The Conduit guy: Wii is "worth better games than it's getting" + GAF hands-on

[Chris Remo]

I couldn't find a Conduit preview thread, and I couldn't find the search option (?), so here you go.

I interviewed High Voltage's creative director, and he said some stuff similar to what the team has said before regarding trying to fill a niche on the system that's largely untouched.

"It seems that no developer was really pushing the system, and we wanted to really take advantage of the hardware and show that the Wii is capable of doing much more than what people were actually doing on it. The Wii is a really cool game system. It's worth better games than it's getting right now. There are some great games out there for the system, but it just seems like there's such an opportunity to do so much more with it. Considering it's such a popular system right now, it just doesn't make sense to not focus on making really quality games. The system can actually display some really quality visuals, and right now the bar has been so low that it was easy to exceed that bar at first - and now we feel we're just going way beyond that point."

There's a bit more at http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=19439

But also, our site doesn't really do previews, so I'll give my impressions to GAF instead.


The Conduit feels really good to play. The team employed a really interesting (maybe controversial in a minor way) decision to heavily limit the Y-axis aiming--so you can't look straight up, for example. This does mean the gameplay won't be particularly vertical--Corso noted that level design is of course affected by that choice--but it makes you feel hugely more stable and in control. [EDIT: Just to clarify this, you can aim as far as you want up on the screen, but you can't move the entire camera up very far.]

Basically, you never get that thing that I even got in Metroid Prime 3, which I did really love as a game, where your cursor goes gets sort of "stuck" at the edge of the screen and you start spinning around. The Conduit's controls are very tuned to the point where the game does a lot of work smoothing out your aiming and keeping everything even.

There's a nice array of weapons, including pistols, zoomable rifles, a gun that shoots what is essentially a bolas made out of energy, and a thing that acts like the Half-Life 2 rocket launcher that you can guide after firing with the cursor.

Design-wise, I would say the biggest thing to improve at this point would be creating a little more visual guidance through levels--I had a few times where I'd kill all the enemies in an area, then not be sure where to go next, until I finally noticed a hole, or an open door, or something. Some of the city environments have sort of a Half-Life 2 vibe--so if the developers take any further influence from that series, that would be a good place to do it.

It looks quite nice--obviously you aren't going to be mistaking it for a 360 or PS3 game, but is genuinely good-looking. I fought a pretty large normal-mapped multi-legged boss that was pretty unusual for the system, and there were no framerate drops I saw there either. I also didn't notice any loading throughout the whole level I played, which is nice.

Apparently the game is largely content-complete, but there are about nine months left of development, and the team will be doing optimization passes among other things. I don't know if it's going to blow the doors down in terms of revolutionary FPS game design (it still has that kind of "find an area that happens to be populated with a bunch of aliens, kill them, move on" thing going, but so do a lot of other games), but as far as taking advantage of the Wii graphically and control-wise I'm pretty sold.

It was a lot of fun just using the controls--and, thankfully, unlike most console shooters regardless of system, you can remap every single button. (Why doesn't every game do this? Come on now.) I didn't get a chance to look at the options for tweaking the remote dead zone and all that, but I was promised that's pretty extensive as well.

Anyway, looking forward to it, we'll see how the whole thing shapes out.


EDIT: I forgot to mention the locking on. The lock on is sort of like Prime 3's expert mode, where the camera locks to the enemy but the reticule doesn't, except it's even softer--so the camera isn't hard-locked either, it just sort of roughly focuses on the enemy. It works really well, and makes locking just feel like a slightly more focused version of regular aiming, rather than a separate "mode."

[xabre]

If Nintendo couldn't be bothered setting an example of that with shovelware like Wii Music, then why should 3rd party developers?

[methodman]

Great impressions.

Did you get to try any of the multiplayer modes, and how did you feel about the Y-axis being so limited?

[Leondexter]

Thanks for the impressions. I'm a bit disappointed by the "can't look straight up" but--there's no reason for that, really--but I'm still excited by this game. The FPS genre should be flourishing on Wii, but it isn't. I'm really grateful to these guys for seeing that and doing something about it.

[Chris Remo]

Great impressions. Did you get to try any of the multiplayer modes, and how did you feel about the Y-axis being so limited?

Nope, they didn't have multi at the show as far as I know. They said they have it up and running, but it sounds like a lot of firm decisions (how many players etc.) haven't been nailed down yet.

I really like how they did the Y-axis. It felt weird at first (when I would try to look sharply up), but it makes so much sense in terms of providing control stability that it's definitely worth the tradeoff.

[KHarvey16]

I'm a bit disappointed by the "can't look straight up"

Serious question...why?

[Mithos Yggdrasill]

If Nintendo couldn't be bothered setting an example of that with shovelware like Wii Music, then why should 3rd party developers?

So true.

[Insaniac]

i'm looking forward to getting this, just for the gunning down of aliens on the Wii

[SovanJedi]

Good impressions Chris Remo. The Y-axis thing sounds weird though. What happens when you come across what I assume will be the inevitable swarm of overhead-flying monsters?

In general I feel this game will be a solid-if-not-spectacular kind of game. Perfectly playable and enjoyable on the whole, but outside of the graphics it's not going to push any boundaries.

[Jon of the Wired]

I really wish this game would use Wii Speak, but knowing Nintendo, yesterday was probably the first time 3rd parties had ever heard of the damn thing.

[witness]

Nice, thanks for the info. Again, at least these 3rd parties are looking out for us.

[Chris Remo]

Good impressions Chris Remo. The Y-axis thing sounds weird though. What happens when you come across what I assume will be the inevitable swarm of overhead-flying monsters? In general I feel this game will be a solid-if-not-spectacular kind of game. Perfectly playable and enjoyable on the whole, but outside of the graphics it's not going to push any boundaries.

I did come across flying enemies. Honestly I wasn't really thinking about it at the time, so I don't remember exactly how it worked, but it wasn't a problem. It's not like your vertical field of view is really limited or anything, you just can't move the camera up very far. You can still aim up at the top of screen of course.

[devildog820]

Of course it's more powerful. The publishers don't want to push the system because they can spend no money and make tons. This, instead of spending tons and making a bit more than tons.

Blame hardcore Nintendo fans for only buying Nintendo (lol). Really blame publishers for "fighting the last war" with regards to consoles. The Gamecube wasn't anything special and was inferior in some ways to other consoles. So users bought multiplatform titles on other systems. Publishers now think that less storage space from last generation (GCN disc) equals no-HD visuals (Wii) and that users will spend accordingly. They are wrong and hopefully Conduit will prove them so. Conduit will have to be really fun for users to buy it and not just a semi-HD shooter.

Oh, and the search is disabled to save on database load.

[Arde5643]

Very, very nice - this sounds even better and better now.

Thanks, Chris.

[schuelma]

Well, I'm happy to hear High Voltage apparently isn't all talk. Curious who will publish.

[Jaded Alyx]

Wasn't it similar in Prime 3? Could you look straight up in that game? I can't remember.

[Scrubking]

YESSSS!!!!!

Thanks for the Impressions. This game is going to be so AWESOME!

Wasn't it similar in Prime 3? Could you look straight up in that game?

Yes. No.

[Haunted]

Good job about the impressions, Chris.

I definitely want to check it out for myself now.

[drohne]

no, i figure wii and its games deserve each other

[Chris Remo]

Well, I'm happy to hear High Voltage apparently isn't all talk. Curious who will publish.

They said they've talked to a number of interested parties and from what they tell me, they aren't really too concerned about it; they're just waiting until they have the right deal.

[SovanJedi]

I did come across flying enemies. Honestly I wasn't really thinking about it at the time, so I don't remember exactly how it worked, but it wasn't a problem. It's not like your vertical field of view is really limited or anything, you just can't move the camera up very far. You can still aim up at the top of screen of course.

Ohhhhhhhh, now I getchya. That makes lots of sense now actually. Sounds good.

[Mistouze]

Oh you work at gamasutra! I thought you were a good poster, now you are an AWESOME poster to me

Good to hear that the game holds up gameplay wise because with all the attention drawn to it, it better be no les than great. I hope they can achieve that in the 9 month they have left!

Btw, they already have an editor?

[J-Rock]

The Soft lock-on option also shows the enemies distance and remaining health on screen.

Thanks for the info! Looking forward to this one.

[thefro]

Gametrailers is slowly posting a developer walkthrough of the demo, part 1 was yesterday (posted in another thread) and part 2 is up today.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/36424.html
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/36548.html

[Baiano19]

Search is disabled during E3.

Anyway the last bach of pics were much better than I expected... it could be great.

[markatisu]

Great impressions, and I agree about looking up not being a big deal

[DeaconKnowledge]

I'm more excited to hear this than I was at seeing any of the screens. Thanks Chris.

[schuelma]

They said they've talked to a number of interested parties and from what they tell me, they aren't really too concerned about it; they're just waiting until they have the right deal.

Yeah, I can't see much downside to a publisher since from what I've read HV is completely funding the project. I guess I'm just more curious what publisher wins out- I'm assuming HV will hold out for someone who is willing to at least advertise a bit.

[bdouble]

I'm really loving their attitude. They have pretty good PR statements and a real sense of direction I think. Game looks solid in motion and really can't wait to play it.

Design-wise, I would say the biggest thing to improve at this point would be creating a little more visual guidance through levels--

Kinda figured that would happen. Definitely not expecting a Valve quality level design out of this one.

[Zoramon089]

If Nintendo couldn't be bothered setting an example of that with shovelware like Wii Music, then why should 3rd party developers?

Lol, yes, let's COMPLETELY ignore the tons of other quality software released by Nintendo for the Wii. This E3 press conference bitterness is starting to make people completely forget that we still have hardcore games ANNOUNCED and SHOWN by Nintendo and 3rd parties coming out throughout the year.

Horrible, horrible statement. To date, Nintendo has made games in a number of different genre's FPS, platformer, adventure, racing. They're practically giving 3rd parties good ideas and ways to implement the controller but few are taking advantage

[later]

Gametrailers is slowly posting a developer walkthrough of the demo, part 1 was yesterday (posted in another thread) and part 2 is up today. http://www.gametrailers.com/player/36424.html http://www.gametrailers.com/player/36548.html

Fire effects/explosions don't look too hot. The fire effects take up too much of the screen.. Environments neither.

[Vinci]

If Nintendo couldn't be bothered setting an example of that with shovelware like Wii Music, then why should 3rd party developers?

Um ... they have. For two years. Are 3rd parties all that daft?

[agrajag]

GAF owned by The Conduit?

[Dascu]

This game looks and sounds better than I had expected. Good job, High Voltage.

[Chris Remo]

Oh you work at gamasutra! I thought you were a good poster, now you are an AWESOME poster to me Good to hear that the game holds up gameplay wise because with all the attention drawn to it, it better be no les than great. I hope they can achieve that in the 9 month they have left! Btw, they already have an editor?

Thanks!

And I'm not sure what you're asking regarding an editor.

[markatisu]

Thanks! And I'm not sure what you're asking regarding an editor.

I think he means publisher

[Jokeropia]

Good read, thanks.

If Nintendo couldn't be bothered setting an example of that with shovelware like Wii Music, then why should 3rd party developers?

So true.

Right, because Wii Music is the only Nintendo-developed game on Wii.

Jesus you people are dense.

[chuckddd]

Thanks for the impressions. Hopefully they'll work on some of the game's shortcomings before they find a publisher. I think every wii owner on gaf has this game on their radar.

On an unrelated note. What's up with the played podcast? You guys are about as regular as my 95 year old great grandfather.

[-WindYoshi-]

no, i figure wii and its games deserve each other

THIS.

IS.

ATTENTION!!!!!




Happy now?

[Chris Remo]

Thanks for the impressions. Hopefully they'll work on some of the game's shortcomings before they find a publisher. I think every wii owner on gaf has this game on their radar. On an unrelated note. What's up with the played podcast? You guys are about as regular as my 95 year old great grandfather.

Yeah, we were starting to get on a regular biweekly schedule there, then a bunch of work-related stuff happened. I'm really hoping we can actually get back on a real weekly or biweekly schedule after this current rush passes.

[VAIL]

Fire effects/explosions don't look too hot. The fire effects take up too much of the screen.. Environments neither.

Didn't troll it enough in the other thread did ya?

[later]

Didn't troll it enough in the other thread did ya?

I'm just saying what I'm seeing..

[Formless]

Sounds nice, I can't help but worry that the campaign is short and shallow, but a lot about this game has been unpredictable.

[stuminus3]

I'm hoping for a Halo, but I'll probably get a Geist.

Will remain optimistic regardless.

[swerve]

If Nintendo couldn't be bothered setting an example of that with shovelware like Wii Music, then why should 3rd party developers?

Was:

"3rd parties don't make an effort on Nintendo because all Nintendo games are too good and too well marketed"

Now:

"3rd parties don't make an effort on Wii because Nintendo aren't showing them how!"

GAF is awesome.

[Burai]

If Nintendo couldn't be bothered setting an example of that with shovelware like Wii Music, then why should 3rd party developers?

It's OK. They are making Wii Music as a favour for Ubisoft so they can tout Nintendo-quality software.

[TheKingsCrown]

On my radar. I really like how things look as you are running around shooting tings.

[Arde5643]

I'm hoping for a Halo, but I'll probably get a Geist. Will remain optimistic regardless.

Did Geist get good previews before it was launched? I really didn't remember much about Geist at all.

[Davidion]

Game looks nicely executed from a technical perspective. I'd be lying if I said the theme isn't old as all hell and played out though.

Good read, thanks.Right, because Wii Music is the only Nintendo-developed game on Wii. Jesus you people are dense.

Well you know how it goes.

Nintendo releases top-shelf game.

Response:

"NINTENDO IS STIFLING COMPETITION WITH ITS OWN GAMES AND NOT LEAVING ENOUGH FOR THE MARKET"'


Nintendo does not release top-shelf game.

Response:

"NINTENDO IS NOT SETTING THE RIGHT EXAMPLE AND ABANDONING GAMERS"

This E3 thus far has been an exercise in watching packs of yappy dogs running around yelping in excitement for no good reason.

[goldenticket]

I really wish this game would use Wii Speak, but knowing Nintendo, yesterday was probably the first time 3rd parties had ever heard of the damn thing.

yeah i hope they can with still many months until it comes out maybe they can work something out. it seems like conduit wants to make the best game they can so maybe. i like that they are trying to make a good game and not phone it in. hopefully it turns out well and sells decent enough to make other companies take note.

thanks for the impressions chris remo