Wowzer! Some of the highlights from a great article:
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Why did you guys decide to release exclusively this Holiday on the PS3?
Free Radical has always been a PlayStation developer at heart, thanks to our experiences developing the TimeSplitters series. We have a wealth of experience working with PlayStation technology, and perhaps are in a position to get to grips with the raw power of the PS3 a little faster than other developers. We see Haze as our opportunity to stamp our pedigree onto the new generation, and the PS3’s power, and particularly its online support, are going to be invaluable bearing in mind the kinds of multiplayer functionality we want to bring to Haze.[quote]
Intriguing... and encouraging, particularly in light of the problems some people are having with Vegas. Quality voice comms please Ubi...
[quote]What is the big announcement that you are doing about Haze at E3?
The rumors are correct. You do switch sides in Haze. But it’s not just about turning your gun on your colleagues – Haze is literally two games in one, right out of the box. When you start off, you’ll be using the high-tech Mantel suit and weaponry, playing in a very gung-ho video-game style. That’s the perfect way to get to grips with the basics of the game, but once you switch sides, and join The Promise Hand, you won’t have all that technical support – you’ll have to learn to play more tactically, and use some real teamwork with your squad mates. Playing as a rebel really where expert players are going to get their kicks. It’s far more dangerous, with many more facets to the gameplay, so you’ll need to learn to improvise and hone your skills to survive.
Yay, PH all the way man!
The possibilities of asymmetric combat sound excellent.
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So far we haven’t talked at all about the final and pretty significant plot twist in Haze – apart from just changing sides. But that will have to remain a secret for now.
Don't tell us! We'll find out in-game!
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How will the Rebel abilities offset the Mantel soldiers’ Nectar abilities?
You already know about the abilities that Nectar gives to the Mantel soldiers: better aim; faster speed; able to inflict and receive more damage; and that famous ‘Melee Blast’ - a huge melee attack that sends the poor victim flying. But as a Promise Hand rebel, beyond the ability to use Nectar against Mantel, you will acquire several new skills. Specifically:
1. SCAVENGE: This allows you to recalibrate ammo from other guns to fit yours. So, if you have a particularly great weapon that you love using, you don’t need to throw it away when you run out of ammo. You can just refit other bullets to fit your mag.
2. DIVE & ROLL: Once you’re out of that heavy Mantel armor, you’ll be less protected, but thankfully you’ll be freed up to move faster and more acrobatically.
3. TRAPS: Pretty self-explanatory - you learn to set traps, like hiding grenade-mines under the dirt.
4. PLAY DEAD: This one is great fun. When you’re being fired at, if you time it right, you can fall to the ground writhing in fake agony. Once your opponent turns their back, just leap to your feet and plug a shot in his head. The reason why it’s so effective is because Nectar censors death and blood for the Mantel troopers – Just like in a video game, it makes the bodies disappear. So, by pretending to be dead, the rebel disappears from the Mantel trooper’s point of view.
5. WEAPON STEAL: A little kung fu goes a long way. If you can get close enough, you can wrestle the gun from your opponent’s hands, and turn it back on them.
6. NECTAR GRENADES / NECTAR KNIFES / NECTAR PACK SHOTS: As I was saying before, the rebels have a number of ways to force Mantel troopers to Overdose. The Nectar Grenade is particularly awesome fun in a crowded room – making everyone turn on each other uncontrollably.
7. REVIVE: As a rebel, you’ll need all the help you can get. So, if one of your team gets injured, you can give them medical aid, and get them back on their feet.
Revive? Traps?
Dive and Roll!? Any of the old-timers remember the 'no jumping' discussions back in the day?
Traps also make for some great gaming possibilities - MP is going to be fantastic in Haze!
I'd also like to congratulate Neko on his 300th post - that's almost one a day since this forum began, which shows great developers support for the game's fans and I don't think you'll see that from many (any?) other devs. Cheers fella.
Haze FAQ - please check first if you have a question about Haze.
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I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing but it certainly feels like more than 300! Anyway, I shall continue to try and be around and answer questions, put people right where I can, when I can find the time!
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