E3 Blog - G4tv.com

BioWare's Casey Hudson Explains The Improved Combat In Mass Effect 2

25 Comments Posted June 18, 2009 - By r_pad

Mass Effect 2 E3 2009 Project Director Interview »

While everyone was floored at E3 2009 by what BioWare is doing in terms of story and characterization in Mass Effect 2, one aspect of the game that isn't getting a lot of play is the combat. Longtime BioWare fans love the pause-and-play skirmishes the company has been serving up since Baldur's Gate. Newer gamers would prefer something smoother and more fluid. It looks like BioWare is keeping up with the times. Project director Casey Hudson told G4tv.com ~~aboot~~ about the combat improvements:

"Much of the way Mass Effect 2 plays is similar to Mass Effect, but every part of it has been improved. The biggest difference, in fact, is when you pick it up, it feels like a precision shooter. It has all the depth that we had before, but now weapons feel accurate and powerful right from the beginning. We have physics-based special-abilities. All of these things can now be fired in real time, so you don't have to pause the game to select tactical options. It just feels so much more fluid. It feels fantastic."

I'm sure that younger gamers and players that are relatively new to BioWare games will love the improvements that Casey was talking ~~aboot~~ about. As an old school BioWare fan, I'm a little saddened by this inevitable modernization. I fondly remember the epic battles I waged in Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II -- part of the fun was hitting the space bar in the middle of a fight and spend minutes thinking about all the cool ways I could dispatch my enemies before finally delivering the deathblow. I totally understand that the majority of fans desire combat that's faster and smoother, but I wish there were more gamers that enjoyed a break in the action so that they could plot their cerebral assassinations.

Click here to watch the entire Mass Effect 2 interview in glorious HD.

What do you guys and dolls think? Do you like that Mass Effect 2's combat will be more fluid than the original's? Or do you enjoy pause-and-play gaming? Also, isn't Casey's Canadian accent awesome?

Tags: E3, E3 2009, PC Gaming, Videogames, Xbox 360

Featured Comment

argh! i cant wait any longer

Posted: September 7, 2009 by Sandmann24

Leave a Comment »

Alliance of Valiant Arms Is All About Pretty Graphics And Tactical Urban Combat

2 Comments Posted June 17, 2009 - By Jake Gaskill

Alliance of Valiant Arms E3 2009 Project Manager Interview »

If you’re looking for a free tactical online first-person shooter set in an urban environment during a fiction war between Russians and the rest of Europe, then Red Duck’s Alliance of Valiant Arms might just be for you.

During this E3 2009 interview, the game’s project manager Wook Kim breaks down some of the game’s features, including its approach to combat.

“The game uses the Unreal 3 game engine, so it has really high, super graphics. And it’s very ream oriented, so there’s going to be a lot of communication going on with your team, and there’s very fair, balanced gameplay.”

If that sounds like something you might be interested in, then be sure to watch the full interview.

For more interviews from E3 2009, check out the rest of our features.

Tags: E3, E3 2009, PC Gaming

Featured Comment

I may try it out if AA3 (Amercias Army 3) doesn't live up to the hype. They're both free, first person tactical shooters set in urban environments (well AA3 has a few urban maps) and they both run on the UT3 engine.

Posted: June 17, 2009 by BlackMagicMarkel

Leave a Comment »

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising To Be The "Most Realistic" Console Shooter Ever?

20 Comments Posted June 17, 2009 - By Jake Gaskill

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising E3 2009 L.D. Interview »

Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2 might be the most high profile and most anticipated military FPS of the year, but Codemasters believes its own Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising has what it takes to stand toe-to-toe with the Activision juggernaut, as well as every other shooter coming to market over the next few months, or ever, apparently.

As the game’s lead designer, Tim Brown, explained during E3 2009, Dragon Rising will offer a very different experience than that found in other run-and-gun shooters.

“The difference in our game…is that it’s all tactical. You’re not the hero. You tip the balance, but it’s not all down to you. You’re going to rely on your guys, and they’re going to rely on you.”

Brown went on to say that Dragon Rising will be “the most realistic shooter you’re going to see on a console ever.”

Predictions don’t really come any bolder than that, so be sure to check out the rest of the interview to see what has Brown so confident.

For more interviews from E3 2009, check out the rest of our features.

Tags: E3, E3 2009, PC Gaming, PlayStation 3, Videogames, Xbox 360

Featured Comment

That's because this game separates the men from the boys!
In real combat if you get hit in major parts of the body, your chances of living are slim, not like COD!
This is not a arcade games BOYS!

Posted: September 26, 2009 by kempra

Leave a Comment »

Dirt 2 Using Narrative To Distance Itself From The Competition

3 Comments Posted June 16, 2009 - By Jake Gaskill

Dirt 2 E3 2009 Lead Game Designer Interview »

A lot of people might not agree with me, but I am a huge fan of racing games that at least try to have a narrative thread running through them. It just makes everything that much more compelling, because you have characters and stories to give the races additional significance beyond just who placed where or what was the fastest lap time.

Thankfully, the folks over at Codemasters listened to my ranting, and decided to use narrative to give its upcoming racing title Dirt 2 an edge over the competition. The game's lead designer, Matthew Horseman, explained during E3 2009:

"The whole experience about Dirt is that it's not all about racing now. It's about experiencing the lifestyle of an extreme sports star. So in the game we've got people like Ken Block, Travis Pastrana, Dave Mirra, and the whole story of the game is that you go on the Dirt tour, and travel around the world with these guys...You can form relationships with them, and they'll ring you when you're chilling in your RV, and say, 'Hey. I'm going to Baja, California. Want to come join me?'...So you get to go race with these guys, get to chill out with them. It's just a fantastic experience."

Of course, the game doesn't skimp on the racing elements either, so to find out more, be sure to watch the full interview.

For more interviews from E3 2009, check out the rest of our features.

Tags: E3, E3 2009, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Videogames, Wii, Xbox 360

Featured Comment

I loved Dirt too and I have high hopes for Dirt 2. My biggest concern it that they will try to punch my balls off with gameplay that is extreme to the max but unrealistic.

I'm a big fan of the World Rally Championship so I'm starting to give Gran Turismo some significant glances.

Posted: June 17, 2009 by MutantEnemyMTL

Leave a Comment »

Net Devil President Credits Return of the Jedi For Inspiring Jumpgate Evolution's Scope

1 Comment Posted June 16, 2009 - By Jake Gaskill

Jumpgate Evolution E3 2009 President Interview »

Net Devil’s upcoming space-based MMO Jumpgate Evolution was one of the truly great surprises of E3 2009. Not only does it pack all the depth and variety you’d expect from an MMO, it also brings space to life in a way that I haven’t seen in quite some time.

It should come as no surprise then to hear what famed sci-fi franchise Net Devil president Scott Brown cites when discussing the game’s sense of scope.

“Massive amounts of fighters, all other players, fighting each other in space. That’s always been the dream. I’d say probably the most influential moment was that scene in Return of the Jedi where they’re attacking the Death Star, and it’s just hundreds of ships on the screen. I’ve always dreamed of being able to play in that, and it’s all other people at the same time.”

And believe me, the cosmic vistas and interstellar battles that you encounter in this game are stunning, and on par with those found in any number of famous sci-fi movies. This is one game you should definitely keep on your radars.

To find out more about all what awaits you in the vastness of Jumpgate Evolution, be sure to watch the full interview.

For more interviews from E3 2009, check out the rest of our features.

Tags: E3, E3 2009, MMO News, PC Gaming

Featured Comment

awesome, now hurry up and let me in the beta already! :p

Posted: June 17, 2009 by greyfish7

Leave a Comment »

Hiromichi Tanaka Says Final Fantasy XIV Will Be Completely Different From FFXI

27 Comments Posted June 15, 2009 - By r_pad

Final Fantasy XIV E3 2009 Producer Interview »

Square Enix surprised a lot of people when it unveiled Final Fantasy XIV at Sony's E3 2009 press conference. Some gamers thought that it might be the second coming of the MMO Final Fantasy XI. Producer Hiromichi Tanaka said that's not the case:

"Characters in the trailer looked very similar to the ones in Final Fantasy XI. That's pretty much the only thing that's going to be similar. The gameplay and the story are going to be completely different."

For more details on Final Fantasy XIV, be sure to watch the entire interview.

For more interviews from E3 2009, check out the rest of our features.

Tags: E3, E3 2009, PC Gaming, PlayStation 3, Videogames

Featured Comment

I learned my leson with FFXI...what a waste of money.

Not going to even TOUCH this one.

Posted: June 17, 2009 by Waffles66

Leave a Comment »

Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto Talks Mario Galaxy 2, Motion Controls, Zelda And More

48 Comments Posted June 15, 2009 - By r_pad

Shigeru Miyamoto E3 2009 Interview »

X-Play's Blair Herter had the honor of sitting down and chatting with Nintendo's legendary Shigeru Miyamoto during E3 2009. Among the topics discussed were:

Going four players with New Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Integrating ideas from 2D development into a 3D game and vice versa
Introducing fresh ideas after decades of game development
The new Zelda game
Metroid: The Other M
His thoughts on Microsoft's and Sony's respective forays into motion controls

Regarding that last bullet point, Miyamoto said, "I think it's a testament that everyone has been able to see that when gamers are using their entire bodies to play in a physical nature, that they're having fun. It's just nice to see that everyone is recognizing that it's a fun style of gameplay for our audiences."

Be sure to watch the entire interview to get all the answers from one of the most brilliant developers in gaming history.

For more interviews from E3 2009, check out the rest of our features.

Tags: E3, E3 2009, Nintendo DS, Videogames, Wii

Featured Comment

Oh and if anyone finds anything flawed in my comment please feel free to correct me :)

Posted: July 29, 2009 by block2001

Leave a Comment »

Modern Warfare 2 E3 2009 Community Manager Interview

15 Comments Posted June 12, 2009 - By Jake Gaskill

Infinity Ward Community Manager Robert Bowling discusses the importance of narrative pacing and the diversity of gameplay experiences awaiting players in Activision's highly-anticipated FPS Modern Warfare 2.

"It's all about pacing," Bowling explains. "There's places where you want to ramp it up to eleven and places where you want to have a more subtle intensity. We're telling a story here and crafting an action movie experience."

Check out our interview below:

Modern Warfare 2 E3 2009 Community Manager Interview »

Tags: E3, E3 2009, PC Gaming, PlayStation 3, Videogames, Xbox 360

Featured Comment

@Why13

The people who can actually beat COD games on Vet. I know I am interested in the campaign but I would also like some mp details.

Posted: June 15, 2009 by BONERJAM

Leave a Comment »

Dead to Rights: Retribution E3 2009 Project Director Interview

1 Comment Posted June 12, 2009 - By Jake Gaskill

Imre Jele discusses how a robust combat system, engrossing narrative and player freedom all contribute to Dead to Rights: Retribution being a franchise reboot worthy of keeping your sights on.

Is this a sequel? "Dead to Rights: Retribution is a brand-new start for the franchise," said Jele. "We took the best elements of the original game and tried to reintroduce them to a new console generation."

To find out more, be sure to watch our video interview.

For more interviews from E3 2009, check out the rest of our features.

Tags: E3, E3 2009, PlayStation 3, Videogames, Xbox 360

Featured Comment

mea

Posted: June 12, 2009 by jamaa115n

Leave a Comment »

W.E.T. E3 2009 Lead Designer Interview

6 Comments Posted June 12, 2009 - By Moye Ishimoto

Ash Ismail, the Lead Designer on W.E.T., provides a quick breakdown of Bethesda's upcoming action shooter.

Like the House of the Dead: Overkill team, Ismail and the A2M team really liked "Grindhouse." "Our story is...crazy characters, crazy scenarios," he says. Speaking of Tarantino, W.E.T.'s heroine, Rubi Malone seems just as inspired by "Pulp Fiction's" The Wolf as "Kill Bill's" The Bride. Ismail describes her as "what we call 'a problem-fixer' -- she gets paid a lot of money to fix messy problems; problems that cause a lot of collateral damage." Plus, he breaks down the meaning of the title; Metal Gear Solid 4 fans might catch the reference. Check out our interview from E3 2009:

Wet E3 2009 Lead Designer Interview »

Does that entice you to shoot, hack, and slash your way through countless waves of hapless goons yet?

For more interviews from E3 2009, check out the rest of our features.

Tags: E3, E3 2009, PlayStation 3, Videogames, Videos, Xbox 360

Featured Comment

I have been waiting for this game for a long time and i cannot wait for the release im buying it the first day it comes out

Posted: July 23, 2009 by paulyg4162

Leave a Comment »

Splinter Cell: Conviction E3 2009 Programmer Interview

52 Comments Posted June 12, 2009 - By Moye Ishimoto

Raphael Barent, Game Play Programmer from Ubisoft, previewed the intricate story and details behind Splinter Cell: Conviction last week at E3 2009.

The part that'll set off gamer conspiracy theorists --no, it's not anything regarding console exclusivity-- comes somewhere around the middle of the video when Barent says something seemingly innocuous. For those of you who played Splinter Cell: Double Agent, you'll remember that Sam Fisher's daughter died in a car accident. Or did she?

Before you talk amongst yourselves and start picking apart the meaning of his words, watch the interview!

Splinter Cell: Conviction E3 2009 Programmer Interview »

For more interviews from E3 2009, check out the rest of our features.

Tags: E3, E3 2009, PC Gaming, Videogames, Videos, Xbox 360

Featured Comment

Ah.. Nevermind, it Understandable that it won't be coming out for the PS3, I had actually thought Splinter Cell was for Sony at first..

Posted: July 1, 2009 by Koyahashu

Leave a Comment »

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Supporting Cast E3 2009 Interview

11 Comments Posted June 12, 2009 - By Mike D'Alonzo

Some of the supporting voice cast from Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, give us an interview at E3 2009, talking about their roles in the game.

Emily Rose (Elena Fisher), says that she's relieved that Naughty Dog has offiicially unveiled Elena's return for the sequel. "In the first game, she's a lot younger, she's a lot more naive, and she looks at things as being very possible, and in the second (game), has seen murders and adventure...the way that any person grows, you see that in her. She's a little bit more hesitant, a little more cynical," Rose says.

Actors Claudia Black (Chloe Frazer), and Robin Atkin-Downs (Tenzin) also provide some perspective on the way the game has changed through the eyes of their characters in it. Take a look, and answer the question below:

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Supporting Cast Interview »

Uncharted director Amy Hennig has said in interviews that the game's characters are visually inspired by their voices more than any particular famous Hollywood faces. Would you agree?

Tags: E3, E3 2009, Game Previews, PlayStation 3, Videogames

Featured Comment

this game is going 2 b awesome

Posted: June 16, 2009 by soulfantasy

Leave a Comment »

Bad Company 2 E3 2009 Senior Producer Interview

5 Comments Posted June 12, 2009 - By Moye Ishimoto

We met up with Patrick Bach, Senior Producer from Electronic Arts, to talk about what we can expect in Battlefield: Bad Company 2,such as better vehicles and more multiplayer options.

"I think the team play aspect of the game is key to what we're building," said Bach. "Battlefield has been around for quite some time -- ever since [Battlefield] 1942 we've been focusing a lot on team play in different ways. And this time, on the console, we're actually making it into a true Battlefield experience by having the team play be a part of everything in the game."

Watch the interview below.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Senior Producer Interview

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 E3 2009 Senior Producer Interview »

For more interviews from E3 2009, check out the rest of our features.

Tags: E3, E3 2009, PlayStation 3, Videogames, Videos, Xbox 360

Featured Comment

I can't wait till bc2 comesout i will buy it for sure i love bc i couldnt stop playing cant wait.

Posted: June 25, 2009 by budbarnett86

Leave a Comment »

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves E3 2009 Actor Interview

4 Comments Posted June 12, 2009 - By Mike D'Alonzo

Nolan North, who plays hero Nathan Drake in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, gives us an interview about his perspective on the role he plays in the game, Nathan's job as the hero, and the style of the game itself, in this E3 2009 interview.

"It's interesting to come to E3 and walk around and say 'I did that,' but then it blows your mind to see what the animators have done," North says.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves E3 2009 VO Actor Interview »

So now you've seen the man behind Nathan Drake (and the rebooted Prince of Persia). Tell us, does it weird you out when you see the voices behind your favorite game characters?

Tags: E3, E3 2009, Game Previews, PlayStation 3, Videogames

Featured Comment

Yes Sully is back, I was afraid he might not be in it or have less of a role. But he looks like he might have the same type of role as part 1. Also Nolan North seems very cool and respectful.

Posted: June 14, 2009 by darkhiei

Leave a Comment »

Madden NFL 10 Wii E3 2009 Associate Designer Interview

Leave a Comment Posted June 12, 2009 - By Brian Leahy

EA associate designer Yuri Bialdskursky previews their latest Wiimote-wielding football game Madden NFL 10. How will this year's game be different?

"We have five different body types and each one of those body types personifies the position that it's meant to capture," said Bialdskursky. "Your quarterbacks have a very heroic build, your runningbacks short and stocky, wide receivers are lanky at best -- they're meant to communicate that speed [and the] characteristics of the position they play."

Watch the video and find out more for yourself, man.

For more interviews from E3 2009, check out the rest of our features.

Tags: E3, E3 2009, Videogames, Wii