Here's your chance to ask some questions to the Producer of Dark Void, Morgan Gray.
The two topics we're focusing on are:
The story development of Dark Void
Morgan’s favourite things about Christmas!
The choice is yours! The best questions will be selected over Christmas and passed on to Morgan in the New Year.
:)
Before they escape my mind in the battle to get home through traffic:
Story question:
From the perspective of someone who hasn't been scraping all sites on the internet for info on the game and even to those who did, the story seems like a run of the mill "Group of human fighters versus Alien army."
Is there anything, plot-wise, that off-sets Dark Void from other games in it's genre?
Christmas themed:
-If not bound by the boundaries of reality and fiction,
What Christmas gift would you give to Will and his companions, and vice versa, what gift would you like to receive from them?
-From interviews with the Japanese Capcom developers, we've learned that in Japan most people don't have a lot of time for Christmas, and coincidentally, stay in to work or have a (bizarre) yearly ritual like eating KFC with the co-workers or skiing with the family. What does the Christmas period look like to an American Developer like yourself?
Do these still fit in the theme Fonix?
I'm doubting if the question about the story is linked enough to it's development...
Do these still fit in the theme Fonix?
I'm doubting if the question about the story is linked enough to it's development...
These are great! Thanks Jar :)
James Mitchell
18-12-09, 05:10
The Bermuda Triangle plays a part in Dark Void's story - what was behind the decision to choose this setting, and also, did the team do any research on the triangle to include it in the game?
Nikola Tesla plays a role in Dark Void's story, however, what must be done to include a "real-life" figure in the game, and how did you come to the decision to include him? Are there any precautions that must be taken or could anyone put any real-life figure in a video game without consequence?
Has Dark Void's story been developed with intention of a sequel or perhaps downloadable content that will "fill in the gaps" post release? Or is Dark Void a purely separate and standalone experience? (I guess what I'm trying to ask here is, are there going to be some amazing cliff hangers?)
If Santa fell sick on Christmas Eve, would you trust Will to carry the reindeer around instead? =P
Here are the answers to a selection of the community questions, enjoy.
1) 1) The Bermuda Triangle plays a part in Dark Void's story - what was behind the decision to choose this setting, and also, did the team do any research on the triangle to include it in the game?
After deciding we wanted the action of Dark Void to take place away from earth (largely due to the need to create truly exotic play environments to take advantage of our gameplay feature set) we settled on the idea of an alien dimension. What better way to get there than be sucked through a rift in our world, and what better rift than the Bermuda triangle! Like many things about Dark Void, it was sort of a geeky logical stream of consciousness that ended up leading to our final course of action. We did indeed do a lo of research on the triangle, and sharp eyed players will no doubt be able to see some of that research shine through the events/locations/things in the game itself.
2) 2) Nikola Tesla plays a role in Dark Void's story, however, what must be done to include a "real-life" figure in the game, and how did you come to the decision to include him? Are there any precautions that must be taken or could anyone put any real-life figure in a video game without consequence?
Make sure you can't get sued? All joking aside, I think the goal is always to treat any real life person with respect. Although Tesla is in our game, our version of "tesla" is more in keeping with the sort of fringe science dramatization of him that is near and dear to many and less to do with the real life man (who is actually way more intriguing than he is given credit for).
3) 3) Has Dark Void's story been developed with intention of a sequel or perhaps downloadable content that will "fill in the gaps" post release? Or is Dark Void a purely separate and standalone experience? (I guess what I'm trying to ask here is, are there going to be some amazing cliff hangers?)
Although we have left many doors either open and or easily kicked open for a sequel, we have focused on telling a complete narrative in and of itself. So outside of a few open questions at the end, we don't end the game with a giant cliff hanger...however, there is a small surprise at the end which could speak towards future explorations with jetpacks...
4) How long does it take to play through the story in the game? Are there any hidden extras that I should look out for when playing the game?
This one is hard, since play times change based on skill, chiefly, how skilled a dogfighter a player might be. Testing has it coming in between 10-12 hours for most players, but again, it depends on how you play. Farming tech points to upgrade all the weapons, and see what they can do is a great way to dig a bit deeper into the game, as well as hidden journals that help further flesh out the DV world, as well as some other notable travelers into the void.
5) Is there anything, plot-wise, that off-sets Dark Void from other games in its genre?
I believe the fact that Dark Void is a mix of a couple genres, one that we hope we have mixed as seamlessly as possible, already sets it apart from other games :) From a plot perspective we are telling a classic pulp tale, not a hard sci-fi tale, or a gritty military story, so hopefully it should end up feeling fresh from what you've been playing lately.
6) Barring any Capcom titles, what was your game of the year in 2009?
Hmm...tough one, I hate picking a single game, I loved Drake's and CoD at the years end, earlier in the year I thought that Batman Arkham Asylum was excellent, I also finally got a chance to play and get deep on Dawn of War 2, which I relished. I also cracked out on Burnout Paradise (unlocking everything), and was pleasantly surprised by how fun Borderlands was. And then there was the Fallout 3 addiction....
7) And apart from Dark Void what game are you most looking forward to in 2010?
Like 2009 there are a billion games coming out in 2010 that I am excited about. For starters, Mass Effect 2, God of War (funny enough, I have yet to play any of the others in the series, so some back catalogue action is in store for me), Starcraft 2, Bioshock 2, the list grows and grows :)
8) Finally, what was your best Christmas present, ever?
Officially the coolest question ever. The best Christmas present ever for me was the year I got my Commodore 64, it truly was the key that unlocked the world of gaming for me (not just playing, but also making). I loved that thing, and the community that spawned from it (one which is still a great group of people). The old girl still boots, and ever now and then I slide in an old favorite like Raid over Moscow, Elite, or Impossible Mission
Thanks for the questions, don’t forget to check out the Dark Void demo!
As i've said previously this game is one thats gonna rock and I want it and I want it now!
Even the suggestion of more DV in the future makes me tingle, I felt this way about Fallout 3 (and good to see there are other addicts out there) and it knocked my socks off.
ohhhhhh the anticipation. :horray:
Aspect Warrior
16-01-10, 22:26
I am loving the demo, I am definately purchasing :)