“EA Redwood Shores”, the team behind last years survival horror powerhouse, “Dead Space” recently changed their name to “Visceral Games”, a title that portrays the underlying theme that runs through each of their games. With Dead Space, the team demonstrated that they had a knack for designing immersive, atmospheric environments that were coupled with great storytelling and complex game design elements. With one new IP under their belt and a sequel sure to follow, Visceral Games has been pushing their next project, Dante’s Inferno.
Prior to the release of Dead Space, preview footage inevitably led to accusations of EA Redwood making “Resident Evil in space”; a description that was seen in both a positive and negative light. Well, it seems that this worked out well for the team since the game was met with positive press across the board (I even gave it my “Game of the Year 2008″ award). Going forward, the team has stuck to the formula that made them a hit in the first place and taken a stab at developing their own iteration of another popular genre that became popular with Sony’s “God of War” franchise. The one mistake that everyone seems to be making is underestimating the game and referring to it as a rip-off of God of War. At E3, I had a chance to get a behind closed doors demonstration of the game in action. Take a look at the new gameplay trailer and tell me that the game doesn’t look solid:
Visceral has found some really interesting source material and supported it with some brutal combat, large scale encounters, and impressive visuals. What more could you want? Sure, it looks very similar to God of War but in all honestly, whats wrong with that? I waited in line for 2 hours at E3 to play God of War III and I was actually more impressed by the 10 minute demonstration of Dante’s Inferno. Of course, we will have to wait and see how the final package comes together but I have put my faith in Visceral Games and I expect great things.
P.S. – I hope they take a stab at pshychological horror next and make… i dont know… some kind of Silent Hill “rip-off”
-Nick
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I play god of war for its story. It has very mediocre gameplay and there is nothing new or innovative about it. I find myself slashing through enemies just to see the next mythological creature im going to fight or the next cutscene. The story in this game is going to have to be extremely solid or else I see this getting very average reviews. The setting is perfect, HELL, what more of a blank slate full of potential could you ask for.
I actually have to agree with you, Nick. Dante’s Inferno looks much more intriguing then God of War III. If the same efforts are being put into Dante’s Inferno as were put in Dead Space then there’s no reason this game won’t be fantastic. I’ll have to check it out when it’s released.
The monsters look epic, so that’s a plus. Personally, I would’ve preferred Visceral Games to stick with something that we know they’re good at, but expanding their genres is probably the best idea after their success with Dead Space.
IMO, Dead Space had a fairly solid story. Taking their story telling experience in the past, it’s a fair assumption that DI will probably be have a fairly good one.
I don’t know why but this game really intrigues me. Even more so after having done some research of the poem itself.
I’m really looking forward to how they make each circle of hell look different, especially after seeing what i assume was the “gluttony” circle in the previous trailer.
Plus he stabbed Minos in the eyes, ouchies