We've all heard quite a bit about Haze, the next big (and easily-swappable) FPS coming exclusively to the PS3 sometime in May, but during a recent tour through Free Radical Studios led by lead writer Rob Yascombe (who is, in fact, a bona fide, bug-eyed madman), it was announced that the script for the nectar-enriched shooter is over 1,000 pages long. As a point of reference, the script for "Gone With The Wind" clocks in at a crisp 650 pages. Probably.
Before you linguaphiles begin frothing at the mouth in anticipation of a Bioware-caliber dialogue extravaganza, Yascombe explains that a lot of the script is composed of mid-battle NPC retorts -- some of which, he adds, will be delivered by none other than the Royal Shakespeare Company. We wonder if those dandy artistes will be able to deliver their bullet-riddled screams of agony in iambic pentameter.
Reader Comments (79)
Posted: Mar 15th 2008 2:32PM xThePunisherx said
@Steve
Wow, ur cool. Pat yourself on the back (this is sarcasm, seriously though, shoot yourself and crawl into a ditch.)
Wow, ur cool. Pat yourself on the back (this is sarcasm, seriously though, shoot yourself and crawl into a ditch.)
Posted: Mar 15th 2008 2:44PM Deck said
I hope it just lives up to all the information we have been going. I think it could be really good, and I hope for the best!
The 1000 pages those is intriguing no matter what. Sure it isn't going to be a Bioware-esque type of thing, and I am a "linguaphile", but it sounds like perhaps it will actually be a decent length in the end.
The 1000 pages those is intriguing no matter what. Sure it isn't going to be a Bioware-esque type of thing, and I am a "linguaphile", but it sounds like perhaps it will actually be a decent length in the end.
Posted: Mar 15th 2008 3:21PM (Unverified) said
Sweet. Anyone know how many pages HalfLife2 was? This could be the next HalfLife2...
Posted: Mar 15th 2008 4:23PM TacoHell said
Probably more than a thousand, that game had a lot of dialog if you know where to look. Anyhow, I hope it isn't turn to be the next Half-Life, because that means they have no originality and based everything they did on Half-Life. Honestly, it always ticks me off when people say "It will be the next [Insert popular game here]" since if the game is that original and good, it wouldn't be compared to previous games.
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Posted: Mar 15th 2008 6:27PM SheppyReturns said
I don't see how this can be compared to Half-Life 2.
Haze, according to an article by the lead writer on gamasutra many months ago, deals with the ideas that, in a war, there is a definitive bad guy. Nobody wants you to question this at all and in the end, the ends justify the means. But people are just that, people. They have to live with their actions whether it was under orders or not. So the basis behind Nector is a reality shifter. It clouds the actions of the soldiers and never let's them question the nobility of their actions. So devout to this concept Free Radical is, that at one point of the development cycle, they actually wanted to make all allies appear as shining knights and enemies as horrible demons, but only while you were riding nectar.
The story will have your character facing the reality of his actions and likewise, his future actions are not entirely without consequences. There is no hardcore right or wrong and Haze has THAT as one of it's primary focuses. They want to make you regret everytime you pull the trigger.
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Haze, according to an article by the lead writer on gamasutra many months ago, deals with the ideas that, in a war, there is a definitive bad guy. Nobody wants you to question this at all and in the end, the ends justify the means. But people are just that, people. They have to live with their actions whether it was under orders or not. So the basis behind Nector is a reality shifter. It clouds the actions of the soldiers and never let's them question the nobility of their actions. So devout to this concept Free Radical is, that at one point of the development cycle, they actually wanted to make all allies appear as shining knights and enemies as horrible demons, but only while you were riding nectar.
The story will have your character facing the reality of his actions and likewise, his future actions are not entirely without consequences. There is no hardcore right or wrong and Haze has THAT as one of it's primary focuses. They want to make you regret everytime you pull the trigger.
Posted: Mar 15th 2008 7:35PM Vegeta has a ps3 said
sigh
...Really? The next Half-Life 2?
Goddammit.
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...Really? The next Half-Life 2?
Goddammit.
Posted: Mar 15th 2008 3:25PM (Unverified) said
I didn't see anything new or exciting in the trailers so I'm going to assume this will be like Time Shift "been there done that". I doubt this will offer anything we haven't seen before, now if it were a mixed genre I might say something different but it's not.
Posted: Mar 15th 2008 5:02PM (Unverified) said
For the record, Haze is now a PS3 exclusive (http://www.ripten.com/2008/03/15/haze-never-coming-out-on-xbox-360/). Free Radical Design was formed by the same people who brought you Goldeneye for the N64, and the Timesplitters series...is that 'of worth' enough, for you? And lastly, there's nothing 'been there, done that', about asymmetrical combat. There has never been an FPS that the 2 sides have completely DIFFERENT skill sets. As one of the other posters said, try the game before you knock it. I, for one, have had it preordered since June of 2007. Can't WAIT!
Posted: Mar 15th 2008 6:11PM (Unverified) said
It may be exclusive NOW, but later on, who knows? It could, and probably will happen. No matter for me, by the time this game is released I'll have a PS3 as well.
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Posted: Mar 15th 2008 5:03PM (Unverified) said
Maybe they should have taken a few minutes of that time and work on the script for that segment...
Haze just seems kinda boring to watch. Is it me or do ps3 games tend to have rapid weapon bobbing and bouncing like all soldiers arms are made of jello pudding and bill cosby is poking at them with a big o' spoon?
Haze just seems kinda boring to watch. Is it me or do ps3 games tend to have rapid weapon bobbing and bouncing like all soldiers arms are made of jello pudding and bill cosby is poking at them with a big o' spoon?
Posted: Mar 15th 2008 5:28PM (Unverified) said
I didn't see any rapid weapon movement in GT5:P, so you must be mistaken. And when you're running with an object in your hand, like one the size of a machine gun, or a shotgun, it's going to move...it's called realism, sure the game is set 4 decades from now, but it doesn't mean the laws of physics will change in that time.
Morne
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Morne
Posted: Mar 15th 2008 6:21PM SheppyReturns said
I don't see how animation cycles are directly related to PS3's abilities. So in that regard, you are a moron. In other regards, I see the same issues you mentioned on 360 and PC....
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Posted: Mar 18th 2008 4:48AM (Unverified) said
Oh your right, trained soldiers have such a hard time taking 4 steps to the left with out there weapon going all over the screen. It is not that hard to hold a weapon at least somewhat in front of your eye sight and the line of view in focus. Maybe the laws of physics are kept, but apperently soldiers are trained not to have weapon control in 4 decades. You know, military funding probably will take back seat to teaching kids how to use there arms in public school gym classes.
Realism is not soldiers that shoot from... not even the hip but the ear at some point. Trained, and efficient (still alive) soldiers never shoot from the hip, and wont let the weapon, if they are right handed, move to the left side of their sight while aiming or walking. Its not like any time a real soldier moves they scream "OMG THIS GUN IS SO UNBELEIVABLY UNDECISIVE WITH ITS CENTER OF GRAVITY!!!!"
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Realism is not soldiers that shoot from... not even the hip but the ear at some point. Trained, and efficient (still alive) soldiers never shoot from the hip, and wont let the weapon, if they are right handed, move to the left side of their sight while aiming or walking. Its not like any time a real soldier moves they scream "OMG THIS GUN IS SO UNBELEIVABLY UNDECISIVE WITH ITS CENTER OF GRAVITY!!!!"
Posted: Mar 18th 2008 4:56AM (Unverified) said
Right, a moron. Because the animation cycles in videos for both ps3 mainstream shooters tend to be crap, that makes me a moron. Its possible for the animator to not keyframe the gun over on the other side of the soldiers shooting side. Would you hold a weapon with your right hand on the trigger, and then allow it to go to the left side of a your while looking and walking forward? No, that makes your shoulder hurt like hell. Moving forward for a human is mainly an up and down movement, and back and forth tilt it if rapidly changing speed. Not a left right up down back forward side to side cluster**** of bad corrdination. I've studied human movement, because I am a 3d animator and enviromental artist. So dont try technical terms to seem like a superior being there champ. Not my fault ps3 games tend to hand too much movement in the animations, that is, assuming they are in game. (thats a joke, change your shorts and calm down)
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Posted: Mar 15th 2008 5:13PM ThornedVenom said
It looks good, although the video didn't do much to convince me about how much greater the game was going to be.
I'll just let it have its chance.
I'll just let it have its chance.
Posted: Mar 15th 2008 7:06PM (Unverified) said
True Zeus, we've (Haze forums) been rolling the issue over and over ever since multi-platform developement was dropped as of Leipzeg in '07. Don't get me wrong here, I was never in favor of exclusivity in the first place. I've been sold on Haze for a long time (preordered since June), and I think FRD should get as much money as they possibly can for the work they've put into Haze, so I'm all for the 360 and PC getting it. But, it's not my decision either.
But the exclusivity issue has been talked about believe me. Originally it was being developed on all 3-platforms simultaneously, then in early 2007 it was PS3 lead platform. Then the David Doak video interview where he stated 'Coming exclusively to the PS3 this November'. Which obviously leaves some maneuvering room for launch on other platforms at a later date. However, by Leizeg (oddly enough, there was a working PC demo there), it was (paraphrase) 'we're only working on a PS3 version, but we welcome future arrangements' or something along those lines. And, of course, in a Sony press conference where they spoke of developers starting to lead on the PS3, someone cited Haze as an example. Sorry for not citing this, but it's out there, check the 360 related threads at www.hazegame.com, there are plenty of links.
Anyway, as you can see, they've always left themselves a bit of breathing space as to whether they made multiple version or not, until now. It's really the first time they've flat-out said no. So, to me, it sounds like Sony locked down a solid FPS exclusive to go with Resistance. Hope it pays off for FRD, myself. I've always liked the games that these Ex-Rare devs make.
Morne
But the exclusivity issue has been talked about believe me. Originally it was being developed on all 3-platforms simultaneously, then in early 2007 it was PS3 lead platform. Then the David Doak video interview where he stated 'Coming exclusively to the PS3 this November'. Which obviously leaves some maneuvering room for launch on other platforms at a later date. However, by Leizeg (oddly enough, there was a working PC demo there), it was (paraphrase) 'we're only working on a PS3 version, but we welcome future arrangements' or something along those lines. And, of course, in a Sony press conference where they spoke of developers starting to lead on the PS3, someone cited Haze as an example. Sorry for not citing this, but it's out there, check the 360 related threads at www.hazegame.com, there are plenty of links.
Anyway, as you can see, they've always left themselves a bit of breathing space as to whether they made multiple version or not, until now. It's really the first time they've flat-out said no. So, to me, it sounds like Sony locked down a solid FPS exclusive to go with Resistance. Hope it pays off for FRD, myself. I've always liked the games that these Ex-Rare devs make.
Morne
Posted: Mar 15th 2008 8:09PM (Unverified) said
Thats the exact reason I believe it will go multiplatform is because it initially was a multiplatform project.
The game will be fun, but it looks like a Halo 3 copy. Not that its a good or bad thing- I haven't seen too much, but what I have, it honestly does. I personally don't like Halo 3 due to it's lack of substance, so if they can nail this, whether it is a copy or not, I would love it. As of right now, though, not too interested.
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The game will be fun, but it looks like a Halo 3 copy. Not that its a good or bad thing- I haven't seen too much, but what I have, it honestly does. I personally don't like Halo 3 due to it's lack of substance, so if they can nail this, whether it is a copy or not, I would love it. As of right now, though, not too interested.
Posted: Mar 15th 2008 11:11PM (Unverified) said
"Thats the exact reason I believe it will go multiplatform is because it initially was a multiplatform project."
Dude...Mornelithe pretty much explain why it IS NOT going to go multiplatform...
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Dude...Mornelithe pretty much explain why it IS NOT going to go multiplatform...
Posted: Mar 16th 2008 6:17AM (Unverified) said
Your point, Noshino? Where in my post did you see me refuting or agreeing with that statement. Did I even mention it?
I may just be missing something obvious, but where is it set in concrete that its going to be exclusive on the PS3. The way it's worded in the article says that it might just be exclusive for a period of time.
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I may just be missing something obvious, but where is it set in concrete that its going to be exclusive on the PS3. The way it's worded in the article says that it might just be exclusive for a period of time.
Posted: Mar 15th 2008 11:38PM ultimateq said
At least he spoiled the story....
Posted: Mar 16th 2008 4:58AM (Unverified) said
*sigh*
Technically game play wise there is nothing wrong with it except that is it is being featured in a genre that has been done to death and is in a huge need of a break.
The bad part is, which is the problem with video game writing in general, is that I am sure most of this story is just going to be window dressing and not an actual part of the story and narrative.
So far all I have seen is "Nectar is a crazy drug, you were fighting the wrong guys....LETS BLOW SHIT UP!!!"
To me this crap does not work and one of the huge reasons why Video Games are looked down at.
I can prove it too. Take concepts from Books, Comic Books and stuff, you can transfer to them to each other flawlessly now because all of those medias have been matured beyond "boobs and blood sells" for the most part. Since games have such derivative and sophomore writing, 99% of all game plots cannot be ported to any other media.
In short, to gamers, T3 would have been amazing. To movie goers, its crap.
Right now our level of maturity is at T3, that is what needs to change.
Technically game play wise there is nothing wrong with it except that is it is being featured in a genre that has been done to death and is in a huge need of a break.
The bad part is, which is the problem with video game writing in general, is that I am sure most of this story is just going to be window dressing and not an actual part of the story and narrative.
So far all I have seen is "Nectar is a crazy drug, you were fighting the wrong guys....LETS BLOW SHIT UP!!!"
To me this crap does not work and one of the huge reasons why Video Games are looked down at.
I can prove it too. Take concepts from Books, Comic Books and stuff, you can transfer to them to each other flawlessly now because all of those medias have been matured beyond "boobs and blood sells" for the most part. Since games have such derivative and sophomore writing, 99% of all game plots cannot be ported to any other media.
In short, to gamers, T3 would have been amazing. To movie goers, its crap.
Right now our level of maturity is at T3, that is what needs to change.
Posted: Mar 16th 2008 5:52AM (Unverified) said
1. Vegeta. You're a bit of a psychopath. Seriously, you are. If this is the same team who made Goldeneye, then I would suspect that they might be successful with this game. Don't put down the game until it delivers. If it's crap when it releases, then you win the bragging rights of saying 'I told you so'. This goes for everyone else who thinks this game is gonna be flop.
2. I have high hopes for this game, and they delayed it so they had plenty of time to work out any problems with the game. It looks cool enough and will probably be the first shooter I pick up (considering that I'm a girl gamer).
2. I have high hopes for this game, and they delayed it so they had plenty of time to work out any problems with the game. It looks cool enough and will probably be the first shooter I pick up (considering that I'm a girl gamer).
Posted: Mar 17th 2008 12:23PM (Unverified) said
This game just has not interested me from the beginning and just seems dated overall considering all the excellent FPS games we have got last year. Not saying it is going to be horrible, but doesn't interest me. I still find it hard to believe this game will never make it's way to the 360 or PC. Especially for a game with really as little hype as it is getting. This isn't the same thing as Bioshock which had alot of buzz. You can't even stack this up with the other PS3 exclusives. In addition, Ubisoft didn't have a great year in 2007, AC didn't get as much praise as it would have hoped and having to delay Splinter Cell, its not positive for them. Also majority of software sales come from the 360 side, not PS3 as of now. It seems like it is more like the "Army of Two" game for the market, not that it is bad, but not as much hype as alot of other games but sells decently. Another reason is that it is not an established franchise and Free Radical's last few games have been poorly received.
Posted: Mar 16th 2008 8:37AM embassy said
fuck the game, did anyone else notice that the project leads last name is "littlewood"? jesus that has to suck.
i might just buy the game out of pity.
and i dont even own a ps3.
i might just buy the game out of pity.
and i dont even own a ps3.
Posted: Mar 16th 2008 8:44AM embassy said
well i guess i should comment on the game at least.
i think any FPS being released now faces serious obstacles:
1. Halo 3
2. COD 4
the fact that both of these games exist nullifies any other FPS.
Rainbow six Vegas 2 is basically screwed, turok was screwed, timeshift was screwed, and unfortunately (or not, depending on your view) Haze will probably fall into that category.
thats just the nature of the beast...and unfortunately thier are *two* beasts on the market.
shit, i honestly think the duo of halo and COD 4 si the reason Haze may or may not come to the 360. why should they waste thier time/money? im sure haze is would be a great game on the 360, but from a financial long-term standpoint it just doesnt seem to make much sense to fight an inevitable losing war. at least on the ps3 they only have to face off against one of those beasts.
i think any FPS being released now faces serious obstacles:
1. Halo 3
2. COD 4
the fact that both of these games exist nullifies any other FPS.
Rainbow six Vegas 2 is basically screwed, turok was screwed, timeshift was screwed, and unfortunately (or not, depending on your view) Haze will probably fall into that category.
thats just the nature of the beast...and unfortunately thier are *two* beasts on the market.
shit, i honestly think the duo of halo and COD 4 si the reason Haze may or may not come to the 360. why should they waste thier time/money? im sure haze is would be a great game on the 360, but from a financial long-term standpoint it just doesnt seem to make much sense to fight an inevitable losing war. at least on the ps3 they only have to face off against one of those beasts.
Posted: Mar 16th 2008 1:40PM (Unverified) said
1. Haze be a good game on the 360? You must be joking. If it has a script with over a thousand pages, it's going to be a hit. I have a feeling it will be the sleeper hit of 2008. I'm saying right now that the graphics of Haze would be even more gorgeous than a 360 version.
2. Like I said about Vegeta there, if the game turns out to be crap, then you receive bragging rights for saying 'I told you so'. Until it comes out, you're in no jurisdiction to even compare it to that overrated game called Halo or even CoD4.
3. And Sony is going to win the war. They're just getting started. :P
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2. Like I said about Vegeta there, if the game turns out to be crap, then you receive bragging rights for saying 'I told you so'. Until it comes out, you're in no jurisdiction to even compare it to that overrated game called Halo or even CoD4.
3. And Sony is going to win the war. They're just getting started. :P
Posted: Mar 16th 2008 6:39PM embassy said
what the hell are you talking about?
I'm not comparing the quality of the games. But it's prety much a fact that halo and COD are 2 of the biggest franchises with 2 of the most rabid, and loyal fanbases in the FPS market. And alot of those gamers are the target market for Haze. But both halo and COD dominate the online arena, so haze will have little to no long-term staying power or impact because it has to face off against one or both of those games in the market.
Why do you think Gamestop is doing the 1-week-tryout gag? cuz they're hoping COD4 players might be willing to take a break, rip through haze in a week and then head back to COD4 online.
Even Unreal tournament, one of the great classic MP games can't compete with COD4 at the moment. And im sure thats why its been pushed back on the 360. There's just no point to release an online FPS right now when you have both of those games simultaneously eating up XbL ,PSN and even the PC for COD.
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I'm not comparing the quality of the games. But it's prety much a fact that halo and COD are 2 of the biggest franchises with 2 of the most rabid, and loyal fanbases in the FPS market. And alot of those gamers are the target market for Haze. But both halo and COD dominate the online arena, so haze will have little to no long-term staying power or impact because it has to face off against one or both of those games in the market.
Why do you think Gamestop is doing the 1-week-tryout gag? cuz they're hoping COD4 players might be willing to take a break, rip through haze in a week and then head back to COD4 online.
Even Unreal tournament, one of the great classic MP games can't compete with COD4 at the moment. And im sure thats why its been pushed back on the 360. There's just no point to release an online FPS right now when you have both of those games simultaneously eating up XbL ,PSN and even the PC for COD.
Posted: Mar 16th 2008 11:00AM (Unverified) said
If this was announced as a 360 exclusive you would be swearing, "No it will never ever happen on the PS3." But you cna't stand it now. Haze never has a loading screen. Something they couldn't duplicate on the 360 even if they wanted to. But it is machts nichts anyway because it is an exclusive. Haze will fill the gap nicely right before MGS4.
Posted: Mar 31st 2008 2:35PM hvnlysoldr said
Oh magic 8 ball, how will Haze play?
...
Too hazy ask again later...
...
Too hazy ask again later...
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