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Anachronox:
Platform: Win 95 / 98 Publisher: Eidos Developer: Ion Storm Projected Release Date: Q2 2000
Science-fiction is a theme that we rarely see in RPGs, as developers tend to favor the more traditional sword-swiping, spell casting, medieval fantasy approach to the genre. Moreover, much of the time when we're presented with something sci-fi it has a tendency to be of a post-apocalyptic nature. In an effort to fill this void, Ion Storm is working on Anachronox, which will be filled with Hollywood stylings to help make for a solid story to grab players' attention, while putting the Quake 2 engine to good use, powering the enormous worlds within the game.
Players will get to control Sly Boots and Stiletto Anyway who are trying to find a long-dead race who knew the secrets of the Mystech devices, which are highly advanced pieces of technology. Of course exploration is only the half of it, in most games there are antagonists out to cause trouble. Here it comes in the shape of a grumpy, mean-spirited force that's out to destroy the universe.
Looking at the images so far, it is really impressive what Ion Storm has been able to accomplish with the Quake 2 engine. The effects and lighting are beautiful, and the levels are wonderfully varied and breath-taking to behold. Seeing it in motion during its trailer, the animation is looking very smooth, and the use of the camera is great. With worlds ranging from Blade Runner-like dark megalopolises to ancient ruins, the amount of vistas to explore should eat up many a gamer's free time.
Of particular note is the battle system. Instead of being under a constant barrage of random encounters, reducing even the most patient of us to tears, Anachronox will have its battles set at specific points. When a battle does occur it will take place in a turn-based setting where players will even be able to interact with the field's environment. See a drawbridge that can be activated to give a character access to a better vantage point? Well go right on ahead and use the bridge. Also, weapons in the game will be modular, implementing what Ion Storm is calling the Elementor Weapons System. Here players will be able to acquire parts for a weapon and add them onto its base structure, thus improving it.
With its cinematic style of camera usage, and the sheer size the game is planned to be Anachronox is looking very promising. Throw in its strong sci-fi theme, and the game is shaping up to be something to keep an eye on.
Previewed by Kaspian May 10, 2000
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