E3 is an overwhelming show. Lots of journalists like to brag about going to the convention, and gloat about how they got to see and try many upcoming games, as well as talk to developers… but amidst all of the flashing lights and loud noises, it is somewhat difficult to get a firm grasp on just what kind of game a monitor with vibrant colors is displaying; you can learn considerably more by talking to developers in a relatively more serene environment. Knowing that, I was really excited about paying a visit to Planet Moon Studios, which is composed of the team of designers who worked on Earthworm Jim (EWJ) and MDK… and are currently developing Giants.
Despite being a little too ecstatic about meeting the developers of one of my all time favorite games, EWJ, I wasn't let down at all. The minds behind Planet Moon are some of the coolest guys around, and that's a big part of the reason I can't wait for a review copy of Giants sometime down the road. I'll have more on the Planet Moon team near the end of the preview, but let's just say they're the kind of guys it'd be fun to hang out with at parties (which I might be able to do, but for some reason every time I find out someone hosted a really neat party, the invitation they swear to have sent me never arrived).
Quick Peek:
An action based game with strategic elements, three unique races, and enough single and multiplayer variety to keep you busy for a long time to come.
Release Date:
TBD
Developer:
Planet Moon
Publisher:
Interplay
Homepage:
Giants
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First off, we should probably explain what Giants is. After all, if you read previews from different sites you often see that some of them refer to the game as "strategy" while others prefer to think of it as an "action" game. According to Nick Bruty, president of Planet Moon Studios, Giants is a sort of "action/adventure" game. He went on to say that the way games are today, you can't rigidly try to stuff the game into a category that accurately describes the game's premise, so it's best to view Giants as an action based game with strategic elements. Everything you do in the game is based around action and excitement, and even when you take the time to build up a base and high tech weapons, it will just lead to even more combat and action. In other words, Giants isn't a strategy game, but it isn't a mindless shooter either. Most of the strategy lies in a player's approach to battle.
Sometimes I ask myself, "Why should I pay attention to yet another 3D action game?" In most cases the answer is simply, "I shouldn't." Giants, fortunately, is a really unique game and offers new twists to the genre. It isn't just strategy, it isn't just action, and it isn't just a clear fusion of the two like Uprising or Battlezone. If you don't believe me, you'll just have to read on and discover what oddities await you on the island where Kabuto (the mighty giant) resides…
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