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.

quote:

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.

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.

Neko.

Roll on January! I can't wait!

What date and time dammnit!



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...

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?

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?

quote:

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.

quote:

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.

Neko.

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

..

quote:

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!'.

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.

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

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! ;-)

quote:

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!'.

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?! 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...

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!

quote:

Originally posted by deded999:
We forced you?! 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.

quote:

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'

quote:

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...

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

quote:

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.

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.

quote:

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 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 . 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!

quote:

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.

quote:

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.

quote:

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'.

quote:

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 :>

quote:

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.

Neko.