compelling and mysterious events. XIII includes themes of amnesia (along with flashback), in which players must uncover sinister plots against themselves, the U.S. government, and even the President himself. The only clues players have are the roman numerals XIII tattooed on their shoulder and a key to a safe deposit box in a New York bank. "XIII opens with the player washed up on a beach. Suffering from severe amnesia and injuries, there is no recollection of who, where or what he is. As the player delves into the increasingly involving plot, it becomes apparent he possesses high-level military skills and is an integral part of a huge conspiracy against the US government. A two-tier adventure is on offer; foil the conspiracy whilst finding out exactly who your character is, including which side you are actually on.
You could easily assume that this kind of game, lacking in 'realistic' looks (softer than a PC gamer would be used to), was the perfect target for all the console formats but not PC however this is certainly not the case as was explained!
"Well, it is true that on first sight you can think this is not a PC game but when you think about it twice you can ask yourself - why not? Why do PC gamers only get ārealistic gamesā - because it has always been like this? Maybe, but I think PC gamers deserve to have diversity (at least for our case on graphic style) and the choice. It's just a big plus for PC gamers to get a game a bit different, that tries something new.
I don't say that all PC gamers will like it; some will, some won't, others will like both - I mean the XIII style or the normal realistic style - (as I do, for instance). Those who don't like it, won't play it (and they will miss a great game), others will and will adore it. But we believe there is space for both kinds of games among PC gamers."
"XIII, billed as a graphic novel, is designed like an American comic and tells a stand alone story, with a recurrent hero, like Xmen or even Superman, for instance. The idea is that you should be able to get in the game, discover the story, play the game and at the end have the same feeling you would have after reading a comic book or seeing a movie.ā
Technically XIII may look straightforward but conversely it has turned out to be quite a feat of programming. "It may have looked simpler at the beginning because we thought we would do what we wanted, not having to respect the usual rules of both realistic game and first-person shooter. Building a complete style from scratch is even more difficult. We wanted the game to look 2D when still and 3D when moving. Just to give you an example; the explosions with text are fun but they also have to be 3D for you, the player, to make the right decision."
Technicalities aside, XIII is, before everything, a First Person Shooter, which includes a realistic physic system and AI, along with a variety of skills and weapons at the playerās disposal.
Weapons include the classic Beretta, an M16, the all-important Shotgun, AK 47, sniper rifle and thatās just for starters. Silent weapons play a huge part in the stealth aspects of XIII where tense scenes require the player to remain silent and undercover. These include harpoons, a crossbow and throwing knives. Last, but not least, there are those inanimate objects. There are more but again we wish to leave something to the imagination.
Varied game play - an unusual mix between stealth with commando like infiltration and action - (frantic searching, skiing, and sky diving) comprising 8 chapters, 37 missions, across massive stylised environments ensure there is never any let up.
Complete interactivity allowing for players to use objects as weapons (e.g. bottles, barrels) is also one of the features on offer, along with a cunning way of using enemies as a human shield.
The key difference between the formats is the multiplayer aspect, particularly where the PC is concerned which lends itself, at this point in time, much more to online multiplayer gaming. So this version is currently planned to offer up to 32 players, Deathmatch's, Capture the Flag and new developments, including 'cover me', which involves a sniper covering a team mate. Also planned for the PC version will be a map editor.
