Haze General Discussion [Archive]

deded999

05-25-2006, 09:18 AM

From the FRD FAQS (http://www.frd.co.uk/faq.php)

Will there be a mapmaker?
Probably not. It's a bit of a double-edged sword, because on the one hand next-gen allows us to make incredibly intricate and organic environments. But the flip side, is that having environments that are so complex means that creating a mapmaker is a hell of a lot harder than it was before - so now it's double hard.

Ouch! You got me right in the ticker - that hurts! Oh well, just make sure there's plenty of great MP levels! I appreciate the difficulty, but surely (in the future at least) it would be possible to create a similar tile-system as in TS, as opposed to having to place individual trees and rocks as in the Cry MM, or the Haze engine presumably.

TBH, as a non-TS game, this may be less of a loss than it at first seems, but when you go back to TS, for God's sake please have a MM. Please realise I'm not having a go here, just bemoaning the loss of a great (and almost unique) option. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/bigtears.gif

What's going on at the end of the E3 trailer?
You nosey little wretch.

Fine. Here's the deal, we're not making a standard, predictable war-shooter. We wanted an edge - and the end of the E3 trailer is the glimmering point of the blade, the tip of the iceberg if you will. Just you wait.

Intriguing... and when can we see said trailer?

Can you jump?
In keeping with our new hard-nosed gritty realism, you will be able to jump. In fact, you might want to celebrate this fact by doing a small jump yourself.

Ah, that well known move, practised throughout special forces units around the world - the tactical hop! Fair enough guys, I just hope you know what you're doing...

(On previous evidence it seems that you do! http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif)

Extra_Extra_Guy

05-25-2006, 10:06 AM

Geez Fallen! Your Sig. Is huge! I just had to say that http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif.

fallenshad0w

05-25-2006, 10:12 AM

Nooooooooooooo!!!!! not much chance of a map maker http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/bigtears.gif dammit i was looking forward to filling a map full of trees http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Jumping!! man that sucks - the fact that you couldnt jump was one of the finer point of ts it stopped everyone beiing noobish and jumping out the way of absoloutly everything u fire at them! if jumping is going to be allowed then i reckon there should be an option in MP to switch it off.

Agreed with deded when can we see the trailer! or do you mean the wierd movie thing explaining what mantel core is?

fallenshad0w

05-25-2006, 10:16 AM

Originally posted by Extra_Extra_Guy:
Geez Fallen! Your Sig. Is huge! I just had to say that http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif.
http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif changed it now happy? http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

deded999

05-25-2006, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by fallenshad0w:
Nooooooooooooo!!!!! not much chance of a map maker http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/bigtears.gif dammit i was looking forward to filling a map full of trees http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Yeah, me too! I'd like to hear from anyone who's used the Far Cry XBOX MM - I only used the PC version, and it was complex, but also versatile as it seemed to be basically the map designer they used for building the game. Cutting a (Next-Gen) engine MM down for ease of use could be a nightmare, which is probably why they don't fancy doing it. Well, maybe they can sort this out for TS NG...

Jumping!! man that sucks - the fact that you couldnt jump was one of the finer point of ts it stopped everyone beiing noobish and jumping out the way of absoloutly everything u fire at them! if jumping is going to be allowed then i reckon there should be an option in MP to switch it off.

I've got to agree with you, although two things: first FRD are masters of FPS game mechanics, so I don't see them including it without a decent reason and without effective testing; second, maybe it's more for use in jumping over cover or obstacles... one hopes... if you check the first game shot they released you can see guys hiding behind rocks for cover. If you can do this maybe vaulting over them would be one way of surprising the opposition...

It's especially concerning after the ridiculous amount of online cheating that went on on TSFP, we don't want to see Halo-style bunny-hopping now do we? Fingers most definetly crossed on this one...

Agreed with deded when can we see the trailer! or do you mean the wierd movie thing explaining what mantel core is?

They mean the behind-closed-doors E3 gameplay trailer - apparently there's a strange effect/event that occurs right at the end of the trailer, (see the previews thread for more details).

(Yeah, your sig size is better, although it's hard to read now unfortunately!)

Kade_Yuy

05-25-2006, 01:10 PM

to bad about the MM but ill get over it...cause it aint TS its HaZe.. also jumping is good as long as it aint super jumping (ala halo2)

SteamBot

05-25-2006, 11:34 PM

I posted a thread about jumping before checking here - oops - but am glad to see others agree that jumping in a shooter is stupid. I still kind of think, and hope, that it's a joke, because obviously jumping isn't hard-core realism.

The story does kind of sound like the story from the PC game Deus Ex.

Lastly, I agree that a mapmaker is expected for a TimeSplitters game, but this is a different franchise and it's unfair to even assume that they'll include bots for multiplayer. If there's anything I am really hoping they include, it's a split screen co-op option, because I have no interest in online modes. There's nothing like sharing a couch with your friends and having a crazy gaming session.

BAdaSSCyb0rg

05-26-2006, 02:22 AM

I dont see anypoint in Jumping, its just going to be annoying. But from the screenshots it will be more hiding behind rocks and stuff.

Im not botherd about MM, the default maps should be good and if they get old then frd should make more :P

Xylaquin

05-26-2006, 09:56 AM

IS it just me, or is the guy in the trailer a bit like a Haze counterpart of G-Man from HL2.

deded999

05-26-2006, 10:03 AM

All these company guys look the same...

The story does kind of sound like the story from the PC game Deus Ex.

Lastly, I agree that a mapmaker is expected for a TimeSplitters game, but this is a different franchise and it's unfair to even assume that they'll include bots for multiplayer. If there's anything I am really hoping they include, it's a split screen co-op option, because I have no interest in online modes. There's nothing like sharing a couch with your friends and having a crazy gaming session.

If Deus Ex is an inspiration for any part of Haze I'll be very happy, that was a superb game in my book. Not that FRD need much inspiration, but every little helps.

Mapmaker is a loss, but I can see several reasons why they can't/don't want to do it. I'd be quite surprised if there wasn't at least 2 player split-co-op in Haze.

fallenshad0w

05-26-2006, 01:26 PM

Fair point. in all the TS games we hardly ever play any MM games, the occasional box in room and cat bomber as made famous by badasscyb0rg but other than that we just stick with the main ones.
To xyalquin - since ive never played HL2 i cant say perhaps someone else could verify it...

deded999

05-26-2006, 05:58 PM

Re: MM

Yes, I imagine a lot of people don't bother with MM, as many people won't bother with a lot of 'extra' aspects of a game, (a lot of people won't play MP for example), but it is a great addition, especially for MP online. I know a few people (and a few MM websites) who make maps regularly and it's a big part of the TS draw for them.

Unfortunately online MM play certainly suffered in TSFP, (most likely due to the servers/bandwidth from what I could see), with bugs, missing pickups, poor comms and some players not being able to join/getting kicked. That was a real shame and hamstrung the online MM a lot, but when it worked it could be brilliant and brought a lot of creativity to the TS world. It's an option that IMO should definetly be in any future TS game - it's always been there from the beginning and it wouldn't be TS without it.

A future version is possible I'm sure. I think Haze is a different kind of game and it's probably entirely correct that FRD aren't busting a gut at this early stage in the generation to be trying to cram it in to a game that may not suit it anyway, (extra downloadable MP maps would be nice though!), but in the future I would hope that a suitable solution could be found for it to be included. /pitch over/ http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

urowned

06-06-2006, 06:29 PM

does nayone now who the actors are in this game???

i luked on imdb.com but its not listed yet like the ts games are yet

urowned

06-06-2006, 06:30 PM

if we guess the actors mayeb we can guess the plot better????

DarkBorrelnoot

06-08-2006, 02:42 PM

Sorry for putting my message in forum members:

On my xbox360 ive met a guy from rare who made the music in kameo and perfect dark zero. As you all probably know Perfect Dark zero SUCKS. Controls are very bad, the maps are too shiny and the weapons are not original at all. You guys have great programmers ( from old rare ) and probably the best guys for making shooters. I get more perfect dark and goldeneye feeling in timesplitters than perfect dark zero. I'm dissapointed there wont be a new timesplitters for now because timesplitters is not a normal shooter its DIFFERENT. In the trailer of Haze I can see soldiers who look almost the same as the soldiers in ghost recon or battlefield modern combat. I'm not sure but i think there would have been a timesplitters 4 if you gusy stood at EA games am i right? EA games is lame and doesnt make risks at all but the good thing about ea games, is that the games mostly of the time stay the same with only some improvements in graphics gameplay etc. But its still the same kind of game. Now you guys are at Ubisoft you have the change to make some risks and develope a whole different game ( or a bit different ). Are you guys making a new perfect dark or goldeneye but only with another name?

pls reply...

frd_neko

06-09-2006, 03:29 AM

EA doesn't hold the rights to the TimeSplitters game, we do. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

However, having produced three TimeSplitters games for the previous gen, we wanted to take a different direction with HAZE, both because there's styles of game and stories we'd like to tell that we can't do within the TimeSplitters universe, and also simply because we wanted to give the franchise a short rest. Would you guys really be happy if we churned out yearly TS games with each having only minor improvements over the previous version? I know we wouldn't!

TimeSplitters will return, but I couldn't possibly reveal where or when quite yet.

Also, keep an eye out for more information on HAZE; if anything, I think it's more 'different' than the TS games were. You'll see what I'm talking about soon enough.

Neko.

deded999

06-09-2006, 03:53 AM

Originally posted by frd_neko:
However, having produced three TimeSplitters games for the previous gen, we wanted to take a different direction with HAZE, both because there's styles of game and stories we'd like to tell that we can't do within the TimeSplitters universe, and also simply because we wanted to give the franchise a short rest. Would you guys really be happy if we churned out yearly TS games with each having only minor improvements over the previous version?

Absolutely not - I understand why you've left 'splitters for a while, it makes sense in all kinds of ways (to me at least). Just don't forget about it in the meantime eh? http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

TimeSplitters will return, but I couldn't possibly reveal where or when quite yet.

Glad to hear it, looking forward to it.

Also, keep an eye out for more information on HAZE; if anything, I think it's more 'different' than the TS games were. You'll see what I'm talking about soon enough.

http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/blink.gif Keep an eye out?! I've got two eyes out, and frankly the corneas are beginning to degrade from lack of stimulation! Seriously though, keep the info (and shots) coming - or we'll run out of things to talk about right?

DarkBorrelnoot

06-09-2006, 06:57 AM

Is haze going to be like a mix between timesplitters and perfect dark? ( I know its going to be a whole new game but im talking about the gameplay etc the style and controls you know )

Xylaquin

06-09-2006, 08:24 AM

As long as ts4 comes out on PC i'm happy.

fallenshad0w

06-09-2006, 09:52 AM

timesplitters was orginally a PS2 game however now they've brought out 2 and FP for xbox so ill imagine that any next gen game will probably also be for PC now. However, you wont be playing with me http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Xylaquin

06-10-2006, 12:53 AM

It'd also be cool if there was a sandbox mod (like Gmod for HL2), for Haze. Get to pose all the mantel corp soldiers and make a sort of contrption http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

deded999

07-11-2006, 10:00 AM

Alright, we've seen some new info from the PSM2 article, and frankly I'm none the wiser. What the hell is going on here? Cue (probably rhetorical) questions:

http://img416.imageshack.us/img416/4044/hazestairscloseup6jt.jpg
Who the hell is this guy? Friend, presumably, but not a typical Mantel soldier. Promise Hand Guerrilla? Merc? Figment of our Nectar-addled brains?

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/3062/hazejeepsindesert2ml.jpg
Where is this? Is this a natural desert, or a man-made one? Is this in South America? Is it in the game?

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/2989/hazelandcarrier2ka.jpg
What the hell is this? It looks like an aircraft carrier, (and we see dropships/choppers landing on it), but on land, and it's moving. Is it a mobile fortress or some kind of moving refinery? Or both?

http://img273.imageshack.us/img273/1572/hazetheglassesman6sn.jpg
And why can't this guy seem to keep his glasses on for two seconds at a time? http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/blink.gif

frd_neko

07-11-2006, 12:54 PM

Right then!

/Rolls sleeves up

We'll have none of this defeatist attitude from you, Mr deded! Rhetorical questions my left arse cheek, if you'll excuse the phrasing!

http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

What I'll do is I'll tackle each pic over the course of the next few times I post (which will probably pan out to being several weeks 'cos I'm somewhat busy at the moment!). I still can't say a lot on each but I may be able to offer a few extra bits of information, and maybe some confirmations of some specifics...

So, picture number one:

Originally posted by deded999:
http://img416.imageshack.us/img416/4044/hazestairscloseup6jt.jpg
Who the hell is this guy? Friend, presumably, but not a typical Mantel soldier. Promise Hand Guerrilla? Merc? Figment of our Nectar-addled brains?

/Shakes head

He's certainly not a friend! In fact, he's a vicious warrior of 'The Promise Hand', the indiginous rebel force that you face in HAZE. Although I will admit that in that shot he looks more like he's popping off down the shops or something... http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/blush.gif

As mentioned in the PSM2 article, the Promise Hand are led by a guy called Gabriel 'Skin coat' Merino, the most brutal and savage rebel of them all. The rebel force he leads might not be equipped with the sort of potent, high-tech equipment that your Mantel force rolls into battle with, but they're more than prepared to try to make up the difference with savage and underhand tactics. They're animals!

Although it's kinda hard to make out, that shot's actually inside the copper smelting plant mentioned in the PSM2 article - it's a large industrial stairwell he's standing on - and rumour has it that the Promise Hand have adapted the plant into a military construction facility.

And is he a figment of your nectar addled brain? Why would you think that? Nectar is a product of some of the brightest and most highly-funded scientific minds on the planet! It makes you and your Mantel comrades what they are; the most effective fighting force on the face of the planet!

Neko.

deded999

07-11-2006, 04:22 PM

http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/clap.gif Dammnit, I knew I should have added more pictures!

Ironically enough, I was asking anybody for an opinion - I didn't expect your tuppence worth Neko, but be my guest mate.

I thought he was friendly because he seemed to be leading you into the smelting plant, (I guessed the location BTW). I infer from your comment about the lack of high-tech equipment that the PH will have a different weapon set to Mantel troops, which only makes sense and also adds to the weapon count http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/icon_twisted.gif (although the PSM2 article showed what seemed to be a PH fighter with a Mantel weapon, possibly captured... perhaps he's the equivalent of an NVA soldier to the PH's Vietcong..?).

Savage and underhand tactics eh? I like the sound of that. Well if this guy is PH, either he better pick up a weapon sharpish or he's so tough he can kill me with his bare hands - frankly I wouldn't be surprised! Mind you, with the utter mind-**** of the plot so far, ("And is he a figment of your nectar addled brain? Why would you think that?" http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/35.gif), anything's possible.

Xylaquin

07-12-2006, 01:47 AM

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/3062/hazejeepsindesert2ml.jpg
It's just a feature in the trailer to show that Mantel is an army. Remember most of the trailer (including this scrnsht) is propaganda, so it's likely we may not see this level.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/2989/hazelandcarrier2ka.jpg
Again, it might just be a feature of propaganda. Then again, it could be a mobile HQ vehicle.

http://img273.imageshack.us/img273/1572/hazetheglassesman6sn.jpg
Because it makes him look important and a bit like G-Man from the HL serie http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/88.gif Then again, he might be suffering from some form of Nectar Blepharospasm

deded999

08-07-2006, 03:26 PM

A quote from PSM3 magazine's Insider section:

Free Radical inform me their incredible looking shooter Haze will be subject to a cosmetic revamp, with the Mantel soldiers receiving new, 'cooler', more high-tech equipment.

Interesting. Might explain why there's been no more screenshots released lately too...

frd_neko

08-08-2006, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by deded999:
A quote from PSM3 magazine's Insider section:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Free Radical inform me their incredible looking shooter Haze will be subject to a cosmetic revamp, with the Mantel soldiers receiving new, 'cooler', more high-tech equipment.

Interesting. Might explain why there's been no more screenshots released lately too... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hm, not far wrong there, chap. Can't say anything except that the game looks about ten times cooler than it did at E3!

Neko.

deded999

08-08-2006, 01:11 PM

Hmmm. Sounds encouraging.

Mind you it's hard to imagine what could be made cooler - it's possibly the weapons, although they looked fine to me and I would imagine these would be hard to fiddle with without a lot of work. Maybe the vehicles? Again, they looked great, especially the dropships, which have an Aliens-crossed-with-real-life look and are very distinctive, (an achievement in itself - kudos to the designer http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/25.gif).

So what does that leave? Maybe the lapels on their jackets have had a tweak from Armani or something http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Fates.Dark.Hand

08-15-2006, 03:35 PM

That trooper didnt look very well armoured http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-indifferent.gif, just another random statment from Fates.Dark.Hand...

deded999

08-25-2006, 04:19 PM

Why is Haze still not listed on the Ubisoft site? They already have AC, Rainbow Six and BIA; HH. I know it's not out for a while, but acknowledging it's existence would be nice... http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/blink.gif

frd_neko

08-26-2006, 01:21 AM

Just so everyone's entirely clear, despite speculation here at Spong (http://news.spong.com/article/10658/Free+Radical+Finds+...+in+LucasArts?cb=381 (http://news.spong.com/article/10658/Free+Radical+Finds+Yet+Another+Publisher+in+LucasA rts?cb=381) - along with the announcement of the Lucasarts project) that HAZE might have 'disappeared', the game is very much still in development! Although there hasn't been much publicity of late, as I've said before there's been a few adjustments to various aspects of the game and we wanted to get them just right before showing the game again.

Oh, and BTW, an upcoming issue of XBox 360 World has an interview with me in it about the game. I don't know if it's the next one or the one after but I'll let you know when I see it.

Neko.

Eggy_Joshua

08-26-2006, 05:06 AM

Glad to here that since this is the game im most looking forward too on the ps3.

deded999

08-26-2006, 07:08 AM

Thanks for the tips Neko. Interesting to see Spong speculating that Game 6 could be both Timesplitters and Star Wars all in one game! Quite how that works I have no idea, but it's probably about as reliable as most Spong output of late... http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

It sounds like the Haze 'tweaks' may have been a little more major than we at first thought, if they make such a difference to the game's presentation.

deded999

08-30-2006, 04:45 AM

There's a new interview with FRD HERE (http://www.ps3land.com/article-615.php).

Haven't had time to read it yet, but I'll check it out when I get home...

cob_shaw

08-30-2006, 10:13 AM

From what I can tell Haze looks similar to Killzone. The graphics have the same amazingly beautiful detail and the weapons look pretty futuristic. I know the story line is completely different but I can't help thinking that Haze has got it's influence from Killzone.

deded999

08-30-2006, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by deded999:
There's a new interview with FRD HERE (http://www.ps3land.com/article-615.php).

Haven't had time to read it yet, but I'll check it out when I get home...

A nice interview there - most interesting new details:

Rob: Youââ‚¬™ll be able to play the main narrative campaign in four-player co-op, split-screen or online. And, whatââ‚¬™s more, the multiplayer maps are going to blow everyone away ââ‚¬" theyââ‚¬™re objective based, missions that will support two full teams going head-to-head, each with their own specific aims and goals.

Four player co-op, online and s/s! Get in!

PS3Land: Will HAZE be utilizing the tilt sensors of the PS3 controller?

Rob: Weââ‚¬™re looking into it. Itââ‚¬™s a possibility.

PS3Land: Will HAZE be shipped to play in 1080p?

Rob: Weââ‚¬™re testing things now. Hopefully, yes.

Excellent news for prospective-PS3 owners.

Rob: Actually, one of the cool features weââ‚¬™re implementing is that all the multiplayer maps and objectives are tied into the single player campaign ââ‚¬" events that occur in the main narrative will cause incidents in the multiplayer and vice-versa. If you want the whole experience of the story, youââ‚¬™re going to want to play all the multiplayer levels too. Itââ‚¬™s going to be cooler than Walt Disneyââ‚¬™s urine.

Ooooooh. More intrigue than you can shake a stick at.

cob_shaw

09-01-2006, 04:11 AM

Haze is certainly hotting up to be my most anticipated PS3 game. Seriously I cannot wait for it's release.

deded999

09-02-2006, 06:16 PM

Rob: Actually, one of the cool features weââ‚¬™re implementing is that all the multiplayer maps and objectives are tied into the single player campaign ââ‚¬" events that occur in the main narrative will cause incidents in the multiplayer and vice-versa. If you want the whole experience of the story, youââ‚¬™re going to want to play all the multiplayer levels too.

Makes you wonder which you need to play first - SP or MP? It's certainly a great idea. The MP sounds like it could be brilliant, and judging by FRD's history it will be. Need more info...

Eggy_Joshua

09-03-2006, 10:21 AM

I think its all about the timing for them to release information. If they do it too early then interest can wither.
The question is though, when is the right time?

Xylaquin

09-03-2006, 11:17 AM

why not leave it to the last week before release, then release info XD

deded999

09-04-2006, 03:15 AM

You need to build anticipation before that though. Ask yourself which games you really want now, and then when they are coming out. My guess would be anywhere from weeks to months. It's also about getting information to as many people as possible, (takes time), and the media getting excited about a game - if they are interested then you get more interviews, more shots published and generally more interest across the board, helping to sell it to the public.

The best strategy for releasing info IMO is to release something decent maybe once a month-six weeks, depending on what it is of course, and what the new info tells the public about the game. It also depends on the type of game and the fans. In Haze' case, the storyline secrecy would seem to preclude putting out much real info in order to keep the plot secret, and the recent 'extra work' they've done also seems to have slowed things down a little.

I also note that when Rob was asked about a release date, he said 2007 and not 'early 2007', suggesting the game date may be delayed. Hopefully not. Looking at the PS3 situation only, several big games (some multi-format) have been delayed until early next year, which FRD may feel makes it more difficult to market Haze at that time, so they are being circumspect about the launch date to give them some room to maneuver. Guesswork over.

cob_shaw

09-04-2006, 11:49 AM

I am thinking that I will buy the PS3 when Haze is released, by that time the consoles price should have dropped a little bit.

deded999

09-04-2006, 02:14 PM

Sorry cob, but I wouldn't bet on it - the PS3 price is unlikely to drop for the next twelve months I'm afraid. A price-drop is possible before Christmas next year, but unless sales drop off quite rapidly after March 07, I doubt we'll see it any earlier than that - after all, they are already losing money on the system as it is. They have to make production easier and cheaper before they can offer price-cuts.

FRfanboy

09-04-2006, 03:50 PM

Originally posted by frd_neko:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by deded999:
http://img416.imageshack.us/img416/4044/hazestairscloseup6jt.jpg
Who the hell is this guy? Friend, presumably, but not a typical Mantel soldier. Promise Hand Guerrilla? Merc? Figment of our Nectar-addled brains?

/Shakes head

He's certainly not a friend! In fact, he's a vicious warrior of 'The Promise Hand', the indiginous rebel force that you face in HAZE. Although I will admit that in that shot he looks more like he's popping off down the shops or something... http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/blush.gif

As mentioned in the PSM2 article, the Promise Hand are led by a guy called Gabriel 'Skin coat' Merino, the most brutal and savage rebel of them all. The rebel force he leads might not be equipped with the sort of potent, high-tech equipment that your Mantel force rolls into battle with, but they're more than prepared to try to make up the difference with savage and underhand tactics. They're animals!

Although it's kinda hard to make out, that shot's actually inside the copper smelting plant mentioned in the PSM2 article - it's a large industrial stairwell he's standing on - and rumour has it that the Promise Hand have adapted the plant into a military construction facility.

And is he a figment of your nectar addled brain? Why would you think that? Nectar is a product of some of the brightest and most highly-funded scientific minds on the planet! It makes you and your Mantel comrades what they are; the most effective fighting force on the face of the planet!

Neko. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

did i get something wrong or did u just say that the guerillas are the "evil ones"
i thought it would be the other way around.. the trailer made it look like mantel would be an organization pretending to do good things for everyone and in reality shooting everyone who is against them and so on...
but now that u say that the leader of the guerillas wears the skin of his fallen enemies and so on, things look totally different

so tell me
is mantel "evil" or not?

deded999

09-05-2006, 06:41 AM

From the viewpoint of the character you play, Mantel is a good, western, democracy-lovin' company, only out to help people, (oh, and make a little money on the side). From the same viewpoint, anyone that is a terrorist and goes around flaying the skins off people for fun has got to be an evil nutter right? Simple.

However, your character may find these preconceptions are misleading when the story develops, or confirmed to be true, but in a different way than he supposed. Just because armies are on opposing sides doesn't mean one is good and the other evil. Both could be 'evil', or both 'good' in their own ways, but bound to clash because of differing ideologies. Confused? http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

cob_shaw

09-05-2006, 07:52 AM

Originally posted by deded999:
Sorry cob, but I wouldn't bet on it - the PS3 price is unlikely to drop for the next twelve months I'm afraid. A price-drop is possible before Christmas next year, but unless sales drop off quite rapidly after March 07, I doubt we'll see it any earlier than that - after all, they are already losing money on the system as it is. They have to make production easier and cheaper before they can offer price-cuts.

Okay kokay, my dreams have just been crushed http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

deded999

09-05-2006, 08:31 AM

How much of a price drop were you expecting, because Haze may not be out until mid-07, judging from Rob's interview answer and general game-slippage. By that time the 20Gb version may be available, (probably â£50-70 less), and/or you could save up the extra in that time. I've been saving the best part of a year, (although I am working...).

Chin up chum, where there's a will there's a way. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

cob_shaw

09-05-2006, 09:57 AM

I will buy it when it is below â£400, I have â£300 at the moment but I am not working. It's my birthday soon, and then of course it is Christmas. Hopefully I will get some money from them, perhaps enough to buy the PS3 soon?

FRfanboy

09-05-2006, 04:40 PM

Originally posted by deded999:
From the viewpoint of the character you play, Mantel is a good, western, democracy-lovin' company, only out to help people, (oh, and make a little money on the side). From the same viewpoint, anyone that is a terrorist and goes around flaying the skins off people for fun has got to be an evil nutter right? Simple.

However, your character may find these preconceptions are misleading when the story develops, or confirmed to be true, but in a different way than he supposed. Just because armies are on opposing sides doesn't mean one is good and the other evil. Both could be 'evil', or both 'good' in their own ways, but bound to clash because of differing ideologies. Confused? http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

confused? no
but u didn't directly answer my question, probably because u didn't understand me completely... for me,some things are very difficult to express in english.. whatever

i thought mantel is an organisation which doesnt think long before they send their army to kill rebels n stuff and an organisation which promises much (be invincible, fight the good fight) and gives their soldiers drugs so that they can fight longer and better but in the end they r like the USA.. they tell the people they r the "good ones" and fight the "evil ones" and in fact it's all propaganda (like in the haze trailer which i love) and they are not better than their enemies

but looking at that guerilla leader, who at the first look doesnt seem to be a 'nice guy', i ve to say that the game is probably not what i expected..

deded999

09-05-2006, 04:58 PM

Originally posted by FRfanboy:
did i get something wrong or did u just say that the guerillas are the "evil ones"
i thought it would be the other way around.. the trailer made it look like mantel would be an organization pretending to do good things for everyone and in reality shooting everyone who is against them and so on...
but now that u say that the leader of the guerillas wears the skin of his fallen enemies and so on, things look totally different

so tell me
is mantel "evil" or not?

Okay, I'll try to answer in a more 'direct' way - your observations regarding Mantel's true desires is probably correct, and you have to ask yourself, (here and in real life), exactly who is telling you he wears the skins of his enemies? Mantel Corp right? Does that mean it's necessarily true? What I'm really trying to say is, yes, you're probably right, but we'll have to wait and play the game to really find out yes? And hopefully not spoil the plot thinking too much about it before-hand... http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/shady.gif

FRfanboy

09-06-2006, 05:28 AM

i didn't think hard http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif
it was the first thing that came to my mind when i watched the trailer, and if the story is what i expect it to be, it's perfect
if not... that would be a pity
however i will buy the game when it's released doesnt matter how the story exactly will be..

and btw... i read somewhere u can play on both sides in multiplayer
that leads to the thought that u will play on both sides in the single player campaign too
first mantel, and then switch the side
would be fun

ps3 launch in europe is march now.. btw.

that means the console will be released about when the game will be released (in europe)
i ll probably buy it for pc though.. maybe additionally on ps3, but pc has priority due to better graphics

cob_shaw

09-06-2006, 07:37 AM

Doesn't the PS3 have a world wide launch on November 17th? That was what I heard.

FRfanboy

09-06-2006, 07:50 AM

it had ... there is a official statement from sony saying that the US and Japanese launch keep the same but europe launch is delayed until march...
becoz of some bluray problems
sony couldnt produce enough of certain bluray parts.. i think it were diodes or sth

deded999

09-06-2006, 09:06 AM

Nope - it's now been delayed in Europe until March next year due to hardware shortages. Keep filling up that piggy bank, eh cob?

FRfanboy

09-06-2006, 04:42 PM

Originally posted by deded999:
Nope - it's now been delayed in Europe until March next year due to hardware shortages. Keep filling up that piggy bank, eh cob?
as i said...

when will haze be released? sometime around march too, right?

deded999

09-07-2006, 08:01 AM

It was down for an 'early' 07 launch, but in the recent interview, Rob stated it would be '2007'. I guess they're hedging their bets.

cob_shaw

09-07-2006, 11:19 AM

Perhaps they will launch it to coincide with the PS3's launch in Europe?

deded999

09-07-2006, 03:55 PM

Unlikely IMO - there's probably going to be a glut of new releases for the European launch now as all the games from Nov-Mar get released, unless they hold some back for later. That's quite a crowded marketplace, although let's not forget Haze is multiplatform - the PS3 launch may have little impact on FRD's launch plans.

FRfanboy

09-07-2006, 09:21 PM

Originally posted by deded999:
[..] although let's not forget Haze is multiplatform - the PS3 launch may have little impact on FRD's launch plans.
anyways:
ps3 is 1 of 3 platforms and the only one which isn't yet released..
it would be clever to set the release date of haze same with the release date of the ps3

however, i hope they dont release a buggy half-done game, like many publishers did in the last months... i better wait some more months to get a complete bug-less game instead of having a bugged game just a little earlier

deded999

09-08-2006, 02:15 AM

Good point, but I'm not so sure. The PS3 launch games (in 2006) will probably include Call of Duty 3, Resistance: FOM and FEAR - that's three FPS games at launch in Europe, plus maybe a few others released in the Jan-Mar period which could be released for the European launch. These games may well end up fighting each other for FPS game sales, (even FPS fans are unlikely to buy all of them), which would seem to be a crowded market to release Haze in. On the other hand, it's not just about the competition, or the European launch, so this may not be a major factor.

If they spend a little more time improving the game and pick their moment, I won't be overly gutted if we see a slightly later launch date than expected.

FRfanboy

09-08-2006, 06:22 AM

if i buy the ps3, i ll buy resistance:FOM for sure
CoD3 maybe, FEAR definitely not and haze only if there are differences to the PC version
and also haze is a different FPS than CoD3 (world war 2) Resistance:FOM (shooting aliens) and Fear ("horror" FPS)...

cob_shaw

09-08-2006, 07:58 AM

Resistance: Fall of Man looks amazing. It's a very unique game that is likely to appeal to a lot of people. I will probably get this game.

Haze I will get for the PS3 for the simple reason that my laptop's hard drive is cramped full of **** and the graphics card/sound card etc are getting slightly out of date.

Call of Duty 3 obviously looks good, very good in fact. I have only played a little bit of the previous games and I did quite enjoy the experience. This game is also a 'maybe' for me.

I shall have to look into F.E.A.R as I do not know much about it.

It doesn't really matter when FRD release Haze, they are an experienced developer and they will know when the time is right. Whether that be March 07 or October 07.

FRfanboy

09-09-2006, 08:03 AM

plz not october http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

i hope they complete the game soon, and i hope they do it well

cob_shaw

09-10-2006, 06:00 AM

It will be finished when it's finished... and everyone knows Haze is going to be as close to perfecion as possible... it's made by FRD!

FRfanboy

09-10-2006, 09:19 AM

TS2 and TS3 are still my favourite console games
loved em

hope HAZE will be as good

lionzub

09-22-2006, 09:07 AM

I don't know if it was addressed or not. Is HAZE for PC going to be on DVD? I just hate installing a game with four or five CDs, I don't even bother buying them.

shiva06

11-19-2006, 01:57 AM

If HAZE is released any time after Halo 3 the game's effect in terms of sales will be minimal.

After Halo 3, nobody's going to be playing any other FPS for quite some time.

I agree with the guys who posted that it would be smart to put Haze with the PS3 launch, like TS launched with the PS2.

cob_shaw

11-19-2006, 04:24 AM

I won't be playing Halo seeing as I won't have an XBOX. And if I did, I would play Haze anyway!

AvianAbsolute

11-19-2006, 09:48 AM

I'm anticipating Haze more then Halo but that's just me. Anyway people are going to play more then one fps game, besides Haze is multiplatform.

deded999

11-19-2006, 02:17 PM

Originally posted by shiva06:
If HAZE is released any time after Halo 3 the game's effect in terms of sales will be minimal.

After Halo 3, nobody's going to be playing any other FPS for quite some time.

Speak for yourself - Haze will be multi-platform anyway, so although Halo's presence may well cut down on the sales to 360 owners, for PC and PS3 there should be much more opportunity for sales. Besides, not everyone thinks Halo is the best game ever. Not even the best FPS ever... http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif<div class="ev_tpc_signature">

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/782/hazesigps3forumiiiau7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

shiva06

11-20-2006, 04:45 AM

lol, I don't think Halo is the best FPS at all. TSFP is by far better than any other FPS.

But the hype for other FPS games will go down a lot after Halo 3, even if you don't own a 360.

I want HAZE to be known (and get reviewed well), and sell well. I don't see any of that happening if it's released after Halo 3.

I think Halo's coming late next year though, so Haze has plenty of time.

deded999

11-20-2006, 07:46 AM

Originally posted by shiva06:
lol, I don't think Halo is the best FPS at all. TSFP is by far better than any other FPS.

But the hype for other FPS games will go down a lot after Halo 3, even if you don't own a 360.

I want HAZE to be known (and get reviewed well), and sell well. I don't see any of that happening if it's released after Halo 3.

I think Halo's coming late next year though, so Haze has plenty of time.

Ha ha, glad to hear it. I agree to an extent about the FPS competition, although as you say Haze is likely to be out well before Halo 3, so this is probably a moot point.<div class="ev_tpc_signature">

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/782/hazesigps3forumiiiau7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

frd_neko

11-23-2006, 11:05 AM

I'm kinda tired of waiting for any movement on this so I'm just gonna say it:

You're likely to hear more about HAZE again in January.

We've known for a while now this was likely to be the case but technically I'm not meant to mention it. However I can't really see what harm it's gonna do given that there's only a committed few here (good folks that you all are!).

I know it's been a long, long time since we announced anything about the game and that another couple of months seems a long time to wait but these things take time to organise and prepare, and as I've said before, we want to be *absolutely* sure we've got everything covered next time we show (we're putting the finishing touches to our next demo right now, but the lead times with these things mean it can't possibly be shown until Jan).

And, yeah, it's changed a bit. I'm not going to fully spill the beans but suffice to say that Mantel now has a very different face (lots cooler!), and one major aspect of the game has changed significantly (but don't worry, it's still an FPS and it's still set in the same lovely, lush jungle). Beyond that, well, wait till Jan, but I think it'll be worth it. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Neko.

cob_shaw

11-23-2006, 11:37 AM

Roll on January! I can't wait!

deded999

11-24-2006, 03:41 AM

What date and time dammnit!

http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Only joking, thanks for that Neko - I was thinking it would probably be something like this but it's nice to hear a little confirmation. I've been waiting for a PS3 for months (years!) now, so I've kind of got used to waiting for the good stuff!

Intriguing changes you've 'mentioned' there too... http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/25.gif<div class="ev_tpc_signature">

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/782/hazesigps3forumiiiau7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cob_shaw

11-24-2006, 07:42 AM

True deded, all the PS3 delays has got me used to waiting for stuff too.

Any news on the LucasArts-FRD game in the meantime? When is info coming out about that game?

Tesseract

11-24-2006, 06:34 PM

Hey, neko.... I know it'd been mentioned in another thread that we could get free copies of Haze for 50£ wired to a Swiss account, Etc.. And while I'd definitely be up for that, I have a simpler request that might be slightly less...shady:

A playable Demo disc of HAZE to the faithful on the boards.

Granted, it'd be a while before this would be possible... However, as an avid collector of game demos, I'd like no other addition more than HAZE to my collection.

I also know that the PSNetwork is planning to distribute demos electronically... Perhaps there may be plans to embrace that closer to launch instead?

frd_neko

11-25-2006, 01:05 AM

Originally posted by cob_shaw:
Any news on the LucasArts-FRD game in the meantime? When is info coming out about that game?

I'm not involved with that game at all I'm afraid mate. You'll have to wait until it gets its own official forum and ask there.

Originally posted by Tesseract:
A playable Demo disc of HAZE to the faithful on the boards.

Granted, it'd be a while before this would be possible... However, as an avid collector of game demos, I'd like no other addition more than HAZE to my collection.

I also know that the PSNetwork is planning to distribute demos electronically... Perhaps there may be plans to embrace that closer to launch instead?

There will be a playable demo closer to launch, exactly how we distribute it is still to be confirmed but I'd be very surprised if it wasn't downloadable from Live and PSN (and online for the PC version, obviously).

Sadly, much as I'd like to give everyone here a 'special' version of the demo to reward all your enthusiasm, the logistics and expense involved in producing a demo are completely prohibitive. As with most things next-gen, you'd be surprised how much time and money they take to do. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Neko.

FromSinking

12-01-2006, 08:27 PM

Thanks for the info neko

i think its a pity we get so few infos about the game.
Did u ever of hellgate:london? it's kinda promoted like hell, there's nearly each day a news, however not always an important one, but still, you always hear something about the game

Hope the game will be as good as the timesplitters series which i really loved

but at least the humour is as far as i know not really present in the game

..

frd_neko

12-02-2006, 05:09 AM

Originally posted by FromSinking:
Thanks for the info neko

i think its a pity we get so few infos about the game.
Did u ever of hellgate:london? it's kinda promoted like hell, there's nearly each day a news, however not always an important one, but still, you always hear something about the game
..

To be honest, despite kinda being forced to do it on here to a certain extent, I'm not really a big fan of the principle of drip-feeding ludicrously small chunks of information to gamers like that. As a gamer I hate being treated like that - I just see it as being a bit insulting to my intelligence to get these stories saying 'AND NOW, ANNOUNCING...ONE OF THE GUNS IN THE GAME!'. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I dunno, maybe I'm just a bit jaded with it because I actually make the things but the way something like Halo 3 is being marketed really annoys me. Especially when every single tidbit of information causes such a tidal wave of hype and forum discussion. For instance, that screenshot released this week, taken from a CGI trailer for gawd's sakes, and still, it causes such a huge amount of discussion.

I kinda think that people deserve a bit better, so yeah, we're not drip-feeding info on HAZE too much, and I know since E3 that's been a bit frustrating (it is a bit of a special case though, if you take a look at my previous posts), but when you see it again you'll find out a whole chunk more about the game, not to mention actually getting to see a decent amount of in-game footage.

Neko.

cob_shaw

12-02-2006, 05:37 AM

*gasp* "In game footage"... now that's something exciting.

Xylaquin

12-03-2006, 02:32 AM

Indeed, I hate videos of games that are not ingame. We want to see stuff like Gamespot/IGN style playing of the game. Even if it invloves looking at menus! ;-)<div class="ev_tpc_signature">

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/2995/basementanimatedes0.gif (http://www.basementgfx.com)
When TS3.net closed, a lot of members moved to another forum ran by one of the Mods.

deded999

12-03-2006, 06:53 AM

Originally posted by frd_neko:
To be honest, despite kinda being forced to do it on here to a certain extent, I'm not really a big fan of the principle of drip-feeding ludicrously small chunks of information to gamers like that. As a gamer I hate being treated like that - I just see it as being a bit insulting to my intelligence to get these stories saying 'AND NOW, ANNOUNCING...ONE OF THE GUNS IN THE GAME!'. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I dunno, maybe I'm just a bit jaded with it because I actually make the things but the way something like Halo 3 is being marketed really annoys me. Especially when every single tidbit of information causes such a tidal wave of hype and forum discussion. For instance, that screenshot released this week, taken from a CGI trailer for gawd's sakes, and still, it causes such a huge amount of discussion.

I kinda think that people deserve a bit better, so yeah, we're not drip-feeding info on HAZE too much, and I know since E3 that's been a bit frustrating (it is a bit of a special case though, if you take a look at my previous posts), but when you see it again you'll find out a whole chunk more about the game, not to mention actually getting to see a decent amount of in-game footage.

Neko.

We forced you?! http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Wheedled maybe!

I've got to agree with you though, although many gamers seem to like the ol' here's our take on the laser-plasma-shotgun-style of 'news'. Personally only interesting, (ie. original), scenario or gameplay ideas, screenshots or video really interest me pre-release. The Halo furore really gets my goat, especially when it's about CGI trailers, (not a bit like the Sony E3 '05 renders then?), but that's more indicative of the rabidity (?) of the fans than anything else I'd say. Fair enough for them.

The other point, especially with games like Haze, is that I hate to have a good plot spoiled before I see it - how exciting would it be to meet bosses or scenes in games without going, Oh, great, it's the shark fight I saw in that RE2 preview... http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

In some ways Haze is probably a special case because it's being looked forward to most by TS fans, who were likely disappointed first by the lack of a new TS game, then got excited about Haze in May and have seen very little since, (although as you've said Neko, with good reason if you've been tweaking and improving the game in that time as you obviously would be doing anyway). Just reassure yourself that our general moans and gripes are signs of our great interest and excitement about the game - it's one of the strange aspects of gaming that games are almost more exciting pre-release than when they come out - at least if you follow the gaming press that is!<div class="ev_tpc_signature">

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/782/hazesigps3forumiiiau7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

frd_neko

12-03-2006, 09:42 AM

Originally posted by deded999:
We forced you?! http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Wheedled maybe!

Heh, no, you misinterpret; when I say I've been 'forced' into drip-feeding information I'm more talking about the fact that I'm unable to tell you anything significant about the game rather than complaining about the questions and responses I get on here - as I've said before, I like the fact that people are interested enough to ask those questions, even if I can't answer all of them.

I know we've deliberately not shown anything more of the game to make sure it has real impact when we do, and I definitely believe it's the right approach, but even so, it still frustrates.

Originally posted by deded999:
I've got to agree with you though, although many gamers seem to like the ol' here's our take on the laser-plasma-shotgun-style of 'news'. Personally only interesting, (ie. original), scenario or gameplay ideas, screenshots or video really interest me pre-release. The Halo furore really gets my goat, especially when it's about CGI trailers, (not a bit like the Sony E3 '05 renders then?), but that's more indicative of the rabidity (?) of the fans than anything else I'd say. Fair enough for them.

Yeah, it's fair enough - I mean, if people are happy with that you can't exactly tell them they're all wrong. It's just...they're often exactly the same sort of people who complain voraciously about the lack of originality in the industry, and how developers are unimaginative and not prepared to take risks. Then you'll see an announcement of the fact that Halo 3 has some new guns and vehicles, for instance, and all of a sudden it's 'OMFG! HALO3 HAS TEH NEW VEHICLES AND WEPONS!!11!1! BUNGIE ARE TEH R0XX0RZ!!' (er, or similar), and it just kinda makes me think; why the feck are you people bothered about this?

But I can't deny that by and large, my issues are more derived from frustration at how hard it is to get an original, unknown title noticed in the face of the vastly disproportionate amount of media attention just a handful of big-name franchises get. Again, it's a complete contradiction that magazines and websites will so regularly bemoan the lack of originality in the industry and then often put all their editorial weight behind sequels and established franchises.

I think rabidity is fine btw, though I'd've gone with 'rabid nature' http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Originally posted by deded999:
The other point, especially with games like Haze, is that I hate to have a good plot spoiled before I see it - how exciting would it be to meet bosses or scenes in games without going, Oh, great, it's the shark fight I saw in that RE2 preview... http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

To be perfectly honest you might want to be careful how much of HAZE you read about then, particularly closer to release...

Originally posted by deded999:
In some ways Haze is probably a special case because it's being looked forward to most by TS fans, who were likely disappointed first by the lack of a new TS game, then got excited about Haze in May and have seen very little since, (although as you've said Neko, with good reason if you've been tweaking and improving the game in that time as you obviously would be doing anyway). Just reassure yourself that our general moans and gripes are signs of our great interest and excitement about the game - it's one of the strange aspects of gaming that games are almost more exciting pre-release than when they come out - at least if you follow the gaming press that is!

I've got every confidence you guys are looking forward to the game, every time someone complains about not having seen anything in ages I don't interpret it in any other way. The whole thing about it not being a new TS is difficult; you have to balance the desire of the company to do new and original things, and the importance of not becoming a one-trick pony with the desires of a fanbase who'd like more of the games they've enjoyed so much before. I mean, if we'd gone on to do another TS straight after TS:FP, there would have been a set of people who'd've just pigeonholed us as a sequel-generating company.

My personal opinion is that there are far too many talented people at FRD for us to not allow them to stretch their creative and technical talents creating completely different worlds and experiences to those they've created before. And while HAZE inevitably looks and feels like a very different game to TS, I think those of you who have spent a lot of time with the TS games will still get a slight sense of familiarity and still recognise some of our hallmarks in there. I'd like to think that over time we could show our capabilities across many different games and types of games, whilst still retaining our common strengths in each and every one, because I really do think the team are capable of that, but one thing at a time, and right now that's HAZE!

Neko.

cob_shaw

12-03-2006, 11:15 AM

So does this mean you are thinking of producing other genres of game then? Other genres than shooting based games; 3 out of the 4 games you've produced are FPS's and the others a sort of third person shooter. Will you be experimenting with something like racing or RPGing? Is this what the LA game is?

This could go in the "Ask a Question" thread, but it makes more sense with the other posts.

deded999

12-04-2006, 02:57 AM

Originally posted by frd_neko:

I've got every confidence you guys are looking forward to the game, every time someone complains about not having seen anything in ages I don't interpret it in any other way. The whole thing about it not being a new TS is difficult; you have to balance the desire of the company to do new and original things, and the importance of not becoming a one-trick pony with the desires of a fanbase who'd like more of the games they've enjoyed so much before. I mean, if we'd gone on to do another TS straight after TS:FP, there would have been a set of people who'd've just pigeonholed us as a sequel-generating company.

My personal opinion is that there are far too many talented people at FRD for us to not allow them to stretch their creative and technical talents creating completely different worlds and experiences to those they've created before. And while HAZE inevitably looks and feels like a very different game to TS, I think those of you who have spent a lot of time with the TS games will still get a slight sense of familiarity and still recognise some of our hallmarks in there. I'd like to think that over time we could show our capabilities across many different games and types of games, whilst still retaining our common strengths in each and every one, because I really do think the team are capable of that, but one thing at a time, and right now that's HAZE!

Neko.

That's fair enough - I am looking forward to seeing what else FRd can do I must admit, and Haze looks like a great change from TS.

Echoing Cob, and after finding a fellow Disgaea fan http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif I wonder if FRD would ever consider doing some kind of strategy/tactical game? I'm not expecting an answer necessarily, but despite my love of TS twitch gaming, my first love is usually something where I can use my brain to play as well as my reactions, (Rome: TW, UFO, Combat Mission, Deus Ex). It's often depressing to see how little these types of games appear on consoles, or at least without the unnecessary dumbing down that seems to happen for us 'thicko' console gamers http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif. I'm hoping the kind of emergent, tactical combat that Deus Ex had will make some kind of appearance in Haze, what with it's squad-play. Often just the use of certain weapon types (LAMs, juicy) or situations can make this kind of play possible.

Oh, and thanks for the tip on avoiding spoilers - I've got into the habit now of skipping most plot revelations in reviews - just have to avoid the spoiler screenies now!<div class="ev_tpc_signature">

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/782/hazesigps3forumiiiau7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

frd_neko

12-05-2006, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by cob_shaw:
So does this mean you are thinking of producing other genres of game then? Other genres than shooting based games; 3 out of the 4 games you've produced are FPS's and the others a sort of third person shooter. Will you be experimenting with something like racing or RPGing? Is this what the LA game is?

This could go in the "Ask a Question" thread, but it makes more sense with the other posts.

I wouldn't take my comments too literally, they were more my own opinion than a definite indication of where you'll see FRD in five or ten years time. But I definitely think the teams are capable of a wide variety of games, and personally someday I'd like to see that explored.

Echoing Cob, and after finding a fellow Disgaea fan Cool I wonder if FRD would ever consider doing some kind of strategy/tactical game? I'm not expecting an answer necessarily, but despite my love of TS twitch gaming, my first love is usually something where I can use my brain to play as well as my reactions, (Rome: TW, UFO, Combat Mission, Deus Ex). It's often depressing to see how little these types of games appear on consoles, or at least without the unnecessary dumbing down that seems to happen for us 'thicko' console gamers Roll Eyes. I'm hoping the kind of emergent, tactical combat that Deus Ex had will make some kind of appearance in Haze, what with it's squad-play. Often just the use of certain weapon types (LAMs, juicy) or situations can make this kind of play possible.

The thing I really like about the tactical approach in HAZE is that while it definitely rewards the sort of thoughtful, improvisational approach, it also recognises that sometimes, the most tactically sound thing to do is just rush into a room with all guns blazing. I always find with more tactical games that I'll play them 'sensibly' for a while but at some point I'll just get itchy feet and try and run around gunning people down for a short time. Mostly they don't let you do that, but in HAZE there's definitely a time for it (although a smart opponent can turn such tactics right back on you). But anyway, I'm starting to speak in riddles so I'll leave it there!

Neko.

Tesseract

12-06-2006, 11:55 AM

deded999:
Oh, and thanks for the tip on avoiding spoilers - I've got into the habit now of skipping most plot revelations in reviews - just have to avoid the spoiler screenies now!

I'm sure once more juicy plot details are released that they could perhaps be sorted into a different Topic on the board for spoilers' sake. Sure, it might get a little more jumbled in other news outlets, but hey... Where else WOULD you be looking for bleeding-edge info on HAZE???

Also, I have something to say on the 'Try other genres' suggestion, but I'll put that in 'Ask a Question'.

FromSinking

12-08-2006, 06:44 PM

Originally posted by frd_neko:
Yeah, it's fair enough - I mean, if people are happy with that you can't exactly tell them they're all wrong. It's just...they're often exactly the same sort of people who complain voraciously about the lack of originality in the industry, and how developers are unimaginative and not prepared to take risks. Then you'll see an announcement of the fact that Halo 3 has some new guns and vehicles, for instance, and all of a sudden it's 'OMFG! HALO3 HAS TEH NEW VEHICLES AND WEPONS!!11!1! BUNGIE ARE TEH R0XX0RZ!!' (er, or similar), and it just kinda makes me think; why the feck are you people bothered about this?

probably because they are fans
they r news-thirsty and so am i.
See, u hardly ever find something about the game per chance because we know nearly nothing about the game, especially nothing new
how do you want to sell a game, if no one ever heard of it?

sure.. hype sux
halo sux
most games which are hyped very much mostly lead to disappointment among the fans
fans start to think of the game being what they want it to be not realizing that the reality is totally different
The last game i bought was armed assault.. everybody talked about the _innovations_ the possibilities of modding and now all we got is a bugged 20 fps game which looks like games looked 10 years ago, doesnt matter which pc you use.
same with dawn of war, i thought it would be something speciale, because it's based on the tabletop game warhammer 40k, which includes a lot of story and possibilities
but then DoW was "just another RTS"-game with a bad online platform, a lot of bugs, imbalances and lacking all the things which made WH40.000 special (many items, individualization..)

i went a bit offtopic
what i wanted to say is: if haze is going to be a great game with much depth and a long playability, and you won't promote it well it would be a pity. a lot of game developers already went bankrupt/ got bought by EA, i dont want to see frd going the same way.
i also think that the whole TS-series is totally underestimated... hope there will be a TS4 sometime
and i hope it will be at least as good :>

frd_neko

12-09-2006, 04:03 AM

Originally posted by FromSinking:
i went a bit offtopic
what i wanted to say is: if haze is going to be a great game with much depth and a long playability, and you won't promote it well it would be a pity.

I never said we weren't going to promote it properly - all I said was I think the fans deserve better than being drip-fed tiny, inconsequential pieces of information rather than being told useful/interesting things about the game. But as I've also said, I don't control the way HAZE is marketed so you should see my comments as personal opinions rather than any major reflection on the way HAZE will be presented in the future.

Also, I should make it clear that while I'm not a fan of the way Halo 3 is being marketed, I do like Halo itself. The first one more than the second, admittedly, but I'm still very much looking forward to the third one. Even if it will have a hard time being as good as HAZE. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Neko.

deded999

12-09-2006, 04:16 AM

Originally posted by frd_neko:

Also, I should make it clear that while I'm not a fan of the way Halo 3 is being marketed, I do like Halo itself. The first one more than the second, admittedly, but I'm still very much looking forward to the third one. Even if it will have a hard time being as good as HAZE. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Neko.

That's the spirit! http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif<div class="ev_tpc_signature">

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/782/hazesigps3forumiiiau7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

shiva06

12-18-2006, 04:22 AM

Halo 3's getting a lot of attention and hype though so I guess the way they are marketing is paying off.

I just Ubi advertises the hell out Haze close to release.

Tesseract

12-18-2006, 07:29 PM

I prefer quality over quantity.

Have GOOD advertising, not just PLENTIFUL. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-wink.gif

P-Rime

12-19-2006, 01:36 PM

Hey all, first post here.

I've been going through the 6 pages this thread has and i've been keeping a close eye on Haze since i saw it for the first time through it's Demonstration Boot at E3, nice job there the presentation was really good i sure liked it alot!

I've been looking forward to hear and especially see more of Haze since May, from what i've seen the game is promising to be quite the rich Shooting experience. To be honest i personally love the story the game video and presentation was showing us and to hear Neko say the game change yes brings me some worries BUT!! But it dosen't stop me from looking forward for more!

Be sure that i will be counting the days through January untill new content about the game is showed to us.

Sgt_BFG

12-24-2006, 02:39 AM

Does anybody know when FRD or UBI are going to announce new details about HAZE?

deded999

12-24-2006, 03:36 AM

Last we heard was something in January.<div class="ev_tpc_signature">

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/782/hazesigps3forumiiiau7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cob_shaw

12-24-2006, 04:48 AM

Sometime in January apparently.

Sgt_BFG

12-25-2006, 10:48 PM

Originally posted by deded999:
Last we heard was something in January.

Sweet! http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

shiva06

12-27-2006, 02:10 AM

Perhaps the announcement will be that the game is coming out a week after the announcement???

Perhaps not..?

AvianAbsolute

01-02-2007, 03:46 AM

It's January 2. Which means at the most 29 more days until we get more Haze info http://media.teamxbox.com/forum/smilies/banana.gif

deded999

01-25-2007, 02:41 AM

Release date news:

A press release from Ubisoft today states:

Haze, originally set for a fourth quarter 2006 release, will now see a 2007-2008 release window.

Hmph. Well that's as vague as Rob's '2007' from late last year! What the hell does 07-08 mean?! I suppose it doesn't rule out the September/late 07 date we heard recently anyway.

deded999

02-08-2007, 11:59 AM

Haze

our price: £39.99 Delivered

availability: Due for release on 28/09/2007

RRP: £49.99 You save: £10.00 (20%)

* Next-generation gaming technology applied to a cutting-edge futuristic first-person shooter. Designed from the ground up to take advantage of next generation hardware. Prepare to be blown away by stunning visuals, hyper-intelligent AI, and realistic physics for a varied and immersive gameplay experience.

* Gear up and deploy with the best of the best. Experience the devastating firepower of deadly weapons through dazzlingly rendered outdoor and indoor environments. Drive vehicles through a dense and humid jungle ravine, or breathtaking mountains, as you strive to defeat the merciless guerillas.

* State of the art multiplayer modes. Fire up your console for online battles on one of two carefully balanced sides. Choose from a variety of online modes including furious co-op action with your friends!

Review

Twenty-five years in the future. Governments have outsourced military operations to private multinational corporations. As Jake Carpenter, a newly enlisted soldier in the Mantel army, you are seeking fulfillment and thrills by fighting for a good cause. Thanks to their high-tech arsenal of vehicles, deadly weaponry, and performance enhancing bio-medical support, the Mantel Corporation's ruthlessly efficient soldiers are the most feared by terrorists, dictators, and the corporation's political enemies.

Your conflict begins in a war-torn country in South America, where you have been sent to fight a vicious rebel faction, The Promise Hand. At first glance, all is well, but things quickly begin to look a little strange...

As seen on Play.com! I've just been surfing there and saw a Haze sidebar advert - right above other ones for Assassin's Creed and MGS 4, so it's in damn good company. The link lead to the above entry. The release date should be taken with a pinch of salt - these site dates are usually just informed guesses, but it seems a reliable indicator of the likely time-frame. I'm more happy to see Haze being touted so publicly, and especially this early and in such esteemed company, even when there's next to nothing known about it yet. Maybe Ubisoft will do a good job after all...

Rc_guy24

02-08-2007, 07:46 PM

Well its only one advertisement so far really.. But it is great to know someone is trying to advertise it. And when will there be games released in the summer where people have a lot of time off of work/school!?!?

deded999

02-09-2007, 01:54 AM

Actually I probably shouldn't credit Ubisoft but Play, as this is simply an in-site ad trying to get people to pre-order the game. Maybe a few FRD fans work on the site...

cob_shaw

02-09-2007, 08:05 AM

I would preorder but I think'll pay the full price for FRD http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Xylaquin

02-09-2007, 10:57 AM

Bored again, "Episode 2":
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/1135/2jpges5.jpg

cob_shaw

02-09-2007, 11:06 AM

Originally posted by Xylaquin:
Bored again, "Episode 2":
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/1135/2jpges5.jpg

lol. Yayness, thats funny. How do you do that?

frd_neko

02-09-2007, 11:14 AM

You really do have my likeness spot on there, Xy. Particularly the suit and clearly polygonal face. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Neko.

Xylaquin

02-09-2007, 02:16 PM

It's Garry's Mod 9 for Half Life 2, cob.

deded999

05-27-2007, 06:10 AM

There was no obvious place to put this, so I dragged up the ol' General Discussion thread:

In Haze, however, there really does seem to be some substance to the game's social standpoint. Even ignoring, if you can, the fact that the script has attracted voice actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Academy of Performing Arts, there is still plenty to suggest that the guys at Free Radical have really thought through the substance of what their game represents.

link (http://www.pro-g.co.uk/ps3/haze/preview-456.html)

I don't think that's been mentioned here anywhere - very promising. Voice acting and audio is another very important, and often overlooked area. I'm surprised they could find enough American-sounding actors at the RSC though... wonder if that's where they found the 'David Bloomfield' actor.

TerranUp16

05-27-2007, 08:58 AM

There will probably be an opening cinematic, and quite possibly an ending cinematic as well. It's possible that you may not be in control of the ending cinematic, but it may be presented in FP.

BuddyFlashheart

05-27-2007, 09:31 AM

Originally posted by ApricotOne:
Thanks for sharing that dude - an interesting read.

I would like to know the actor that plays David Bloomfield. However, since there are no cutscenes in Haze (from what we are being told), chances are he won't be seen in the game, thus we won't be able to find out who he is. I assume that he was 'hired' for all of those promotional shoots and that's it.

Could be approached differently though, similar to how Dr. Breen was portrayed throughout the majority of HL2. The trailer shows Bloomfield speaking on a large wall display (and in the E3 '06 trailer television screens were used), so perhaps this format will be utilized throughout the game. GRAW used a similar approach, displaying key figures explaining the details of your mission through the HUD and in-vehicle screens.

Nanalo

05-27-2007, 04:21 PM

you know what i like? i like how the bullets actually travel at bullet speeds. how you shoot and nearly instantly see the impact of where or what you are shooting at (of course varying on distance maybe/most likely).

that's one thing i didn't like about some FPS's where the bullets traveled slow and you could always see them coming out of the gun as long-streaks-of-light-things.

The.Godlock

05-27-2007, 04:54 PM

Originally posted by Nanalo:
you know what i like? i like how the bullets actually travel at bullet speeds. how you shoot and nearly instantly see the impact of where or what you are shooting at (of course varying on distance maybe/most likely).

that's one thing i didn't like about some FPS's where the bullets traveled slow and you could always see them coming out of the gun as long-streaks-of-light-things.

Yeah, like in BF2 Modern Combat.

If you wanted to snipe someone there (when he was running), you had to aim like 2 meters next to him, then shoot and then he would run into that bullet. And that's stupid, you couldn't snipe him when you was directly aiaming at him.

Halo has tha problem too, sometimes.

Tesseract

05-27-2007, 06:02 PM

Yeah... Physics are really a drag...

When you're 25 feet away, then the shot IS going to be nearly instantaneous. However, if you're sniping a target from a 1/4 mile away, there's definitely lag between firing and bullet strike. Bullets don't travel instantly... LIGHT doesn't even travel instantly.

Just as a quick example... Ever played outfield in a Baseball game? You see the bat connect with the ball, then a second or so later, you hear it. Sound only moves at ~740mph, much slower than the light reflecting off the batter to let you see what's happening. The light makes it to your eyes before the sound makes it to your ears and voila!

Anyhow... There's your explanation for having to 'lead' a target. Math.

TerranUp16

05-27-2007, 07:09 PM

Bullets have near instantaneous impact unless we're talking about some of the most extreme ranges. However, guns that can fire at those extreme ranges can generally fire bullets at faster speeds as well. The key thing to remember is XY independence. If you fire a gun straight horizontally, no matter what speed the bullet comes out of the muzzle at, it will drop at 9.8m/s. That means that in roughly a tenth of a second, the bullet will fall a meter. Therefore, bullets need to hit their targets rapidly in order to subvert that. They basically need to move fast enough to counteract the 9.8m/s pull of gravity. There is also air resistance, which helps bullets stay aloft somewhat, but most of it is pure speed. It's what differentiates guns from bows. Thus, you generally should not have to lead a target- not much anyway.

Rasomaso

05-28-2007, 02:24 AM

Yeah and I can't imagine someone aiming with sniper rifle 2 metres in front of the target in real. Unless he's 10 miles away and has some in-air-floating bullets. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/blink.gif

deded999

05-28-2007, 02:36 AM

Actually I believe you do because over long distances you have to take account of the wind - I seriously doubt you could hit a moving target at such ranges though...

Rasomaso

05-28-2007, 02:40 AM

Yeah but with bullets that floats in air... http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

And it was said metaphorically

deded999

05-28-2007, 03:11 AM

Originally posted by Rasomaso:
Yeah but with bullets that floats in air... http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

And it was said metaphorically

Wasn't really aimed at you mate, just the general discussion. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Rasomaso

05-28-2007, 04:49 AM

About the gun range:
Am I the only one who noticed that in RFOM there is a limited fire range? It always makes me mad when I can't hit somebody cause he's too far and I have to switch to the sniper rifle. Even the timesplitters 2 (I haven't played 3, only demo) had this problem. Laser weapons were doing this, but I don't know if it was intended to by FRD or just because the hardware was too weak. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

I hope this ain't gonna happen in Haze.

TerranUp16

05-28-2007, 07:36 AM

Originally posted by deded999:
Actually I believe you do because over long distances you have to take account of the wind - I seriously doubt you could hit a moving target at such ranges though...

As I noted previously- the weapons which can hit at such distances fire faster and reduce the effect of the wind once again b/c of X-Y independence. Nonetheless, modern weapons use... riffing I believe... to spin the bullet as it shoots out of the barrel to partially counteract the ability of wind and air to direct it. This marked a major leap in firearm technology back when it was first implemented a couple of centuries ago.

Essentially, the key thing to note is that weapons which intend to fire great distances take that into account and ensure they can do that accurately. Thus, a sniper rifle firing within its optimum range should be able to hit a target nearly instantaneously.

For the lasers in TS2, I admittedly could not tell you what kind of lasers they were using b/c no current combat lasers are visible lasers http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif However, how far a laser could travel would depend on its power capacitator. The ABL (AirBorne Laser- a Boeing 747 that's been gutted in order to have a power capacitator large enough to power a laser which can fire 300-400 miles accurately to take down missiles being fired) can fire 300-400 miles, but that's only with a power capacitator the size of a 747.

Rasomaso

05-28-2007, 09:01 AM

Wow, real - ...technical. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/blink.gif

Nanalo

05-28-2007, 11:08 AM

well as long as there isn't any "distance limit" to the guns, or at least show some reasonable way of limit ( bullets going all the way to the ground because the distance is so great? ). just don't make them disappear... and the bullets don't look like i'm shooting strings of yarn at high speeds. ( unless there's a yarn gun i don't know about? http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-surprised.gif )

but from what i've seen, these issues don't seem present within Haze, so i'm happy. http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

deded999

06-01-2007, 07:35 AM

Haze will call you a "*****"

Free Radical wants to make you very uncomfortable

Friday 1 June 2007
Future-war shooter Haze will team you up with some alarmingly outspoken AI comrades, promises David Doak, co-founder of developer Free Radical. Haze's mercenary-military action will put you in some very uncomfortable situations, but if you hesitate for a second your tooled-up soldier 'buddies' are going to be hassling you mercilessly.

"I don't think you will see in any other game points in the narrative, in cut-scenes or cinematic gameplay moments, where people are calling you a ***** - telling you that you're not with the program, that you're a liability to the team," Doak informed us during a refreshingly open discussion at a recent Ubisoft event. "Haze puts in this warzone, where other people are perhaps doing things where a line has been crossed. You're going to think, 'These guys have gone too far'. And you'll have to ask yourself, 'Are you part of this now?'"

But how far is Free Radical willing to go to make Haze the challenging, mature videogame it is aiming for? "The thing is," Doak pointed out, "you come up against the law of censorship, which is incredibly hypocritical when it comes to games. Because the act of putting these uncomfortable, challenging experiences into a game is somehow glorifying it. Except that other media can do such things, and still be having some sensible discourse about it".

Free Radical isn't about to hold back, though. "In Haze there's a lot of NPC reaction speech, a hell of a lot of it, written to a higher quality than Free Radical has ever done before. And also [with Haze] we're less fettered by people telling us 'Oh, no, you can't say ****' - because at the level we're pitching it we can say ****. And that means that what's happening is believable."

"There's all these soldiers running around with you, shooting, taking Nectar". Nectar, remember, is the super-enhancing drug given to Haze's soldiers (and you) by sinister military corporation Mantel. "The soldiers are fighting with you, using Nectar and talking about it all. And they talk about it in a locker room style. But, sometimes, it gets a bit too far. It makes you uncomfortable. And we can achieve that discomfort because of the language we're able to use."

So, we wondered, is Doak happy with the level of censorship in the UK? "I think, in the past, with PEGI and so on it was a case of people playing safe," he answered. "No one wanted to get into trouble by saying something was ok for public consumption, so they just said 'No'."

And now? "I think the BBFC are doing a really good job. If someone's going to be a censor and a guardian of what people see, then that person needs to be wise and responsible."

You can find out more about Free Radical's ambitious Haze project by checking out our recent preview.

Link (http://www.gamesradar.com/gb/ps3/game/news/article.jsp?releaseId=20070601111949703050&articleId=20070601111949703050&sectionId=1006)

Wow, that's an extra layer to add to the overall plotline/gameplay, very good. And something you won't get in co-op either, (although your human buddies may happily oblige http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif).