Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Too Human soundtrack button mashes ears on CD, iTunes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/too-human-soundtrack-button-mashes-ears-on-cd-itunes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/too-human-soundtrack-button-mashes-ears-on-cd-itunes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/too-human-soundtrack-button-mashes-ears-on-cd-itunes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Too Human cleaved a line between those who appreciate the subtle nuances of button mashery and others who simply didn't get it. It's a gap, however, that may be bridged somewhat with the one element of the game that managed to garner significant praise. No, not the hoarding of random loot, but the music.

The hour-long Too Human soundtrack, scored by Silicon Knight's composer Steve Henifin and performed by the FILMharmonic Orchestra and Choir Prague, is now available for around $16 from Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes and the CD label Sumthing Distribution's own site. The soundtrack promises an interesting mix, from orchestra to metal, and even "cyber elements" that "are more elegant and organic in style." Whatever, as long as we won't again be forced to watch a Valkyrie descend for the hundredth time to carry Baldur (and our patience) off to Valhalla as the selection goes from track to track.

JoystiqToo Human soundtrack button mashes ears on CD, iTunes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>musicsilicon-knightssiliconknightssoundtracktoo-humantoohumanXbox-360Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IGN to Silicon Knights: Here's how to fix Too Human]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/ign-to-silicon-knights-heres-how-to-fix-too-human/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/ign-to-silicon-knights-heres-how-to-fix-too-human/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/ign-to-silicon-knights-heres-how-to-fix-too-human/#commentsFiled under: ,


With initial previews of Silicon Knights' Too Human painting the long-in-development action RPG as a few miles short of Valhalla, IGN has stepped up, offering the developer a handful of advice concerning items that site would like to see corrected before the game ships in August.

According to IGN, among the issues needing a little extra lovin' are the game's lock-happy camera, random loot drops, and "sluggish" framerate, as well as a general lack of combat hand-holding and backstory -- each of which the site is only too happy to offer up a helpful tip or two to correct. Of course, with Dyack and Co. set to take their seemingly flawed action romp on the road next month, we doubt that a few choice words from an outside source will help right a decade of stumbling.

JoystiqIGN to Silicon Knights: Here's how to fix Too Human originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>silicon-knightssiliconknightstoo-humantoohumanXbox-360Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human video serves up co-op 'serving']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/too-human-video-serves-up-co-op-serving/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/too-human-video-serves-up-co-op-serving/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/too-human-video-serves-up-co-op-serving/#commentsFiled under: ,


Serving, it's not just for restaurants any more. As Too Human's Denis Dyack describes it, 'serving' is a gameplay component of co-op found in Silicon Knights' nearly complete mythical opus, whereby one player knocks opponents skyward while the other makes with a mid-air smack down. Think of it as juggling -- with style.

It all looks interesting, though like so much of Too Human, we don't think it comes across quite as cool or inspired as it must look through Dyack's eyes. Feel free to check out the video below and let us know if you feel the same way, or if, like Dyack, you think that this makes Too Human feel "very different" from other action RPGs sitting on your shelf.

Continue reading Too Human video serves up co-op 'serving'

JoystiqToo Human video serves up co-op 'serving' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackdenisdyacksilicon-knightssiliconknightsXbox-360Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human 'just days away' from done]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/too-human-just-days-away-from-being-finished/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/too-human-just-days-away-from-being-finished/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/too-human-just-days-away-from-being-finished/#commentsFiled under: ,


Silicon Knight's controversy-fuelled Too Human is nearly finished, as company president Denis Dyack confirms on his IGN blog that the game "is likely just days away" from being completed. Writes Dyack, the team is currently working to squelch a pair of "rare crash bugs" before sending the long-in-development sci-fi Norse action game off for final approval.

The exec also notes that "there will be plenty of time for press to critique Too Human as they will receive evaluation copies well in advance of the release date." This means that when scores come rolling in this August they should not be based on rushed play throughs to meet unrealistic deadlines, at least that's the theory. We admit that part of us will miss the roller coaster ride that has been Too Human's road to retail, though we can't help but wonder what Dyack will be up to next.

JoystiqToo Human 'just days away' from done originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackdenisdyacksilicon-knightssiliconknightstoo-humantoohumanXbox-360Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyack may step down as head of Silicon Knights [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/dyack-may-step-down-as-head-of-silicon-knights/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/dyack-may-step-down-as-head-of-silicon-knights/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/dyack-may-step-down-as-head-of-silicon-knights/#commentsFiled under:


GameDaily has an interview with Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack where he talks about stepping down as head of the studio. He won't leave the company, but merely let someone else take over the business side while he focuses on creative. He admits it'll be a little "weird," but as the company continues to grow, he'd like to stay focused on making new IPs.

Dyack having a boss could be just what the company needs. Silicon Knights has notoriously slow development cycles and having an "evil" business director cracking the whip might help. We can only imagine what other projects the studio could have been working on had Too Human come out years ago as planned; instead of stumbling in this August.

Update: Dyack told GameSpot, "I was as surprised to see this as everyone else. I am not stepping down." The original quote Dyack gave to GameDaily: "So, in the end as the company grows, for my role I'll probably hire someone to be my boss and help run the company, which is kind of a weird thing, and I actually won't run the company while I continue to work at what is the company's bread and butter, which is original IPs with great stories and game concepts that are provocative to gamers."

JoystiqDyack may step down as head of Silicon Knights [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackdyacksilicon-knightssiliconknightstoo-humanWed, 14 May 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Hands-on with Too Human]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-hands-on-with-too-human/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-hands-on-with-too-human/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-hands-on-with-too-human/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


As I violently disassembled insectile robots into their constituent sparks and parts, someone asked me which game Too Human reminded me of. Without pause, I pointed towards Devil May Cry, Capcom's over-the-top display of acrobatic swordsmanship and stylish oneupmanship. It made perfect sense -- the dual pistols, the melee mashing, the juggling of enemies and the utter disregard for the forces of gravity made it a close match, with the exception of whimpering demons having been replaced by spidery robots.

I don't think the comparison is inaccurate given Too Human's wonderfully chaotic encounters, but I've since come up with one that more closely conveys my somewhat conflicted opinion. Too Human is very much like Mass Effect, and not just in terms of technology, grand science fiction settings and heroic bald men, but in how it presents a role-playing game within the shell of an action game.

Gallery: Too Human

Continue reading GDC08: Hands-on with Too Human

JoystiqGDC08: Hands-on with Too Human originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsDenis-DyackDenisDyackDevil-May-CryDevilMayCryGDCGDC08Silicon-KnightsSiliconKnightsToo-HumanTooHumanXbox-360Wed, 20 Feb 2008 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Canada funds new Silicon Knights, Digital Extremes projects]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/canada-funds-new-silicon-knights-digital-extremes-projects/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/canada-funds-new-silicon-knights-digital-extremes-projects/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/canada-funds-new-silicon-knights-digital-extremes-projects/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While Silicon Knights continues to divide its forces between the long-in-development Too Human and the legal mosh pit that is its relationship with Epic Games, the company has apparently marshaled enough energy to begin work on another game, as both it and fellow Canadian dev Digital Extremes have been given a combined $1 million in funding to begin work on a pair of development projects. The investment, awarded by the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), serves as part of the agency's Video Game Prototype Initiative, which looks to help companies create prototypes of video game concepts in order to attract potential publishers.

While Pariah dev Digital Extreme's game is described as a third-person "old school" horror game for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, Silicon Knights, which recently expanded its Canadian ops, is apparently using the funds for something a bit farther out, promising a third person action/psychological thriller for release sometime in 2010 for unspecified "next-generation systems" -- which by that time may actually be an accurate moniker.

JoystiqCanada funds new Silicon Knights, Digital Extremes projects originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-extremesdigitalextremespariahPCPS3silicon-knightssiliconknightstoo-humantoohumanXbox-360Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights expanding with Canadian business incentives]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/silicon-knights-expanding-with-canadian-business-incentives/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/silicon-knights-expanding-with-canadian-business-incentives/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/silicon-knights-expanding-with-canadian-business-incentives/#commentsFiled under: ,


Despite Silicon Knights being in the middle of a major lawsuit, the company still needs to make finish games and do business. The Too Human developer is planning to add 80 employees to its studio thanks in part to a Canadian initiative called the Niagara Interactive Media Generator (nGen), which seeks to "nurture a new generation of interactive entertainment companies."

The Welland Tribune reports nGen is a partnership that includes Brock University, Niagara College, regional and city governments, Niagara Economic Development Corp. and the Niagara Enterprise Agency. The Ministry of Culture will provide $245,000 to nGen's two-year $560,000 budget. Hopefully Silicon Knights will put those kids to work fast and finally get Too Human out the door sometime in '08.

[Via GameDaily]

JoystiqSilicon Knights expanding with Canadian business incentives originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaniagarasilicon-knightssiliconknightstoo-humantoohumanXbox-360Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human dev diary 2 discusses game theory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/too-human-dev-diary-2-discusses-game-theory/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/too-human-dev-diary-2-discusses-game-theory/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/too-human-dev-diary-2-discusses-game-theory/#commentsFiled under: ,

The folks at Silicon Knights have served up the second video in its series of Too Human developer diaries, this time focusing on the company's theory behind game design. The video actually brings in a pair of university professors to discuss the theory behind game design as it relates to film and psychology. Along with these well-versed experts, the Silicon Knights team elaborates on the immersive nature of good video games, noting that they can engage a player on a deeper level than cinema (take that, Ebert). The diary doesn't really go into exactly how Too Human will accomplish this, but asserts that the team is attempting to make the best game possible. As Director of Design Hentry Sterchi puts it, "if they pick up the controller and they're smiling, that's the goal." An admirable goal to be sure.

JoystiqToo Human dev diary 2 discusses game theory originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoft-game-studiossilicon-knightssiliconknightstoo-humantoo-human-diariesFri, 30 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic motion denied, Silicon Knights lawsuit goes forward]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/epic-motion-denied-silicon-knights-lawsuit-goes-forward/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/epic-motion-denied-silicon-knights-lawsuit-goes-forward/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/epic-motion-denied-silicon-knights-lawsuit-goes-forward/#commentsFiled under: ,


GameDaily BIZ reports that the lawsuits between Epic Games and Silicon Knights will be moving forward as planned, and Epic's motion to dismiss Silicon Knights' case has been denied. The brouhaha all began in July, when Silicon Knigts sued Epic on the grounds that Epic did not deliver final code for the Unreal Engine 3 -- on which Silicon Knights' Too Human is built -- on time. Epic followed with a counterclaim citing breach of contract (among other things) and also filed a motion to dismiss Silicon Knights' case altogether.

Now that the motion has been denied, both lawsuits will move forward. As one might expect, Epic's Mark Rein points out that the denial of the motion does not lend any merit to Silicon Knights' argument, and that such denials are common. Silicon Knights' lawyer, naturally, is "pleased that the court has recognized the merit" in their claims.

No date has been set for the trial.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqEpic motion denied, Silicon Knights lawsuit goes forward originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamessilicon-knightssiliconknightstoo-humanThu, 01 Nov 2007 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human impressions roll in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/too-human-impressions-roll-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/too-human-impressions-roll-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/too-human-impressions-roll-in/#commentsFiled under:

It seems like Silicon Knights is finally ready to throw back the curtain on Too Human, and impressions are coming in from all over the place. Right now, previews can be found on GameSpot, IGN, and 1UP. The long and short of it is that it looks like Too Human is on the right track. One thing worth noting, all the previews take great pains -- probably under the suggestion of Silicon Knights -- to explain that the game is not an all out action affair. It is, as we have noticed in the past, more akin to dungeon crawlers like Diablo. If you find yourself in the market for such a game, Too Human will likely do quite nicely. The previews note that there are a wide variety of items and equipment to be looted from enemies. The loot system is compared to that of World of Warcraft, with tons of customizable weapons and armor. Naturally, the most effective items are the hardest to find. In fact, certain items require that you find blueprints and pay an exorbitant price to have them crafted. The right-stick-controlled combat is described as working very well most of the time, but still in need of some fine tuning. Finally, it was revealed that Too Human is designed to be played through many times in order to max out your character's level. The level cap is set at 50, and Silicon Knights says that characters from the first installment of Too Human can be imported into the future sequels of the trilogy.

Overall, it's sounds like things are looking up for Too Human. Check out the various previews at the links below.

Read -- 1UP Too Human preview
Read -- IGN Too Human preview
Read -- GameSpot Too Human preview

JoystiqToo Human impressions roll in originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoft-game-studiossilicon-knightssiliconknightstoohumanWed, 17 Oct 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human trailer shows off actual gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/too-human-trailer-shows-off-actual-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/too-human-trailer-shows-off-actual-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/too-human-trailer-shows-off-actual-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: ,

Forget the tiny snippets of gameplay in the recent Too Human video diary, because we've got the real thing right here. Through some sort of wizardry (necromancy, we think) GameTrailers has procured a trailer for Too Human comprised entirely of gameplay footage. Isn't that something? Yeah, we thought so too. Throughout the video you get to see the cybernetic god Baldur doing what he does best, which is apparently killing robotic baddies of all stripes. For those of you out there that have been following the game, we hardly need to tell you that this is one of the very few looks we've had at the game proper. Having watched the video, we can't help but think of Diablo and its dungeon crawling sensibilities, which certainly isn't a bad thing. We're still not convinced about the right stick controlling attacks, but we're still eager to get our hands on a controller and try it out.

Watch the video and tell us what you think.

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqToo Human trailer shows off actual gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>silicon-knightssiliconknightstoo-humantoohumanTue, 09 Oct 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human surfaces, offers video diary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/too-human-surfaces-offers-video-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/too-human-surfaces-offers-video-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/too-human-surfaces-offers-video-diary/#commentsFiled under:

The first in a series of Two Human video diaries has hit the intertubes. Microsoft protests that the video is also available on Xbox Live Marketplace, but our attempts to locate it thus far have proven unsuccessful. The video features Silicon Knights employees describing Baldur, the game's protagonist, and some of the reasoning behind choosing one of the more obscure Norse gods as a main character. There's also a rather off topic bit about what the developers do to blow off steam. Honestly, we've never thought of starting a club for pitching pencils into ceiling tiles, but we're seriously considering it now. Oh, and if you wait until the very end, you might see a few snippets of gameplay that you haven't seen before. Click. Watch. Enjoy.

JoystiqToo Human surfaces, offers video diary originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoft-game-studiosmicrosoftgamestudiossilicon-knightssiliconknightstoo-humantoohumanFri, 05 Oct 2007 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Dennis Dyack wonders where Wii will be years from now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/dennis-dyack-wonders-where-wii-will-be-years-from-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/dennis-dyack-wonders-where-wii-will-be-years-from-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/dennis-dyack-wonders-where-wii-will-be-years-from-now/#commentsFiled under:

A lot of the industry folk are concerned with the longevity of the Wii, the latest of which is Silicon Knights' Dennis Dyack. He understands the console is popular right now, thinks it's hip, but wonders if the system can keep it up in the long run. Dyack seems to think the platform isn't capable of providing deep, rich experiences. We guess he didn't get to try Metroid Prime 3 yet.

But, even if the console only provides Wii Sports-like experiences, if it sells well, is that really a problem? We may not like it in quantity, as we're more than happy to sit down (or stand up, rather) every now and then and throw down in Wii Sports, but overall want more meaningful experiences from the system. But, if we're not happy and a billion grandparents are picking up the system for Wii Sports or other quick, mass-appeal titles, is that really a bad thing?

JoystiqDennis Dyack wonders where Wii will be years from now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dennis-dyackdennisdyackmetroid-prime-3metroidprime3silicon-knightssiliconknightswii-sportswiisportsThu, 27 Sep 2007 17:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human trilogy may conclude on next next-gen console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/too-human-trilogy-may-conclude-on-next-next-gen-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/too-human-trilogy-may-conclude-on-next-next-gen-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/too-human-trilogy-may-conclude-on-next-next-gen-console/#commentsFiled under: ,

too human 3Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack was just keeping it real when he confessed to IGN that the Too Human trilogy might drag on past the Xbox 360's life cycle. Ya think? The ongoing legal drama with Epic is just the latest hiccup in what's close to a decade-long project. (Silicon Knights began development in 1999 and first previewed Too Human, originally a 5-disc PlayStation game, at E3 in 2000.) But if Dyack's prediction comes true, if there is only one 'next next-gen' console, then at least future Too Human sequels will not be slowed by platform transitions.

Dyack's newest estimate for the release of the first game is now "early 2008," curtailing total development time to the 9-year mark and improving the forecast from last week's more broadly cited date of "2008." The first truly playable version of Too Human will apparently be shown to media outlets as early as October.

JoystiqToo Human trilogy may conclude on next next-gen console originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DenisDyacklgc07SiliconKnightsTooHumanXbox-360Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human release date and demo 'coming soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/20/too-human-release-date-and-demo-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/20/too-human-release-date-and-demo-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/20/too-human-release-date-and-demo-coming-soon/#commentsFiled under: ,

According to TooHuman.net, Silicon Knights founder Denis Dyack looked up from a huge mound of legal documents on Friday just long enough to leave a brief message on the site's forum regarding the release of Too Human. "It is always darkest before the dawn," said Dyack. "Too Human will be out in 2008. A firm date with tons of new info is coming soon." Given the many delays and uncertainties suffered by the sci-fi actioner since its unveiling, "soon" isn't a word we feel comfortable translating to any sort of time frame (we asked Microsoft to do it instead).

While we await further details, consider Dyack's next statement: "[The new info] will be followed up with a playable demo. The demo will speak for itself." Without stuttering, one would think.

[Update: Microsoft confirms a 2008 release date, but hasn't "made any announcements regarding a demo."]

JoystiqToo Human release date and demo 'coming soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DenisDyackSiliconKnightsTooHumanXbox-360Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights responds to Epic's counter-suit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/silicon-knights-responds-to-epics-counter-suit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/silicon-knights-responds-to-epics-counter-suit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/silicon-knights-responds-to-epics-counter-suit/#commentsFiled under:

The epic (we just had to) legal battle between Epic Games and Silicon Knights gets a new chapter today, with Silicon Knights responding to Mark Rein's comments and Epic's filing of a counter-suit. In a statement released by Silicon Knights' attorney, they "don't think Epic's counterclaim has any merit" and that the financial setbacks they've incurred are "millions of dollars more than what Epic claims its damages are in its counterclaim". Silicon Knights went on to calm the nervous jitters of Too Human fanboys saying that "the lawsuit itself will not have any effect on Too Human" and "that through our own sweat and toil, we have created a new and better game engine". Man, if this little legal tiff gets any juicier we just might be willing to purchase the lawsuit's courtroom video off the Marketplace.

JoystiqSilicon Knights responds to Epic's counter-suit originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepicgamessiliconknightsFri, 10 Aug 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights' lawyer responds to Epic countersuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/silicon-knights-lawyer-responds-to-epic-countersuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/silicon-knights-lawyer-responds-to-epic-countersuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/silicon-knights-lawyer-responds-to-epic-countersuit/#commentsFiled under:


GameDaily BIZ has been following the back and forth between Epic and Silicon Knights regarding their dueling lawsuits over the mess that is Too Human and the "inadequacies" of the Unreal Engine 3. Silicon Knights' lawyer has spoken out against Epic's claims that Silicon Nights stole their tech saying SK has now built a "better" engine. The nit-picky part becomes how much of that engine is based of the Unreal Engine 3 tech?

Silicon Knights' attorney, Christopher T. Holland, of a law firm with way too many names, says they'll stand their ground. He says the counterclaim has no merit. Epic is asking for $650,000 in their counterclaim while SK wants "millions of dollars more." Holland also points out that the suit will have no effect on Too Human and that the compensation they are seeking is "based on substantial delay and damages that Epic caused." He goes on to say that the game will come out in a "timely fashion." You know, ignoring the whole two year delay.

JoystiqSilicon Knights' lawyer responds to Epic countersuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epiclawsuitsiliconknightstoohumanue3unrealengine3Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic takes on Silicon Knights' lawsuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/epic-takes-on-silicon-knights-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/epic-takes-on-silicon-knights-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/epic-takes-on-silicon-knights-lawsuit/#commentsFiled under:

The metaphorical legal mud is flying today with Epic Games' Mark Rein commenting on and taking action against Silicon Knights and their lawsuit over the Unreal Engine 3.

This morning, Rein sent out a statement condemning the lawsuit Silicon Knights brought against Epic a few weeks back stating that they (Epic) "did nothing wrong" and that they are "committed to fully defending against Silicon Knights' unfounded allegations". Rein further expressed Epic's anger with the situation saying that "Silicon Knights wants to take Epic's Licensed Technology, pay nothing for it, and use it any way it pleases" and as a result are counter-suing Silicon Knights. Epic feels their counter-suit is justifiable and claim that Silicon Knights is accountable for breach of contract, copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets among other things and are looking for compensation no less that $650,000. Let's just say Rein and the Epic gang aren't going down without a fight and things are going to get a lot hotter before they cool down. Fight!

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqEpic takes on Silicon Knights' lawsuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepicgamesmarkreinsiliconknightsThu, 09 Aug 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Rein speaks on Silicon Knights v. Epic suit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/mark-rein-speaks-on-silicon-knights-v-epic-suit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/mark-rein-speaks-on-silicon-knights-v-epic-suit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/mark-rein-speaks-on-silicon-knights-v-epic-suit/#commentsFiled under: ,


Epic's Mark Rein is standing strong in the face of the Silicon Knights suit over the "inadequacies" of the Unreal Engine 3. In a statement sent out today he says they have "done nothing wrong" and that they are committed to fight against Silicon Knights' "unfounded allegations." Epic has now gone and filed a counterclaim in U.S. District Court saying that Silicon Knights "decided to misappropriate Epic's licensed technology" and that SK's lawsuit has no merit.

There have been some developers who spoke out regarding development issues with Epic's Unreal Engine 3. Sony even admitted their concerns by sending in their own engineers to get the UE3 working on their "timed exclusive" title Unreal Tournament 3 for PS3. Whatever the issue with the engine, the latest bit in this saga revolves around Silicon Knights allegedly co-opting the UE3 tech as their own. Epic says in their suit, "Indeed, the plain language of the Silicon Knights' Complaint makes clear that Silicon Knights wants to take Epic's Licensed Technology, pay nothing for it, and use it any way it pleases." Epic wants "compensatory and punitive damages, the destruction of infringing goods, including infringing computer code, and attorney's fees and costs." This is only going to get bigger before it gets better.

JoystiqMark Rein speaks on Silicon Knights v. Epic suit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsepiclawsuitsiliconknightsTooHumanUE3unrealengine3Xbox-360Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Developers talk about Unreal Engine 3 lawsuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/23/developers-talk-about-unreal-engine-3-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/23/developers-talk-about-unreal-engine-3-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/23/developers-talk-about-unreal-engine-3-lawsuit/#commentsFiled under: ,

Following the news of Silicon Knights suing Epic games for "inadequacies" with the Unreal Engine 3, ShackNews went ahead and talked to some developers about the issue. Of course, most of the people who spoke against the engine and its licensor Epic (Gears of War, Unreal Tournament 3) did it anonymously -- except for the Postal developers, 'cause they just treat the world with one giant middle finger up in the air, although they did it so softly here with a simple: "It just wasn't the best relationship for us [with Epic]."

The statements pretty much cover the spread from good to bad. The most interesting anonymous source talks about several studios who had various levels of experience with the UE3. The key thing is that the source doesn't believe the problems were "intentionally malicious," but a product of Epic being stretched thin because of their own product development. Interestingly, this is given even more credence by Sony swooping in and lending support to Epic in getting the UE3 working properly with PS3. The question is slowly turning into what did Epic deliver to these developers through their license? How much extra work did these developers have to put into the engine to get it functional? Obviously, Sony felt the need to help out. The Unreal Engine 3 tree is going to continue shaking and we're sure to see more stories fall out very soon. Hopefully, with developers who know what they're talking about and are willing to go on the record.

JoystiqDevelopers talk about Unreal Engine 3 lawsuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dyackepiclawsuitreinsiliconknightsTooHumanUE3unreal engine 3UnrealEngine3Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights gets sue happy with Epic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/silicon-knights-gets-sue-happy-with-epic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/silicon-knights-gets-sue-happy-with-epic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/silicon-knights-gets-sue-happy-with-epic/#commentsFiled under:

Too Human developer Silicon Knights is not happy with Epic Games or their Unreal Engine 3 and when they get angry, they like to sue. Silicon Knights recently filed a lawsuit in a North Carolina district court stating that Epic Games breached their contract by not supplying final engine code for the Xbox 360 and claims that Epic used licensee fees to promote its own games while sabotaging their licensee's projects. According to Silicon Knights, Epic was supposed to supply the final Xbox 360 code for the Unreal Engine 3 six months after the launch of the console (around March 2006), but failed to and only got the code to them in November 2006 with no guidance on how to implement the new code. Epic flat out denies such wrong doings and vows to fight the lawsuit. We ask, can't we all just get along?

[Via XboxNowOnline]

JoystiqSilicon Knights gets sue happy with Epic originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepicgamessiliconknightsFri, 20 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights sues Epic over Unreal Engine 3 'inadequacies' [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/19/silicon-knights-sues-epic-over-unreal-engine-3-inadequacies/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/19/silicon-knights-sues-epic-over-unreal-engine-3-inadequacies/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/19/silicon-knights-sues-epic-over-unreal-engine-3-inadequacies/#commentsFiled under: ,


The information is still coming in, but what we do know is that Silicon Knights, creator of the gratuitously delayed Too Human, is suing Epic Games, licensor of the Unreal Engine 3. Epic, who is best known for showing the power of the Unreal Engine 3 in their hit Gears of War, is being sued over "unspecified allegations" relating to the Unreal Engine 3. Mark Rein, VP of Epic says, "This morning we were served with a lawsuit by Silicon Knights. We believe the claims against us are unfounded and without merit and we intend to fully defend against them."

Currently the lawyers are ordering lockdown and Rein says he'll have no choice but to give a "no comment" for a while. Denis Dyack in a statement defends Silicon Knights' actions saying, "We stand behind everything in our complaint and believe it is highly unfortunate that Epic forced us into this situation ... Epic simply refuses to acknowledge the inadequacies of the Unreal Engine 3 code it provides to its licensees and refuses to accept the fact that its code has caused serious damage not only to Silicon Knights, but a number of other developers in the industry. We look forward to successful resolution of our claims in this court proceeding." This is going to get big and bad. At least this may shake out some of the issues other developers say they've been having with the UE3.

Update: More details from the lawsuit appended after the break.

Continue reading Silicon Knights sues Epic over Unreal Engine 3 'inadequacies' [Update]

JoystiqSilicon Knights sues Epic over Unreal Engine 3 'inadequacies' [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsepiclawsuitsiliconknightsTooHumanUE3Xbox-360Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Dennis Dyack talks Nintendo, E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/19/dennis-dyack-talks-nintendo-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/19/dennis-dyack-talks-nintendo-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/19/dennis-dyack-talks-nintendo-e3/#commentsFiled under:


If you're one of those folks who still finds themselves lost in a thick fog when thinking about the split between Silicon Knights and Nintendo, Dennis Dyack might be able to clear things up. In sitting down for a lengthy chat with NintendoWorldReport, the man explains why Silicon Knights split with Nintendo and touches upon the prospect of the two working together in the future.

Turns out, the way that Nintendo was planning on taking the company with the then upcoming Wii console didn't jive with Silicon Knights. They didn't like the fact that the Wii wouldn't be competitive, graphically, with the other consoles on the market. Silicon Knights wanted to make games with jaw-dropping graphics and high production values, but Nintendo's new approach wasn't helping with that. So, they turned to what they believe is the best hardware on the market, in Microsoft's Xbox 360 console.

The interview is a very good read, so be sure to head on over and check it out.

JoystiqDennis Dyack talks Nintendo, E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dennisdyackinterviewsiliconknightsThu, 19 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human update, new screen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/too-human-update-new-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/too-human-update-new-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/too-human-update-new-screen/#commentsFiled under: ,


Okay, first thing is first, the headline above is somewhat misleading. Indeed, there is a new entry on IGN's Too Human blog. This time, however, Dennis Dyack of Silicon Knights steps back to let a cognitive psychologist write the entry. No, seriously, the latest entry was written by a psychologist discussing the Interacting with Immersive Worlds forum, a gathering of game designers and scholars. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss game design and theory. Rather than discuss, say, Too Human, the blog uses the birth of chemistry as an allegory for the game industry. Again, we're not joking. It's an interesting read, sure, but a little Too Human talk wouldn't have hurt. Still, we do get a screenshot, which you can see above (see it in hi-res here). Hit the "read" link for the full article.

JoystiqToo Human update, new screen originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiossilicon knightsSiliconKnightstoo humanTooHumanThu, 14 Jun 2007 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human offers up a color lesson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/too-human-offers-up-a-color-lesson/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/too-human-offers-up-a-color-lesson/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/too-human-offers-up-a-color-lesson/#commentsFiled under: ,

Over on Silicon Knights' IGN space, Too Human's art director Carman Dix posted an interesting article on how color is used in their upcoming game. Dix talks about the role of color, what feelings are associated with each hue and how Too Human's environments are colored to invoke the mood they wish. It's an interesting read for those of us who like getting inside the heads of the people who are involved in game development.

So now that you're in the "know", you can analyze a few Too Human videos to see what emotions Silicon Knights was going for. Hint: Becoming hungry is not an option.

JoystiqToo Human offers up a color lesson originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colorsilicon knightsSiliconKnightstoo humanTooHumanMon, 04 Jun 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dennis Dyack says nay to the enthusiast press, again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/dennis-dyack-says-nay-to-the-enthusiast-press-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/dennis-dyack-says-nay-to-the-enthusiast-press-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/dennis-dyack-says-nay-to-the-enthusiast-press-again/#commentsFiled under: ,

In a perfect world the press would not see a game until it was finished. Developers would have all the time in the world to enrich a product with both labor and love "until it's done." We would critique games as a legitimate form of media and wear leather clothes that will last the rest of our lives.

Dennis Dyack wants a perfect world.

The president of Silicon Knights was certainly better composed in his lengthy interview with Gamasutra compared to his now infamous appearance on the EGM Live podcast (3/12/07). His idea is this: we, the press, should not be allowed to see titles before their completed state as to foster a critical approach to games. Furthermore, said games should not be promoted until they are completed.

The idea being that if we're ever to take this absurd past time of fiddling with joysticks and turn it into a legitimate medium, we need to become more like Roger Ebert (who hates video games) and less like Tony Stark and Miss Cleo. There are a few road blocks on the way to utopia as most publishers would balk at the idea of sitting on titles and not letting the press do their marketing for them. And you? The readers? We reward you for not using your noodle and jumping straight to a score that (supposedly) proves superiority over other titles.

Some day, Mr. Dyack. Some day we may live in a perfect world. But until then it's nothing but good ol' fashioned compromise and crotch sniffing for us!

JoystiqDennis Dyack says nay to the enthusiast press, again originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dennisdyacksiliconknightstoohumanXbox-360Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human blowout continues, new video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/too-human-blowout-continues-new-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/too-human-blowout-continues-new-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/18/too-human-blowout-continues-new-video/#commentsFiled under: ,


IGN's massive Too Human blowout continues with an interview with the developers at Silicon Knights. In case you haven't been keeping up, IGN has already featured a new video, a retrospective, and a 5 page hands on preview. The most recent interview goes behind the scenes to learn what tweaks have been made to the game over its (very) long development cycle. The team discusses concerns that the game will be considered a Devil May Cry or God of War clone and what ultimately separates Too Human. Also discussed is the game's detailed combat system, the RPG elements, and the battle cries and Ruiners, which act as special class-based abilities. For example, you might heal your allies or summon a spirit to help you fight. Finally, the team discusses the item drop system and the game's hub world. Anyone familiar with Diablo and other dungeon crawlers will likely feel right at home (right down to 4-player online co-op). Hit the "read" link for the full interview. Be sure to check out the new video above before you go.

JoystiqToo Human blowout continues, new video originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>silicon knightsSiliconKnightstoo humanTooHumanWed, 18 Apr 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyack breaks Too Human silence, talks four player co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/dyack-breaks-too-human-silence-talks-four-player-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/dyack-breaks-too-human-silence-talks-four-player-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/dyack-breaks-too-human-silence-talks-four-player-co-op/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you're Denis Dyack and the crew over at Silicon Knights you've had a rough time since last year's E3. The company unleashed on the gaming press and attendees the stunningly awful demo for Too Human, which ran like a stuttering flip book and played like a poor man's God of War -- like cat food is all you've got left to eat poor. Dennis Dyack is now breaking the silence by plopping a big ol' exclusive over at IGN and saying Too Human is too different now. He just wants people to M.I.B. flashy-thingy last year's demo from their memory. The big shiny reveal for this too new Too Human is the very ambitious four-player cooperative mode that can be played over Xbox Live.

Dyack says, "With Too Human, we're trying to seamlessly integrate multiplayer with the single-player. If you're really going to do that, you should be able to jump in any time, anywhere and go on a 15-minute mission with friends or play five or six hours straight if you want to. In order to do that, the world has to be pretty open and hub-based so you can jump anywhere and come back very much like Diablo."

The cooperative mode will have players utilizing different character classes in a team structure. There are five initial classes to choose from and more will be available through downloadable content -- the talk of downloadable content in the piece smacks of trying to regain lost development revenue, otherwise why not just put it in the game upfront? Dyack says the single-player campaign is balanced differently from cooperative to keep players on an even playing field.

IGN talks about the game a bit saying, "It's functional, it's fun, but so far it lacks the graphic umph that we would like to see accompany the combat scenes, especially since they play such an integral role to the game ... the fluidity, which drops below 30 frames per second, should be locked." Dyack says they haven't optimized the frame rate yet (video after break) and that they're going "to hit a solid 30 frames per second." We hope so ... we really hope so. Last year's lashing will be nothing compared to what Silicon Nights will experience after an extra year of development and delivering another Too Human flip book simulator.

See also: Too Human's Dennis Dyack pokes fun at Penny Arcade

Continue reading Dyack breaks Too Human silence, talks four player co-op

JoystiqDyack breaks Too Human silence, talks four player co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DenisDyackIGNSiliconKnightsTooHumanXbox-360Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Too Human lives!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/15/video-too-human-lives/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/15/video-too-human-lives/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/15/video-too-human-lives/#commentsFiled under: ,


Flying well below the watchful gaze of the internet for several months now, Too Human has risen once again. IGN has a massive video preview for the game, showing off many new and undiscussed elements. In particular, the preview goes into great detail concerning the RPG elements of Too Human. Dennis Dyack and the crew from Silicon Knights reveal details on the online co-op mode as well as the deep character customization system, which includes more than 20 customizable sets of armor (with more planned as DLC). In this sense, Too Human has a Diablo-like feeling to it, which certainly isn't a bad thing. Also discussed are the combat systerm (where melee attacks are based on right stick movements) and the dynamic camera system. Viewers will also get some insight on the Norse mythology on which the game is based. All in all, the preview is about nine minutes long. Give it a watch and tell us what you think.

[Thanks, kabes]

JoystiqVideo: Too Human lives! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>silicon knightsSiliconKnightstoo humanTooHumanSun, 15 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human's Denis Dyack pokes fun at Penny Arcade game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/too-humans-denis-dyack-pokes-fun-at-penny-arcade-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/too-humans-denis-dyack-pokes-fun-at-penny-arcade-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/too-humans-denis-dyack-pokes-fun-at-penny-arcade-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ever since Too Human got savaged by the press for sporting a decidedly wonky framerate at E3 2006, Silicon Knights frontman, Denis Dyack, has been somewhat frigid towards the issue of unfinished games and the media's ability to influence opinion based on early code. Not too long ago, the first part in the sci-fi action trilogy emerged from a "very cold place," hoping to set things back on track and get people to focus on all the good things that were, perhaps unfairly, overlooked in favor of counting the number of frames per second. The Penny Arcade duo has discussed (some would say dissed) the game several times in the past, most recently posting a comic literally illustrating the dangers of revealing premature products.

Dyack has continued the trend by posting his own modified Penny Arcade strip on his IGN blog, taking a jab at the generally unfavorable reaction to Gabe and Tycho's upcoming foray into interactivity. With the greener shoe now on the other end of the turning tables (or something along those lines), it becomes clear that presenting your unfinished game to the public is a tricky business indeed. Perhaps that's too serious a tone to end on considering Dyack's amusing contribution, but it's an interesting dilemma nonetheless.

How do you convey the big picture in a cursory glance? When do you show too much and when do you show too little?

[Thanks, Adam]

JoystiqToo Human's Denis Dyack pokes fun at Penny Arcade game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Denis DyackDenisDyackGabePenny ArcadePennyArcadeSilicon KnightsSiliconKnightsToo HumanTooHumanTychoXbox-360Fri, 23 Mar 2007 19:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human pre-preview impressions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/too-human-pre-preview-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/too-human-pre-preview-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/too-human-pre-preview-impressions/#commentsFiled under: ,


Matt over at IGN got his hands on a new Too Human demo up in Canada the other day and came away feeling pretty good. If you remember, Too Human was shown at E3 last year and was ripped apart due to its lack of solid gameplay, loose camera, and sub-par graphics. Matt just wanted to let everyone know that Silicon Knights wasn't happy with last year's showing and reworked a lot of the problems and are coming out with something they are proud of. Overall things are looking on the up and up for Too Human as Matt goes on to say that "the game has inevitably evolved, and it's on the level you'd expect from the maker of Eternal Darkness". Also, be sure to head on over to IGN next month when they'll be releasing a bunch of exclusive Too Human content and coverage. What do you think ... will it be good or will it be great?

[Thanks, Matthew M.]

JoystiqToo Human pre-preview impressions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>previewSilicon KnightsSiliconKnightstoo humanTooHumanFri, 23 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human still 2007, Dennis Dyack rants]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/too-human-still-2007-dennis-dyack-rants/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/too-human-still-2007-dennis-dyack-rants/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/too-human-still-2007-dennis-dyack-rants/#commentsFiled under:


Silicon Knights head, Denis Dyack, has been all over the intertubes lately. First he appeared on the Electronic Gaming Monthly podcast proclaiming that video game previews of unfinished products should be abolished altogether. No doubt Dyack is still stinging from Too Human's unfortunate performance at last year's E3. Then Dyack popped up on NeoGAF to say his piece about a supposed delay in Too Human's production schedule. Finally, 1UP reports that Dyack made comments on the IGN forums alluding to an eventual 2007 release for the game.

Frankly, with so many releases already arriving by the end of 2007 -- Halo 3, Lost Odyssey, and Grand Theft Auto IV just to name a few -- we wouldn't mind too much if Too Human slipped into 2008. Then again, we're not exactly going to complain if it doesn't. Is anyone out there still salivating for Too Human or has it been overshadowed by the rest of 2007's impending releases?

JoystiqToo Human still 2007, Dennis Dyack rants originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dennis dyackDennisDyacksilicon knightsSiliconKnightstoo humanTooHumanWed, 14 Mar 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human peeks out, reemerges soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/too-human-peeks-out-reemerges-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/too-human-peeks-out-reemerges-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/too-human-peeks-out-reemerges-soon/#commentsFiled under: ,


On his latest developer blog, Silicon Knights' Denis Dyack explains just what happened to Too Human, an action title about cybernetic gods. Savvy readers will know that Too Human dropped from the public radar after a highly criticized showing at E3 2006. Many publications were quick to point out the E3 demo's low framerate and less than perfect camera. All in all, Silicon Knights took quite a beating for an unfinished demo of an unfinished game. In his latest entry, Dyack explains the reasons they took an unfinished demo to E3 and the reasons for Too Human's subsequent disappearance. Dyack explains that Too Human had to "go dark" after E3 in order to make the necessary improvements (many of them made as the result of E3 feedback). He promises that all of the E3 problems have been fixed and that "sweeping improvements" have been made all around. He concludes by offering a single screenshot of the current build and letting us know that Too Human should re-emerge "soon."

Hopefully, "soon" means that the game will make an appearance at GDC before its expected June release date.

JoystiqToo Human peeks out, reemerges soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis dyackDenisDyacksilicon knightsSiliconKnightstoo humanTooHumanThu, 25 Jan 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Eternal Darkness to see light on next-gen systems?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/05/eternal-darkness-to-see-light-on-next-gen-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/05/eternal-darkness-to-see-light-on-next-gen-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/05/eternal-darkness-to-see-light-on-next-gen-systems/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're one of twenty people who owned the little lunchbox known as the Gamecube, you probably at least heard of Eternal Darkness -- a type of horror game that used some fairly unconventional methods to creep you out (although some of it was seen in the battle against Psycho Mantis in the first Metal Gear Solid). In his blog, Silicon Knights' own Denis Dyack has let loose that the idea for a sequel taking place in the same universe as the first Eternal Darkness is more than just a thought: it's a plan.

See, they make their games the same way I try to write my own stories: they envision a universe and create a history -- what may be the "final boss" or the evil our heroes must face are only a small pawn in a much larger game. Hmm... how can I make this more clear? I guess we all know who Sephiroth is, if not, he was the bad guy in Final Fantasy VII. I don't care what you think of the game, that's not the point. The point is that if Sephiroth turned out to be a puppet manufactured by an ancient civilization who happen to be immortal zombie vampire pirates from the moon, that's the idea behind Eternal Darkness. The first game was just one battle against one enemy. So sequels are practically a given with such a large universe to explore. Does that make sense? Anyway, we'll keep tabs on this development and hope it goes to more places than just the Wii-cube. I know it's not actually a cube, give me a break!

JoystiqEternal Darkness to see light on next-gen systems? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Dec 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Eternal DarknessEternalDarknessPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3Silicon KnightsSiliconKnightsSonyTue, 05 Dec 2006 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Moore: Too Human, Crackdown, Forza 2, Shadowrun by end of June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/moore-too-human-crackdown-forza-2-shadowrun-by-end-of-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/moore-too-human-crackdown-forza-2-shadowrun-by-end-of-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/moore-too-human-crackdown-forza-2-shadowrun-by-end-of-june/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

promises, promisesSpeaking with MTV's Stephen Totilo, Peter Moore promised that Crackdown, Forza Motorsport 2, Shadowrun, and Too Human would all see release by the end of June 2007. While Shadowrun's debut has always hinged on the availability of Windows Vista (FASA's game is cross-platform), the other three titles were once expected to round out Xbox 360's exclusive holiday lineup this year. As it goes, Gears of War and Viva Piñata will have to convince shoppers to pass on PlayStation 3 and Wii -- or shortages will.

Still, with PS3 likely in short supply early next year, Microsoft has an opportunity to attract potential consumers with well-timed releases throughout the tail end of winter, leading into summer. But don't be surprised if a few of these exclusives continue to slip, landing alongside Master Chief in next year's holiday release batch.

JoystiqMoore: Too Human, Crackdown, Forza 2, Shadowrun by end of June originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-SandboxCrackdownFASA StudioFasaStudioForzaMotorsport2MicrosoftPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3Real Time WorldsRealtime-WorldsRealTimeWorldsRiot-ActShadowrunSilicon KnightsSiliconKnightsToo HumanTooHumanXbox-360Fri, 10 Nov 2006 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights debunks Too Human rumor, still using Unreal Engine 3, duh]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/microsoft-debunks-too-human-rumor-silicon-knights-still-using-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/microsoft-debunks-too-human-rumor-silicon-knights-still-using-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/microsoft-debunks-too-human-rumor-silicon-knights-still-using-u/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Too HumanDenis Dyack, president of Silicon Knights, has debunked a rumor that his studio has given up on Unreal Engine 3 in favor of a homegrown engine for Too Human, writing in a statement released by Microsoft, "Silicon Knights continues to build Too Human using the Unreal Engine 3 ... Rumors of Too Human experiencing production challenges that will cause massive delays are false."

Curiously, just yesterday, Microsoft issued its standard response to the rumor: "Microsoft does not comment on rumors and speculation." It's unclear why Dyack and Microsoft have decided it was necessary to address this rumor, as there was little evidence to validate it in the first place. Too Human is tentatively scheduled for a Q2 2007 release on Xbox 360.

JoystiqSilicon Knights debunks Too Human rumor, still using Unreal Engine 3, duh originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpicSilicon KnightsSiliconKnightsToo HumanTooHumanUnreal Engine 3UnrealEngine3Xbox-360Tue, 15 Aug 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Eternal Darkness 2? "Absolutely yes."]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/09/eternal-darkness-2-absolutely-yes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/09/eternal-darkness-2-absolutely-yes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/09/eternal-darkness-2-absolutely-yes/#commentsFiled under:


On his IGN blog, Dennis Dyack -- the man behind the upcoming Too Human trilogy -- reveals that Silicon Knights has plans for sequels to Eternal Darkness:

"I am most often asked if we have sequels in mind for Eternal Darkness. The answer is absolutely yes. Although this may not be obvious to those outside of Silicon Knights, anyone inside the guild understands that there is really no other answer."

For those who may be unfamiliar with Eternal Darkness, it's still one of the best games available for Nintendo's Gamecube. A survival horror title in the vein of H.P. Lovecraft, the game provides plenty of psychological scares and an involving story. One of Eternal Darkness' most interesting features is the "insanity meter." The more monsters players see, the crazier the character gets, and will eventually start hallucinating. The great thing about these illusions is that they would often break the fourth wall. For instance, you might enter a room filled with zombies when the game would give you a fake "please reconnect your controller" message. Good stuff.

Considering Silicon Knights' lucrative trilogy deal with Too Human, we can only hope that any Eternal Darkness sequels will hit the 360 as well.

[Via GameDaily]

JoystiqEternal Darkness 2? "Absolutely yes." originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Jul 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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At the Microsoft reception today after their event, the press was given an opportunity to get their hands on some Xbox 360 titles before the show floor opens up. I managed to score some hands-on time with Silicon Knights' Too Human, and so far it looks pretty good.

Continue reading First impression: Too Human for Xbox 360

JoystiqFirst impression: Too Human for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 May 2006 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3E32006Hands-onSilicon KnightsSiliconKnightsToo HumanTooHumanXboxXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Tue, 09 May 2006 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vidcam-capture of Too Human gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/03/vidcam-capture-of-too-human-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/03/vidcam-capture-of-too-human-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/03/vidcam-capture-of-too-human-gameplay/#commentsFiled under:


Following their interview with two members of the Too Human development team, Bytesector returns with some camcorder footage of actual Too Human gameplay! We'll be seeing plenty more of this next week at E3, but if you've been waiting to see how Silicon Knights' much-anticipated action game plays, then you'll be pleased to know: it looks action-packed!

As was written in EGM this month, there appears to be a plethora of maneuvers to keep the action exciting and the repetition to a minimum. Most interesting is probably the camera. Much of the demo appears to be a user-controller camera, but there are scenes where the camera automatically selects a dramatic angle for the action. This technique was used to great effect in last year's God of War, and looks to be similarly effective in this short bit.

Microsoft's Gamerscore Blog has also put up some screens of Too Human on their Flickr page.

[Thanks, Asim]

(Before this post was even done, the video has been removed. It's only a matter of time before someone gets this up at YoutTube, or the like, and we'll update the post then. Sorry!)

(Update: Big ups to bv for tracking it down at the shiny new GameVideos site.)

JoystiqVidcam-capture of Too Human gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 May 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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